Finding freelance work as an SEO professional can be challenging.
With so many freelance platforms out there, how do you know which ones are best?
After reviewing plenty of freelance SEO platforms & interviewing top freelancers in my network, I finally narrowed down the top SEO freelancing sites I’d recommend in 2023.
The sites I’ve revealed in this post are the best to showcase your SEO skillset, find quality SEO clients, and provide excellent tools to manage your freelance gigs.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your existing client base, these are the best platforms to focus your efforts on this year.
With this post, my goal is to help you identify the ideal platforms so you can start growing your SEO freelance career.
What are Freelance SEO Platforms?
Freelance SEO platforms are online marketplaces that basically connect freelance SEO professionals like yourself with clients who are looking to hire professional freelancers for their SEO work.
On these platforms, SEO clients post their project requirements and you, as an SEO freelancer, can bid on these projects.
Simply put, freelance SEO platforms allow you to:
- Showcase your skills and services to prospective clients.
- Search for SEO freelance job opportunities that match your expertise.
- Bid on projects you’re interested in.
- Communicate and collaborate with clients.
- Get hired and paid for SEO freelance gigs.
So essentially, freelance platforms for SEO help connect skilled freelance SEO experts like yourself with businesses and clients seeking SEO services on a project basis.
Instead of having to market yourself independently, these sites bring the clients to you in one place so you can land awesome freelance SEO gigs with ease.
Why Should You Use an SEO Freelance Marketplace For SEO Work?
There are plenty of upsides to using freelance SEO marketplaces to find projects compared to finding clients on your own.
But if you want specifics, I’ve outlined a few key reasons to use SEO freelance platforms below:
Reason #1 – Access to Pre-Screened SEO Clients
The first reason to use an SEO freelance marketplace is that these platforms tend to vet and approve clients before allowing them to post projects.
This pre-screening helps weed out undesirables like extremely low-budget or unreliable clients that could waste your time.
The upside of this is that you can be more selective and spend time only engaging with attractive pre-vetted SEO client opportunities on these niche freelance marketplaces.
This saves you effort while working with higher-quality clients.
Reason #2 – Built-In Payment Handling
Reliable and timely payment handling is a top priority for freelance SEO professionals when taking on clients.
While general freelance platforms may offer some payment options, niche sites focused specifically on SEO projects are more likely to provide tailored payment processing solutions optimized for SEO work.
For example, SEO-focused platforms may offer escrow services that securely hold payment until project milestones are complete. This protects both the client and freelancer when larger SEO projects are broken into phases.
Additionally, SEO freelancing sites also take care of securing the payments, following up on invoices, and releasing payments based on the prescribed schedule.
This means, as a freelancer, you can stay focused on the work itself rather than stressing about getting paid.
Reason #3 – Large Supply of SEO Projects
Another reason to join a freelance SEO platform to find work is that it provides freelancers with access to a large, centralized source of relevant SEO projects and clients.
Thanks to this, it is much easier to find opportunities that match your expertise by filtering by factors like skills required, budget, timeline, etc. As a result, it saves you significant time compared to finding SEO clients on your own.
The best part? — Many freelance platforms have thousands of clients signing up daily to hire for SEO work. As a freelancer, this provides you with access to a steady supply of new SEO projects. This, in turn, gives you more options to choose from based on your unique skills, interests, and availability.
Reason #4 – Increased Earning Potential
Freelance marketplaces focused specifically on search engine optimization (SEO) services can help increase earning potential for SEO freelancers in a few key ways.
For starters, by providing a centralized hub of pre-screened, SEO-focused clients, it becomes much easier and faster for freelancers to fill their project pipeline versus independent outreach.
Secondly, freelance platforms tailored for the SEO industry provide much more value than general freelance marketplaces in terms of relevant opportunities.
This is because, on general freelance sites, SEO projects make up only a tiny fraction of total projects across all industries. This, in turn, makes finding good SEO clients like finding a needle in a haystack.
SEO-specific platforms, on the other hand, only allow clients to post digital marketing related projects like SEO, PPC, Web Design, etc. That means it is much easier to find good SEO clients with higher-quality projects.
In fact, specialized SEO platforms help match freelancers with premium projects from clients willing to pay for quality SEO work, further maximizing earnings from each project engagement.
Reason #5 – Help to Solve Disputes (If They Arise)
Even when working with pre-vetted clients, occasional disputes may still arise during freelance SEO projects regarding scope, deliverables, or other issues.
Quality SEO-focused freelance platforms often provide mediation and dispute resolution services to help resolve any friction between freelancers and clients.
Having this third-party mediation support can help smooth over disagreements and avoid unnecessary escalation.
