How to Land High-Paying Freelance Jobs Without Using Upwork or Fiverr
How to Land High-Paying Freelance
Jobs Without Using Upwork or Fiverr
Why This Guide Matters
If you’re a freelancer tired of bidding endlessly on Upwork or dropping
your rates on Fiverr to compete with hundreds of others, this guide is for you.
Many talented freelancers are stuck on overcrowded platforms where their skills
are undervalued and their income capped.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a realistic, proven strategy to find high-paying freelance jobs without using Upwork or Fiverr. You’ll learn how to attract direct clients, which skills earn the most, and how Writing Empires offers a better, less frustrating path.
Why Freelancers Are Leaving Upwork and
Fiverr
For years, Upwork and Fiverr have been the go-to platforms. But now, more
freelancers are turning away. Why?
- High competition: Hundreds of people bid for the
same job, many willing to work for pennies.
- High platform fees: You lose up to 20% of your
income just to the platform.
- Unstable work: You might land one job, then go
weeks without another.
- No real client relationships: Many clients treat freelancers
as disposable.
These challenges can block your growth, drain your energy, and limit your
earnings.
What Makes a Freelance Platform
Actually Worth Your Time?
You need a platform that supports your growth, not one that burns you
out.
Look for one that offers:
- Direct access to clients
- Lower competition
- Fair pay
- Support for both beginners and
experts
- No hidden charges or percentage
cuts
Writing Empires was created with this in mind: a freelance platform
built to help you grow your skills, land real jobs, and actually make money.
Which Freelance Platform Is Best for
Earning?
It depends on your niche, but the best platforms are those that combine
three things:
- Direct client access (so no middleman takes your pay)
- Steady job flow (so you don’t have dry weeks)
- Skill-based jobs (not just lowest-bid wins)
✨ Writing Empires offers:
- Daily job listings from real
clients.
- A bidding system, but with far
less competition than Upwork.
- A place where your skill matters
more than your price tag.
- Free training for beginners and
account guidance.
If you’re in writing, design, virtual assistance, proofreading, or data
entry, it’s one of the best-paying, growing communities right now.
Which Type of Freelancers Earn the
Most?
High-paying freelance niches typically include
- SEO & Website Copywriting
- UX/UI Design
- Software Development
- Email Marketing
- Video Editing
- Virtual Assistance with
automation skills (e.g., Zapier, Notion)
If you want to earn more, focus on specializing. Clients pay more
for a copywriter who understands SEO or a VA who knows automation tools than
a generalist who does “a bit of everything.”
But even entry-level skills, if positioned well, can land you great jobs.
Can You Really Make $100K as a
Freelancer?
Absolutely, but it takes strategy, consistency, and the right platform.
Here’s what freelancers making $5K–$10K+ per month usually do:
- Focus on one profitable skill.
- Build a portfolio and keep
improving it.
- Stop wasting time bidding on mass
platforms and start networking or joining private job networks like
Writing Empires.
- Set clear boundaries and raise
rates as they grow.
It won’t happen overnight, but it’s 100% doable. Thousands are doing it
not on Fiverr or Upwork but through smaller, focused platforms and direct
clients.
What Is the Easiest Freelance Job to
Get?
If you're just starting out, begin with
- Content
Writing: Blog posts, product descriptions, reviews
- Proofreading: Catching typos, polishing
grammar
- Social
Media Caption Writing
- Data
Entry
- Canva-based
Design Work: Simple posters, social media
graphics
These jobs don’t need years of experience. With basic training (like the
free ones offered at Writing Empires), you can start earning within a few
weeks.
Pro Tip: Don’t try to be perfect first — start small, improve as you
go.
Where to Find Freelance Jobs That
Actually Pay Well
Let’s look at five platforms where high-paying freelance jobs are more
realistic:
- Writing Empires offers jobs with direct
clients, weekly training, and support. Ideal for African freelancers and
global creatives alike.
- Toptal—for top-tier professionals
(requires vetting).
- PeoplePerHour—better than Fiverr for certain
categories, though still competitive.
- FlexJobs—Curated remote jobs, including
freelance.
- LinkedIn—network-driven but powerful
once optimized.
But Writing Empires stands out for being beginner-friendly, less
crowded, and focused on actual freelancer growth, not just transactions.
Step-by-Step: How to Start Freelancing
Without Fiverr or Upwork
- Choose a skill (and start learning fast).
- Create a portfolio (samples + a short bio).
- Join platforms like Writing
Empires, where jobs are curated.
- Start applying —don’t wait for perfect
conditions.
- Deliver well, follow up, and
build client trust.
- Grow your reputation and raise
your rates.
Start with small wins, gain confidence, and grow from there.
You Deserve Better Than $5 Gigs
You’re talented. You’re learning. You’re ready to grow.
You don’t need Fiverr or Upwork to make money as a freelancer —
especially when platforms like Writing Empires exist, where you get
support, direct jobs, and a community that helps you succeed.
Want to explore a better freelancing platform?
Join Writing Empires Today
