Top 5 Freelancing Websites in Pakistan

The number of educated youth in Pakistan is increasing. Still, opportunities in the corporate world do not arise in the same ratio, leaving a majority of competent professionals settling for below-par roles or unemployed. 

This shifts their attention to freelancing, the option that does not follow boundaries or limitations and allows skillful people to maximize the benefits of their skills. With Pakistani freelancers generating more than $400 million in fiscal year 2022, there’s no doubt about the industry's potential and the skillsets of Pakistani freelancers. 

There is a wide range of freelancing websites in Pakistan that they can surf among to find the right platform for themselves. In this article, we uncover the top 5 freelancing websites in Pakistan to help you find the right fit for your skills. But before we do that, let’s see what the freelancing norm in Pakistan looks like. 

Freelancing in Pakistan: The Culture

Freelancing culture in Pakistan has massively grown in the past decade. It is not only the source of income for solopreneurs, but many business owners started solo on these platforms before hiring teams to work under them. They eventually grew their clientele, shifted to business accounts on freelance platforms, launched small companies, and hired talent. This shows the growth potential a freelancer has. 

Many small digital marketing agencies and software companies were initially started by one single person offering their services on a freelance platform. So, freelancing is not a side income but a career that can change your life. 

The greatest reason people are inclined towards freelancing is to avoid the hierarchy and culture of a workplace environment, where you have to follow fixed hours and report directly to your seniors. As a freelancer, you have the freedom to work on your time and deliver directly to your client. 

It is advised that you start your career with a job where you gain the needed skillset, build the confidence to deliver and present your work, improve your portfolio, and keep hustling on the side to build your freelancer profile.

5 Best Freelancing Websites Used in Pakistan

Many freelance platforms are now popular in Pakistan for generating business for freelancers nationwide. Each platform operates uniquely, and it is up to you to determine which works for you. Some platforms are more renowned for gigs on specific skill sets than others. Let’s dig deeper into each of these platforms and see what they have to offer.

Upwork

Upwork is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in freelancing websites in Pakistan. It has been around for over a decade and is home to over 3 million Pakistani freelancers. Upwork is ideally known for bigger, lengthier projects leading to long-term relationships between clients and freelancers. 

Upwork uses a currency specific to the platform called Connects. You must purchase these Connects and use them to apply for jobs. The number of Connects required for each job can vary, but it ensures that people thoughtfully apply for each job and that no clients are bombarded with applications. 

This also ensures that you will compete with real contenders and that your application will be less likely to be lost among thousands of others. You can also see the number of applications a job has so you can decide if it is too late to apply and if there are already too many competitors. 

Upwork is also renowned for its payment protection services, which offer security to both the client and the freelancer. The platform is very competent and has high-value projects, so if you are up for the challenge, this could be the path to kickstarting your new career. 

Some of the most in-demand skills on Upwork are data analytics, full-stack development, social media marketing, accounting, and general virtual assistance. 

Fiverr

Fiverr is another popular freelancing platform in Pakistan. It is ideally known for simpler, smaller projects because of its simplicity and wide range of services. Unlike Upwork, Fiverr does not require the use of platform-specific currencies like Connects. Instead, freelancers, known as "sellers," create "gigs" showcasing the services they offer, and clients, or "buyers," can directly purchase these gigs or request custom offers.

Fiverr is different. You create a ‘gig’ which looks like a thumbnail to sell your services. You can pair it up with Keywords to match a potential client’s search. Clients then look for their ideal freelancer through these gigs and reach out to the one that suits them best. 

While this is relatively less effort, sometimes you do nothing for days just waiting for a client to appear. You can always pay to promote your gig to appear higher in clients' search results. 

As you grow and gain experience on Fiverr, your rank evolves. You start as a "New Seller" and can go as far as "Top Rated Seller" based on performance and client reviews. This system allows you to charge your per-hour rate according to your skill level. It also allows clients to differentiate according to skill and budget when searching. 

Payment protection is also a key feature of Fiverr, ensuring secure transactions and reducing the risk of non-payment for freelancers.

Some of the most in-demand skills on Fiverr include graphic design, content writing, digital marketing, video editing, and website development. 

