Ranked: These Are the Best Platforms for Gig Workers Based on Industry

Freelance and side hustle websites have sprung up as demand for this work has increased. Some of the latest data shows that nearly half of all U.S. workers do some sort of gig work or side hustle to earn additional money.

As a freelancer myself, I know it can be hard to find good opportunities that are worth your time. While no website guarantees only quality clients and well-paying gigs, some may be better for you than others based on the type of work you're looking for.

Here are four of the best platforms to focus your efforts -- based on industry -- if you're looking for some extra work to improve your personal finances.

1. Best for creatives: Fiverr

I'm listing this platform first because I have first-hand experience using it and because many websites rank Fiverr as a good place to find creative work. I've used it to get freelance writing jobs, but there are many other gig categories on the platform, including voice-over work, animation, video editing, photography, and even artificial intelligence side hustles.

While the platform started with gigs paying at just $5 -- hence the company's name -- it's since evolved into a platform with much higher asking prices. For example, I went through the company's Fiverr Pro application process, in which I had to prove I have lots of experience writing, and can now charge up to $50,000 for a custom order. I'm still waiting on that one, by the way.

2. Best for technical skills: Toptal

Toptal says its platform has access to the top 3% of freelance talent, so expect to go through a thorough vetting process if you want to get work on this site. Toptal says its site is for software developers, project managers, finance experts, product managers, and web designers.

If you're thinking of applying to Toptal, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, the company says the entire screening process takes between two to five weeks, and you'll be evaluated based on your expertise, professionalism, and communication skills. Through a combination of interviews and skill tests, you'll have to prove you're an expert in your field and know how to communicate with clients effectively.

3. Best for a variety of side projects: TaskRabbit

If you're looking for a variety of work -- much of which doesn't involve sitting behind a desk -- then TaskRabbit may be right for you. You can find local projects in 50 categories, including painting, yard work, plumbing, delivery services, and many more.

You'll have to pay a $25 fee when you sign up for TaskRabbit, but the upside is that you keep 100% of the earnings for your task -- while many platforms take a percentage of your earnings -- and you keep any tips you receive.

TaskRabbit offers a lot of flexibility for gig workers, because you set your availability and can find many jobs that you may not be able to find on other platforms.

4. Best for nearly anything: Upwork

Upwork is one of the largest freelancing platforms, giving freelancers access to 822,000 active clients and generating more than $2 billion of gig work earned on the platform since 2020.

There are tons of different types of work freelancers can do on Upwork, which is why it's a great platform for gig workers from a variety of industries. Just a few of the general gig categories include writing and translation, administrative and customer support, finance and accounting, sales and marketing, and creative opportunities.

When looking for jobs on Upwork, you'll submit a proposal to a prospective client, telling them your pay rate and why you're the best person for the job. Upwork says that more than 49,000 contracts are signed every week.

A few tips before starting your gig work

I've been a freelance writer for about 20 years, so I know both the highs and lows of gig work. If you're just getting started, here are a few things you should know:

• One platform may not be enough: Sometimes, there aren't enough good projects or clients on one platform, and it may be necessary to use more than one, which is why I've used many websites over three years to find work.
• Create an online portfolio: While I've used gig platforms for side projects, I've also had plenty of people contact me directly, asking for samples of my work. Creating a simple website with examples of your work will help you quickly show prospective clients what you can do.
• Plan for an ebb and flow of projects: Even when you're doing all the right things to market yourself and get new clients, there will be an ebb and flow to how much work you get. Remembering this will help keep you from getting discouraged when work slows down and help you budget for the changes in your income.

While most gig work won't make you rich, picking up some side projects can be a great way to earn a little extra money to boost your savings or pay off debt. And if you're looking to hire gig workers, I've still got that $50,000 writing project slot wide open.