Landing freelance gigs on Upwork requires more than just a stellar profile. While your skills and experience take centre stage, a well-crafted cover letter can be the secret weapon that sets you apart from the competition.&nbsp;

This guide equips you with expert tips and winning templates for cover letters for Upwork to craft proposals that grab clients' attention and secure those dream projects.

Understanding the Importance of a Cover Letter on Upwork

Defining a Cover Letter in the Freelance Landscape

Cover letters on Upwork serve as introductions, expand your profile, and showcase your suitability for the job, much like in the traditional job market. It's your chance to personalise your proposal, demonstrate your understanding of the project, and showcase what makes you the ideal freelancer for the job.

Why Your Upwork Cover Letter Makes a Difference

Crafting a Winning Cover Letter: Essential Tips

Now that you understand the importance of a cover letter let's delve into the key elements that make it effective:

Add Your Personality (While Remaining Professional)

While professionalism is key, there's no need to be boring. Write in a conversational tone that's respectful but engaging. Avoid starting with dull phrases like "My name is Job Applicant Jean" and instead, let your personality shine through with phrases like “Having helped clients achieve [Specific results] in the past, I believe my skills can be a valuable asset to your [Project Name] project.”&nbsp;

Pay attention to the keywords used in the project description. Subtly integrate these keywords throughout your cover letter for Upwork to improve your proposal's searchability within Upwork's search engine.

Example: Look for keywords in the project description (e.g., "social media marketing"). Subtly weave them into your cover letter to improve searchability within Upwork's search engine. Instead of generic statements like "I have experience in marketing,” go for keyword integration: "I noticed you mentioned a focus on social media marketing and audience engagement. In my previous role, I managed social media campaigns that grew follower bases by 30% through targeted content strategies."

Anticipate potential concerns clients might have and address them directly in your cover letter. This demonstrates your attentiveness and ability to think ahead.

For example, instead of leaving clients wondering with generic statements like "I'm a great writer, trust me,” try addressing concerns like"I understand clear communication is crucial. I provide regular progress updates and keep you informed throughout the project. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns."

Instead of a standard sign-off, conclude with a call to action that reinforces your value proposition.

Example: "I'm confident my skills can significantly benefit your project. Let's discuss how I can help you achieve your goals. I'm available for a call at your earliest convenience."

Refine Your Approach: As you gain experience, track what resonates with clients and adapt your cover letters for continued success.

Showcase Your Passion and Understanding of the Client's Industry

Go beyond just listing your skills. Briefly mention what excites you about the client's industry or project type. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart from freelancers focused solely on the job itself.

Example: "I've been following the impressive work your company has done in the sustainability sector, and I'm particularly passionate about [specific aspect of the industry]. My experience in [relevant skill] combined with my enthusiasm for this field allows me to bring a unique perspective to your project."

Highlight Your Skills and Quantify Your Achievements (When Possible)

Don't simply repeat your resume. Briefly showcase your most relevant skills and experiences that directly address the project's requirements. Back up your claims with data. Numbers add credibility and give clients a clearer picture of your impact.

Example: Instead of saying "increased website traffic," quantify it. "I crafted SEO-optimised blog posts that resulted in a 25% increase in organic website traffic for my previous client."

By incorporating these essential tips, you'll craft compelling cover letters that land you the freelance projects you deserve. Remember, a cover letter is an ongoing conversation. Keep personalising and refining your approach to stand out on Upwork!

Sample Cover Letter Templates for Success

These Upwork cover letter samples provide a foundation to build upon, tailored to different freelance specialities.

I am writing to express my interest in your project for [Project Title]. Having reviewed the details, I am confident that my skills and experience in [Your Skills] make me a strong fit for this role.

