11 Best Sites to Hire a Freelance Writer in 2024
The digital age has changed businesses’ operations, including sourcing talent for various projects. One notable shift has been the growing importance of freelance workers in multiple domains, including writing. Freelance writers offer fresh perspectives, specialized knowledge, and the flexibility to adapt to fluctuating workloads, which makes them an appealing option for many organizations.
However, one of the most significant challenges lies in identifying the right platforms to hire qualified and reliable freelance writers. Understanding where and how to find the right freelance writers can save you time, effort, and resources while ensuring you get top-notch content.
Top 11 Sites to Hire a Freelance Writer
The following platforms are curated based on their reputation, range of services, and user reviews. Here is a detailed look at each platform’s job board.
1. WriterHire
WriterHire stands out as the premier destination for hiring expert freelance writers across a variety of niches, including UX writers, grant writers, ghostwriters, screenwriters, academic writers, and marketing writers. With a focus on connecting professionals with the best-matched writers for their project requirements, WriterHire offers a unique, efficient, and tailored experience for both clients and writers.
Features
WriterHire offers a specialized matching system to connect clients with the most suitable writers for their specific project needs.
Pricing
Pricing is project-based, offering flexibility and transparency for both clients and writers.
2. Upwork
Upwork is a freelancing powerhouse that provides an immense selection of freelancers from various fields, including writing. The site uses a bidding system where freelancers compete for your listed project. This approach offers the advantage of choice but can also overwhelm with the sheer number of bids. Upwork has tools like Work Diary to help monitor a freelancer’s work, making the process more transparent.
On the downside, Upwork’s abundant talent pool means you may have to sift through numerous proposals to find the perfect match. However, the platform offers various filters and ratings to help streamline this process, making it easier for employers to find a suitable freelancer.
Features
Upwork provides features like job posting, time-tracking through Work Diary, and robust search filters.
Pricing
The platform charges a sliding fee based on your total billings with each freelancer, ranging from 5% to 20%.
3. Fiverr
Fiverr turns the bidding model on its head by allowing freelancers to post “gigs” or predefined services. Employers can search through these gigs to find services that meet their needs. Fiverr also offers a Fiverr Pro option, which includes freelancers who have been vetted for exceptional quality.
However, Fiverr’s straightforward, gig-based model might not be well-suited for more intricate, long-term projects. Pricing varies, with gigs starting as low as $5 and scaling up based on the complexity and demands of the project.
Features
Fiverr operates on a gig-based model and offers additional quality assurance through Fiverr Pro.
Pricing
Fiverr takes a 20% commission from freelancers. Posting and browsing gigs are free for employers.
4. Toptal
Toptal claims to offer the top 3% of freelance talent, backed by a rigorous vetting process. This makes it a reliable platform for high-stakes or specialized projects. Toptal provides a two-week trial period, allowing you to confirm that the freelancer is a good fit before you’re billed.
The downside is that Toptal is less budget-friendly than other platforms. However, the high quality of freelancers may justify the additional cost for certain projects.
Features
Toptal’s primary feature is its rigorous screening process, ensuring you’re matched with top-tier talent.
Pricing
Toptal’s pricing is tailored based on the project’s needs and is at a premium level.
5. Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com, much like Upwork, is a bidding-based platform but with fewer freelancers, making the selection process less daunting. They offer features like live chat and a milestone payment system to help improve project management and client-freelancer communication.
While Freelancer.com can offer more affordable rates due to the competitive nature of the bidding system, this also means you will need to invest time in vetting and negotiation, a common aspect of bid-based platforms.
Features
Freelancer.com offers bid-based job postings, a live chat feature, and a milestone payment system.
Pricing
The platform’s fee ranges from 3% to 5% of the accepted bid, depending on the project’s size and duration.
6. Contently
Contently isn’t just a freelancer marketplace; it’s an end-to-end content marketing platform. Designed for medium to large enterprises, Contently helps with strategy, content creation, and distribution. Their advanced analytics and reporting features enable a holistic approach to content marketing.
However, this wide range of services does come at a premium, making Contently less suitable for businesses on a tight budget.
Features
Contently stands out for its focus on comprehensive content strategy, analytics, and end-to-end content marketing solutions.
Pricing
Pricing at Contently is custom and higher than other platforms, reflecting its range of services.
7. Guru
Guru offers the flexibility to post jobs or search for freelancers. Their WorkRoom feature enables easier project management when juggling multiple projects or freelancers.
However, Guru imposes a handling fee on payments, which could add to your project costs. They offer various membership plans to lower these extra costs.
Features
Key features in Guru include the WorkRoom for project management and flexible payment options.
Pricing
A 2.9% handling fee applies to transactions, although membership plans can lower this fee.
8. Textbroker
Textbroker is laser-focused on providing content writing services, particularly with an SEO emphasis. The platform allows you to place bulk orders, making it a go-to for large-scale content needs. The ability to specify writers’ expertise level is another useful feature.
Given its specialized focus, Textbroker is ideal for SEO-centric content projects but may not be the best fit for more generalized or creative writing needs.
Features
Textbroker is tailored for content writing with an emphasis on SEO. Bulk order placement is another notable feature.
