Freelancing has become one of the easiest ways to make money online. Instead of working a traditional job, freelancers offer services to clients and get paid for completing projects.
For beginners, the hardest part is usually finding the first client. That’s where freelance platforms help. These websites connect freelancers with businesses that need work done.
This guide compares four websites beginners can explore, explains where a more selective platform fits, and gives you a simple plan for getting started without promising quick income.
Quick comparison: Which freelance website should you try?
| Platform | How clients find you | Good fit for | Cost to check | Payout planning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiverr | You publish a service listing, or “gig” | A clear, repeatable service such as editing short videos or designing social posts | Fiverr says freelancers receive 80% of a completed order’s value | Check the withdrawal methods shown for your account before taking orders |
| Upwork | You usually send proposals to job posts | Custom projects and longer client relationships | Contract service fee varies; proposals can use Connects | Check whether Direct to Local Bank or another suitable method is available to you |
| Freelancer.com | You bid on posted projects | People comfortable comparing briefs and pricing bids | Fixed-price project fee is generally 10% or US$5, whichever is greater | Methods and minimums depend on location and withdrawal type |
| PeoplePerHour | You send proposals or publish fixed-price Offers | Writing, design, marketing and other defined services | Commission depends on lifetime billings with each buyer | Check withdrawal options and any clearing period before you quote |
Our practical starting choice: Try Fiverr if you can describe a small service with a clear deliverable. Try Upwork if you can write tailored proposals and show relevant work samples. Neither platform guarantees a first client. The best choice is the one where you can make a credible offer and still earn enough after costs.
Platform rules and fees can change. Check the linked official pages and the amount shown in your own account before accepting work.
What Is Freelancing?
Freelancing means offering your skills to clients without being a permanent employee of their business. You agree on a task, deadline and price, then get paid for the work you deliver. For example, a small business might hire you to design five social media posts, edit a video or update its website.
You can work with one client or several, but finding work and managing payments are your responsibility. If you’re starting in South Africa, choose one service you can do well and make a few samples before joining a freelance website. You don’t need to offer everything at once. Common freelance services include:
- Writing and blogging
- Graphic design
- Video editing
- Social media management
- Virtual assistance
- Website development
- Data entry
Many freelancers work remotely and communicate with clients online.Many students are also using freelancing to earn online. If you’re a student, read our guide on How Students in South Africa Can Make Money Online.
1. Fiverr: Package a service people understand quickly
On Fiverr, you create a gig describing what you will deliver, how long it takes and what is included. A focused listing such as “I will turn your recorded interview into three short clips with captions” tells a buyer more than “I can do any video work.”
Fiverr can suit beginners who have two or three examples and can repeat the same type of task. Competition is strong, so spend time on useful samples and a clear scope. Do not promise unlimited revisions or a delivery time you cannot meet.
Fiverr says a freelancer earns 80% of the purchase amount for a completed order. Its help centre lists PayPal, Payoneer and bank transfer among withdrawal options; availability and conditions should be checked in your account. Check Fiverr’s earnings information and withdrawal guidance.
- Best for: A beginner with a specific service and samples.
- Watch out for: Underpricing a task that takes far longer than expected.
Pros
- Easy to start
- No experience required
- Global client base
- Suitable for beginners
Cons
- High competition
- 20% platform fee
2. Upwork: Apply to projects that match your samples
On Upwork, clients publish jobs and freelancers usually send proposals. A short proposal should mention the client’s actual problem and point to one relevant sample. A generic message sent to dozens of jobs is unlikely to show why you are a good fit.
Upwork states that its freelancer service fee can range from 0% to 15% by contract. Sending proposals may require Connects, and free Connects are not guaranteed for every account. Check both costs before spending money to apply. For withdrawals, Upwork documents a Direct to Local Bank option, but you must confirm which methods your account and country support. See Upwork’s service fee, Connects and local bank withdrawals.
- Best for: Someone who can match a sample to a client’s brief.
- Watch out for: Spending on applications without a focused offer.
Pros
- High-paying clients
- Long-term contracts
- Strong reputation
Cons
- Requires proposals
- Competitive for new users
3. Freelancer
Freelancer.com is another platform where freelancers can find work in many different categories.
Freelancer.com: Bid carefully on suitable projects
Freelancer.com lets you bid on posted projects. It covers many types of work, but that can make it tempting to bid on everything. Focus on briefs where you can explain exactly how you would complete the work.Its published fee schedule says fixed-price projects generally carry a freelancer fee of 10% or US$5, whichever is greater. The minimum matters on small jobs. Hourly work has a 10% fee under the published schedule. Withdrawal options and costs vary by method and country. Read the current fee schedule and withdrawal guidance before pricing a project.Best for: A beginner who can review briefs and calculate whether a bid pays enough after fees. Watch out for: Taking a tiny fixed-price job without checking the minimum project fee. can submit designs or work samples and compete for prizes.
