Freelancing has become a popular way to work in the UK. Choosing the right platform can make a big difference in your success. Let’s look at the best freelancing websites for UK professionals.
Key Takeaways
Top 10 Freelancing Platforms for UK Professionals in 2023
- Popular platforms include Upwork, Freelancer.com, PeoplePerHour, Fiverr, and Guru
- Average UK freelancer rates vary by industry (e.g. IT: £45-£75/hour, Design: £30-£60/hour)
- Consider platform fees, features, and specializations when choosing
- Understand UK tax and legal obligations for freelancers
- Brexit may impact working with EU clients
- COVID-19 has increased demand for freelancers
- UK-specific platforms like YunoJuno and Worksome are gaining popularity
- Freelancing contributes £162 billion to the UK economy
- Most platforms offer secure payments and project management tools
- Platform fees typically range from 5% to 20% of project value
1. Upwork
Upwork is one of the biggest freelancing platforms out there. It’s great for UK professionals because it has lots of jobs in different fields. The site takes a fee of 5-20% of what you earn. This might seem like a lot, but Upwork helps you find clients from all over the world.
One good thing about Upwork is its payment protection. This means you’re more likely to get paid for your work. They also have tools to help you manage your projects, which can make your job easier. Upwork offers a wide range of job categories, from writing and design to programming and marketing, making it suitable for various UK professionals.
2. Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com is another big platform that’s popular with UK freelancers. They charge a fee of 10% or £5, whichever is more. This site has a wide range of job categories, so you can find work no matter what your skills are.
One cool feature of Freelancer.com is their contests. Clients can post a project and freelancers compete to win it. This can be a fun way to show off your skills and win new clients. The platform also offers a mobile app, making it easy for UK freelancers to manage their work on the go.
3. PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is a UK-based platform, which can be great for British freelancers. They take 20% of your first £500 earned with a client, then 7.5% after that. This site is known for its ‘hourlies’, which are fixed-price packages for specific services.
Because it’s based in the UK, PeoplePerHour can be a good choice if you want to work with local clients. They also have a good reputation for customer support, which can be helpful when you’re starting out. The platform offers a range of UK-specific job categories, including legal services and accounting.
4. Fiverr
Fiverr works a bit differently from other freelance sites. Instead of applying for jobs, you create ‘gigs’ that show what services you offer. Clients then choose the gigs they want. Fiverr takes 20% of what you earn.
This platform can be great for creative professionals like writers, designers, and voice actors. It’s also good for digital marketing services. The key to success on Fiverr is creating gigs that stand out from the crowd. UK freelancers can benefit from Fiverr’s global client base, offering opportunities to work with international businesses.
5. Guru
Guru is less well-known than some other platforms, but it’s still a good option for UK freelancers. They have different membership levels, each with its own fees and perks. The basic free membership takes 9% of your earnings.
One nice thing about Guru is that they offer several ways to get paid, including PayPal and wire transfers. They also have a feature called SafePay, which helps protect both freelancers and clients. Guru offers a wide range of job categories, making it suitable for various UK professionals.
6. YunoJuno
YunoJuno is a UK-focused platform that’s great for creative professionals. They work with big brands and agencies, which can mean higher-paying jobs. YunoJuno takes care of contracts and payments, making things easier for freelancers.
This platform is invite-only, so you’ll need to apply to join. But if you’re accepted, you’ll be part of a select group of professionals, which can help you stand out to clients. YunoJuno specializes in creative, tech, and marketing roles, making it ideal for UK professionals in these fields.
7. Worksome
Worksome is a platform that focuses on IT and tech professionals. It’s based in the UK, which makes it a good choice for British freelancers in these fields. They use AI to match freelancers with the right projects.
One big advantage of Worksome is that they handle all the paperwork, including contracts and payments. This can save you a lot of time and hassle, letting you focus on your work. Worksome is particularly useful for UK freelancers in the tech industry, offering opportunities with both startups and established companies.
8. Freelancer Club
Freelancer Club is a UK-based platform for creative professionals. It’s not just a job board – it also offers networking opportunities and resources to help you grow your career. They don’t take a cut of your earnings, but charge a monthly membership fee instead.
This platform can be great for building connections in the creative industry. They also offer tools to help you create a strong portfolio, which is crucial for winning clients. Freelancer Club hosts events and workshops, providing valuable opportunities for UK freelancers to learn and network.
9. Toptal
Toptal is known for being very selective about the freelancers they accept. They claim to only work with the top 3% of freelance talent. If you can get in, this can be a great way to find high-paying clients.
