Freelancing-Sites-for-Students

Pros and Cons of 5 Most Popular Freelancing Sites for Students

Are you a student who’s tired of eating instant noodles every night and living on a shoestring budget? Or maybe you’re a recent graduate who’s starting to panic about the mountain of student debt that’s looming on the horizon. Fear not, my friend – freelancing could be your ticket to financial freedom! In this article, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of popular freelancing sites for students.

So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and get ready to start your way to success. Who knows, you might even earn money enough to upgrade from instant noodles to authentic Japanese ramen – the possibilities are endless!

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of freelancing sites, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rise of the freelance economy. Thanks to advances in technology and changing attitudes towards work, more and more people are choosing to freelance instead of working in traditional jobs. In fact, a recent study by Upwork found that 59 million Americans freelanced in 2020, representing 36% of the workforce. And this trend shows no signs of slowing down – in fact, it’s predicted that by 2027, the majority of the US workforce will be freelancers.

So, why should students think about freelance work? For starters, it provides a level of freedom and independence that traditional jobs can not provide. You may work whenever and wherever you choose as a freelancer, take on tasks that interest you, and establish your own fees. Furthermore, freelancing may be a terrific way to create your portfolio and earn experience in your profession, both of which can be quite useful when you’re just starting out. You may begin this path by signing up for freelancing websites.

What are freelancing sites?

Freelancing sites are online platforms that connect freelancers with clients who need their services. These freelance websites offer a range of opportunities for students looking to earn money or gain experience in their field. Freelancers can offer various skills including freelance writing, graphic design, social media management, video editing, and much more.

There are multiple freelancing platforms available for students to choose from, each with different features and benefits. Some popular options include Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.com, Guru, and PeoplePerHour. These platforms allow you to create a profile showcasing your skills and portfolio and apply for projects relevant to your expertise.

freelancing-sites-for-students

One of the most significant advantages of using one of these freelance websites is the ability to work remotely from anywhere in the world. Plus, it provides access to potential clients worldwide who may be interested in hiring you for your skillset at various pay grades.

While there are many benefits to using these sites as a student freelancer or beginner freelancer but it’s important also to look out for some cons such as payment charges (fees deducted by the platform), competition from other freelancers on the platform can make getting gigs difficult at first, etc. However, most people who use this type of gig economy thrive on a solid work ethic balanced with research into which freelance jobs will best suit them. – users have found success on each site depending on what they were looking for!

Upwork

Upwork is one of the largest freelancing platforms out there, with over 12 million freelancers and 5 million clients. One of the biggest advantages of Upwork is the sheer number of job opportunities available, which makes it a great choice for students who are just starting out. However, the competition can be fierce, and it can be tough to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Another downside to using Upwork as a student is the level of competition among freelancers. It can be challenging for beginners just starting out in their careers to stand out among more experienced professionals. Plus, Upwork does charge fees for its services – 20% on earnings up to $500 and 10% on earnings between $500-$10k from each client relationship. That’s almost as bad as your roommate, who always eats 20% of your pizza.

Overall, if you have some experience in your field and are looking for opportunities as a freelancer while studying at college or university then Upwork could be an option worth exploring further.

Pros

If you’re a student looking for freelance opportunities, Upwork might be the right platform for you. Here are some of the pros of using this freelance website:

  • Access to a wide range of clients: Upwork has millions of clients from around the world, which means that there’s always work available. Whether you’re looking for short-term or long-term projects, you’ll find plenty of opportunities on this platform.
  • Great support and customer service: If you have any problems or questions, Upwork provides excellent support and customer service. You can reach out to them via email or phone and they’ll help you resolve any issues quickly.
  • Easy-to-use interface: The website is user-friendly with a clean interface which makes it easy to navigate even if you’re a beginner.
  • Payment protection: One important concern when going into freelancing is payment security but Upwork features like escrow accounts ensures safe payment
  • Large variety of categories: Whatever your skills are – from graphic design to content writing – chances are there will be job listings for it on Upwork.

Cons

  • High fees: Upwork charges a fee for every transaction made on its platform, which can add up quickly and eat into your earnings as a freelancer.
  • Competition: Upwork is one of the most popular freelancing sites out there, which means you’ll be competing with thousands of other freelancers for jobs. This can make it difficult to stand out and win projects.
  • Limited access to clients: Upwork requires that clients pay upfront for work to be completed, which may discourage some potential clients from hiring freelancers through the platform.
  • Payment disputes: While rare, payment disputes can happen on Upwork if clients are unhappy with the quality of work or if there’s a misunderstanding about the project scope or timeline.
  • Limited job categories: Although there are many job categories available on Upwork, some freelancers may find that their particular skillset doesn’t fit neatly into any existing category.

While Upwork does offer great opportunities for freelance work, it’s important to weigh these potential downsides before committing fully to the platform as a student freelancer.

Fiverr

Fiverr is another popular freelancing site that’s known for its low prices. The site is based on the idea of “gigs,” which are small, fixed-price jobs that can range from graphic design to writing to voiceovers. You can finally make some cash by selling all those cat videos you’ve been hoarding! While Fiverr can be a great way to get your foot in the door and build up your portfolio, the low prices can also make it difficult to earn a decent income. 