The platforms essentially act as an intermediary looking out for the interests of both the freelancer and the client.
How to Choose the Right SEO Freelancing Website to Find Work?
There are a few important factors that you must always keep in mind when evaluating SEO freelancing sites. Let’s understand each factor one by one.
1 – Check Website’s Reputation & Reviews
When deciding which freelance website to use to find SEO work, the first thing you should do is thoroughly research the reputation of the sites you’re considering using.
To begin, I’d suggest looking for independent reviews from other SEO freelancers who have or are already using the platform you’re evaluating. There are plenty of review websites such as G2, Capterra, Trustradius, and even Reddit to find unbiased feedback.
When reading reviews on these sites, check whether the majority of reviews seem positive, and whether freelancers are complimenting things like getting steady work, reasonable fees, getting paid on time, etc., or not.
The point is that you should take time to vet each SEO freelancing platform to gauge its overall reputation so that you can easily spot and avoid using sites that don’t adequately support SEO freelancers.
2 – A Steady Flow of SEO Projects
After checking reputation & reviews, the next important thing to consider is making sure that the SEO freelancing site you’re considering using has a healthy number of SEO gigs and projects posted on a regular basis.
Using sites that have a steady flow of new SEO projects getting listed by potential clients increases your chance of finding the type of SEO work you want to take on.
So before signing up on a freelance SEO platform, spend some time browsing the available SEO listings as well as categories. Furthermore, also check how recently the latest SEO projects have been listed and how many.
Having an abundance of relevant postings makes it more likely you’ll find SEO work that matches your skills and interests. But, if pickings seem slim, it could indicate the platform won’t be great for consistently finding work.
3 – Look for Specialized SEO Freelance Platforms
Another factor I strongly recommend to every freelancer is choosing a freelance website that caters specifically to SEO professionals.
These types of SEO freelance sites can help connect SEO freelancers like yourself directly with clients needing SEO work done.
On a general freelance platform, on the other hand, you will have to sift through many unrelated listings, despite project sorting filters being available, to find the type of SEO project you’re looking to take on.
But, a freelance website designed for the SEO industry makes it easier to find SEO work faster since it will have filters & features tailor-made for SEO freelancing.
4 – Compare Commission Rates
Another important thing you need to look at before selecting a freelancing SEO platform is the commission fee structure.
Most freelance SEO sites will take a cut of your earnings per project, so make sure to compare the percentage charged by each freelance SEO platform you’re evaluating.
Some SEO freelance websites will have higher commission fees compared to others because of being a name brand. But this can notably impact your earnings from the site you choose.
So, before finalizing a platform, be sure to factor the commission rate into your decision-making process.
5 – User-Friendliness
Last but not least, you want to use an SEO freelance website that simplifies managing your freelance business, not complicates it.
What I’m trying to say is that the platform you’re choosing should make it easy and intuitive for you to create an attractive profile showcasing your SEO skills, communicate with clients, bid on projects, and manage your freelance SEO work.
Ideally, you should go with a freelance website that provides all the helpful tools, resources, and features you need to efficiently find and complete projects. If the site seems confusing and hard to navigate as a freelancer, you’ll have a harder time getting work done efficiently.
Always remember — the easier it is to use a platform, the better it will be in your long-term freelancing business.
Best Freelancing websites for SEO in 2023
There are literally dozens of platforms to find freelance SEO projects, which makes it tricky to figure out which ones are worth using in 2023.
But, based on user reviews and personal experience of SEO freelancers in my network, I have found the following platforms the best for finding quality SEO work in 2023:
- SEO Clerks
SEO Clerks is one of the largest online marketplaces that connects businesses/clients with freelancers for SEO services. On the website, businesses post projects detailing their SEO requirements and freelancers bid on the projects that are most relevant to their expertise and skillset.
Unlike other platforms, SEO Clerks allows posting a wide range of SEO services such as keyword research, on-page optimization, local SEO, link building, technical SEO audits, and reputation management.
As an SEO freelancer, you can create a detailed profile of yourself and highlight important details such as your background, the services you offer, your credentials, reviews, portfolio, and more to establish credibility on the platform.
As for the payment, SEO Clerks has built-in payment processing that ensures that you, as an SEO freelancer, get paid timely for completed work. So, there is no risk of non-payment because the platform takes care of that part.
Commission Fees – 20%
2. Legiit
If you’re a full-time SEO freelancer, Legiit is a great marketplace to find high-quality & consistent SEO clients and projects.
But, in order to create your freelancer account on Legiit, you’ll have to pass the SEO skills test and demonstrate your expertise to be able to get approved for bidding on projects.
Once you pass the test, you can update your profile to establish credibility and start bidding on projects that are most relevant to your skills & expertise.