This can be a good way for beginners to build experience.
Pros
- Large job marketplace
- Many beginner opportunities
- Global clients
Cons
- High competition
- Bid-based system
4. PeoplePerHour: Offer a defined service or send a proposal
On PeoplePerHour, you can publish an Offer or apply for projects. A tightly scoped Offer is easier to price and deliver than a broad promise to handle “all your marketing.”Its published commission depends on your lifetime billings with each buyer. The fee is highest for the first £250 billed to a buyer, so consider that when setting an introductory price. Its support pages describe withdrawals to PayPal, Payoneer or a bank account and a clearing period before funds become available. Check PeoplePerHour’s commission rules and withdrawal information.Best for: A clear service that can be sold as a package. Watch out for: Assuming all earnings are immediately withdrawable.PeoplePerHour is smaller than Fiverr or Upwork but still offers good opportunities for beginners.
Pros
- Access to international clients
- Good opportunities for writers, designers, and marketers
- Allows freelancers to create fixed-price offers
- Secure payment protection
- Suitable for both beginners and experienced freelancers
Cons
- Approval process for new accounts
- High competition in popular categories
- Service fees can reduce earnings
- Fewer job opportunities than Fiverr or Upwork
- New freelancers may take time to get their first project
Getting paid in South Africa: Check this before you start
First, open the platform’s payout settings and see what methods are available for your South African account. Then calculate the full route from client payment to rands in your bank: platform service fee, withdrawal fee, any payment-provider fee and currency conversion. Do not assume every option listed in a global help article is available to you.If you plan to use PayPal, PayPal’s South Africa guidance explains withdrawals through FNB to an FNB or linked South African bank account, subject to its registration and verification steps. Make sure you understand the process before promising a client a payment method.For a fuller comparison of cross-border payment routes, read our guide to getting paid in USD as a South African freelancer.What about Toptal?
The older version of this guide listed Toptal alongside beginner platforms. Its selection process is aimed at experienced specialists, so we do not recommend treating it as a first stop. If you have an established portfolio and specialist skills, you can explore it later. Beginners will usually get more value from building work samples and learning how to deal with clients first
Skills That Help Beginners Get Freelance Jobs
Some skills are easier to start with than others. Beginners often succeed faster when they choose services that businesses constantly need.
Popular beginner-friendly freelance skills include:
- blog writing
- graphic design
- social media management
- video editing
- virtual assistance
- data entry
Learning these skills can increase your chances of getting hired quickly.
Your first week: One service, two samples, one platform
Day 1: Choose a task you can finish well. Examples include editing a 30-second clip, formatting a presentation or preparing a set of social media graphics. Avoid calling yourself an expert if you are still learning.
Days 2–3: Make two sample projects. They can be self-initiated, but label them as samples rather than client work. Ask a friend to check whether your offer and samples make sense.
Day 4: Pick one platform from the comparison. Read its fees and payout rules. Work out what you would keep after costs on a small project.
Days 5–7: Publish a specific gig or send a few thoughtful proposals. Record which offer you used and whether it received views or replies. Improve the description or sample based on what you learn. Do not pay for upgrades or extra applications before you understand the free route and the likely cost.
If you are new to working with clients, our freelancing guide for South African beginners explains samples, project scope and payment conversations. Students can also read ways to make money online while studying in South Africa.Tips for Beginners Starting Freelancing
Build a Strong Profile
Your profile is the first thing clients see. Make sure it clearly explains:
- your skills
- the services you offer
- how you can help clients
Adding examples of your work can make your profile more attractive.
Start With Small Projects
Many beginners focus on smaller jobs first. This helps build reviews and credibility.
Once you gain positive feedback, it becomes easier to attract higher-paying clients.
Write Clear Proposals
When applying for jobs, avoid sending generic proposals.
Instead:
- mention the client’s project
- explain how you can help
- keep the message clear and professional
Clients are more likely to respond when they see you understand their needs.
Be Consistent
Freelancing rarely becomes successful overnight. It may take time to get your first job.
Apply to several projects regularly and continue improving your profile.
Consistency usually leads to better opportunities over time.
How Much Can Beginners Earn?
Freelance income varies depending on your skills, experience, and the type of work you offer.
Some beginners earn small amounts at first, but experienced freelancers can earn much more once they build strong reputations and long-term client relationships.
The most important step is getting started and gaining experience.
If you want to get more freelance clients, learning high-income digital skills can increase your earning potential.
Final Thoughts
Do not judge a platform only by the number of job posts or a story about someone else’s earnings. Pick a service you can demonstrate, check what you will keep after fees, and make it easy for a client to understand exactly what they will receive.
Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, PeoplePerHour, Guru, and Toptal make it easier to connect with clients from around the world.
For beginners, the key is to start with simple services, build a strong profile, and consistently apply for opportunities.
Over time, freelancing can grow from a small side hustle into a reliable online income source.
