Freelancer

What is Freelancer.com?

Freelancer.com is one of the oldest and largest freelance marketplaces, connecting millions of employers with freelancers across virtually every skill category. Founded in 2009, the platform facilitates project-based work, hourly contracts, and unique contest-style competitions.

For digital nomads, Freelancer offers another channel for finding remote work, particularly useful as a supplement to platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.

How Freelancer.com Works

Project Bidding

The core model mirrors traditional freelance marketplaces:

1. Clients post projects with descriptions and budgets
2. Freelancers browse and submit bids
3. Clients review bids and select freelancers
4. Work is completed with milestone payments
5. Payment releases upon completion

Contest System

Unique to Freelancer, contests work differently:

1. Client posts a contest (logo design, naming, etc.)
2. Multiple freelancers submit entries
3. Client provides feedback and requests revisions
4. Client selects a winner
5. Only the winner gets paid

Contests favor design and creative work where clients benefit from seeing multiple options.

Hourly Projects

For ongoing work, Freelancer offers hourly tracking:

• Desktop app monitors work time
• Screenshots capture activity
• Clients pay based on logged hours
• Weekly payment cycles

Freelancer.com Fee Structure

Membership Tiers

Active freelancers often need paid memberships to bid competitively.

Finding Success on Freelancer.com

Optimize Your Profile

Your profile determines client trust:

• Professional headshot
• Detailed skills list
• Portfolio samples
• Verified credentials and exams
• Complete work history

Write Winning Bids

Competition requires standout proposals:

Address the specific project. Show you read and understood the requirements.

Highlight relevant experience. Connect past work to the current project.

Be realistic on pricing. Avoid race-to-bottom rates but remain competitive.

Ask clarifying questions. Engagement signals professionalism.

Navigate Contest Strategy

Contests require different approaches:

Enter selectively. Do not waste time on low-budget contests or unrealistic clients.

Stand out early. Strong first entries get more feedback and iteration chances.

Iterate based on feedback. Clients often reveal preferences through comments.

Accept the risk. Most entries go unpaid. Only enter when portfolio value justifies time.

Categories That Perform Well

Web Development

Large volume of WordPress, PHP, and JavaScript projects. Competition is high but so is demand.

Graphic Design

Logos, branding, and marketing materials. Contests are common in this category.

Writing and Content

Blog posts, articles, and copywriting. Lower rates than specialized platforms but consistent volume.

Data Entry and Admin

Entry-level work with high volume. Lower rates but accessible to beginners.

Mobile Development

iOS and Android projects with decent budgets. Requires demonstrated expertise.

Freelancer.com vs. Competitors

Challenges on Freelancer.com

Lower Budgets

Many clients seek bargain rates. Be prepared to:

• Filter aggressively for reasonable budgets
• Negotiate from realistic starting points
• Walk away from unsustainable projects

Spam and Scams

More low-quality posts require vigilance:

• Verify client history and reviews
• Avoid upfront payment requests
• Use platform payment systems only
• Report suspicious activity

Bid Competition

Popular projects attract dozens of bids:

• Respond quickly to new postings
• Specialize to reduce competition
• Build reputation for invitation-based work

Tips for Digital Nomads

Use Freelancer as a supplement. Combine with Upwork, Fiverr, or direct clients for diversified income.

Set realistic expectations. Average earnings per project are lower. Volume compensates.

Invest in membership strategically. Active bidding requires paid plans. Calculate ROI carefully.

Build toward invitations. Strong profiles eventually attract direct invitations, reducing bidding effort.

Maintain timezone flexibility. Many clients come from Asia and developing markets with different timezone expectations.

When Freelancer.com Works Best

The platform suits:

• Beginners building initial reviews and experience
• Designers who enjoy contest-style competition
• Volume workers who can handle many smaller projects
• Specialists in categories with less Upwork saturation

Consider alternatives if:

• You prefer higher-budget, premium clients
• The dated interface frustrates you
• You dislike the bidding and contest model

The Bottom Line

Freelancer.com is not the most polished platform, but its volume and variety create real opportunities. For digital nomads willing to navigate the noise, it provides another income stream alongside other freelance channels.

The contest system offers unique exposure for designers. The project volume ensures something is always available. Lower average budgets require efficiency and selectivity.

Use Freelancer as part of a broader freelance strategy, not your only channel. Combined with stronger platforms, it adds diversity and opportunity to location-independent income.