One great thing about Fiverr is that it’s beginner-friendly with a simple and easy-to-use interface. It also provides support for freelancers in terms of building their profiles, tracking progress on projects, and handling payments. Additionally, Fiverr charges low fees making it an affordable option for students who are looking to earn money while still in college.

Pros

  • Fiverr offers a great platform for freelancers to showcase their skills and talents. It’s easy to create a profile and start offering your services in various categories such as graphic design, writing, video editing, social media marketing, and more.
  • Fiverr provides multiple payment options including PayPal and credit/debit cards. This means that you can easily receive payments from clients all around the world without any hassle.
  • The customer support on Fiverr is great with 24/7 availability through email or chat. If you ever have an issue or question about using the platform, they’re always willing to help you out.
  • As a student freelancer on Fiverr, you have the opportunity to work with different clients from different countries which provides exposure to different cultures and working styles.
  • With Fiverr’s user-friendly interface and tracking tools, it’s easy to keep track of your progress on each project. You can communicate with your client directly through the platform keeping everything at one place.

Cons

  • Fiverr charges a service fee of 20% on every transaction, which can significantly reduce the amount of money you earn from your gigs.
  • The platform is highly competitive, with thousands of freelancers offering similar services at different rates. This means that getting noticed and securing gigs can be challenging for beginners.
  • Clients on Fiverr are known to be very demanding, with some even expecting professional-quality work for very low prices. This can lead to burnout and frustration among freelancers, especially those who are just starting out.
  • Fiverr’s customer support is often slow and unresponsive, which can be frustrating when you’re dealing with urgent issues or disputes with clients.

Despite these drawbacks, Fiverr remains a popular choice among students looking to make some extra money through freelancing. It can be a great platform for students looking to jump into the freelance world due to its user-friendly interface and low fees but may require some extra effort when it comes to standing out from other freelancers. With the right skills and approach, it’s possible to build a successful career on the platform.

Next up is an exploration of Freelancer.com – another major player in the world of online freelancing platforms.

Freelancer

Freelancer is a platform that’s similar to Fiverr and Upwork but with a slightly smaller user base. One of the biggest advantages of Freelancer is the ability to bid on projects, which can help you stand out and win more work. However, the bidding process can also be time-consuming, and it can be tough to compete with more experienced freelancers. It’s almost as bad as trying to write a 10-page paper the night before it’s due. Plus, Freelancer takes a 10% cut of your earnings, which is lower than some other platforms but still worth considering.

One downside of using Freelancer is that the platform charges fees when you start making money from clients. These fees can vary depending on the type of project you’re working on and how much money you make. Another potential disadvantage is that customer support isn’t always reliable; some users have reported issues with getting help when they need it.

Pros

  • Easy to get started: Freelancer provides an easy-to-use platform that allows you to quickly set up your profile and start applying for freelance jobs.
  • Wide range of opportunities: The site offers a diverse range of categories, from graphic design to social media marketing, so there’s something for everyone.
  • Great customer support: Freelancer provides excellent customer support through its 24/7 live chat feature. This can be particularly helpful if you’re new to freelancing or have any questions about the platform.
  • Payment protection: The site protects both clients and freelancers by holding funds in escrow until the project is completed. This ensures that both parties are satisfied with the work before payment is released.
  • Accessible payment options: You can receive payments through PayPal, bank transfer, or Skrill. Plus, Freelancer charges lower fees compared to other platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.

Cons

  • Limited opportunities: Freelancer is known for being highly competitive, which means that it can be difficult to find work as a beginner or someone who lacks experience. There are often many freelancers bidding on the same projects, making it easy to get lost in the shuffle.
  • High fees: Freelancer charges both clients and freelancers fees for using their platform, which can add up quickly and significantly reduce your earnings. For example, Freelancer’s fee structure can take up to 10% of your earnings per project!
  • Lack of support: While Freelancer does offer some resources and tools for freelancers, their customer service and support team may not always be helpful or responsive when you need them most.
  • Unreliable clients: Unfortunately, there have been instances where clients on Freelancer have taken advantage of freelancers by refusing to pay or requesting additional work outside of the agreed-upon scope without compensation.
  • Difficult interface: Many users report finding Freelancer’s user interface confusing and clunky compared to other platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.

Even though there are some downsides to using Freelancer as a student freelancer site option, it could still provide you with some great opportunities if used correctly!

Guru

Guru is another popular freelancing platform that offers a variety of job opportunities for students. It was founded in 1999 and has since grown to become one of the biggest freelance websites, with over three million freelancers from around the world.

For freelancers who are just starting out, Guru offers some great features. You can create a profile and start looking for projects right away. The payment process is also very straightforward, with multiple options available including PayPal and bank transfer.

However, like other platforms mentioned above, there are also some downsides to using Guru as a student freelancer. The competition can be tough at times as there are so many talented people around the world offering their services on this platform. Additionally, employers can sometimes be difficult to work with and may not provide adequate support.

