How to Make Money Online with Freelancer.com: A Complete Guide

The internet has created a wealth of opportunities for professionals to earn money online. Among the many freelancing platforms available, Freelancer.com is one of the most well-established and widely used marketplaces for independent workers. Whether you’re a writer, programmer, designer, marketer, or consultant, Freelancer.com offers thousands of job opportunities to help you build a sustainable online career.

In this article, we’ll cover how Freelancer.com works, how to get started, strategies for winning projects, and tips to maximize your earnings.

What is Freelancer.com?

Freelancer.com is a global freelance marketplace that connects clients with freelancers across multiple industries. With over 60 million registered users, it is one of the largest freelance platforms in the world. Unlike exclusive platforms like Toptal, Freelancer.com is open to beginners and experienced professionals alike.

Freelancer.com supports two main types of work:

• Fixed-price projects: Clients set a budget, and freelancers bid on the job.
• Hourly projects: Freelancers are paid based on the hours they work, tracked through Freelancer’s time-tracking system.

How Does Freelancer.com Work?

Freelancer.com operates on a bidding system, where freelancers compete for jobs by submitting proposals. Here’s how the process works:

1. Sign Up & Create a Profile – Register, verify your account, and set up a detailed profile.
2. Browse & Bid on Projects – Search for relevant jobs and submit proposals with competitive pricing.
3. Win the Bid & Start Working – Once a client selects your bid, start working on the project.
4. Deliver the Work & Get Paid – Submit the final work and receive payments securely through Freelancer.com.

Freelancer.com also offers contests, where clients post a challenge (e.g., logo design) and multiple freelancers submit entries. The client then selects the best submission and awards the prize money.

How to Get Started on Freelancer.com

Step 1: Create a Winning Profile

Your profile is the first thing potential clients see. Here’s how to make it stand out:

• Use a Professional Profile Picture – A high-quality image helps build trust.
• Write a Strong Bio – Highlight your skills, experience, and what makes you unique.
• Select Your Best Skills – List the services you specialize in.
• Showcase a Portfolio – Upload previous work samples to attract potential clients.

Step 2: Start Bidding on Projects

Once your profile is complete, begin bidding on relevant projects. Follow these tips to improve your chances of success:

• Personalize Your Proposal – Avoid copy-pasting generic bids. Tailor each proposal to the specific job.
• Highlight Your Expertise – Mention relevant experience and past work.
• Set Competitive Pricing – Offer reasonable rates, especially when starting out.
• Maintain Professional Communication – Respond quickly to client messages.

Step 3: Deliver High-Quality Work

• Follow Instructions Carefully – Ensure your work aligns with the client’s expectations.
• Meet Deadlines – Deliver projects on time to build a strong reputation.
• Maintain Clear Communication – Keep the client updated throughout the project.

Step 4: Get Paid & Withdraw Your Earnings

Freelancer.com supports multiple payment methods, including:

• PayPal
• Bank Transfer
• Skrill
• Payoneer

Freelancer.com also uses an escrow system, meaning clients deposit funds before the project starts, ensuring secure payments.

How Much Can You Earn on Freelancer.com?

Earnings vary based on skill level, industry, and experience. Here’s a rough estimate:

• Beginner Writers: $5 – $30 per article
• Experienced Graphic Designers: $20 – $100 per hour
• Software Developers: $30 – $150 per hour
• SEO & Digital Marketing Experts: $15 – $80 per hour

Top freelancers can earn over $100,000 per year by consistently landing high-paying projects and building strong client relationships.

Tips for Success on Freelancer.com

1. Optimize Your Profile for Visibility – Use relevant keywords to rank higher in search results.
2. Be Active & Bid Regularly – More bids mean more chances of getting hired.
3. Start with Lower Rates to Build Reputation – Once you have good reviews, increase your pricing.
4. Communicate Clearly & Professionally – Professionalism helps build long-term relationships with clients.
5. Promote Your Profile on Social Media – Share your Freelancer.com profile to attract more clients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting Generic Bids – Clients ignore copy-pasted proposals.
• Overpromising & Under-Delivering – Only take on projects you can complete successfully.
• Ignoring Client Communication – Quick responses help build trust.
• Not Updating Your Portfolio – Keep adding new samples to showcase your best work.

Pros & Cons of Freelancer.com

✅ Pros:

• Open to beginners and experienced freelancers.
• Thousands of job postings daily across various industries.
• Secure payment system with escrow protection.
• Ability to earn money through contests and projects.

❌ Cons:

• High competition, especially for new freelancers.
• Service fees (Freelancer.com takes a commission from earnings).
• Some clients post low-budget projects, requiring careful selection.

Is Freelancer.com Worth It?

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly freelancing platform, Freelancer.com is a great choice. While competition is high, those who develop a strong profile and bidding strategy can build a successful freelance career.

Conclusion

Freelancer.com is one of the best platforms for freelancers of all experience levels. Whether you’re looking to make extra income or build a full-time online career, the opportunities on Freelancer.com are vast.

Ready to get started? Sign up for Freelancer.com today and begin your freelancing journey!