Writing, Designing, Coding? Here’s Where You Can Get Paid Online

Think Rich Grow Rich July 22, 2025

 


Instruction

In the digital age, the gig economy has transformed the way people work. Gone are the days when nine-to-five jobs were the only way to earn a living. Today, if you have skills in writing, designing, or coding, you can tap into a global marketplace and get paid online. Whether you're a student, freelancer, or looking to transition into remote work, numerous platforms can help you turn your talent into income.

This article will guide you through the best websites where writers, designers, and developers can earn real money online. We'll explore each field separately and then share a few hybrid platforms and tips to succeed in the online gig economy.

Section 1: Writing—Where Words Make You Money

If you have a knack for storytelling, blogging, copywriting, or technical writing, there’s a demand for your skills online. Writers are essential for businesses to craft compelling content, build SEO strategies, and engage audiences.

Top Websites for Writers:

1. Upwork

  • Type: Freelance marketplace

  • Best for: Freelancers with experience in content writing, copywriting, and editing

  • How it works: Create a profile, bid on writing jobs, and get paid securely.

  • Pros: Wide variety of projects; long-term client potential

  • Cons: High competition; service fee (5–20%)

2. Fiverr

  • Type: Gig-based platform

  • Best for: Writers who can productize their services (e.g., “I’ll write a 500-word blog post for $20”)

  • Pros: Full control over pricing; passive orders with good reviews

  • Cons: Takes time to build credibility; 20% commission on every order

3. ProBlogger Job Board

  • Type: Job board for bloggers

  • Best for: Bloggers, content marketers

  • Pros: High-quality job listings; serious clients

  • Cons: Requires quick applications; mostly U.S. clients

4. Contena

  • Type: Premium job board + training

  • Best for: Serious writers looking for premium clients

  • Pros: High-paying jobs; built-in pitch templates

  • Cons: Subscription-based

5. Medium Partner Program

  • Type: Platform for personal publishing

  • Best for: Essayists, storytellers, opinion writers

  • Pros: Write what you love; earn based on engagement

  • Cons: Income can be inconsistent; requires building followers

Section 2: Designing—Where Creativity Pays Off

Graphic design, UI/UX, logo creation, and branding are in high demand. Companies need visual identity, websites, and engaging content that stands out, and that’s where designers come in.

Top Platforms for Designers:

1. 99designs

  • Type: Design contest and freelance site

  • Best for: Logo, packaging, and web designers

  • How it works: Compete in design contests or get hired directly

  • Pros: Exposure to global brands; potential for high payouts

  • Cons: Competitive contests may go unpaid if you don’t win

2. Dribbble Jobs

  • Type: Job board + freelancer search

  • Best for: Designers with strong portfolios

  • Pros: Great clients; high-paying gigs

  • Cons: Requires Pro membership for freelancer access

3. Behance

  • Type: Portfolio platform

  • Best for: Creative professionals (design, illustration, UI/UX)

  • Pros: Free to use; visible to top recruiters

  • Cons: Not a direct job marketplace; relies on inbound leads

4. Toptal

  • Type: Premium talent network

  • Best for: Senior designers, UX/UI experts

  • Pros: High pay; top-tier clients

  • Cons: Tough screening process; only for experienced professionals

5. DesignCrowd

  • Type: Contest + freelance site

  • Best for: Logo, business cards, flyers

  • Pros: Multiple project types; global clients

  • Cons: Not guaranteed pay unless your design is chosen

Section 3: Coding—Where Logic Meets Opportunity

Developers are in massive demand—from building websites and apps to maintaining systems and writing custom software. Whether you’re a front-end dev, full-stack engineer, or data scientist, there’s a platform for you.

Best Places for Developers to Get Paid:

1. GitHub Sponsors

  • Type: Funding platform

  • Best for: Open-source developers

  • Pros: Earn passive income for open-source work

  • Cons: Requires community support and visibility

2. Toptal

  • Type: Elite freelancer network

  • Best for: Experienced coders (JavaScript, Python, etc.)

  • Pros: High-paying jobs; premium clientele

  • Cons: Rigorous selection process

3. Upwork (Again!)

  • Type: General freelance site

  • Best for: web developers, app developers, software engineers

  • Pros: Endless project variety

  • Cons: Competition; need a solid profile

4. Freelancer.com

  • Type: Bidding platform

  • Best for: Beginners and intermediate developers

  • Pros: Broad range of projects

  • Cons: Project bidding war; fees on earnings

5. Gun.io

  • Type: Developer-focused freelance site

  • Best for: Backend/frontend/full-stack devs

  • Pros: Pre-vetted clients; higher pay

  • Cons: Vetting process for devs; fewer but better-paying gigs

6. Arc (Formerly CodementorX)

  • Type: Remote developer marketplace

  • Best for: Freelance coders and remote devs

  • Pros: Great matching process; remote-first

  • Cons: Screening needed

Section 4: Hybrid Platforms for All Creatives

Some platforms are perfect for multidisciplinary freelancers—ideal if you wear more than one hat.

1. PeoplePerHour

  • For: Writers, designers, developers

  • How it works: Clients post jobs or browse hourly services

  • Pros: Hybrid gig/job model; global audience

  • Cons: High service fees

2. Freelancer Club

  • For: Creative pros across media

  • Includes: Writing, photography, web design

  • Pros: Community-driven; built for creatives

  • Cons: UK-centric; subscription required for best features

3. Contra

  • For: Independent freelancers

  • Includes: Writing, design, development

  • Pros: Commission-free; sleek UI

  • Cons: Still growing, may lack client volume

4. Workana

  • For: Latin America + global freelancers

  • Includes: All freelance fields

  • Pros: Spanish/Portuguese interface; diverse projects

  • Cons: Lower average rates

Section 5: Tips for Getting Paid Successfully

Just signing up isn’t enough. To succeed and earn consistently, follow these practices:

1. Build a Killer Portfolio

Showcase your best work in a well-organized portfolio. Use platforms like

  • Writers: Clippings.me, Medium

  • Designers: Behance, Dribbble

  • Coders: GitHub, CodePen

2. Start with Lower-Priced Gigs (But Not Free)

While you should never work for free, consider slightly underpricing your services in the beginning to build reputation and reviews. Once you gain traction, raise your rates.

3. Communicate Professionally

Clear, timely communication is one of the top reasons clients keep freelancers. Use tools like

  • Slack or email for clarity

  • Calendly to schedule meetings

  • Notion or Trello to share progress

4. Deliver on Time and Exceed Expectations

Happy clients = repeat work and referrals. Always underpromise and overdeliver.

5. Diversify Your Income

Don't rely on just one platform. Use multiple streams:

  • Write on Medium while freelancing on Upwork

  • Sell design templates on Creative Market

  • Build a SaaS or website and monetize it

Conclusion: Your Skills, Your Future

Whether you're just starting or you're a seasoned creative professional, the online world is full of opportunities. If you can write with impact, design with flair, or code with logic, you don’t need to be tied to a desk job.

With the right platform and a little persistence, you can start earning money online from the comfort of your home—or wherever you choose to work. Your skills are valuable. It's time to put them to work in the global digital marketplace.

Remember: Success in online freelancing isn't just about talent. It's about positioning, persistence, and professionalism. Start small, learn fast, and grow consistently.

Think Rich Grow Rich

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