PeoplePerHour Review: Is It Right for Freelancers?

PeoplePerHour (PPH) is a UK-based freelance platform that connects clients with freelancers for a variety of services, including writing, design, programming, marketing, and more. Known for its flexibility and global reach, it offers a unique approach to hiring through “Hourlies” and custom projects. Here’s a detailed review of the platform, focusing on its features, advantages, and drawbacks.

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Key Features

1. Hourly and Project-Based Work:

• Freelancers can offer pre-defined services called “Hourlies” (fixed-price jobs with clear deliverables).
• Clients can also post custom projects for freelancers to bid on.

1. Category Diversity:

• Covers fields like IT, writing, design, marketing, business support, and more.

1. AI-Powered Matching:

• The platform uses AI to match freelancers with relevant projects, reducing the need for excessive bidding.

1. Global Marketplace:

• Access to clients and freelancers worldwide, though it is particularly popular in Europe.

1. Escrow Payment System:

• Payments are secured through an escrow system, ensuring freelancers are paid once work is completed and approved.

1. Cert Levels:

• Freelancers are ranked based on performance and client reviews, which improves visibility and credibility.

1. Freelancer and Client Reviews:

• Two-way feedback system ensures accountability and builds trust.

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Pros of PeoplePerHour

1. Unique “Hourlies”:

• Freelancers can create and sell pre-packaged services, allowing them to showcase expertise without bidding.

1. Global Reach:

• Opportunities to work with clients from various industries and countries.

1. Secure Payments:

• Funds are held in escrow, ensuring payment security for freelancers.

1. Fair Competition:

• AI-matching reduces reliance on bidding wars, making the platform less competitive than some alternatives.

1. Flexible Work Options:

• Offers a mix of quick “Hourlies” and longer-term custom projects.

1. Reputation System:

• Cert Levels and reviews help skilled freelancers gain better visibility and more opportunities.

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Cons of PeoplePerHour

1. Service Fees:

• The platform charges freelancers a commission based on earnings:
  • 20% for the first £250 billed with a client.
  • 7.5% for £250.01–£5,000.
  • 3.5% for amounts over £5,000.

1. High Competition in Certain Niches:

• Categories like graphic design and writing are saturated, making it challenging for new freelancers to stand out.

1. Limited Free Bids:

• Freelancers are given a limited number of free proposals per month. Additional bids require purchasing credits.

1. Slow Payouts:

• Payments can take several days to clear after approval, especially for new freelancers.

1. Emphasis on UK Market:

• While it’s a global platform, PeoplePerHour is more popular with UK-based clients, which may limit opportunities for freelancers in other regions.

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Who Is PeoplePerHour Best For?

• Freelancers:
• Ideal for skilled professionals in writing, design, programming, and business support.
• Especially suitable for freelancers in the UK or Europe.
• Clients:
• Best for small businesses and startups seeking affordable, high-quality freelance work.

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Pricing

1. Freelancer Fees:

• 20% on the first £250 billed with a client.
• 7.5% for £250.01–£5,000.
• 3.5% for earnings over £5,000.

1. Client Fees:

• Clients are charged a small processing fee in addition to the freelancer’s payment.

1. Proposal Credits:

• Freelancers receive a limited number of free credits to bid on projects. Additional credits can be purchased.

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Tips for Success on PeoplePerHour

1. Optimize Your Profile:

• Include a professional photo, detailed bio, and relevant portfolio items to attract clients.

1. Create Attractive Hourlies:

• Focus on specific, high-demand services and offer competitive pricing for your Hourlies.

1. Respond Quickly:

• High responsiveness increases your chances of winning projects and gaining positive reviews.

1. Leverage Cert Levels:

• Deliver quality work to climb the Cert Level rankings, improving visibility and trust.

1. Target Your Proposals:

• Customize proposals to highlight your experience and understanding of the client’s needs.

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Comparison with Other Platforms

Platform	Strengths	Weaknesses
PeoplePerHour	Hourlies, AI-matching, secure payments	High fees, competition in some categories
Upwork	Long-term projects, global clientele	Bidding wars, strict entry requirements
Fiverr	Gig-based, passive income opportunities	20% fees, high competition in popular gigs
Freelancer	Contests, variety of jobs	Complex UI, high fees, low-budget projects

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Overall Verdict

PeoplePerHour is a strong platform for freelancers offering a mix of creative, technical, and administrative services. Its unique “Hourlies” feature, AI-matching, and secure payment system make it a great option, particularly for UK and European freelancers. However, the service fees and competition in saturated fields may pose challenges for newcomers.

Rating: 4/5

• Best For: Freelancers in writing, design, and tech, especially in the UK or Europe.
• Consider Other Platforms If: You prefer platforms with lower service fees or more opportunities in non-European markets.

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