Intro
For product managers, freelancing can be a daunting and challenging task. The freelancer market is very saturated with too much supply and far less demand and it can be difficult to stand out amongst the competition. There are countless freelancing platforms but almost none of them offer enough opportunities for product managers.
But fear not - we’ve got you covered! We put together a comprehensive list of the most popular product management freelancing platforms that you should check out in 2023. We've done the heavy lifting for you by researching each platform, and comparing their features and benefits so that you can easily decide which one works best for your needs and goals.
So, if you’re looking to jumpstart your freelancing career in product management this year, read on and discover the top freelancing platforms for product managers. Get ready to make 2023 your best year yet!
With these platforms at your disposal, you'll have access to a great selection of projects, competitive rates, and plenty of opportunities to show off your skills. Whether you're just starting out or looking for more demanding roles with higher payouts, there's something for everyone on our list. Let's get started!
Top platforms:
1) Teamway: Teamway brings together the best engineering, product, and design professionals with forward-thinking companies to create products and services that make a difference. They offer freelancers a wide range of projects and flexible working hours, so you can fit freelancing into your lifestyle.
🪬Being in direct contact with the team, I got to experience their company culture first-hand and loved it. They are very kind and accommodating, offering guidance and support for freelancers whenever needed.
2) Braintrust: Braintrust is a freelancer platform that specializes in product management. It connects freelancers with companies who are looking for experienced professionals to build, manage, and launch their products. Braintrust is similar to Teamway in that they are both user-centric communities where you get to keep 100% of your earnings as a freelancer.
🪬 I was very impressed with the amount of PM gigs they have on the platform. They also seem to improve the UI/UX on a biweekly basis. You can see exactly what freelancing gigs are available, the time zone, hourly rate, and contract type without clicking on the job postings.
3) Contra: Contra is a freelancer platform that specializes in product management and software engineering. They offer freelancers access to top-notch projects with competitive rates and flexible working hours. The team at Contra understands the value of freelancers and works hard to match freelancers with businesses that appreciate their skillset.
🪬 It is my absolute favorite all-in-one platform for my independent work with my usual clients. I invite them over to the platform and use it for messaging, managing contracts and payments, and also streamlining the rest of my workflow. Unlike Fiverr and Upwork, Contra is commission-free!
4) Malt: Malt is the most professional and mature of all the five options I listed. They have about 5000 companies that actively look for freelancers. What I like about it is the verification and vetting they do. They also check on your freelancing availability every week to make sure your profile is up to date.
🪬 Malt is easy to use and it definitely has plenty of opportunities for experienced freelancers. BUT, it works similarly to Fiverr in that you do not have visibility on the jobs offered. The clients must find you and invite you to apply. Also, your profile must be a top profile in order for you to get frequent invitations. Otherwise, you will not be seen by many clients. So, you need time and patience before you start getting invited to jobs. It also helps to ask people from your network to add a "recommendation" to your profile. P.S. I can also do that for you (click on the "recommend me" button at the bottom of this page 😉
5) Polywork: Looking for ways to spruce up your resume and expand your professional network? Polywork has got you covered. With opportunities to collaborate on side projects, speak on podcasts, beta test new apps, and more, you'll never be bored again. It is free to join and you can easily connect with freelancers and employers in the product management field. Although it is not solely focused on offering opportunities for product managers, you will be able to network with people who are working on projects in every possible industry and that will lead you to find projects and gigs related to product management.
🪬 I like Polyowrk because it focuses on the idea of finding opportunities through networking. Whether you're looking for a freelancing gig, a full-time job, or just someone to bounce ideas off of, Polywork has got something for everyone. You can find interesting conversations that could lead to great freelancing opportunities and new connections in the product management field.
I still believe that the best way to find product management gigs is through your network and personal connections. With that being said, I highly recommend checking out Polywork!
Conclusion 🚀
Finding freelancing gigs or jobs as a product manager can be a daunting task but with the right freelancing platforms, you can easily find opportunities to grow and improve your skills. In addition to Teamway, Braintrust, Contra and Malt, I recommend Polywork as a platform for product management freelancers. It's not just a good way to network with others in your field and build relationships that could lead to freelancing gigs--it's the best way!
common question: how can I start in these platforms if I do not have any ratings or reviews?
No worries! Many of these platforms give new freelancers a chance to build up their ratings and reviews. For example, Braintrust offers a free trial period where you can work on real projects with experienced mentors and get feedback from them along the way. This way, you can earn your first reviews safely and be well-prepared to take on more challenging projects once you get the hang of it. Malt also offers entry-level opportunities for new freelancers, so you don’t have to worry about not having any ratings or reviews. Additionally, many platforms also offer certifications and other learning resources that will help you build a strong portfolio, which will likely attract more clients in the long run. So don’t be discouraged if you don't have any ratings or reviews yet, there are plenty of opportunities for you to gain experience and build your portfolio! Good luck! 🤞🏼
Now you know what the top freelancing platforms for product management are in 2023. Get ready to make freelancing your career and maximize your potential! With these freelancing platforms, you'll be able to take on sophisticated projects and showcase your skills to the world. So, what are you waiting for? Start freelancing today!