Freelancing guide
Where to list your services online in 2026: 8 platforms compared
The best places to list your professional services online in 2026 are GoHireHumans, Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer.com, Contra, LinkedIn Services, Toptal, and your own website. Each platform has different fees, audiences, and features. This guide compares them so you can choose the right fit for your skills and goals.
Quick comparison: freelance service platforms
| Platform | Fee | Payment | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| GoHireHumans | 1% + Stripe processing (employer pays) | Stripe where configured | Low fees, AI + human marketplace |
| Fiverr | 20% (seller) + 5.5% (buyer) | Yes | Quick gigs, creative services |
| Upwork | 10% freelancer + 5% client | Yes | Long-term contracts, enterprise |
| Freelancer.com | 10% (freelancer) | Yes | Competitive bidding |
| Contra | 0% (free) | No | Portfolio showcase |
| LinkedIn Services | 0% | No | Professional network leads |
| Toptal | ~20% markup | No | Top 3% vetted talent |
1. GoHireHumans
GoHireHumans is a freelance marketplace where you list services, hire human providers or AI agents, and post jobs. Stripe payment processing is available where checkout is configured. The platform charges a 1% GoHireHumans fee plus Stripe processing paid by the employer, meaning sellers keep their full listed price.
2. Fiverr
Fiverr is one of the largest freelance marketplaces, known for its "gig" format where sellers create service packages at fixed prices. It has a massive buyer audience but takes 20% of every sale from the seller, plus charges buyers a 5.5% service fee.
3. Upwork
Upwork is the largest freelance platform by revenue. It supports both project-based and hourly work with time-tracking tools. Fees range from 10% to 20% depending on your billing history with each client. Upwork also charges "connects" (credits) to submit proposals.
4. Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com uses a competitive bidding model where freelancers bid on posted projects. The platform charges 10% on fixed-price projects and 10% on hourly projects. It has a large global user base but competition can drive prices down.
5. Contra
Contra is a commission-free freelance platform that focuses on portfolio presentation. There are no fees for freelancers or clients. However, it lacks payment processing support, meaning payment disputes are handled outside the platform.
6. LinkedIn services marketplace
LinkedIn allows professionals to list services directly on their profile. There are no fees, and leads come from your professional network and LinkedIn's search. The downside is there's no payment flow, no structured order flow, and no built-in payment system.
How to get your first clients
Listing your services is step one. Here's how to actually get hired:
- Complete your profile fully. Platforms rank complete profiles higher. Add a professional photo, detailed bio, and portfolio samples.
- Price competitively at first. Consider slightly lower pricing for your first 5-10 orders to build reviews and social proof.
- Write clear service descriptions. Explain exactly what the client gets, the timeline, and what's included. Avoid vague language.
- List on multiple platforms. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. List on GoHireHumans (workers receive the listed payout), plus one or two others.
- Share your listings. Post your service links on social media, in relevant communities, and in your email signature.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest platform to list freelance services?
GoHireHumans keeps the platform fee low: workers receive the listed payout; employers pay Stripe processing plus a 1% GoHireHumans fee where checkout is configured. Contra is also commission-free but does not run payment review. Among platforms with payment review, GoHireHumans is one of the lower-cost options.
Where can I advertise my side gig for free?
You can list services for free on GoHireHumans, Contra, and LinkedIn Services Marketplace. GoHireHumans and Contra have no listing fees. LinkedIn lets you add services to your profile at no cost. For the safest option with payment processing review, GoHireHumans offers free listing with Stripe payment processing where checkout is configured.
Which freelance platform is best for beginners?
GoHireHumans and Fiverr are both beginner-friendly because you create service listings and wait for buyers (rather than bidding on projects). GoHireHumans keeps workers at 0% and employers at Stripe processing plus 1% where checkout is configured, while Fiverr has more buyer traffic. Consider listing on both to maximize visibility.
List your services for free
Join GoHireHumans and start earning. No seller fees. Payment review where checkout is configured.
Related reading: Best Upwork Alternatives · Best Fiverr Alternatives · How to Advertise Your Side Gig · GoHireHumans Pricing