In my previous work with [Previous Client/Company], | successfully [Describe a Relevant Achievement]. My portfolio showcases a range of projects that demonstrate my ability to [Highlight Relevant Skills]

I am eager to learn more about your vision for this project and discuss how | can contribute to its success. Please find my portfolio attached for your review.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

I came across your project for [Project Title] and was immediately drawn to the opportunity to leverage my expertise in web design. With [Number] years of experience crafting user-friendly and visually appealing websites, I am confident I can deliver exceptional results.

In my previous project for [Previous Client], I designed a website that resulted in a [Quantifiable Achievement] increase in [Metric, e.g., traffic, conversions]. My portfolio showcases my ability to design websites that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also optimised for [Areas of Expertise, e.g. SEO, mobile responsiveness].

I'm eager to discuss your vision for the website and collaborate on a design that exceeds your expectations. Please find my portfolio linked below for your reference: [Portfolio Link]

I came across your project for [Project Title] and was immediately drawn to the opportunity to leverage my content writing skills. With [Number] years of experience crafting engaging and informative content, I am confident I can create pieces that resonate with your target audience and achieve your desired goals.

In my previous role at [Previous Client/Company], I successfully increased website traffic by [Quantifiable Achievement] through the creation of [Type of Content, e.g., blog posts, SEO-optimised articles]. My portfolio showcases my ability to write in various styles and tones, ensuring your content aligns perfectly with your brand voice.

I'm eager to discuss your content strategy and brainstorm ideas that will captivate your audience and drive results. Please find writing samples relevant to your project in my portfolio linked below: [Portfolio Link]

I'm excited to submit my proposal for your [Project Title] project. Having reviewed the details, I am confident my expertise in graphic design can deliver visually stunning and impactful creative assets that align with your vision.

For [Number] years, I've been helping businesses like yours create captivating visuals that elevate their brand identity. In my previous project for [Previous Client], | designed [Type of Design, e.g. logos, social media graphics, website banners] that resulted in a [Quantifiable Achievement] increase in [Metric, e.g. brand awareness, engagement].

My portfolio showcases my design versatility and ability to translate your ideas into effective visuals. I'm particularly skilled in [Areas of Expertise, e.g., brand identity design, illustration, UI/UX design. I'm eager to collaborate with you and bring your design vision to life. Please find a link to my portfolio showcasing relevant design work: [Portfolio Link].

Having reviewed your project for [Project Title], I'm confident my video editing skills and creative vision can transform your raw footage into a compelling and engaging video.

With a passion for storytelling and [Number] years of experience editing videos for [Previous Clients/Companies/Industries], | possess a strong understanding of pacing, transitions, and the power of visuals to capture and hold the audience attention.

In my previous project for [Previous Client], I edited a video that achieved [Quantifiable Achievement] by utilising [Specific Editing Techniques]. My portfolio showcases my ability to edit videos across various styles, from promotional content to explainer videos.

I'm eager to discuss your vision for this project and collaborate on crafting a video that exceeds your expectations. Please find a link to my portfolio showcasing my editing skills: [Portfolio Link].

Note: Adapt the bracketed sections to your specific skill set. Also, while you can use these templates for reference, it's important to make your cover letter very personalised.

By incorporating these tips and templates, you'll be well on your way to crafting compelling cover letters for upwork proposals that land you the freelance projects you deserve. Remember, a cover letter is an ongoing conversation. As you gain experience on Upwork, track what resonates with clients and refine your approach for continued success.

Check out this blog for expert tips and tricks on cover letter templates that will help you craft standout proposals and land freelance gigs on Upwork.

Land Your Dream Freelance Gig: Upwork Cover Letter Guide

Land Your Dream Freelance Gig: Upwork Cover Letter Guide th

Anoosh Kotak

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Indian service sector is booming and how!&nbsp; From getting vegetables delivered to your home within 10 minutes of ordering, to a New York resident getting their query resolved by support agents in India,&nbsp; the service sector has played a key role in taking India where it is today.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A <a href="https://www.goldmansachs.com/index.html">Goldman Sachs report</a> titled ‘India's rise as the emerging services factory of the world’, forecasts that Indian goods and services exports will reach a whopping&nbsp; $1 trillion by the financial year 2030.&nbsp; With a 17% year-on-year growth in digital services export from India in 2023, the <a href="https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/trade_outlook24_e.pdf">Global Trade Outlook and Statistics</a> highlights that India is among the top five 5 leading exporters of digital services.