The skill validation process helps to attract high-paying clients who prioritize hiring qualified SEO freelancers. In fact, based on your profile, Legiit automatically recommends and matches projects that are best fit for you to bid on.
Overall, I think the platform is perfect for experienced SEO freelancers who are actively hunting for long-term & high-paying SEO clients.
Commission Fee – 15%
3. GrowTal
GrowTal is an exclusive freelance SEO platform with a rigorous screening process.
To sign up as an SEO freelancer, you need to go through an extensive vetting process that involves reputation, resume, and LinkedIn profile evaluation, an initial discovery call, a technical interview, and a final evaluation round with an expert.
If you successfully pass the vetting process, you will be introduced to and recommended to big brands that are looking to hire SEO freelancers on a contractual as well as project basis.
In addition, GrowTal also has transparent processes for payments via Milestone Payment. Furthermore, the platform also provides marketing tools and resources for freelancers.
While GrowTal has an essential screening process for every SEO freelancer who signs up, if you have a strong portfolio and proven SEO skills, it offers great opportunities to collaborate with some of the best SEO clients.
Commission Fee – GrowTal does not take any percentage of freelancer’s earnings. Instead, the platform adds a 30% commission on top of your rate when they bill the client.
4. MarketerHire
With over 30,000 registered freelancers, MarketerHire has established itself as a sought-after marketplace for digital marketing freelancers.
As an SEO freelancer, you’ll find a continuous flow of SEO gigs posted by clients on MarketerHire.
The projects cover all aspects of SEO – from technical SEO audits to content optimization and outreach.
On the platform, you can create a comprehensive profile highlighting your specific SEO skillset and years of experience.
Plus, MarketerHire makes it easy to connect with clients looking for SEO expertise. You can directly message clients or submit proposals for projects. Payments are facilitated securely via Milestone Payments.
With good projects and an active community, MarketerHire is a great place for freelance SEO professionals.
Commission Fee – 15% of every project completed by freelancers (includes both hourly & project-based work).
5. Upwork Talent Scout
Upwork is one of the largest global freelance platforms with millions of clients posting jobs.
As an SEO freelancer, you can create a detailed profile and apply to the numerous SEO projects posted by clients seeking freelancers.
However, if you really want to find high-quality clients and a steady stream of freelance work, you have to consider optimizing your Upwork profile to get scouted by clients directly for projects!
Upwork’s exclusive Talent Scout feature allows clients to contact quality freelancers directly without going through the bidding process.
Thanks to this feature, you can get scouted by clients if you have a stellar profile demonstrating your skills. Upwork has a large global pool of clients hiring for remote SEO work.
All you have to do is invest some time curating your profile and Talent Scout will help you find quality and long-term SEO clients on Upwork.
Commission Fee – 10%
6 .Toptal
Toptal operates on an invite-only system and has a rigorous screening process – but it connects elite SEO freelancers with exclusive clients.
Toptal accepts only the very best freelancers who can demonstrate top-tier SEO skills and experience. If you are able to clear the Toptal screening, you gain access to an exclusive network of premium clients like Fortune 100 companies, major brands, and well-funded startups.
As a Toptal freelancer, you can expect to work on complex SEO initiatives and niche campaigns. Plus, Toptal has the highest pay rates compared to all other freelancing platforms, often 2-3X the market standards.
If you’re an SEO expert at the top of your game, Toptal is perfect for taking your freelancing career to new heights.
Commission Fee – Freelancers don’t have to pay anything. Toptal makes money by charging clients only.
7. Fiverr PRO
Fiverr has come a long way from being known for cheap gig services. Fiverr Pro is an exclusive marketplace for elite freelancers to offer premium services to high-value clients.
You can apply to join Fiverr Pro by creating a strong profile demonstrating your expertise. If accepted, you can get access to more serious clients with complex SEO needs who are willing to pay higher rates rather than using Fiverr’s basic gig services.
With Fiverr PRO, you can create custom SEO packages, set your own pricing and availability, and turn on the priority service feature to get discovered faster.
Overall, Fiverr PRO is a leading platform for SEO freelancers to gain visibility, market their services, and get hired by quality & long-term SEO clients.
Commission Fee – 20%
8. Growth Collective
Growth Collective is a specialized SEO freelancing website that matches growth consultants and SEO freelancers like yourself with fast-growing tech startups and eCommerce companies.
To get started, all you have to do is sign up on the platform, create a detailed profile that highlights your skills, expertise, experience, and more to demonstrate how you can help to boost growth for your clients.
Unlike other freelancing SEO websites, Growth Collective gives you the flexibility to work as an outside SEO help for fast-paced eCommerce brands and startups.
