Why New Freelancers Shouldn’t Rush to the Top Freelancing Websites (Yet)

Freelancing is booming in 2025. The rise of AI tools, remote work acceptance, and cross-border hiring has made freelancing a career of choice rather than a last resort. It’s flexible, scalable, and potentially very lucrative.

But here’s a common mistake new freelancers keep making:

They immediately jump to the top freelancing websites – Fiverr, Upwork, Toptal, Freelancer.com, etc. – thinking that’s the only way to land clients and start earning. These platforms are highly popular and indeed legitimate, but for new freelancers, they can also be overwhelming, unforgiving, and demotivating.

This article explores why beginners should pause before diving into these platforms, and instead focus on a strategic approach that builds credibility, momentum, and confidence.

The Appeal of Top Freelancing Websites

Before we get into the “why not,” it’s worth acknowledging the appeal.

Here’s why new freelancers are drawn to these platforms:

1. They Seem Like the Fast Track to Success

With thousands of clients posting jobs every day, it’s easy to assume you’ll get hired quickly.

2. They Have Brand Recognition

Clients and freelancers alike trust platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, which adds a layer of perceived legitimacy.

3. They Handle Payments and Disputes

The built-in contract, escrow, and review systems make it feel like a safer way to work with strangers across the globe.

4. Everyone Else Is Doing It

Peer influence is strong. If every tutorial, YouTube video, or freelancing guide says “create a Fiverr profile,” you’re likely to follow.

But here’s the truth: these platforms were not designed for beginners. They were designed for profitable freelancers with a track record of client success.

The Harsh Truth for New Freelancers on Big Platforms

Let’s break down the actual beginner experience on these platforms.

1. You’ll Get Lost in the Crowd

Let’s say you’re a graphic designer just starting out.

On Upwork:

• A job posting for a logo design will attract 30–100 proposals within 12 hours.

• Clients often filter based on job success rate, hours billed, and reviews.

• As a new user, you have none of those metrics.

Result? You’re either ignored or rejected without review.

2. You Compete in Price Wars

Fiverr, in particular, has created a culture of extreme price competition. To get visibility, new freelancers often:

• Offer $5 gigs just to get reviews.

• Work long hours for low pay.

• Deliver more than required just to avoid bad reviews.

This often leads to burnout and frustration before you can build any momentum.

3. High Commission Cuts into Your Earnings

• Fiverr charges a flat 20% commission from every job.

• Upwork charges 10–20% depending on how much you’ve earned with a specific client.

• Freelancer.com charges 10% + other service fees.

For someone working with small projects and low pricing to gain visibility, these fees can eat up a significant portion of your income.

4. You’re at the Mercy of Platform Algorithms

Most top freelancing websites use algorithms to prioritize certain profiles:

• More job completions = more visibility

• Better client reviews = better ranking

• Higher earnings = featured placement

As a new freelancer, you’re starting at the bottom of a very tall ladder and there’s no shortcut unless you already have an external client base to bring in.

Smarter Alternatives to Begin Your Freelance Career

Instead of throwing yourself into a high-competition arena, consider building your foundation elsewhere.

1. Use Freelancer-First Platforms

There’s a growing wave of platforms designed with freelancer interests in mind. They often focus on:

• Lower competition

• Local currency payment support

• Mentorship and onboarding support

• Skill-based project matching

Example: Forhopp

• Specifically designed for freelancers in emerging markets like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and the MENA region.

• Supports localized payment gateways so you can get paid directly into your local bank without needing PayPal or Stripe.

• Offers AI tools to help improve your proposals and match with better jobs.

• Has fewer barriers to entry and doesn’t rely solely on profile ratings.

Other examples include:

• Truelancer – Asia-focused platform with lower fees

• WorkChest – Local to Pakistan with relevant client base

• PeoplePerHour – Strong in the UK market and more beginner-friendly

• Guru.com – More flexible bidding options and lower fees than Upwork

2. Build Portfolio and Proof of Work First

Before rushing into global marketplaces, use this time to:

• Build a personal website or use portfolio tools like Behance, Dribbble, GitHub, or Notion.

• Complete small projects for friends, NGOs, or student startups.

• Write case studies or process breakdowns for each project.

This helps you show potential clients that you know what you’re doing—even without platform reviews.

3. Leverage Local and Social Networks

Don’t underestimate your existing network:

• Ask people you know if they need help with design, writing, development, or marketing.

• Offer discounted or free services to 2–3 clients in exchange for testimonials.

• Use platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook Groups, and Reddit to network and attract your first clients.

When to Graduate to Top Platforms

Once you’ve:

✅ Completed at least 3–5 freelance projects
✅ Collected testimonials and built a decent portfolio
✅ Established a niche and specialty
✅ Learned how to write winning proposals
✅ Understood how to communicate with international clients

Then you can confidently move to platforms like Upwork, Fiverr Pro, or Toptal. You’ll stand out more, price better, and land jobs faster.

A Tiered Strategy to Grow Your Freelancing Career

This structured approach helps you avoid early burnout and makes your freelancing business sustainable.

Conclusion

Jumping into the “top freelancing websites” as a beginner might seem like the smart move, but more often than not, it leads to rejection, underpricing, and wasted time. You need to build a base, develop your credibility, and enter those platforms when you’re actually ready to compete.

Platforms like Forhopp are emerging to offer fairer alternatives – especially for freelancers in countries like Pakistan, where issues like lack of PayPal or global banking options have created added barriers.

The freelancing world is changing in 2025. You don’t need to follow the same old path.

Start smart. Build slow. Grow strong.