Top 7 Freelance Sites for Digital Marketing in India
India is one of the fastest-growing freelancer markets, with over 15 million professionals offering their skills and services online.
However, finding digital freelancing jobs or clients is challenging, especially if you are new to freelancing or have a limited network. That's where freelance digital marketing websites come in handy.
These platforms connect freelancers with potential clients, offering various opportunities for different skill sets, project types, and budgets.
But which freelance site is best for digital marketing? There are dozens of platforms, each with its pros and cons. To narrow your options, here’s a list of the top 7 freelance sites for digital marketing in India based on factors such as popularity, reputation, features, and fees.
1. Upwork
With over 12 million freelancers and 5 million clients, Upwork is one of the most popular and established freelance platforms. Upwork offers a global reach and a variety of project types, from small projects to large-scale contracts, in a wide variety of categories, including social media, SEO, email marketing, web design, and more.
This freelance digital marketing job platform also has a competitive pricing system, allowing you to set your hourly or fixed rates or bid on projects that suit your budget.
However, it is hard to score jobs on Upwork since thousands of freelancers will be competing for the same projects. It can be challenging for a beginner to stand out and land their first client, especially with Upwork's limited number of free connects (credits you need to apply for jobs).
2. 99designs
If you are a graphic designer, illustrator, or branding expert, check out 99designs, a platform that focuses on creative projects. This platform is ideal for freelancers who want to showcase their design skills and work on projects that match their style and preferences.
This digital freelancer jobs platform has two ways to find work: contests and direct contracts. Contests are where clients post a brief and invite designers to submit their ideas. The client then chooses the best design and awards the prize money to the winner. Direct contracts are where clients hire designers directly for one-on-one projects.
There are several benefits to 99designs, including the ability to set your rates and negotiate directly with clients. However, it also has a high service fee, and you may have to deal with the risk of not getting paid if you participate in contests and don't win.
3. Freelancer
Freelancer is another well-known freelance digital marketing jobs platform, which is good for finding long-term projects, as many clients are looking for ongoing collaborations with freelancers.
This digital marketing freelance jobs platform has a bidding system similar to Upwork, where you can apply for projects matching your skills and budget. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as an outdated interface, a high service fee, and a competition level.
You may also have to pay for additional features such as membership plans, exams, and project upgrades.
4. Guru
Guru is an affordable freelancer online marketing platform focused on small and medium-sized businesses. Its user-friendly interface allows you to create your profile, browse jobs, and make proposals quickly.
Its escrow payment system protects your earnings and lets you choose multiple payment options. However, Guru has lower project values compared to other platforms, limited high-paying gigs, and a service fee for members.
5. Peopleperhour
Peopleperhour, another popular freelance digital marketer website, aims to simplify the process of finding and hiring freelancers for various digital marketing projects, including SEO, content writing, social media management, web design, and more. It has a simple and intuitive interface, allowing you to create a profile, browse jobs, and send proposals quickly.
Peopleperhour's escrow payments system ensures that you are paid on time and securely, and you can join a forum to interact with other freelancers and get tips and advice. The downside to Peopleperhour is its limited project variety, fewer high-end opportunities, and a service fee for the first few months.
6. Fiverr
Fiverr specialises in low-cost microservices and gigs. This platform is easy for beginners since you don't need to bid on projects or compete with others. In addition, Fiverr offers fast project turnaround, as most gigs are completed within a few days or even hours. You just create a gig, set a price, and wait for clients to order your service.
Due to Fiverr's low project values, building long-term client relationships and earning a decent income can be difficult.
7. FlexJobs
FlexJobs is a platform that aims to provide the best remote work experience to freelancers, focused on reputable and verified clients screened and vetted by their employees.
This freelance digital marketing website offers a wide range of flexible work options, including part-time, full-time, contract, or freelance. However, FlexJobs requires a high subscription fee.
Bonus: Truelancer
Truelancer is a growing digital marketing freelancer website with a focus on the Indian workforce and offers a variety of digital marketing projects, such as SEO, content writing, social media, web design, and more.
This marketplace has a similar bidding system as Upwork and Freelancer, where you can apply for projects that match your skills and budget. However, it also has some limitations, such as being relatively new and having a smaller user base compared to established platforms. You may also have to pay a service fee.
Tips For Indian Freelancers to Attract Clients
Here are some tips and best practices to stand out and attract clients.
- Build a strong portfolio and online presence
A portfolio is your best way to showcase your skills and experience, so keep it updated and impressive.
- Specialise in a niche skill or service
Specialise in a niche skill or service that you are good at and passionate about. This will help you stand out as an expert, target a specific audience, and charge higher rates.
- Set competitive rates and be clear about your value proposition
Research the average rates for your skill and experience level and adjust them according to the project scope, complexity, and deadline.
- Communicate effectively and deliver high-quality work to clients
Deliver high-quality output that meets or exceeds the client's expectations, and ask for feedback and reviews to improve your reputation.
- Utilise the platform's features and resources to your advantage
Familiarise yourself with the platform’s freelance marketing website, policies, and guidelines, and use them to your benefit.
- Have patience
Freelancing is not a get-rich-quick scheme, and it will take some time and effort to build a successful career. Be patient and persistent, and do not give up easily. Keep learning and improving your skills, as a career in marketing is dynamic and keeps evolving.
Conclusion
Freelancing is a great way to earn money, gain experience, and pursue your passion in digital marketing. However, it also comes with its challenges and opportunities. You need to find the best freelance digital marketing websites that suit your skills and goals and follow some tips and best practices to stand out and attract clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which freelancing platform is best for digital marketing?
Ans. There is no definitive answer to this question, as different freelance sites have their advantages and disadvantages and suit different freelancers and clients. Choose the platform that matches your skill level, project type, budget, and goals. Try multiple platforms and compare their features and results.
Q2. How to start freelancing?
Ans. To start freelancing, you need a marketable skill, a portfolio, and a profile. Research the market, set your rates, and find your niche. Then, sign up for one or more freelance platforms, browse and apply for projects, and communicate and negotiate with clients. Deliver high-quality work, ask for feedback and reviews, and build your reputation and network.
Q3. How do you start digital marketing?
Ans. To start digital marketing, you need to–
- Know the different aspects of digital marketing, such as SEO, content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, web design, and analytics.
- Learn to use channels like a website, a blog, a social media account, an email list, and a Google Analytics account.
- Apply the best practices and strategies for digital marketing, such as keyword research, content creation, audience engagement, lead generation, and conversion optimisation.