Pricing
Pricing is on a per-word basis and varies depending on the writer’s level of expertise.
9. ProBlogger
ProBlogger is a platform dedicated to the blogging niche, making it an excellent choice for businesses needing blog content. Employers can post job listings to which writers can respond, and the site also offers a curated list of pre-vetted writers. The platform is respected in the blogging community, attracting experienced writers who specialize in creating engaging, high-quality blog posts.
One limitation of ProBlogger is its niche focus on blogging, which may not be suitable for all writing needs. However, for blog content, the platform offers a pool of specialized writers who are experts in their fields.
Features
ProBlogger specializes in blog content, offering job posting options and a curated list of pre-vetted writers.
Pricing
Posting a job on ProBlogger costs a flat fee of $70 for 30 days, with no additional charges for hiring writers.
10. WriterAccess
WriterAccess is another platform that aims to streamline finding a freelance writer. It offers various content services, including blog posts, white papers, and more. Their algorithm matches you with suitable, professional writers, and you can also search through writer profiles.
While WriterAccess offers a broad range of writing services, it’s worth noting that their pricing can be on the higher side. However, the platform’s focus on quality and advanced matching algorithm can make it worth the investment.
Features
WriterAccess offers various writing services and uses an algorithm to match clients with suitable writers.
Pricing
Pricing varies depending on the project but is higher, reflecting the platform’s focus on quality.
11. CloudPeeps
CloudPeeps aims to offer a more personalized experience in the freelancing world. It’s a platform where businesses can find pre-vetted freelancers with a proven track record. The platform prides itself on offering a higher quality of work rather than a high quantity of freelancers.
However, the downside is that this makes the platform less suitable for businesses on a tight budget. If you’re looking for a more premium service, CloudPeeps could be an excellent choice.
Features
CloudPeeps offers pre-vetted freelancers and emphasizes the quality of work over quantity.
Pricing
Pricing on CloudPeeps can vary but leans more towards the premium end.
Advantages of Hiring Freelancers Over Full-Time Writers
Before diving into the best platforms, it’s essential to understand the benefits of hiring freelance writers over full-time employees. Freelancers offer unique advantages that can be invaluable for your business.
Diversity of Talent
Freelance platforms are melting pots of talent from around the world. You’ll find writers specializing in various industries, niches, and types of content. Whether you need someone to write technical white papers, pithy social media posts, freelance platforms are your best bet for finding the right fit.
Cost-Efficiency
Full-time writers come with fixed salaries, benefits, and overhead costs. On the other hand, freelancers can be hired on a per-project or per-hour basis, providing cost-efficiency and reducing your financial burden. There are no long-term commitments unless you want them, allowing for more flexible budgeting.
Flexibility
Hiring freelancers provides unmatched flexibility. You can scale up or down based on your project needs without the complications of hiring or firing full-time staff. This agility can be useful for small businesses and startups with fluctuating workloads.
Specialized Skill Sets
Many freelance writers are experts in specific domains, offering specialized skills that might not be found in a full-time hire. This expertise can add significant value to your projects, contributing to better quality and more targeted content.
Importance of Proper Vetting and Trial Assignments
Hiring the right freelance writer is more than finding someone to string sentences together. A poorly chosen writer can waste time, money, and even damage your brand’s reputation. Therefore, proper vetting is crucial.
Begin by reviewing a freelancer’s portfolio and client testimonials. Some platforms also offer rating systems that provide an at-a-glance overview of a writer’s reliability and quality. However, the most telling test is often a trial assignment. Offering a paid trial gives you a concrete sample of their work quality, reliability, and ability to meet deadlines.
It’s advisable to have a structured interview process, even if it’s remote. This allows you to gauge the writer’s communication skills, understand your project requirements, and overall fit with your company culture. This approach minimizes risks and sets the stage for a successful working relationship.
FAQs
This section aims to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about sites that hire freelance writers. Whether you’re a business looking to hire a writer for specific writing projects or a professional writer considering a freelance writing career, these FAQs should provide valuable insights.
Are freelance platforms safe to use for hiring content writers?
Most reputable platforms have verification processes in place for both clients and freelancers, making them safe for transactions. These are particularly useful if you’re looking to hire a writer in a specialized field like technical writing.
How do I know if a freelance writer is reliable for my writing projects?
Reputable platforms often feature client reviews and ratings. Always conduct interviews and consider giving trial assignments to gauge reliability. This is especially crucial if you’re looking for a more experienced writer for specialized tasks.
Can I hire freelancers for long-term projects?
Yes, many platforms support long-term contracts, making it easy to keep a reliable professional writer for ongoing needs. Some even offer features to post job ads specifically geared toward long-term commitments.
Are there any hidden fees involved when I hire a writer?
Always read the terms and conditions. Some platforms may have handling fees or service charges in addition to the freelancers’ rates. Job boards detail these fees upfront.
How do I handle payments when I hire writers?
Most platforms offer integrated payment systems that allow safe and secure transactions, streamlining the process for both the client and freelance writing gigs.
Can I hire a content writer from outside my country?
Most platforms enable international hiring of qualified writers. Such platforms also offer documents you might have to sign with the writer. However, be aware of time zones and possible language barriers if you require a writer for technical writing or other specialized fields.
