8 Platforms You Can Sell Your Services Online and Skyrocket Your Startup Growth

When you start a business, the most challenging part of doing so is trying to find where you can sell your services. The good news is that technology has evolved so much that you now have many choices like never before. 

Regardless of what industry you’re in, the online world is providing you with endless opportunities to connect with your clients and customers globally. 

In this article, we’ll dive deeper into learning more about where you can sell your services online, increase your business presence, and accelerate your growth. 

1. Upwork

Upwork is undoubtedly one of the most popular platforms that all business owners and freelancers use, where you can offer many services such as writing, programming, marketing, and more. 

It connects clients with professionals all over the world, making it an ideal place for startups to start marketing their services. Upwork is a great choice for the following reasons: 

1. Offers flexibility: You can bid on fixed-price or hourly projects so you get to choose. 
2. Vast client base: Upwork has millions of clients posting their jobs each day, making sure that it maintains a steady stream of potential leads.
3. Payment protection: Upwork offers payment protection to freelancers, making sure they get paid for the work they complete. 

It’s important to focus on building a strong profile with detailed descriptions of your services and what you managed to achieve in the past. Also, regularly seek to apply for freelance jobs with clients and expand your clientele base. Upwork has a messaging system that you can use, so your expertise and everything else can be addressed there. 

2. Fiverr

Fiverr is a well-known platform where startups can offer services at different price points, starting at only $5. It’s a great place for everyone looking to sell their services. We recommend Fiverr since it’s: 

1. Affordable: Ideal for both buyers and sellers that are on a tight budget. Many clients use Fiverr to find quality and affordable services. 
2. Clear service packages: Fiverr allows you to create defined packages for your services, making it much easier for your clients to understand what they are getting for the money they paid for. 
3. A diverse range of services: You can offer a wide range of services that you’re skilled in, which includes creative work, tech consulting, and more. 

Moreover, you get to create service packages with clear deliverables and help clients understand your offering's value. You can use the “pro” option to showcase higher-end and premium services for building a professional reputation. Leverage customer reviews and ratings to build trust and encourage repeat business. 

3. LinkedIn 

LinkedIn is a business-oriented social media platform that focuses on connecting professionals. It’s a great place to create a profile and start selling your services to entrepreneurs, and professionals. 

It’s the best choice when it comes to effectively incorporating B2B services like coaching, consulting, and marketing services. We recommend you use LinkedIn if you fall under these categories: 

1. Personal branding: You can establish your expertise through posts and recommendations. Similar to other social platforms, you can also build up your connection list. 
2. Networking opportunities: You can connect with other professionals in your industry and evolve your network. 
3. Business-focused: The platform connects professionals and businesses, making it a perfect place for showcasing your B2B services. 

You can leverage LinkedIn to sell your services by regularly posting content about your services. This can include success stories, case studies, or even articles. An alternative method is to join LinkedIn groups that are related to your industry where you can engage with other people. 

4. Toptal

If you’ve never heard of Toptal, one thing you should know is that it’s an elite platform that connects the best business owners and clients together. This platform only accepts the top 3% in the world, primarily in industries like software development, finance, and design. 

Toptal is a good choice to go with only because it has high-quality clients and allows you to sell your services to prestigious people. Let’s not forget to mention that Toptal has a screening process before accepting anyone, so if you are on there, this means that you are in the top 3% worldwide! 

If you get accepted on Toptal, what you can do is focus on showcasing your expertise in your niche. The biggest challege is to get accepted first, and after that happens, you can easily start to focus on building relationships with clients and long-term partners. Make your profile look attractive so you can attract high-paying clients. 

5. Shopify 

If you are running an e-commerce business, Shopify might be your next ticket to effectively promoting and selling your services. Shopify allows you to create your e-commerce platform and market your offerings. It’s a good choice to go with due to the following reasons: 

1. Customization options: Allows you to create a professional website for your services. 
2. Multiple payment options: Simplifies your payment collection method. 
3. Scalable platform: Shopify is a suitable option for startups, regardless of their size. 

It’s important that if you choose to use Shopify, you use themes and apps to create a user-friendly storefront. Don’t forget to include client testimonials and portfolio samples and offer subscription plans or service bundles for recurring incomes. 

6. Houzz 

You may or may not have ever heard of this platform. Well, Houzz is a niche platform that is used for professionals in home improvement, interior design, and other services related to this niche. 

Houzz is a great option if you are focused on the following: 

1. Targeted niche: Ideal choice for startups that specialize in home services. 
2. Portfolio display: Showcasing past projects to attract new clients and establish long-term relationships. 
3. Direct leads: You are someone who is looking to connect with homeowners or vice-versa, you find those who are looking for home professionals like you. 

Suppose you choose this platform and are part of this industry. In that case, you should focus on investing in professional photography, using Houzz’s advertising options to increase your portfolio visibility, and ensuring you always engage with your community on the platform. 

Remember, asking and answering questions is an important part of a successful interaction with your audience. 

7. Behance 

Behance is a platform for creative professionals to showcase their portfolios and connect with clients looking for photography, design, or multimedia services. Behance is a good choice to go with if you are under the following: 

1. Showcase talent: Ideal for visual portfolios
2. Networking: Connecting with potential clients and other creatives. 
3. Direct leads: Clients can contact you through your portfolio. 

You can regularly update your portfolio with new projects, focus on quality over quantity when showcasing your work and even participate in Behance challenges to gain visibility. 

8. Using your website 

Third-party platforms are excellent for visibility, and nothing beats the long-term value of having your own website to sell your services. Nowadays, technology has evolved so much to the point where you can create your website by using AI tools. Instead of waiting for months and paying thousands of dollars to create your website, you can do so in only a couple of minutes or hours. 

Having your own website gives you full control, allowing you to customize every aspect of your user experience and brand, building trust without platform intermediaries, and expanding your offerings without restrictions. 

Selling your services online offers endless opportunities 

Now that you have a list of places where you can sell your online services, it’s time to take the necessary actions to make this possible. By strategically leveraging these platforms, you can reach a wider audience, build credibility, and scale your business much faster than ever. 

You aren’t limited to only using one platform, so you can freely choose which ones you think are the right fit for you and start using them. Of course, it’s always best to also use your own website and it is the backbone of your business and allows customers to learn more about you and your business.