Best freelance websites to make money as a Learning Designer
Just starting out as a Learning Designer? Welcome! You're entering a space that's growing fast, full of creativity, and—yes—plenty of freelance opportunities. But when it comes to choosing the best freelance websites to make money, things can get overwhelming, fast.
I'm Bianca Raby—career educator, learning design advocate, and CEO of Oppida. While I never used these platforms myself back in the day (they were just babies!), I have hired plenty of freelancers on them. So let me give you the lowdown on four of my favourite websites for a freelance Learning Designer.
Upwork: the versatile powerhouse
If you're a Learning Designer looking to land consistent work, Upwork is a great starting point. Their three options—Talent Marketplace, Project Catalog, and Talent Scout—give you flexibility in how you connect with clients.
It's one of the best freelance websites to make money because of its tiered fee structure: 20% for the first $500 you earn from a client, dropping to just 5% after $10,000. It rewards loyalty and repeat work—and it's super user-friendly, even for first-timers.
Fiverr: from fivers to full projects
Fiverr has come a long way since its "five-dollar gig" days. Today, Learning Designers use Fiverr to offer polished services, create bundled packages, and upsell to clients. The platform takes a flat 20% cut, no matter your income level.
While it's more competitive, it's still one of the best freelance websites to make money, especially for those with a niche or creative flair.
Freelancer: classic bidding with global reach
Freelancer.com operates on a traditional bidding model—clients post jobs, and freelancers place bids. It's a little more cutthroat, but if you're a Learning Designer ready to hustle, it can be a great training ground.
With a 10% fee and options to lower it via paid memberships, this is one of the best freelance websites to make money if you like the thrill of pitching your value against the crowd.
Guru: a quiet contender
Guru might not be as well-known, but it's still packed with opportunity. Learning Designers can create profiles and quote on jobs. The platform takes 9% of earnings and offers free accounts with 10 job bids included.
While it's one of the more crowded spaces (over 27,000 Learning Designers currently listed!), it's still among the best freelance websites to make money if you're strategic with your offers and profile.
My opinion on the best freelance websites to make money: pick one, go all in
My top recommendation? Focus on just one platform. As a Learning Designer, your goal should be to build a strong presence, deliver quality work, and learn from top-rated freelancers in your niche.
Experiment, reflect, and don't spread yourself too thin. These websites are your playground—so get out there and start designing your freelance future.
Got a platform you love (or loathe)? Drop your thoughts in the comments!