That means you get the opportunity to directly connect with and collaborate with young founders, understand diverse industries, and make your mark in the SEO freelancing community globally.
Commission Fee – 20%
9. LinkedIn Services Marketplace
LinkedIn has become the go-to professional network with over 930 million users to this date.
But what most people don’t know is that LinkedIn also has a marketplace for freelancers to market their services and find new clients directly from the platform.
You read that right! As an SEO professional, you can list your freelance services on the platform and get discovered by relevant clients.
You also get access to LinkedIn’s vast member base to find new clients. With built-in messaging and payments, you can seamlessly communicate with clients and handle projects.
All in all, the LinkedIn Services Marketplace is a great platform to tap into a readymade client source for easy networking.
Commission Fee – The commission rate typically varies between 5-20% depending on the market and industry.
10. WeWorkRemotely
Last but not least, WeWorkRemotely is one of the largest remote work communities with over 4.5 Million visitors to the platform.
They pride themselves on being the best freelance platform with a 90% fill rate, one of the highest in the freelancing industry.
The platform has exclusive listings for freelance gigs with top companies. Being an SEO freelancer, you can easily find flexible, high-paying SEO projects from reputable brands.
All you have to do is create a standout profile and get directly contacted by clients for long-term freelance contracts. As far as the quality of clients is concerned, you’d be happy to know that WeWorkRemotely vets each client to ensure great work, project terms, and pay.
Overall, I’d say that if you’re a seasoned SEO freelancer looking for highly-vetted SEO projects from popular companies, WeWorkRemotely is definitely worth exploring.
Commission Fee – WeWorkRemotely does not charge any commission fee to freelancers.
Things You Must Know Before Taking On an SEO Freelance Project
Going freelance with SEO can be exciting. But to set yourself and your clients up for success, there are some key things you’ll want to nail down before getting started to ensure the engagement goes smoothly.
- Understand the client’s business and goals
First of all, take the time to really understand your client’s business inside and out.
What I mean by that is you’ll want the full scoop on their industry, who their main competitors are, the kind of customers they want to attract, and what goals are they hoping to achieve through SEO.
Getting clear on the “why” will help inform the “how” of your strategy.
- Ask questions
When taking on a freelance SEO project, don’t be afraid to ask your client questions!
The more you understand about their business, target audience, goals, and existing SEO challenges, the better equipped you’ll be to deliver solutions tailored to their needs.
So, take time upfront to thoroughly understand the scope of work so you can execute it effectively.
- Clarify the scope of work
Once you’ve got a solid handle on their business landscape, clarify exactly what SEO tasks and deliverables they’re expecting you to handle.
Will you own the full scope – keyword research, creating optimized content, making technical improvements to site architecture, ongoing link building – or will it be a narrower focus?
Make sure you get the specifics in writing so there’s no question about what they’re looking for.
- Establish a timeline
Timing is important in freelance gigs. So, agree on a timeline upfront with key milestones mapped out for the different stages.
SEO takes time to pay dividends, so set realistic expectations on when they could expect to see meaningful results.
You’ll need to build in ample time upfront for discovery research before getting into execution.
- Get access to platforms
To generate favorable SEO results, it’s crucial to get full access to their platforms and tools right off the bat – logins for web analytics, Search Console, CMS, etc. You can’t do your job effectively without them!
In addition, also clarify what content resources they’re providing too – will they supply writers and designers, or does content creation fall fully on your plate?
- Define reporting timeframes
Once the project gets rolling, be clear on how you’ll report on key metrics and insights. Agree on reporting cadence and what data they care most about so you can steer the ship in the optimal direction.
Setting clear expectations upfront for communication cadence will prevent misaligned expectations down the road.
- Establish payment terms
Before beginning any work, be sure to clearly define and agree upon payment terms with your client.
Will you charge an hourly rate or a fixed project fee? When will invoices be sent and payments made – weekly, monthly, upon project completion?
Sort payment details early to avoid confusion down the road.
- Verify work post-project
Once the SEO project concludes, follow up with your client to verify they are satisfied with the work delivered.
Ask if rankings have improved for targeted keywords or if website traffic has increased.
Show them measurable results and quantify the impact you’ve made. Having measurable outcomes will showcase the value you provided.
Key Takeaway
Finding freelance SEO work can be challenging, but using the right platforms gives you access to tons of clients and projects.
The key is standing out from the crowd by crafting an exceptional profile that highlights your experience, building up great client feedback, and submitting compelling proposals that show you understand the client’s needs.
So, take the time to optimize your profiles with relevant keywords so you pop up in more searches.
The world of freelance SEO is competitive but rewarding. Therefore, you must stay persistent and keep refining your skills. The hard work will definitely pay off.
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