Popular freelancing platforms in Bangladesh
Freelancing is a thriving career path for many in Bangladesh. According to the United Nations, an estimated 650,000 Bangladeshi freelancers work for the global economy, contributing over $100 million in foreign remittances annually1, 2. The young, tech-savvy population has emerged as a powerhouse for web-development, software programming1, 2 graphic design, and content creation. As more of the population seek flexible work arrangements and access to global clients, freelancing platforms have become an essential tool for connecting talent with businesses around the world. Below, we explore some of the most popular freelancing platforms in Bangladesh, the services they support, and tips for success.
Fiverr: Best for beginners
Fiverr has become a popular choice for Bangladeshi’s freelancers. In fact, according to web traffic analysis, Bangladesh is the 3rd most active country on the platform, making up 10% of Fiverr’s web traffic3. Fiverr’s quick onboarding process makes it easy for new freelancers to get started. Once onboarded, you have access to their global marketplace where clients can discover your services. Projects on Fiverr are also typically shorter, allowing new freelancers to quickly build up their portfolio and reviews on their profile.
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Upwork: Best for freelancers with some experience
Onboarding as a freelancer on Upwork takes more time compared to other platforms, with various questions about your skills and experience required to be completed. Winning a job on Upwork can also require more work; freelancers are required to bid for job opportunities by submitting cover letters and proposed rates. However, whilst this involves more effort, the jobs tend to be higher-paying, longer and more collaborative.
Check out our comprehensive guide on attracting more clients on Upwork!
Toptal: Best for highly experienced freelancers
Toptal is primarily focused on business, design, and technology freelancers. It is positioned as a premium platform, accepting only 3% of applications to join the network4 which means freelancers have to be highly experienced to get through the selection process. Once accepted, freelancers gain access to high-quality clients with better-paying projects - perfect for skilled freelancers looking to build their network and earn a higher salary.
PeoplePerHour: Best for flexible project options
PeoplePerHour is a great platform for freelancers in Bangladesh who are looking for flexibility. It caters to a wide range of industries, including writing, design, marketing, and programming. Freelancers can either respond to job postings or create their own listings called “Offers,” which allow clients to buy pre-packaged services directly. The platform provides a mix of short-term and long-term projects, making it suitable for freelancers with varying levels of availability. It also has a tiered pricing system based on income, with commission decreasing for multi-project client relationships5.
Freelancer: Best for lower budgets
Freelancer is one of the oldest and most diverse freelancing platforms, making it a popular choice among Bangladeshi freelancers. The platform takes a much lower commission fee compared to other platforms; freelancer takes 3% commission on hourly rates compared to Upwork’s 10%. This means you get to keep more of your hard-earned income, however, it also means that it can be more competitive to win a job. With over 77 million employers and freelancers across 247 countries6, competition can be tough, but the platform’s large client base ensures a steady stream of opportunities. Additionally, the milestone payment system7 helps secure earnings by ensuring payments are released as each project phase is completed - very useful for earning a steady income stream over long projects.
Guru: Best for showcasing your work
Guru is a platform that, although small, has gathered a growing user base in Bangladesh8. A standout feature on Guru is the ability for freelancers to create detailed profiles with portfolios9 to showcase their skills and past work. This can be incredibly helpful when attracting new clients. The platform’s WorkRoom feature10 helps streamline communication and project management, making it easy to collaborate on both short-term and ongoing projects. With flexible payment options, including hourly, milestone, and task-based payments, Guru is a strong choice for freelancers who value consistent work and stable income.
Conclusion
Freelancing platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, Toptal, PeoplePerHour, Freelancer, and Guru provide valuable opportunities for Bangladeshi freelancers to connect with international clients and build successful careers. Whether you are just starting out or have years of experience, choosing the right platform can make a significant difference in your freelancing journey. Explore these platforms, build your skills, and leverage the flexibility that freelancing offers to thrive in the global market.
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Sources:
- Freelancing: The New Way of Economic Prosperity
- Digital Economy Report 2019
- SimilarWeb: Fiverr Traffic
- Toptal FAQ
- PeoplePerHour Fees
- Freelancer About
- Freelancer Milestone Payments
- SimilarWeb: Guru Traffic
- Guru Portfolio FAQs
- Guru WorkRoom FAQs
Sources last updated: 23-Oct-2024
