Where Remote Agencies Are Actually Finding Their Best Clients: 10 Marketplaces Worth Your Time

Running a remote agency means constantly looking for quality clients who value your work and pay on time. The traditional cold outreach grind gets exhausting, and referrals only take you so far. That’s where specialized marketplaces come in. These platforms connect agencies with businesses actively looking for help, handling much of the vetting and payment logistics. Whether you’re a design shop, a development team, or a full-service marketing agency, the right marketplace can become a reliable source of projects. This list covers ten platforms where remote agencies are building real partnerships, not just landing one-off gigs.

1. Legiit

   Legiit has built a reputation as the go-to marketplace for digital marketing and SEO services, making it particularly valuable for agencies in those spaces. The platform lets you create detailed service listings with clear pricing, which means clients know exactly what they’re getting before they reach out. This transparency reduces back-and-forth negotiations and attracts buyers who are ready to move forward.

   What sets Legiit apart for agencies is the ability to build a storefront that showcases your full range of services, from link building and content creation to social media management and web design. The platform handles payments and provides seller protection, so you can focus on delivering quality work rather than chasing invoices. Many agencies use Legiit to fill gaps in their project pipeline or test new service offerings before rolling them out to their main client base.

2. GoodFirms

   GoodFirms operates as a research and review platform where businesses search for agencies based on specific criteria like industry experience, technical skills, and past client feedback. Your agency gets a detailed profile page that includes portfolio samples, client reviews, and service descriptions. The platform uses a ranking system based on verified reviews and completed projects, which means newer agencies need to put in some effort to climb the rankings.

   The leads that come through GoodFirms tend to be more substantial than quick freelance gigs. Businesses using this platform are typically looking for ongoing partnerships rather than one-time projects. The verification process for reviews adds credibility to your profile, making it easier to win over skeptical prospects who want proof of your capabilities before signing a contract.

3. Sortlist

   Sortlist takes a matchmaking approach to connecting agencies with clients. Businesses post their project requirements, and the platform’s algorithm suggests agencies that fit the criteria. You don’t have to bid on every project or compete in a race to the bottom on pricing. Instead, Sortlist focuses on finding the right fit based on expertise, budget range, and project scope.

   The platform is particularly strong in Europe but has been expanding globally. Agencies appreciate that Sortlist pre-qualifies leads to some degree, filtering out tire-kickers and unrealistic requests. You’ll need to keep your profile updated with recent work and case studies to improve your match rate. The platform charges agencies a subscription fee rather than taking a percentage of each project, which can be more cost-effective if you land several clients through the service.

4. DesignRush

   DesignRush started as a directory for design and development agencies but has grown into a full marketplace covering marketing, advertising, and digital services. The platform publishes rankings and lists based on different categories, which can drive significant visibility if your agency makes it onto relevant lists. Businesses browse these rankings when searching for potential partners, making it a somewhat passive lead generation tool once your profile is set up.

   The review system on DesignRush carries weight because it requires verification, so collecting positive feedback from past clients becomes important for your ranking. The platform also publishes agency spotlights and industry insights, which can position your team as thought leaders if you contribute content. While the free listing option provides basic visibility, the paid tiers offer better placement in search results and more detailed analytics about who’s viewing your profile.

5. The Manifest

   The Manifest is owned by the same company as Clutch but focuses more on providing research and resources for businesses looking to hire agencies. Your agency profile here includes detailed information about your team, past projects, and client reviews. The platform conducts interviews with your clients as part of the review process, which adds authenticity but also means you need to have genuinely satisfied clients willing to spend time on the phone.

   Businesses using The Manifest are typically in the research phase of their buying process, comparing multiple agencies before making a decision. This means the sales cycle can be longer, but the clients who do reach out are often more serious and have realistic budgets. The platform works best for agencies that have a solid portfolio and can demonstrate clear results from past work. Getting featured in one of their research articles or industry guides can drive substantial traffic to your profile.

