Freelance Marketplaces and Expert Networks: Hiring Employees Overseas

Introduction

For many companies, hiring the first employees abroad is initially challenging when entering a new market. Online platforms connecting businesses with skilled freelancers and experts worldwide can help overcome these hurdles.

Even without a local HR department, these platforms can help quickly find local workforce to get business operations started. This article introduces some of the worldwide most popular platforms.

Upwork

Website: Upwork

Features Upwork is a platform with a wide range of freelancers from around the world, offering diverse skills across numerous disciplines. It provides tools for project management, time tracking, and communication to facilitate smooth collaboration between clients and freelancers.

Use Case Businesses can use Upwork to hire freelancers with local market expertise for specific regional market research and cultural insights. It’s also commonly used for a variety of tasks requiring specialists including software development, writing, graphic design, and virtual assistance.

Customers The platform has 827,000 active clients. Upwork serves a diverse range of companies, including 30% of Fortune 100 companies, with the majority of clients based in the United States, accounting for 66% of its gross services volume.

Pricing Pricing varies by project and expert. Some services may include fees based on the complexity and duration of the project. Additionally, Upwork charges a service fee based on a sliding scale, depending on the freelancer’s lifetime billings with a client.

Fiverr

Website: Fiverr

Features Fiverr is a marketplace offering a wide range of professional services, known for its low-cost, high-quality offerings. Services span over 550 categories, including graphic design, digital marketing, writing, programming, and more. The platform also provides tools for project management and communication between clients and freelancers.

Use Case Similar to Upwork, businesses use Fiverr for specialized content creation and localization services focused on specific languages or regions. It is also popular for tasks like website design, social media management, video editing, and business consulting.

When comparing Upwork and Fiverr, upwork is usually preferred for larger projects with long-term relationships, while Fiverr is great for smaller one-off tasks that don’t require a lot of discussion.

Customers Fiverr has over 4 million active buyers from more than 160 countries, reflecting its extensive global reach and diverse user base​.

Pricing Pricing varies by service, with some fixed-price offerings. The platform charges a service fee on each transaction, typically 20% of the total cost.

Clutch

Website: Clutch

Features Clutch connects businesses with service providers worldwide, by providing client reviews and ratings. The platform covers a wide range of services including customer service outsourcing, software development, and mobile app development.

Use Case Businesses use Clutch to find service providers with specific industry or technical knowledge for particular project challenges. It is especially useful for sourcing companies and experts in niche areas or for complex, multi-faceted projects that require specialized skills.

Customers Clutch serves over 60,000 companies across more than 100 countries. These clients include a mix of small businesses, mid-market firms, and large enterprises, demonstrating the platform's extensive reach and versatility in addressing various business needs​.

Pricing Pricing varies per project. It is free to search for service providers on the platform.

Maven

Website: Maven

Features A global network providing direct access to industry experts and consultants. Instant access to specialized expertise.

Use Case Utilization of immediate expert knowledge for specific technical advice or support on market assessment.

Users 7,000 enterprises (The United States 36.45%, The United Kingdom 5.62%, and India 6.61% Others 51,32%).

Pricing Varies based on service and expert.

Guidepoint

Website: Guidepoint

Features A platform connecting businesses with experts worldwide, offering deep industry and market knowledge.

Use Case Direct advice from suitable experts for complex industry trends and in-depth market understanding.

Users 1,625,000 experts, 4,500 client organizations (US and Canada - 50%, Europe - 25%, Asia - 15%, South America - 5%, Others - 5%).

Pricing Varies based on service.

Expert360

Website: Expert360

Features Expert360 is a platform designed to connect businesses with top business consultants and industry experts for short-term projects. It offers a streamlined process for finding and engaging the right talent for specific business needs.

Use Case The platform is ideal for businesses seeking advice from consultants with deep expertise in specific markets or technical fields. It caters to those needing specialized knowledge and skills for short-term engagements.

Customers Expert360 serves over 3,500 clients, with the majority based in Australia and New Zealand. These clients range from small businesses to large enterprises seeking expert advice and consulting services.

Pricing Pricing varies based on the nature of the request. Some services have fixed prices, while others are customized according to the project's specific requirements.

Toptal

Website: Toptal

Features Toptal positions itself as an exclusive platform, offering access to top-tier freelance experts in business, design, and technology. The platform rigorously vets freelancers to ensure they are among the top 3% in their fields.

Use Case Ideal for employing highly skilled professionals for projects that require advanced analytical skills or specific industry knowledge. It suits businesses looking for top talent in specialized areas.

Customers Toptal serves over 23,000 clients across 140+ countries, demonstrating its global reach and capability to support diverse business needs.

Pricing Pricing varies based on the project and the expertise level of the professional. Each project is uniquely priced according to specific needs and requirements.

Catalant

Website: Catalant

Features Catalant connects businesses with top-tier, vetted consultants and experts, providing valuable insights into specific markets and industries. The platform offers a range of services that cater to strategic business needs.

Use Case Businesses utilize Catalant to leverage industry and market experts' knowledge for strategic decision-making and market analysis. This helps companies make informed decisions and optimize their market strategies.

Customers Catalant has over 100,000 consultants and serves more than 700 businesses across 20 countries, showcasing its extensive network and global reach.

Pricing Pricing varies based on the project and expert. Each engagement is uniquely priced to match the specific requirements and expertise needed for the project.

Growth Mentor

Website: Growth Mentor

Features Provides mentors specialized in business growth, suitable for startups and SMEs.

Use Case Startups and growing businesses seeking mentorship in market expansion and product development.

Users 700 mentors, 5-10 clients per mentor (US and Canada - 40%, Europe - 30%, Asia - 15%, Others - 15%).

Pricing Varies by membership, with free options available.

Summary

This article highlighted popular platforms that can help with your business expansion by providing direct access to experts in specific locations and fields of expertise. The immediate access to expert knowledge as well as workforce through these platforms can be valuable for business decision-making and facilitating your global expansion efforts.

It is important to note that the usage of different services can greatly vary across industries as well as countries. For example, while the freelancing platform Upwork is popular in the US, Japanese prefer local equivalents such as Crowdworks and Lancers. When trying to reach foreign markets, it is crucial to partner with local experts, who can advise on country specific circumstances like this.

The global hiring platforms discussed in this article are great solutions if you have a specific issue you need help with. But if you are not sure how to address your business expansion strategy, or need support with its execution, GlobalDeal might be the ideal partner for you.

We are a one-stop shop for global expansion, providing a diverse range of services including support with market research and strategic planning, as well as marketing and the development of digital products (such as applications and websites). Reach out to us for a free consultation, and let’s see from there how we can help with your business expansion!