Key Industries Fueling Service Export from India

As the tertiary sector in a threefold economy, the service sector is gradually becoming more and more important for development. However, some services may be less visible than others. The server at your local restaurant is as much part of the service sector as your neighbour working in the IT sector.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2018, the government of India <a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1522078">introduced 12 champion service sectors</a>, and it doubled down on its intent by <a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1898023#">introducing a plan of action</a> to focus on the growth of these champion industries.

#1: Information Technology &amp; Information Technology enabled Services (IT &amp;ITeS)

Outsourcing IT services to foreign companies has significantly propelled the growth of Indian service exports. These include software development services, web hosting, web designing, cloud services, and sometimes even data recovery. According to the ESC <a href="https://www.escindia.in/publications/#_">yearbook 2023</a>, IT Software/Services exports grew by 8.77% from 2021-22 to 2022-23, while software product development exports grew by 13.33%.

European countries, the USA, and Canada are <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-sell-your-it-export-services-to-the-us?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">major markets</a>, but New Zealand, Australia, and Switzerland have also started outsourcing IT work to India.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Major multinational companies like Microsoft, Infosys, Wipro, CISCO, etc, outsource a lot of their IT requirements to India, creating competition for new ventures. However, strategic partnerships, such as <a href="https://www.wipro.com/engineering-construction-operations/it-outsourcing/">Wipro's collaboration</a> with Engineering and Construction (E&amp;C) companies, can help mitigate these challenges.

As per <a href="https://www.ibef.org/industry/tourism-hospitality-india">IBEF</a> 2023 reports, India saw 9,236,108 foreign tourists, a 321.54% increase from the previous year. The top source markets for these tourists include the USA, UK, Bangladesh, Japan and others, based on the <a href="https://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/2024-02/India%20Tourism%20Statistics%202023-English.pdf">India Tourism Reports 2023</a>. The post-pandemic travelling boom contributed significantly to boosting the tourism industry in the country.&nbsp;

Professionals like <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/chartered-accountants-approve-skydo-for-seamless-gst-refunds?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">Chartered Accountants</a> (CAs), Company Secretaries, etc, can also offer services from the comfort of their homes. These services can range from basic data entry and accounting to complex tax filing, financial analysis, and even management of back-office operations.&nbsp;

Due to benefits like significant cost savings and access to highly skilled professionals, countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia hire CAs and certified public accountants (CPAs) from India.

Another emerging sub-category in the financial services export from India is the fintech industry. Millions of foreign entrepreneurs and even private individuals use such software solutions and get financial advice from consultants based in India. In <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1380483/india-value-of-financial-services-export-by-type/#">2021</a>, the financial service exports market in India amounted to over $5 billion.&nbsp;

India's Path to $1 Trillion in Service Exports

As is evident, the service sector encompasses not only products or goods but also individuals- their expertise and skills. From the person who collects your trash to the person who develops groundbreaking applications from their home, individuals from various industries are contributing to the service sector.&nbsp;

With a few strategic approaches, we can easily forge our way to achieving $1 trillion in service exports from India. Here’s how:&nbsp;

The IT sector is one of the highest contributors to this rapid growth of export services, as it accounted for <a href="https://www.ibef.org/industry/information-technology-india">7.5% of India’s GDP</a> in FY23, and it is expected to contribute 10% to India’s GDP by 2025.&nbsp;However, relying solely on one sector, while others also have growth potential, can make the Indian economy vulnerable. Any unforeseen circumstances, such as technological shifts or policy changes in other countries, can significantly impact the IT sector.

