Starting a side business can not only generate extra income but also allow us to explore more career possibilities at lower costs and risks. However, many people hit a bottleneck early on and find that freelancing is not as easy as it seems. This is where "freelance platforms" can be a valuable resource.
Many might think, "Why should I pay a commission to the platform when I'm the one doing the work?" But what you may not realize is that the value these platforms offer to freelance newcomers can far exceed the cost!
Content:
- Why Use a Platform for Freelancing? Can’t I Do It Myself?
- Upwork: Jobs Categories & Service Fees
- Fiverr: Jobs Categories & Service Fees
- CrowdWorks: Jobs Categories & Service Fees
- Yourator: Jobs Categories & Service Fees
- Tasker: Jobs Categories & Service Fees
Why Use a Platform for Freelancing? Can’t I Do It Myself?
Many people hold the view that intermediary services like "freelance platforms" are unnecessary and that they can find work on their own without paying a third-party commission. While this might be true for seasoned freelancers with good reputations, if you're new to freelancing, the benefits of using a platform might surprise you!
Benefits of Using Freelance Platforms:
1. No Need to Set Up Your Own Website
Many freelance studios have their own websites, which not only make it easy for potential clients to find information but also enhance trust and goodwill, helping them secure orders. However, setting up a website is time-consuming and labor-intensive, making it impractical for those running a side hustle.
Freelance platforms allow you to create your own "profile page" without having to build a website from scratch. You just need to fill in your details and upload your portfolio, and potential clients can see your expertise.
2. Platforms Have Regular Traffic
Getting started is always the hardest part, and this is true for freelancing as well. In the beginning, without a good reputation, it’s hard to attract clients. But without clients, you can't build a reputation, creating a catch-22 situation.
Freelance platforms attract clients through SEO marketing and advertising, bringing potential clients to the platform, who might then become your clients. This saves you advertising costs and provides ready-made traffic.
3. Secure Payment Systems
Many freelancers worry about dealing with clients who might try to take advantage of them. To address this, many platforms have secure payment systems that protect the rights of freelancers and ensure a smooth transaction experience for users. If you don't have a team of lawyers backing you up, letting the platform handle payments is a good option.
With the three benefits in mind, are you ready to try freelancing through online platforms? Here are some recommendations for freelance platforms:
Upwork: Jobs Categories & Service Fees
Upwork is touted as the world's largest freelance platform. It primarily offers high-tech, high-end services, with high competition and quality requirements, leading to higher rates. IT development projects are particularly abundant, accounting for over three times more than other service types.
The standout feature of Upwork is its official payment system, designed to protect freelancers' rights and allow them to work with peace of mind, letting the platform handle payment issues.
What Kinds of Jobs Can You Find on Upworks?
- IT Development
- AI Services
- Design and Creative
- Sales and Marketing
- Writing and Translation
- Administrative Support
- Finance and Accounting
- Engineering and Architecture
- ... and more.
Service Fees of Upworks
Commission-based, previously a variable rate (5% to 20% depending on transaction amount); changed to a uniform rate of 10% in May 2023.
Fiverr: Job Categories & Service Fees
Fiverr is a globally renowned freelance platform, with its biggest draw being the "5-dollar services" model—you don't need highly advanced skills to list your services, even if you only charge $5.
Unlike traditional job boards, Fiverr lets freelancers list their services first, and clients then choose from the listed services. Despite higher commissions, it is user-friendly and suitable for beginners.
What Kinds of Jobs Can You Find on Fiverr?
- Graphic Design
- Digital Marketing
- Writing and Translation
- Video and Animation
- Music and Audio
- Programming and Tech
- Business Services
- Lifestyle
- Data Services
- Photography Services (added in 2024)
Service Fees of Fiverr:
Commission-based, 20% of the transaction amount.
CrowdWorks: Job Categories & Service Fees
Following the Japanese government’s relaxation of work restrictions, there has been a growing trend of side hustles. CrowdWorks is one of the emerging platforms, offering services similar to the aforementioned international platforms, with even more diverse fields. Notably, due to Japan's rich anime culture, there are many comic-drawing jobs on the platform.
What Kind of Jobs Can You Find on CrowdWorks?
- System Design
- Website Development
- Music and Audio Production
- Video and Animation
- 3D Image Production
- E-commerce Development
- Interpretation and Translation
- And 18 other categories
Service Fees of CrowdWorks:
Commission-based, 5% to 20% of the transaction amount, with higher amounts incurring lower rates.
Yourator: Job Categories & Service Fees
Yourator is Taiwan's new-generation comprehensive job platform, combining job searches, company information, and career columns to help talents in digital, tech, and startup industries find the right teams and explore new career horizons.
Observing that the new generation seeks diverse experiences and is eager to explore different careers, Yourator has added "side job/part-time" work types. Simply register for a Yourator account to quickly apply for various types of jobs and easily start a side hustle career.
What Kinds of Jobs Can You Find on Yourator?
- Web Design
- Program Development
- Graphic Design
- Video Editing
- Image Production
- SEO Content Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- E-commerce
- Operations and Administration
Service Fees of Yourator:
Direct applications through Yourator platform do not require membership fees or additional commissions.
➤ Check out the side hustle opportunities on Yourator now
Tasker: Job Categories & Service Fees
One of the largest freelance platforms in Taiwan. Tasker offers a wide range of services, not limited to high-digitalization information-related work. In the "life services" category, there are jobs like home-based work, household services, and manpower dispatch, allowing workers from various fields to engage in part-time work.
What Kinds of Jobs Can You Find on Tasker:
- Graphic Design
- Web Design
- Program Development
- Translation and Writing
- Business Photography and Entertainment
- Video Production
- Space Design
- Life Services
- Event Planning
- Professional Consulting
- Information Engineering
Service Fees of Tasker:
Previously membership-based, now commission-based. Charges 12% of the transaction amount from freelancers and 6% from clients.
Conclusion
If you want to explore career possibilities, using freelance platforms to run a side hustle is highly recommended. Although the mentioned platforms are reliable and trustworthy, it is still advisable to do some homework before freelancing, such as familiarizing yourself with international remittances, training in business English, and learning how to read contracts. This will make your side business journey smoother!
