Where Do You Even Find Clients? 7 Sites That Aren’t Upwork or Fiverr

When you first start out as a freelance writer, finding clients is a challenge. Everyone knows about Upwork and Fiverr, so they can provide a tempting place to dip your toe into the proverbial pond of writers. Then again, everyone knows about Upwork and Fiverr, so it’s easy to get lost in the masses of writers who are all trying to hawk their trade. 

So what’s a brilliant, up-and-coming freelancer like you to do? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Grab another latte, settle into your comfiest chair, and start looking for clients on these seven sites that aren’t Upwork or Fiverr.

1. People Per Hour

If you’ve spent time on Upwork or Fiverr, People Per Hour will feel familiar to you. It’s another site that allows you to build a profile, advertise your services, and claim jobs. However, because it isn’t quite as swamped as Upwork and Fiverr, it’s easier for clients to notice you. 

What to Know About Using People Per Hour

• You need to apply and build a profile.

• AI matches you to potential projects.

• You can submit up to 15 proposals for free every month.

• You can advertise services as offers.

• Payment for jobs is initially held in escrow.

• Approval for withdrawal of pay after it has been released from escrow may take 14 days.

2. Texbroker

Textbroker is a solid site for freelance writers who are looking for clients and need an opportunity to build their name. When you first sign up, you are asked to write a signup article, which is scored, and your initial pay rate and access to jobs are based on that score.

What to Know About Writing for Textbroker

• There are three types of writing opportunities on Textbroker: open order, direct order, and teams.

• The OpenOrder board allows you to choose from available jobs. It’s as simple as selecting the one you want and completing the work. 

• DirectOrder jobs allow clients to give you work directly, and you get to set your own rate.

• TeamOrder jobs are given by clients to teams of writers. You can choose to join a team.

• The pay rate for jobs on Textbroker can be low, but you have opportunities to improve your rating and earnings with time.

• After earning your first $10, you can request to be paid weekly. 

• Payments are made via PayPal.

3. FreelanceWriting

FreelanceWriting is primarily a job board, where you can search and apply for jobs, making it an excellent site for finding new clients. However, it also keeps a list of active writing contests, which can be a fun way of getting your name in front of potential clients (assuming you win!). 

What to Know About Using FreelanceWriting

• FreelanceWriting is a job board, so you need to apply to each job, rather than claiming jobs.

• The number of jobs posted at any given time will vary.

• Pay rates span a wide range.

• The site offers a daily newsletter to keep you updated on new jobs.

4. All Freelance Writing

Job boards are your friend when it comes to finding clients, and All Freelance Writing is dedicated exclusively to freelance writing gigs. It’s a good place to begin your search for new clients.

What to Know About Using All Freelance Writing

• It’s free and easy to search for jobs.

• The site categorizes pay rates, such as “low pay” and “semi-pro,” to help you search.

• You need to apply through external websites.

• The site also has a blog that sometimes lists external sites that offer freelance gigs.

• For a fee, you can post a writer profile that clients can use to contact you directly.

• The site rules require writers to adhere to a minimum rate to avoid the underbidding competitions seen in many marketplaces.

5. Working in Content

Working in Content is another job board that makes it easy to find clients. Just search for jobs you like, and click “apply.” This site isn’t limited to writers, though, so you’ll need to use the filter option to return the types of jobs you’re interested in.

What to Know About Using Working in Content

• The site maintains a job board for content-based jobs, including writing.

• Working in Content offers a weekly newsletter.

• You need to apply for jobs through external websites.

• You can sign up to join their Slack workspace for networking opportunities.

• You have the opportunity to attend their annual conference.

6. Composely

If you’re confident in your writing skills, give Composely a try. (And if you’re not confident, sign up for coaching from Dez!) Composely offers higher rates than some other sites, but you have to pass a writing test to join.

What to Know About Writing for Composely

• All writers must pass a writing test.

• You need to create a profile.

• There is less competition for jobs on Composely than on some other sites.

• Composely shows you a selection of jobs, and you choose the ones you want.

• You are paid twice a month through PayPal.

7. Draft

Draft is another site for confident writers. You must apply and maintain a consistently high rating to claim work.

What to Know About Writing for Draft

• You need to submit a portfolio, writing samples, and links to your website or published works and LinkedIn profile.

• Writers must maintain at least a 4.0 client rating (out of 5) to continue writing.

• Once you are accepted, it’s easy to claim work.

• You are free to take as many or as few assignments as you want.

• Writers are paid weekly through direct deposit.

Learn More About Finding and Keeping New Clients

Finding and keeping new clients feels like a never-ending challenge when you first start your freelance writing career. Fortunately, Dez has put together a phenomenal Land New Clients Playbook that teaches you everything you need to know about landing new writing clients you love working with. Download it today, and let’s get you writing!