By looking beyond this single sector, the focus can be shifted to creating job opportunities for those with lower skill sets. To reach the $1 trillion mark, there must be balanced growth in all sectors that contribute to export services from India. Thus, focusing on emerging sectors like fintech and tourism can fuel the growth.&nbsp;

The USA has been one of India’s largest export partners, followed by China, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the UK, Germany, and Indonesia. However, expanding markets over time beyond these conventional regions will significantly boost the growth of service exports from India.

According to the <a href="https://gtri.co.in/">Global Trade Research Initiative Report</a>,&nbsp;the Netherlands and Brazil also joined this list between April and November 2022. With new markets come new opportunities. Exploring these markets can reveal new trends and customer needs, leading to improved services. Additionally, having a diverse range of export partners increases the stability of export incomes.

Government policies fostering India’s service exports&nbsp;

In 2022, India exported around <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/indicators/services-exports-set-a-new-record-of-254-4-billion-in-fy22/articleshow/91316648.cms?from=mdr">$254.4 billion</a> worth of services, and this number continues to grow. The government is prioritizing support for service exporters alongside manufacturers and introducing new schemes to promote service exports, aiming for a balanced and resilient economy.

Implemented in 2015, <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/seis-guide">SEIS scheme</a> is one of the key players in encouraging service exports from India. Under this scheme, service exporters of certain eligible service industries get to benefit from transferable Duty Credit Scrips, which can be used for the payment of basic customs duty and other charges.&nbsp;

Simply put, these are vouchers created from the total foreign exchange earned in a financial year. This helps in increasing the profit margin by cutting off some of the overall cost for exporters. Software development, tourism, financial/accounting, etc service exporters are eligible for this scheme.

Software Technology Parks (STP) Scheme&nbsp;

STP is an export-oriented scheme that promotes the development and export of software from India. This also includes the export of professional services. Business units registered under this scheme get access&nbsp; to various benefits such as:

What does India’s rising service export mean for you?

New markets, government support, and the gradual reopening of pandemic-impacted sectors like tourism and hospitality are driving the growth of the export services industry. This includes untapped regions with growing economies or specialized niches within existing markets. Companies with expertise in financial services, engineering, or education can meet these new demands, boosting overall export volume.

The Indian government is also streamlining regulations, providing tax breaks, and investing in infrastructure to facilitate digital service delivery. We can, for instance, expect the government to offer grants to companies developing new software solutions for the export market in the near future.&nbsp;

Furthermore, software solutions like Skydo strengthen this trend by enabling efficient international payment processing. This makes it easier for companies to participate in the global marketplace and capitalize on growth opportunities.

In conclusion, the growth of Indian service exports is a lasting trend, suggesting the realistic possibility of India becoming a trillion-dollar economy by 2030. By focusing on upskilling, exploring new markets, and introducing new tech to simplify business operations, you can easily become a part of this booming industry. 

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Freelancing can be thrilling, allowing you to be your own boss. However, landing that perfect gig and getting paid fairly, can often feel like navigating a maze.

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-spot-scams-on-upwork?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">Upwork</a> is one such platform that offers freelancers a range of opportunities to work and earn.&nbsp; Choose hourly contracts for a steady paycheck, fixed-price projects for total control, or bid per milestone. With Upwork’s bidding system, you place your bid and get started, similar to an auction where the highest bidder wins.

However, many freelancers continue to find this process confusing and challenging. So, let’s explore the ins and outs of Upwork bidding to improve your next bid.&nbsp;

Things to consider before making a bid on Upwork

Upwork bidding is a step-by-step process that involves many things. Therefore, let’s start with the fundamentals.

