Why Beginners Still Win on Open Marketplaces

[nihalsari]

For beginners, momentum matters more than prestige. Open platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and even LinkedIn remain powerful entry points — not because they’re easy, but because they’re active. Competition is intense, fees can sting, and early rates are often low, but these platforms reward consistency and learning speed.

Over time, many freelancers outgrow marketplaces entirely. Direct outreach, personal branding, and repeat clients — often sourced through LinkedIn — allow freelancers to bypass fees and negotiate on equal footing. In 2026, the smartest path isn’t choosing one platform forever, but using each stage of the freelance ecosystem at the right moment.

[madmax]

upwork/fiverr suck but they’re kinda like the gym… painful, but you learn fast