Although the booming gig economy has created millions of new job opportunities, many fear that the industry has grown saturated. The competition is tough. And with professionals worldwide continuously transitioning to freelancing, the market will grow even bigger.

With that said, we don’t think the freelance market is saturated. But you should know where to market yourself. In this article, we’ll share nine alternatives to try if you’ve recently been struggling to win clients on your go-to platforms.

1. Contra

Newbie freelancers who often use TikTok might have heard of Contra before. Influencers heavily market it toward younger, less-experienced workers who want an affordable, streamlined one-stop-shop freelancing platform.

The site’s main selling point is that it charges $0 in commission. Apart from your preferred payment method’s withdrawal fees and exchange rates, you won’t have to pay for anything. You can keep 100% of your earnings.

Don’t expect Contra to stay free forever. It has a waitlist for Contra Pro, the site’s premium, exclusive version, which is set to charge subscription fees ranging from $10 to $20.

Users will also appreciate Contra’s easy-to-use portfolio editor. Like many no-code site builders used for online portfolios, it features dynamic layouts, drag-and-drop templates, and customizable pages. Setting up yours might take an hour or two.

2. DailyRemote

DailyRemote has a decent database of 2,000+ remote companies. It primarily comprises long-term clients, so you can expect a stable workload if you have adequate experience. Also, signing up for an account is free. Although we can’t guarantee that membership requirements will stay this way, the site claims it has no plans of charging freelancers at any time soon.

Note that most clients have high standards. DailyRemote charges companies $300+ per employee they hire, so prepare to undergo a rigorous screening process beforehand. Clients need dedicated workers who’ll give them a return on their investment.

3. Speedlancer

Speedlancer was founded in 2014. The platform is known among employers for its skilled freelancers who guarantee fast turnarounds. And thanks to this earned reputation, Speedlancer has the right to turn down clients who don’t deserve its high-value database. You can rest assured that every job posting listed is 100% legit.

Just note that Speedlancer’s strict screening process extends to its freelancers. Signing up for an account is free since Speedlancer cuts 20% per project. However, you have to wait for its team to evaluate your profile and send a formal invitation link before you can start working.

Once you pass, you’ll have access to thousands of lucrative projects. Expect tight competition, so prepare an impressive portfolio and strive to accomplish deliverables ahead of time.

4. 1840

1840 & Company is an exclusive freelancing platform. It features thousands of long-term, high-paying projects, but not everyone can access them. Signing up for an account takes weeks. After submitting your initial application, the platform’s HR team will review your portfolio, socials, and CV.

You’ll be scheduled for further screening via video call if you pass. Brush up on how to ace online interviews so that you can proceed to the final skills and behavioral assessment. Don’t worry—1840 & Company doesn’t charge application fees.

You’ll receive your first project upon passing. Also, since the platform mediates all negotiations between freelancers and clients, you likely won’t have to pitch prospects.

5. Workana

Workana was launched in 2012. Although it first gained traction in Latin America, the platform now features remote job opportunities from employers worldwide. It even automatically converts prices into your local currency.

Most freelancers on Workana praise its diversity. Unlike more widely known and highly competitive platforms, it provides opportunities for remote workers of all levels.

One thing to note about Workana is that the site has several hidden charges. For instance, you can sign up for a free account. However, if you want to maximize the site’s full features, like simultaneously bidding on multiple projects and accessing a broader range of clients, you’ll have to pay around $5 to $25 a month.

6. The Freelancer Club

The Freelancer Club strives to help freelancers jumpstart their careers. It connects users to a massive pool of clients worldwide, most of whom pay within or above the industry standard. You won’t have to deal with shady, low-ball employers. Also, the site has various helpful resources, from short, beginner-friendly courses to advanced remote work tools. They’ll be useful at every stage of your freelancing career.

All these perks might sound appealing, but you must pay around $11 to $16 in monthly fees to access them. The free account is relatively limited, after all. If you feel that you could benefit from the full features of The Freelancer Club, consider signing up for an account.

7. Wellfound

Wellfound, formerly known as AngelList Talent, launched in 2013. It started as a job marketplace for local tech startups, but it soon expanded and started listing remote jobs from hybrid companies. You’ll find both in-office and work-from-home opportunities.

Watch out for Visa sponsorships—some employers agree to fly out high-performing workers who prove to be valuable assets.

Job seekers might also appreciate how Wellfound streamlines the application process. It gives you all the info you need upfront. Like widely known employee review sites, the platform contains insights into thousands of employers (i.e., starting salaries, stock options, and work setup requirements).

You can also submit applications within minutes. Unlike other sites, pitches no longer need lengthy cover letters or introductions—your profile tells employers everything they need to know.

8. Zeerk

Zeerk started operating in 2010. Its platform is similar to Fiverr—freelancers list their services, clients reach out to them, and the site classifies them as sellers. The only difference is that you can’t contact prospects. Instead, you must wait for interested clients to reach out to you through in-platform listings.

Another unique feature of Zeerk is that everyone is anonymous. Although buyers and sellers use rated, filtered profiles, they don’t have to post their real names and pictures. You must carefully assess third parties before collaborating.

To compensate sellers for taking on the risks of anonymity, Zeerk allows same-day withdrawals. Cashouts have no clearing times. You can withdraw your earnings minus a 15% site commission after your clients mark projects as done.

Explore Less-Competitive Platforms to Land More Gigs

Don’t limit yourself to widely known platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. You’ll miss out on a lot of low-competition yet lucrative freelancing opportunities if you overlook lesser-known sites. Try signing up for an account with the above options. Some will charge a small subscription, but you can quickly unsubscribe if you don’t get a return on your investment.

For better chances of landing high-paying clients that appreciate your work, reassess your prospecting strategy. There are several approaches to try. Instead of solely pitching on platforms, explore tactics like publishing marketing blogs, networking on LinkedIn, and sending email newsletters.