FreeUp is a freelance marketplace based in St. Petersburg, Florida, known for pre-vetting freelancers in ecommerce, marketing, virtual assistance, design and development. Founded by Nathan Hirsch and acquired by SEO agency The HOTH in 2019, it says it accepts only about the top 1% of applicants after an application, assessment and interviews. Freelancers set their own rates, which FreeUp says generally range from $5 to $75 an hour, and clients pay a fee on top. Instead of bidding on jobs, freelancers are matched to client requests.
At a glance
| What it is | A vetted freelance marketplace |
| Based in | St. Petersburg, Florida |
| Focus | Ecommerce, marketing, VAs, design, development |
| Acceptance | About the top 1%, per FreeUp |
| Freelancer rates | Set by freelancers, about $5 to $75+ an hour |
| Client fee | Added on top of freelancer rates |
| Work model | Matched requests, not bidding |
How it works
You apply as a freelancer or agency with your skills, experience, portfolio and rate. FreeUp reviews applications, then sends qualified applicants an assessment or interview invitation, which may be scheduled weeks out. Once accepted, you receive client requests that match your skills. When a client hires you, you work directly with them through FreeUp, logging hours or completing fixed-price projects, and FreeUp handles billing.
Rates and fees
Freelancers set their own hourly or fixed rates. FreeUp’s own pages describe typical rates from about $5 to $75 an hour, with some consultants charging over $100, and say it tends to reject freelancers charging $1 to $4 an hour. Third-party reviews report that FreeUp adds a fee on top of freelancer rates, paid by the client, so your listed rate is what you earn.
Getting through vetting
Show real results in your field, especially in ecommerce operations, Amazon or Shopify work, ads, SEO, design or customer support. Communicate clearly and professionally in interviews, since FreeUp looks at attitude and communication as well as skill. Be ready to take a test for your skill area.
Getting work once accepted
Respond quickly to requests and be honest about your availability. Because projects move fast, freelancers who reply first and clearly often win the work. Strong reviews from early clients lead to repeat work and referrals inside the platform.
Is it worth it?
For freelancers with ecommerce and marketing skills, FreeUp can bring steady clients without bidding wars. Some reviewers have questioned whether the platform operates exactly as it used to after its acquisition, so check activity levels after joining.
Common mistakes
Some freelancers underprice to win early work, then struggle to raise rates. Others accept more clients than they can handle. Price fairly and protect your schedule.
Getting started
Apply on FreeUp’s freelancer page with a clear summary of your skills, the platforms and tools you know, your rate and your weekly availability. Add work samples or results, such as stores you’ve managed, campaigns you’ve run or designs you’ve created. If you’re invited to a test or interview, prepare as you would for a client meeting.
Working with clients
Once hired, agree on hours, communication channels and deliverables early. Many FreeUp clients are ecommerce sellers who need ongoing help, so reliability matters more than speed alone. Report progress regularly and flag problems early.
Keeping track
Log hours, projects and client feedback. It helps with invoicing and shows which kinds of work earn you the best rates.
Who FreeUp’s clients are
Many clients are ecommerce sellers on Amazon, Shopify and similar platforms, plus marketing agencies and small businesses that need ongoing support.
Final tip
Keep your FreeUp profile and availability current, so you’re matched to requests that fit your schedule.
Owen’s take
FreeUp is a good option for skilled ecommerce and marketing freelancers who want vetted clients and no bidding. Get through vetting, respond fast and treat early clients as long-term relationships.
Who it suits
It suits experienced VAs, ecommerce specialists, marketers, designers and developers. It suits less well beginners without a track record.
Similar options
- Upwork is the largest general marketplace.
- OnlineJobs.ph connects Filipino workers with employers.
- Legiit sells SEO and marketing services.
- MarketerHire matches marketers with companies.
More options are in Freelancing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No bidding for work
- Set your own rates
- Ecommerce-focused clients
Cons
- Demanding vetting
- Interviews can take weeks to schedule
- Client fee raises total cost for clients
FAQ
How does FreeUp vet freelancers?
Through an application, assessment and interviews.
What do FreeUp freelancers charge?
They set their own rates, typically about $5 to $75 an hour.
Who owns FreeUp?
SEO agency The HOTH acquired it in 2019.
Do I bid for jobs on FreeUp?
No, you’re matched to client requests.
What skills are in demand on FreeUp?
Ecommerce, marketing, VA work, design and development.