Freelancer.com 

Another well-established freelancing platform in Pakistan is PeoplePerHour. Similar to Upwork, Freelancer.com allows freelancers to bid on projects posted by clients. However, instead of using a system like Connects, freelancers receive a limited number of free bids each month. They can also purchase additional bids if they wish to. 

This platform also offers various membership plans that you can get to avail additional benefits on your profile; these include, more bids, the ability to highlight bids, and increased visibility to clients. 

Freelancer.com also boasts a payment protection system through its milestone payments. This ensures that freelancers get paid for the work they've completed, as clients deposit payments in advance, which are released upon successful completion of project milestones.

The platform hosts various projects, from small tasks to long-term contracts, making it a versatile choice for freelancers with different skill levels. Some of the most in-demand skills on Freelancer.com include web development, mobile app development, SEO, graphic design, and data entry.

Freelancer.com is ideal for Pakistani freelancers looking to expand their reach. It offers a competitive environment where freelancers can showcase their skills and secure meaningful projects with global clients.

PeoplePerHour

Next on our list is PeoplePerHour, another popular freelancing platform in Pakistan. On this platform, freelancers, known as "sellers," bid on projects posted by clients or "buyers." Sellers can also list "hourlies," which are pre-defined services that can be purchased instantly. Consequently, freelancers have two different ways to sell their services to clients. 

On PeoplePerHour, freelancers receive a limited number of free bids each month to apply for projects. Once these are used, additional bids can be purchased. The memberships come with a tiered system, where premium memberships have benefits like increased bids, better visibility, and priority customer support.

The platform also provides payment protection through escrow services, ensuring clients deposit payments upfront, which are released once the freelancer delivers the work.

Some of the most in-demand skills on PeoplePerHour include content writing, web development, graphic design, digital marketing, and software development. It offers Pakistani freelancers a streamlined, professional environment to connect with international clients and secure rewarding projects.

Guru

Guru is another reputable freelancing platform in Pakistan. It provides freelancers with a straightforward way to connect with clients worldwide. Like other platforms, Guru allows freelancers to create profiles, showcase their portfolios, and bid on projects posted by clients. However, Guru stands out for its flexibility in payment options and work agreements.

Guru operates on a bid-based system, where freelancers, known as "Gurus," receive a limited number of free bids each month and can purchase additional bids if needed. Freelancers can also choose from different membership plans that offer various benefits, such as more bids, premium placement in search results, and reduced fees on payments.

One of Guru’s key features is its wide variety of payment options. Depending on the project's nature, freelancers can set up work agreements on a fixed-price, hourly, task-based, or recurring basis. Guru also ensures payment security through its "SafePay" system. In this escrow-like service, clients fund projects upfront, and payments are only released to freelancers after milestones or tasks are completed.

Guru also offers tools for project management, allowing freelancers and clients to collaborate smoothly throughout the project lifecycle.

Some of Guru's most in-demand skills include programming and development, design, writing and translation, marketing, and administrative support.

Also Read: Top Freelancer Accounts in Pakistan: How to Choose?

Freelance Career Gets Better With Elevate Pay

Now that you have manifested your desire to earn USD, you must also consider a payment solution that makes the whole process seamless. Elevate Pay is the ultimate payment solution at this stage of your journey. 

While many solutions are available, there’s not one that is tailor-made for Pakistani freelancers and also offers a free USD account. With Elevate Pay, you get a free USD bank account from Bangor Savings Bank. More importantly, it gives you the best FX rates in the market and the lowest fees for sending money home. 

When you earn, you want to save your funds in USD without having to convert them and protect your hard-earned money from inflation. With Elevate Pay, you can keep your earnings in USD for as long as you wish. 

Create your account now in three easy steps by downloading the app on iOS or Android. 

Conclusion

A freelancing career might seem complicated to start. It may take you months to find your first job. But the adrenaline of that first income from home will drive you through to keep struggling and launching a successful career. In the beginning, you have to make the right decisions, such as creating a profile and portfolio that looks professional and choosing the right freelance platform. 

Freelancing websites in Pakistan and the insights shared above can really help you shape your decision. Knowing how each platform works will allow you to make an informed decision about which platform you want to use to start this roller coaster journey.