Recommended Plugin: FreelanceEngine (Theme)
Why FreelanceEngine Stands Out
After reviewing leading options—TaskHive, ExpertHive, FreelanceEngine, MicrojobEngine, Workreap, and others—FreelanceEngine emerged as the best fit due to its mature freight of marketplace essentials:
- Full Bidding System: Employers post projects, freelancers bid.
- Escrow Payments: Secure transactions and release upon completion.
- On-site Notifications & Messaging: Keeps users engaged and informed.
- Profiles & Reviews: Builds trust with detailed freelancer profiles and review system.
- Monetization Options: Charge per listing, take commissions, or offer featured listings.
- Multiple Payment Gateways: Integrated PayPal, Stripe, 2Checkout.
- Customizable & SEO-Friendly: Drag-and-drop layout, Yoast-compatible, responsive design. EngineThemesHivePress
Installation & Configuration Steps
1. Purchase & Install Theme
- Download FreelanceEngine from EngineThemes.
- In your WordPress admin: Appearance → Themes → Add New → Upload Theme.
- Activate the theme.
2. Configure Core Features
- Navigate to FreelanceEngine → Settings to enable:
- Job Posting: Allow employers to post projects.
- Bidding: Enable freelancers to place bids or offers.
- Messaging: Turn on on-site messaging and notifications.
- Reviews: Enable feedback system for both freelancers and clients.
3. Set Up Escrow + Payments
- Go to FreelanceEngine → Payments settings.
- Enable Escrow System for transaction safety.
- Enter API credentials for PayPal, Stripe, or 2Checkout, based on your preferences and region.
4. Monetization Settings
- In the monetization section, configure:
- Listing Fees
- Commission Rates
- Featured Listings
5. Customize Layout & SEO
- Use the built-in page builder for homepage, job listing, and profile pages.
- Ensure SEO optimization with Yoast or Rank Math (theme is compatible).
Summary: Why FreelanceEngine?
It’s launch-ready with all essential marketplace features: job posting, bidding, secure payments, messaging, user profiles, reviews—enabled out-of-the-box and customizable. It simplifies setup while offering strong monetization paths and a clean, mobile-friendly UI.