Freelancing platforms compared: Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, LinkedIn and local options
Freelance marketplaces connect you with clients worldwide, handle contracts and payments, and protect both sides. Each platform works differently: on Upwork you send proposals to jobs; on Fiverr clients buy your packaged "gigs". This unit compares the main platforms, their fees and how payment works from Kenya, and gives step-by-step guidance for getting started on each.
How marketplaces work
- You create a profile (skills, portfolio, rates).
- Clients post jobs (you apply) or browse services (you're found).
- Work happens under a contract on the platform; payments are held in escrow or tracked hourly.
- You deliver; the client approves; funds are released (after a security period); you withdraw.
- Both sides leave reviews, which drive future work.
Why use platforms: clients come to you, payment protection, dispute resolution. Downsides: fees, competition, platform rules, dependency.
Upwork (upwork.com)
Model: clients post jobs; freelancers send proposals using Connects (a paid credit system; some free connects may be given).
| Feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Fees | A service fee is deducted from your earnings (check Upwork's current fee structure; it has changed over time) |
| Contracts | Fixed-price (milestones in escrow) or hourly (time tracked with the desktop app) |
| Reputation | Job Success Score (JSS), badges (Rising Talent, Top Rated) |
| Payment out | Bank transfer, Payoneer, PayPal (options vary by country) |
Getting started:
- Complete your profile 100%: professional photo, specialised title, overview, portfolio, skills, rates, ID verification.
- Apply to jobs that match your specialisation; quality over quantity.
- Write personalised proposals (see the proposals lesson).
- Start with smaller jobs to earn your first reviews; deliver excellently.
- Keep communication on the platform.
Fiverr (fiverr.com)
Model: you create gigs (packaged services with prices: Basic, Standard, Premium); clients find and buy them.
| Feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Fees | Fiverr keeps a percentage of each order (commonly cited as 20%; check current terms) |
| Levels | New seller → Level 1 → Level 2 → Top Rated, based on performance |
| Ranking | Relevance, conversion, ratings, response time, on-time delivery |
| Payment out | Payoneer, bank transfer, PayPal (availability varies), after a clearance period |
Getting started:
- Choose a specific service ("I will design a modern restaurant menu", not "I will do any design").
- Research competitors: titles, prices, gig images, keywords.
- Create a strong gig: clear title with keywords, attractive gig images/video, packages, FAQ, requirements.
- Price to win first orders, but don't undervalue drastically.
- Respond fast; deliver early; ask satisfied buyers for reviews.
- Promote gigs on social media and to your network.
Other marketplaces
| Platform | Notes |
|---|---|
| Freelancer.com | Bidding on projects; contests; paid membership options |
| PeopleperHour | UK-focused clients; "hourlies" (fixed-price offers) and proposals |
| Guru | Broad categories, workrooms |
| Toptal, Arc, Turing | Selective networks for experienced developers/designers (rigorous screening, higher pay) |
| 99designs | Design contests and direct projects |
| ProBlogger, ProZ | Writing jobs; translation |
| Preply/italki | Tutoring and language teaching |
| Contra, Malt, others | Newer/independent platforms (check country availability) |
LinkedIn and direct clients
- LinkedIn: optimise your profile (headline with your service, About, Featured portfolio), post useful content, connect with potential clients, use the "Services" page feature, and search for "freelance" and "contract" roles.
- Direct clients: local businesses, referrals, past employers, communities. No platform fees, but you handle contracts, invoicing and payment collection yourself (use deposits and written agreements).
- Social media: show your work (before/after, tutorials) on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook groups.
Many successful freelancers start on platforms for reviews, then gradually add direct clients.
Local and Kenyan options
- Ajira Digital and Jitume programmes provide training, mentorship and sometimes connections to work.
- Kenyan businesses (SMEs, schools, churches, NGOs) hire freelancers directly: approach them with specific offers.
- Kenyan job boards and agencies post contract and remote roles.
Getting paid from platforms
| Method | How it works for Kenya |
|---|---|
| Payoneer | Commonly used with Upwork and Fiverr; withdraw to a Kenyan bank account |
| PayPal | Withdraw to M-Pesa via the PayPal option in M-Pesa, or to a bank |
| Direct bank transfer | Some platforms pay to Kenyan banks (fees apply) |
| Wise | For direct clients abroad |
Use accounts in your own name, matching your ID. See the "Getting paid in Kenya" lesson for step-by-step setup.
Rules that get accounts banned
| Violation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Taking communication/payment off the platform before a contract (with platform-introduced clients) | Account suspension |
| Multiple accounts or using someone else's account | Permanent ban, frozen funds |
| Fake identity or VPN to pretend to be in another country | Ban |
| Fake reviews | Ban |
| Plagiarism or unoriginal work | Disputes, bans |
| Missing deadlines repeatedly | Low ratings, lower visibility |
Think about it: A client on Upwork offers to pay you directly through M-Pesa to "avoid fees" before you've done any work together. What are the risks?Show answer
It breaks Upwork's terms (you could lose your account), and you lose payment protection: the client could disappear without paying, or it could be a scam. Keep the work and payments on the platform, especially with new clients.
Choosing your first platform
| You are... | Start with |
|---|---|
| A specialist with a clear service (design, writing, video) | Fiverr (gigs) + Upwork |
| Good at writing proposals, want bigger projects | Upwork |
| A tutor/language teacher | Preply/italki |
| An experienced developer | Upwork, then selective networks (Toptal etc.) |
| Focused on local clients | Direct outreach + LinkedIn + WhatsApp Business |
Summary
- Marketplaces provide clients, contracts and payment protection, at the cost of fees and competition.
- Upwork: proposals with connects, fixed-price or hourly contracts, JSS; Fiverr: packaged gigs, levels, ranking factors.
- Other platforms: Freelancer, PeopleperHour, Guru, selective networks, niche sites; plus LinkedIn and direct clients.
- Withdraw via Payoneer, PayPal (to M-Pesa), bank transfer or Wise, using accounts in your own name.
- Follow platform rules: no off-platform payments with platform clients, no multiple or borrowed accounts, no fake identities.
Check yourself
On Upwork, what credits do you spend to send proposals?
Show answer
Connects
On Fiverr, what are your packaged services called?
Show answer
gigs
What is Upwork's reputation score called? (three words)
Show answer
Job Success Score
Which payment service is commonly used to withdraw Upwork/Fiverr earnings to a Kenyan bank?
Show answer
Payoneer
Should you accept payment outside the platform from a client you met there? (yes or no)
Show answer
no