Your profile is essentially your first impression. It’s like a digital storefront to showcase your skills, experience, and professionalism in one place. A <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/how-to-build-a-professional-portfolio-as-a-freelancer?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">robust profile attracts clients</a>, increases your visibility in search results, and increases your likelihood of receiving job invitations.&nbsp;

Here are 3 simple things you can do to make your profile stand out.&nbsp;

1. Enhance Your Profile Headline and Overview

Instead of being generic in your profile heading, use keywords that are more specific and relevant to your skills (e.g., B2B SaaS Copywriting) and phrase them to address client needs directly.&nbsp;&nbsp;

2. Display Your Portfolio and Expertise

Having a portfolio on Upwork can increase your chance of getting hired by <a href="https://www.upwork.com/resources/career-portfolio-basics#:~:text=Did%20you%20know%20that%20on,winning%20more%20jobs%2C%20more%20often">9 times</a>. Make sure to attach relevant work samples and a detailed description of how you completed the work.

3. Establish Trust with Client Testimonials and Ratings

Client testimonials and ratings build trust and show dependability and proficiency. So make sure to add them to your profile to boost credibility.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Finding the right client and job matching your expertise and requirements is the first and foremost step. But how to find the one? First off, research your potential client and their recent history.&nbsp;

Look at factors such as their hire rate, number of jobs posted or in progress, completed jobs, and total spend, and then make a bid. Before starting the project, discuss the project scope, payment details, deadlines, and expectations with the client to ensure they align with your goals

Make sure you’ve got enough connections

Connects is a virtual currency on Upwork that freelancers use to submit proposals for jobs. You'll use Connects to show clients that you're interested in their project. Every job posting on Upwork costs around 4-8 Connects per project. As soon as you create your Upwork profile, you’ll receive a free batch of 50 initial Connects within 48 hours.

Having said that, when you’re invited to a job by a client, you don’t require any Connects at all. But, don’t stress over that. Upwork offers a freelancer basic plan where you can buy Connects in the multiple of 10 at $0.15.

Here’s a step-by-step process on how to bid on Upwork.

Firstly, if you come across a job that catches your interest, simply click on the "Apply Now" button located on the right side.&nbsp;

Right below it, you'll find the precise number of Connects required for the application and the number of Connects you currently have.

Out of the two options, select by project to start placing bids.

Estimate and mention how long the project will take from the drop-down in case the client hasn’t mentioned that.

Craft a <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/upwork-cover-letter-guide?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">genuine cover letter</a> tailored to the job requirements and mention why you’re a perfect fit for the job. Make sure to proofread it before submitting to avoid any grammatical errors or typos.&nbsp;

Now, upload your updated portfolio in the portfolio section. Include details about your previous jobs to add credibility.

Highlight your profile for the project bid by adding a relevant portfolio or specific certificates that showcase your capabilities.

Voila! You’re one step away from submitting your bid. Review everything one last time and hit the send button.

Upwork stats help you to analyze your performance based on several metrics like profile views and engagement to strengthen your profile and portfolio.

For instance, if you’ve gotten more interviews and fewer conversions, it may mean that you need to brush up on your communication skills.

Do use advanced search to get better jobs

Upwork's enhanced search feature helps you narrow down your job search so you can create targeted bidding strategies and boost your chances of landing projects.

The older the better may apply for wine or cheese, but definitely not for job posting. Before bidding, check how new or old the job posting. If the posting is several weeks or months old, it's best to move on.&nbsp;

If your potential client doesn't find relevance in the first 40 words of your proposal, you may miss out on a great opportunity. So make sure to tailor your proposal to the job and jump straight to the point from the get go.&nbsp;

You may think that underpricing your service on Upwork can make your offering more competitive, but it can lead to your prospective clients doubting the quality of your work.&nbsp;

Don’t submit your proposal without proofreading

You have less than 5 seconds to make your proposal count. Your proposals must be error-free and neat to ensure potential clients don’t move on.

Don’t submit a bid with an incomplete profile

Having an unfinished profile on Upwork can be frustrating for potential clients and turn them away. So make sure your profile is up to date before submitting your bid.&nbsp;

Some Upwork bid proposals to take inspiration from

Check out these Upwork bidding samples to guide you in creating your winning bid proposal:

A client on Reddit posted a surprising anecdote about how long an effective proposal should be.

