If you’ve been trying to land clients on Fiverr or Upwork and keep hearing crickets, you’re not alone. These platforms are overcrowded, with thousands of freelancers fighting for the same jobs—often leading to a race to the bottom in pricing. But here’s the good news: there are better ways to find high-paying clients who value your skills and are willing to pay what you’re worth.
In this article, I’ll walk you through alternative ways to find quality clients, even if you’re just starting out. Stick around because, by the end, you’ll have a solid strategy to break free from the overcrowded platforms and start making real money.
Why Fiverr & Upwork Aren’t Working for Many Freelancers
Fiverr and Upwork used to be great places to find work, but over time, competition has skyrocketed. Here’s why they’re not the best choice anymore:
- Oversaturation: Too many freelancers offering the same services, making it hard to stand out.
- Low Prices: Clients expect cheap work due to the abundance of low-cost sellers.
- Platform Fees: These sites take a big cut of your earnings, making it harder to scale your income.
- Lack of Control: Your success depends on algorithms, reviews, and whether your gig is shown to buyers.
So, where can you find high-paying clients without dealing with these issues? Let’s explore your best alternatives.
1. Direct Outreach: Contacting Clients Yourself
Instead of waiting for clients to find you, go directly to businesses that need your services. This is one of the fastest ways to land high-paying work.
How to Do It Effectively:
- Identify businesses that could benefit from your services. For example:
- If you’re a web developer, look for businesses with outdated websites or no online presence.
- If you’re a copywriter, find companies with poorly written sales pages or email marketing gaps.
- Use LinkedIn, Google Maps, or business directories to find contact details.
- Craft a short, personalized message explaining how you can help.
- Follow up if they don’t respond the first time (persistence matters!).
Example Outreach Message:
“Hi [Business Owner’s Name], I noticed your website could use some improvements to attract more customers. I specialize in [your service] and would love to help. Would you be open to a quick chat about it?”
2. Networking in Facebook & LinkedIn Groups
Social media groups are goldmines for finding clients—if you use them the right way.
How to Use Groups to Get Clients:
- Join industry-specific groups where your potential clients hang out. (Example: If you’re a web designer, join groups for small business owners.)
- Engage genuinely—don’t just drop sales pitches. Answer questions, give free advice, and build relationships.
- When someone asks for help in your area of expertise, offer value first, then mention your services.
- Many groups also have job postings where business owners actively look for freelancers.
By positioning yourself as an expert, clients will start coming to YOU.
3. LinkedIn: The Hidden Gem for High-Paying Clients
LinkedIn isn’t just a job board—it’s a powerful tool for freelancers looking for high-quality clients. Many businesses search for experts directly on LinkedIn instead of using platforms like Fiverr.
How to Attract Clients on LinkedIn:
- Optimize your profile—make sure your bio clearly explains what you do and how you help clients.
- Post valuable content—share insights, case studies, or success stories to attract potential clients.
- Connect with business owners—send personalized connection requests to decision-makers in your niche.
- Engage with their content—comment on their posts, offer helpful insights, and build relationships before pitching.
Pro Tip: If a company posts a job listing for a role related to your skills, message them directly offering your freelance services instead. Many companies prefer hiring freelancers over full-time employees!
4. Cold Emailing: A Strategy That Still Works
Cold emailing might sound outdated, but it’s still one of the best ways to land high-paying clients. The key is to send personalized, non-spammy emails that show you understand their business.
How to Write an Effective Cold Email:
- Keep it short and to the point (3-5 sentences).
- Mention a specific problem they have and how you can solve it.
- Include a simple call to action (e.g., “Would you be open to a quick call this week?”).
Example Cold Email:
Subject: Quick Question About Your Website
Hi [Name],
I came across your business and noticed your website isn’t optimized for mobile users. I specialize in fixing this and helping businesses improve their conversions. Would you be open to a quick chat about it?
Best, [Your Name]
Many freelancers skip cold emailing because they think it doesn’t work, but those who do it correctly land $1,000+ clients regularly.
5. Partnering with Other Freelancers
If you struggle to find clients alone, why not partner with freelancers who already have clients?
For example:
- If you’re a web developer, team up with a copywriter or SEO expert who has clients needing websites.
- If you’re a graphic designer, collaborate with social media managers who need graphics for their clients.
By working together, you tap into their network and increase your chances of landing high-paying projects.
6. Niche Job Boards & Alternative Platforms
While Fiverr and Upwork are overcrowded, smaller, niche platforms have less competition and higher-quality clients.
Some Great Alternatives:
- Toptal (for developers, designers, and finance experts)
- PeoplePerHour (for general freelancing)
- We Work Remotely (for remote job listings)
- CloudPeeps (for marketing and creative work)
These platforms attract serious clients who are willing to pay more than what you’d find on Fiverr.
It’s Time to Ditch the Crowded Platforms
Fiverr and Upwork aren’t the only ways to find freelance work—in fact, better-paying clients are waiting for you elsewhere. By using direct outreach, social media networking, cold emailing, LinkedIn, partnerships, and niche job boards, you’ll build a more sustainable and profitable freelancing career.
Your Next Steps:
- Pick ONE strategy from this list and start applying it today.
- Take action consistently—the more you try, the better results you’ll get.
- Stay persistent—landing high-paying clients takes time, but it’s 100% worth it.
So, which strategy are you going to try first? Let me know in the comments!