2023 is the perfect year for freelance web designers to start hustling for work: with more remote opportunities than ever before, a plethora of job boards to search, and more innovative ways to find leads online than ever before, the possibilities for success are seemingly endless. Here are the top 20 ways for freelance web designers to get started in 2023 and beyond:
Upwork: Upwork is one of the most popular job board markets out there, with countless opportunities to choose from. With competitive rates and many experienced professionals to choose from, it's no wonder Upwork is a go-to place for web designers to find success.
Dribbble: If you're looking to get noticed by big-name clients, Dribbble is the place to be. It's a great platform to showcase your best work, get inspired, and find freelance web design jobs. However, you will need to invest in a Pro Business account to view freelance job postings.
Behance: Behance is an Adobe-owned portfolio platform that is free if you're already paying for Adobe's design software. It's a great way to share your work, get noticed by big-name clients, and find high-quality full-time and freelance web design jobs.
LinkedIn: LinkedIn isn't just for networking - it's also an excellent platform to find freelance web design jobs. You can use the built-in job board or proactively network with decision makers at companies you're interested in working with.
Toptal: If you're one of the top 3% of freelance talent, Toptal could be the perfect platform for you. It has a low acceptance rate and a done-for-you matchmaking process, but you're locked into an hourly pricing model.
We Work Remotely: We Work Remotely is one of the largest databases of remote job opportunities, with no additional charges to browse or apply for jobs. To find freelance web design jobs, filter the results by either the Design or Contract category.
SolidGigs: SolidGigs is a great way to have vetted freelance jobs delivered to your inbox multiple times a week. You will have to pay a monthly fee of $19/hr, so you'll have to decide whether the convenience is worth it for you.
Indeed: Indeed is a great resource for finding freelance web design jobs, with over 2,500 results for "remote freelance web design". It's free for job seekers to create an account and apply for opportunities.
DesignCrowd: If you're great at what you do and confident in your skills, DesignCrowd could be worth the risk. It's a contest-based freelance platform that rewards the winning design - but if your design isn't chosen, you don't get paid.
Envato Studio: Envato Studio is a community of designers and developers with a freelance model similar to Fiverr. However, you'll pay a hefty 30% commission to Envato Studio for every project you book.
Smashing Magazine: Smashing Magazine is an online resource for web designers and developers that also hosts an active job board. Job seekers can browse listings for full-time, part-time, and freelance roles and submit applications for free.
Working Not Working: Working Not Working is a job and portfolio platform for creatives to share their work and apply for opportunities at top-tier companies. It's free to sign up, but it's unclear how selective the platform is.
Honorable Mentions:
• ZipRecruiter
• Working Nomads
• Storetasker
• PeoplePerHour
• WorkGenius