The application process for Toptal is tough, including skills tests and interviews. But if you make it through, you can charge higher rates and work on interesting projects with big companies. Toptal is particularly good for UK freelancers in software development, design, finance, and project management.
10. LinkedIn ProFinder
LinkedIn ProFinder lets you use your LinkedIn network to find freelance work. It’s not as big as some other platforms, but it can be a good way to find local clients in the UK. You can send up to 10 proposals per month for free.
One advantage of ProFinder is that clients can see your full LinkedIn profile, including recommendations from past clients or colleagues. This can help build trust and win you more work. For UK freelancers, ProFinder can be an excellent way to leverage existing professional connections and find local opportunities.
Comparing Platform Features
| Platform | Fee Structure | Payment Protection | Project Management Tools | Client Base | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upwork | 5-20% | Yes | Yes | Global | Popular |
| Freelancer.com | 10% or £5 | Yes | Yes | Global | Popular |
| PeoplePerHour | 20% on first £500, then 7.5% | Yes | Yes | UK-focused | Popular |
| Fiverr | 20% | Yes | Limited | Global | Popular |
| Guru | 9% (free plan) | Yes | Yes | Global | Growing |
| YunoJuno | Varies | Yes | Yes | UK creative industries | Niche |
| Worksome | Varies | Yes | Yes | UK tech industry | Niche |
| Freelancer Club | Monthly fee | No | Limited | UK creative industries | Limited |
| Toptal | Varies | Yes | Yes | High-end global clients | Exclusive |
| LinkedIn ProFinder | Free to propose | No | No | Local UK businesses | Limited |
Tips for Success on Freelancing Platforms
To do well on these platforms, you need to stand out. Here are some tips:
- Make your profile shine. Use a professional photo and write a clear, engaging description of your skills.
- Set fair rates. Research what others in your field charge and price yourself competitively.
- Build a strong portfolio. Show off your best work to impress potential clients.
- Communicate well. Be prompt, clear, and professional in all your client interactions.
- Continuously update your skills. Stay current with industry trends and technologies.
- Seek feedback and testimonials. Positive reviews can significantly boost your profile.
Learn more about starting as a freelancer here.
UK-Specific Considerations for Freelancers
As a UK freelancer, there are some important things to keep in mind:
- You need to register as self-employed with HMRC.
- You’ll need to file a Self Assessment tax return each year.
- Consider getting professional indemnity insurance to protect yourself.
- If you work with EU clients, be aware of how Brexit might affect your work.
- Understand the IR35 regulations if you’re working with medium or large-sized clients.
- Consider setting up a separate business bank account for your freelance income.
Check out our freelancing category for more UK-specific advice.
The Impact of COVID-19 on UK Freelancing
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the freelancing landscape. More companies are hiring remote workers, which can be good for freelancers. There’s more demand for certain skills, like digital marketing and web development.
However, competition has also increased as more people turn to freelancing. It’s important to keep improving your skills to stay competitive. The pandemic has also accelerated the adoption of digital tools and remote work practices, which can benefit UK freelancers in the long run.
Explore other side hustle ideas here.
Pros and Cons of Using Freelancing Platforms
Access to clients
Secure payments
Platform fees
Competition
Project management tools
Building a reputation
Future Trends in UK Freelancing
The freelancing world is always changing. Here are some trends to watch:
- The gig economy is growing, with more people choosing freelance work.
- New platforms are popping up for specific industries or skills.
- There’s increasing demand for skills like AI, data science, and cybersecurity.
- Remote work is becoming more normalized, opening up global opportunities for UK freelancers.
- Blockchain and cryptocurrency skills are gaining importance in certain sectors.
- Sustainability and green skills are becoming more valuable across industries.
Conclusion
There are many great freelancing platforms for UK professionals. Upwork, Freelancer.com, and PeoplePerHour are solid choices for most freelancers. Specialized platforms like YunoJuno or Toptal can be great if you have high-level skills in certain areas.
Remember to choose a platform that fits your needs and skills. Don’t be afraid to try a few different ones to see what works best for you. With the right platform and a strong work ethic, you can build a successful freelancing career.
The UK freelancing market is dynamic and offers numerous opportunities across various sectors. As you start your freelancing journey, stay informed about industry trends, continuously upgrade your skills, and maintain a strong online presence. With dedication and the right approach, you can thrive in the UK’s growing freelance economy.
Ready to start your freelancing journey? Check out our guide on finding clients and customers.