Upwork bidding isn't just about spending Connects. It involves showcasing a relevant portfolio, the right skills, experience, and competitive pricing.

The good news is, none of this is controlled by an algorithm. However, beginners may find it challenging due to heavy competition.

Expect a few rejections at first, but with persistence, you'll master Upwork bidding. Once you do, make the most of your earnings with Skydo. Enjoy zero forex markup, no hidden fees, and seamless, superfast transfers for all your international payments. Switch to Skydo and experience the difference.

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Back in 2008, Micha Kaufman and his friend Shai Wininger conceived a brilliant idea: What if people could hire freelancers in the same way they buy goods from Amazon? And voila, two years later, Fiverr was born! Since its inception, Fiverr has become one of the most coveted platforms for freelancers and businesses, facilitating over <a href="https://www.fiverr.com/news/fiverrs-founders-are-creating-an-online-marketplace">4 million</a> jobs worldwide, ranging from small $5 tasks to more substantial projects worth up to $8000.&nbsp;

However, despite being one of the most sought after freelance marketplaces , certain challenges such as high commission rates and intense competition on the platform have prompted freelancers to seek for Fiverr alternatives.

In this article, we delve into some of the lesser-known <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/fiverr-vs-upwork-which-to-choose?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">Fiverr</a> alternatives, examining user reviews sourced from G2 and Product Hunt to uncover their unique strengths and weaknesses. So, without further delay, let's dive in

Top Fiverr Alternatives for Freelancers to Explore

<a href="https://contra.com/">Contra</a> is a game-changing freelance platform that has truly transformed how creators connect. You can find a variety of freelancing roles on Contra, including frontend development, brand design, graphic design, and product design. What sets this Fiverr alternative apart from the rest of the marketplaces and networking sites is its ability to build a strong community and empower individuals to monetize their content directly.

In addition to finding freelance opportunities, you can use Contra to create a portfolio or website, sign contracts, manage portfolios, and <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/create-professional-freelance-invoices-for-free-using-skydo?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">send invoices</a>.&nbsp;

Trusted by more than 800k freelancers around the world, Contra is one of the most used marketplaces for freelancers to build and grow their freelancing careers from scratch. 

<a href="https://arc.dev/">ARC</a> serves as a vibrant marketplace connecting freelancers and businesses across the world. Whether it's graphic design, software development, or marketing, ARC ensures freelancers access a diverse range of remote work options, while businesses secure top talent for their projects.

The platform boasts an intuitive user interface, streamlining the onboarding process for freelancers. This translates to effortless project acquisition for you – land gigs up to <a href="https://arc.dev/">75%</a> faster compared to other freelance platforms.

Read more: <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/5-major-cross-border-payment-challenges-and-ways-to-solve-them?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">5 Major Cross Border Payment Challenges and Ways to Solve Them</a>

The platform is completely free to use for freelancers and doesn’t charge anything when you land a job through it.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.toptal.com/">Toptal</a> prides itself on bringing together the most skilled professionals in software, design, and finance, tailored to serve premium companies globally. This Fiverr alternative stands out from other platforms due to its rigorous vetting process, which ensures that companies are paired with the most talented professionals, and freelancers have the opportunity to work with top-tier clients from across 140 countries.

For freelancers, Toptal doesn’t take a cut from your earnings. Starting with a downpayment of $500, Toptal welcomes clients who are seeking top-tiered freelancers. This deposit comes with a refund guarantee within a span of 2 weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://contently.com/">Contently</a> is an innovative freelance platform that brings a curated network of talented writers, editors, and other creative professionals to make content creation chaos-free. With an emphasis on quality and expertise, Contently ensures that every piece of content meets the highest standards.

Moreover, it offers countless benefits to freelancers by allowing them to organise their work and share their portfolios with potential clients, among others, all through one link.

Contently offers custom pricing as per your subscription needs. Thus, to know more about the commission, request the sales team to discuss the prices.