Pros

  • Guru offers a variety of job categories, from design and freelance writing to marketing and development, making it a great option for students with diverse skills.
  • The platform provides multiple payment options including PayPal, wire transfer, and credit card. This ensures that freelancers can access their earnings easily without any trouble.
  • The site also has features like project tracking tools to keep both the client and freelancer updated on the progress of the project.
  • Customer service support is available around the clock which is very beneficial for students who might be working odd hours as they juggle work and studies.
  • Freelancers can check out employers’ profiles before accepting projects. This helps them weed out clients whose requirements don’t match their skillset or values.
  • Another great feature of Guru is that it allows you to create different portfolios for each category on your profile page. This enables you to showcase your strengths in various areas instead of limiting yourself to just one category.

Cons

  • Guru has a user interface that can be confusing for beginners. For instance, it might not be immediately clear how to create a profile or navigate the categories of work on offer.
  • The platform charges fees that may eat into your earnings. Guru charges 8.95% for basic memberships and 4.95% for premium members on project fees, in addition to payment processing fees.
  • Competition is steep, which means it might take longer to win clients and projects compared to other platforms.
  • Customer support can be slow at times, leaving you without help when you need it most.

Overall, while Guru is a great platform with many features and tools available to freelancers of all levels, some students might find its interface and fee structure daunting. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for more opportunities in design or development projects however it may not be the best fit for everyone depending upon their skill set and experience level.

PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour is a fantastic freelancing platform for students looking to earn money and gain experience. One great feature of PeoplePerHour is the option to set project milestones. This means that you’ll receive payments as you complete different stages of the project rather than waiting until the entire job is finished. The platform also provides protection for both freelancers and clients through its escrow payment system.

Another benefit of PeoplePerHour is its customer support service. You can contact them via email or live chat if you have any questions or issues while working on projects. They are available 24/7 and will help you resolve any problems promptly.

However, one downside of PeoplePerHour is that some employers may try to negotiate lower prices with freelancers than what they initially offer in their job postings. It’s important to stand firm on your rates and not undervalue your services.

Pros

  • Provides access to a variety of freelance opportunities: PeoplePerHour offers projects across multiple categories such as graphic design, freelance writing, and content creation, social media marketing, video production, and more. This allows students to find work that aligns with their skills and interests.
  • Great for beginners: PeoplePerHour has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for newcomers to create an account and start applying for freelance jobs without any prior experience.
  • Offers support and tools for freelancers: The site provides helpful resources like tutorials, job tracking tools, and customer service support which can come in handy especially when starting out.
  • Payment protection: PeoplePerHour uses an Escrow payment system which means clients pay upfront while the payment is kept in escrow until both parties agree on delivery. Once the project is completed by the freelancer then only they are paid. So there’s less risk involved compared to platforms where payments happen after the completion of work.

Cons

  • Limited Categories: While PeoplePerHour offers a variety of categories to work in, the options are limited compared to other freelancing websites. This can make it difficult for students with niche skills or interests to find suitable projects.
  • High Competition: As with any popular platform, there is high competition among freelancers on PeoplePerHour. This means that it may be challenging for beginners to win bids and get hired for their first few projects.
  • Fees and Charges: PeoplePerHour charges both clients’ and freelancers’ fees for using their platform, which can add up over time. Additionally, some users have reported hidden charges that are not clearly disclosed during the sign-up process.
  • Customer Support: While the customer support on PeoplePerHour is available 24/7, many users have complained about slow response times and unhelpful representatives.

Best freelancing sites for students

After assessing the pros and cons of each platform, it’s clear that there are great opportunities available for students on all of these freelancing sites. However, based on factors such as ease of use, variety of projects available, and payment options, we recommend Upwork as the best platform for students looking to start their freelancing journey.

Upwork offers a user-friendly interface with plenty of resources and support for beginners. Additionally, they have a wide range of project categories, and payment is made easy with both hourly-based billing and fixed-price contracts through secure payment options like PayPal or bank transfer.

Over to You

In conclusion, while there are certainly pros and cons to using different freelancing sites, one thing that’s certain is that freelancing can be a great way for students to earn some extra cash and gain valuable work experience. Sure, you might have to compete with other freelancers for jobs, deal with fees and commissions, navigate the murky waters of online work, and make some mistakes along the way (like bidding $5 to write a 20-page research paper), but that’s all part of the learning process. 

So, if you are really serious about making some dough, want to achieve financial independence, and don’t mind the occasional late-night job, why not give freelancing a try? Who knows, you might just become the next big thing in the world of online work, and maybe one day you’ll be designing graphics for Beyoncé (or at least her cousin’s wedding). Plus, think of all the ramen noodles you’ll be able to afford! Now, grab your laptop and a cup of instant coffee and start bidding on those projects!

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Rasumon Manuel
Rasumon Manuel

Rasumon is the guy behind Brainchild360. He earns a living by working from a laptop in various places, and he uses this website to teach you how you could do the same. Visit this page to read Rasumon's incredible story. If you want to send Rasumon a quick message, visit his contact page here.