6. Clutch

   Clutch has become one of the most recognized names in agency marketplaces, covering everything from software development and design to marketing and business consulting. The platform’s strength lies in its verified review system, where Clutch staff actually call your clients to conduct interviews about their experience working with your agency. This verification process makes the reviews more trustworthy than self-reported testimonials.

   Your agency profile on Clutch can include case studies, team bios, and detailed service descriptions. The platform uses these elements plus your review score to rank agencies in various categories. Businesses searching for agencies often filter by location, minimum project size, and hourly rate, so keeping this information current helps you appear in relevant searches. Many agencies find that a strong Clutch profile becomes a valuable asset during sales conversations, as prospects often check your Clutch reviews before scheduling a call.

7. Mayple

   Mayple takes a curated approach to agency partnerships, focusing specifically on marketing services. The platform vets agencies and individual marketers before allowing them onto the platform, which means not everyone gets accepted. Once you’re in, Mayple matches you with businesses based on your specific expertise, whether that’s Facebook ads, email marketing, or content strategy.

   What makes Mayple different is the hands-on matching process. Instead of agencies browsing and bidding on projects, Mayple’s team does the matchmaking based on the client’s needs and your proven experience in that area. This reduces time spent on proposals that go nowhere. The platform also provides performance tracking tools, which helps demonstrate ROI to clients and can lead to longer-term relationships. Mayple works best for agencies that have deep expertise in specific marketing channels rather than generalists.

8. We Work Remotely

   We Work Remotely is primarily known as a job board for remote positions, but it also has a section where agencies can post their services and businesses can find remote teams for project work. The platform attracts companies that are already comfortable with remote collaboration, which eliminates one common objection you might face when pitching your agency.

   The audience on We Work Remotely skews toward tech companies and startups, so agencies specializing in web development, product design, or growth marketing tend to find the best fit here. Posting your agency services requires a one-time fee, after which your listing stays active. The key to success here is crafting a clear, specific service description that speaks to the pain points of your ideal client. Generic listings get lost in the noise, but agencies that clearly communicate their niche and process tend to get quality inquiries.

9. Gun.io

   Gun.io focuses specifically on software development, connecting agencies and individual developers with companies that need technical expertise. The platform has a thorough vetting process that includes technical assessments, which means getting accepted requires demonstrating real coding skills. This selectivity works in your favor once you’re on the platform, as clients trust that Gun.io has already filtered out less capable providers.

   Projects on Gun.io range from short-term development sprints to longer-term team augmentation arrangements. The platform handles contracts and payments, providing some protection for both parties. Agencies appreciate that Gun.io clients typically have well-defined technical requirements and realistic timelines, which reduces the miscommunication that can derail projects. The hourly rates on the platform tend to be higher than general freelance marketplaces because the focus is on quality and specialized skills rather than competing on price.

10. Working Not Working

    Working Not Working started in the creative industry, connecting freelancers and agencies with brands looking for design, advertising, and creative services. The platform has a strong visual focus, making it ideal for agencies whose work is best demonstrated through portfolios rather than case study write-ups. Your profile becomes a showcase of your best creative work, and companies browse these portfolios when looking for a specific aesthetic or skill set.

    The membership model on Working Not Working includes both free and paid tiers, with paid members getting better visibility and access to exclusive opportunities. The platform’s community aspect sets it apart, with members able to see what others are working on and get inspiration from the work being shared. Companies posting projects on Working Not Working tend to value creativity and are often willing to pay premium rates for the right team. This makes it a good fit for agencies that compete on creative quality rather than cost.

Finding the right marketplace for your remote agency isn’t about signing up for everything and hoping something sticks. Each platform has its own culture, client base, and ideal use case. Some work better for agencies just starting out, while others require an established track record to gain traction. The key is to pick two or three platforms that align with your services and ideal client profile, then invest the time to build strong profiles with solid reviews. A well-maintained presence on the right marketplaces can provide a steady stream of qualified leads, letting you spend less time hunting for work and more time doing what your agency does best.