Developed by the team behind Electroneum, a leading crypto project, <a href="https://anytask.com/">Anytask</a> allows freelancers to provide their services in a wide variety of categories such as graphic design, writing and programming without any transaction fee.

Anytask utilises blockchain technology that allows freelancers to get paid in ETN (Eelctroneum’s Ltd Cryptocurrency) into their unique ETN wallet connected to your Anytask platform. The best part, you don’t need a bank account for that, just a smartphone and you’re good to go.&nbsp;

Anytask doesn’t include any seller fee allowing freelancers to keep all of their money without any cuts.&nbsp;

The scope of networking and finding freelance clients is not limited to only certain platforms. Here's a list of 6 online communities dedicated to supporting freelancers across various industries.&nbsp;

What’s more, you can join them for free!&nbsp;

The growth of freelance platforms with unique offerings is a reflection of the rise of the <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/top-3-freelancing-trends-in-the-gig-economy?utm_source=blogs&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=post_link">gig economy</a>. And what we are also witnessing is the coming together of an entire ecosystem to support this evolving gig economy.

For instance, take <a href="https://www.skydo.com/">Skydo</a>—a fintech platform designed to help freelancers and small businesses receive international payments quickly, affordably, and in compliance with regulations. At Skydo, our mission is to simplify compliance and payment processes so that freelancers can focus on doing what they do the best!

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Karbon Business (formerly Karbon Card) hit the market in 2019, aiming to simplify B2B payments for Indian businesses and freelancers. They’ve since expanded into international payments too. But what exactly does Karbon bring to the table? In this blog, we’ll break down their features, pricing, and how they stack up against alternatives. Let’s dive in!

What does Karbon Business (Formerly Karbon Card) do?

Karbon Business initially started as a corporate card platform, hence the name Karbon Cards. However, since then they have expanded into other b2b offerings including facilitating international business payments for companies and freelancers. It offers both inward and outward remittance services. Let's take a quick look at Karbon Card’s offerings, compliance and pricing:&nbsp;

Karbon Business lets freelancers and businesses receive international payments directly into their Indian bank accounts within 24-48 hours. They’ve partnered with big names like IDFC Bank, Visa, and JP Morgan Chase to streamline cross-border transactions.

But here’s the catch—Karbon business <a href="https://www.karboncard.com/accept-international-payments-india">only supports payments in USD</a>. If you work with clients outside the US, this could be a deal-breaker. While they plan to add 12 more currencies soon, it’s still a limitation for many global businesses today.&nbsp;

With Karbon,&nbsp; businesses make international payments in over 30 currencies. Whether it’s paying employees, contractors, or vendors abroad, Karbon promises a competitive and compliant way to make cross-border payments.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Karbon Business provides corporate cards and payout services tailored for businesses. With Karbon Card, you get up to ₹15 Cr in free credit and unlimited employee cards. Their Karbon Payouts feature enables vendor payments on credit, 24/7 payouts, and more, offering flexibility for business transactions.

Karbon Business is a reliable option for receiving international payments in India. It is backed by partnerships with trusted global institutions and adheres to strict safety and privacy protocols to protect your funds.

Coming to compliance, Karbon Business also offers&nbsp; <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-firc-a-complete-guide">FIRA for each transaction</a>.

What is Karbon Business (Formerly known as Karbon Cards) Fees?

Karbon Business offers live forex rates with a <a href="https://www.karboncard.com/accept-international-payments-india">flat 1% fee</a> for receiving international payments. While the pricing sounds competitive, the costs can stack up quickly for larger transactions. For example, receiving $10,000 would cost you ₹8,449 in fees—a steep price for high-value payments.

For outward remittance too, Karbon business charges a <a href="https://www.karboncard.com/outward-remittance-india">fee of upto 1%</a>.&nbsp;

Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons of Karbon Business as a means to facilitate international transactions:&nbsp;

Karbon Business Alternatives for Receiving International Payments&nbsp;

Now that we’ve explored Karbon Business, its fees, and features, let’s dive into some alternatives to see if there’s a better option for receiving international payments.

Founded in 2005, <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/payoneer-payment-gateway-features-fees">Payoneer</a> is a leading payment solution for businesses and freelancers worldwide. It facilitates international transfers by providing users with virtual bank accounts in multiple currencies and integrating with leading marketplaces like&nbsp; Amazon and Walmart&nbsp;

In terms of fees, Payoneer offers free account setup, but transaction fees apply: Payoneer-to-Payoneer payments are free, <a href="https://www.payoneer.com/en-in/about/pricing/">credit card payments</a> incur a 3.2% + $0.49 fee, ACH Bank Debits (US) cost 1%, and virtual account payments are free for EUR/GBP but up to 1% for USD.&nbsp; Withdrawals to local bank accounts attract up to a<a href="https://www.payoneer.com/en-in/about/pricing/"> 3% fee for different currencies.</a> Extra charges like bank or intermediary fees may apply. An annual fee of $29.95 is charged if total payments received are below $2,000 in a year.

To simplify compliance, Payoneer offers free digital FIRAs to Indian businesses and freelancers. However, users have expressed dissatisfaction with <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/payoneer/reviews/payoneer-review-5364712">Payoneer's customer support</a> which some have found to be virtually non-existent.&nbsp;

Skydo is a global payment solution designed to simplify cross-border payments for freelancers and businesses in India. It offers virtual international bank accounts in under 5 minutes and provides a comprehensive payments ecosystem, including payment tracking, invoice generation, and more.

Skydo stands out with live Forex rates and zero currency conversion fees or hidden charges, offering a transparent fee structure that makes it a strong Karbon business alternative in India.

To ensure compliance with RBI and government regulations, Skydo provides free, instant FIRAs available for download after every transaction. Each user is also assigned a dedicated representative to assist with onboarding and address any queries promptly.

However, Skydo currently supports only inward remittances to India, meaning Indian businesses cannot use it for outward payments.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/transferwise-india-features-benefits-pros-cons">Wise (formerly TransferWise) </a>operates in over 80 countries, offering multi-currency accounts for individuals and businesses. Originally a peer-to-peer remittance platform, it has evolved into a global money transfer solution.&nbsp;

Wise stands out for using mid-market exchange rates without markups, charging a conversion fee averaging around 1-2% of the transfer value. It also provides <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-firc-a-complete-guide">digital FIRAs </a>for compliance (e.g., $2.50 for USD transfers), making it a strong alternative to Karbon Business.

While <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/top_5_wise_alternatives_for_international_payment">Wise</a> boasts a<a href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/in/banking/wise-review/"> user-friendly interface </a>and efficient transfers, some users have reported <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/transferwise/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;filters%5Bnps_score%5D=1#survey-response-9454134?no_follow=true">occasional challenges with customer support</a> responsiveness. Here’s a quick rundown of Wise’s pros and cons:

In today’s world, where domestic payments are as easy as a quick scan, international transactions should be just as effortless. At Skydo, we’re not just offering a payment platform—we’re building an ecosystem designed to simplify every step of the process. Let us take care of the payment logistics so you can focus on scaling your business globally.

Before choosing an international payment provider, always compare fees, exchange rate markups, features, and reliability. Your business deserves nothing but the best!

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Karbon Business : Review

As a freelancer or an exporter, getting paid on time is the most crucial aspect of your business. Wise (earlier known as TransferWise) is one of the most reliable and popular platforms for receiving international transfers from cross-border clients. But what about affordability? Are Wise transfer charges affordable for your business?

In this blog post, we have broken down the Wise transfer charges using different examples. We have also highlighted the good and not-so-good side of Wise based on real-life reviews so that you can make the right choice for receiving international money transfers. 

Wise Transfer Charges: What do you need to know about them?

Wise takes pride in its transparency, ensuring no hidden fees are included in its pricing. But what are the different components of its transparent fees? Let's find out:&nbsp;&nbsp;