Do you want to be a freelancer, or do you want to know how to get clients through freelancing? Fiverr is an online marketplace that enables freelancers (sellers) and business owners (buyers) to work together by connecting them and working on a project. Business owners can browse the Fiverr Freelance service marketplace and select freelancers by their specialization.
Although there are many other platforms for freelancers who are looking for work, many business owners opt to use Fiverr because of the affordable pricing model that targets businesses on a budget.
As the freelancing world takes off rapidly and the number of freelancing websites increases, the populations of freelancers are affected too. Based on recent data, there are approximately 1.57 billion freelancers globally, and this could increase by 80% by the year 2030. Also, 73% of these freelancers use freelance platforms, such as the Fiverr freelance website, to find gigs.
Fiverr is one of the most popular choices of online marketplaces among freelancers and business owners. However, just like any other platform, Fiverr is not perfect, and freelancers and business owners will eventually find several pros and cons when using Fiverr.
Fiverr’s Pros and Cons
If you want to start freelancing on Fiverr, first and foremost, you should be aware of the pros and cons of using the platform. This will help you understand what you can expect from the platform and how you can approach your decisions objectively. Let’s first start with the cons.
Cons of Using Fiverr
Low income because of Fiverr’s high commission.
As mentioned earlier, Fiverr cut out a commission, including tips from your earnings for using their platforms. If your gig pays you five dollars, Fiverr cuts out one dollar from it. That is 20% of your earnings that gets cut out, which is far too high, especially since they are also charging the client who you will work for a project.
Can be difficult for beginners.
If you are just starting as a freelancer on Fiverr, it can be hard to get your first few gigs. There are a lot of freelancers on Fiverr, which means you are competing with thousands of other sellers or freelancers.
The Fiverr algorithm pushes freelancers who have good reviews up in their search engines when clients search for freelancers. This makes it difficult for beginners to land gigs because most clients don’t want to take chances on you when they can just hire another who already has a proven track record.
At the mercy of Fiverr.
Another downside of Fiverr is that you are basically at the mercy of the platform. They have strict policies that you should comply with. Such policies include the prohibition on contacting people outside Fiverr. Therefore, you can’t build a list of repeat clients or buyers as your network outside the platform because they can deactivate your account.
Fiverr also has the right to raise their commission rate for as much as they want without your consent or approval.
Difficult to work with buyers.
Most buyers on Fiverr are easy to work with. However, there are some who are difficult to work with, don’t know what they want, and are too meticulous. There are also some buyers who will set out to con.
If you think in any way that your buyer is going to be troublesome, it is better to end the conversation rather than dealing with them and put yourself into a difficult situation.
Here are some red flags you should be wary of your buyer in Fiverr:
- Takes a long time to reply to your messages before the order.
- Does not have real or specific requirements and does not answer your project-related questions (they don’t know what they want).
- Ask if you do refunds if they are not satisfied with your work.
- Request free samples from you based on their requirements.
Pros of Using Fiverr
Make some extra money.
You can make a decent amount of money working part-time and doing freelancing jobs in Fiverr. The rate on Fiverr is pretty bit low compared with other platforms like Upwork. Most of the Fiverr gig image size that you will see cost five dollars, but Fiverr also charged you one dollar for using their platform. So technically, you can earn four dollars per gig.
It is true that you can earn a thousand dollars a month on Fiverr. One tip is by accepting gigs that won’t take much of your time or accepting gigs that you are comfortable with and perform repetitively.
You don’t need to bid your services.
Each online marketplace works a bit differently. Some freelance websites offer listings, others are paid, while some websites make freelancers bid on a potential project.
Sometimes, bidding on projects takes time and effort because you need to create a bidding proposal for each project you plan to work on. Every project requires you to write a competitive proposal to bid on freelance gigs.
You must indicate your bid amount, number of days for delivery, your proposal, and proven track record.
With Fiverr, you don’t need to beg for work because the clients will come to you. Also, you do not need to force yourself to underbid.
Opportunity to challenge yourself and broaden your skills.
There are many categories where products and services are offered on this platform. Everything from logo design, music, writing, virtual assisting, etc. is all available on Fiverr, which is good because you can choose gigs in your interests.
You can work on different projects and deal with different people. It gives you the opportunity to practice handling clients and to meet their project needs.
Fiverr will bring you paying buyers.
You don’t need to market or self-promote yourself to get paying clients (buyers) with Fiverr. This platform will give you real paying buyers. You might be underpaid for some projects, but it is better than having no projects at all.
How To Make Money With Fiverr
Do you want to know how to earn online with Fiverr? Learn the basics of using Fiverr from creating your account, putting up your application on the platform that buyers can see, to getting your first Fiverr gig! The “How To Make Money With Fiverr” online course will cover all of the important lessons.
This online course will cover:
- How to create your Fiverr account.
- Fiverr gig creation.
- How to put in an application on Fiverr.
- Structuring your application better.
- Motivation for putting in applications.
- Making over a hundred dollars for five minutes of work on Fiverr, and more.
Expert Insights on the Pros and Cons of Fiverr
1. Billy Parker, Director, Gift Delivery UK
“In terms of Fiverr, I have found it to be a valuable platform for both
freelancers and employers. One of the main pros of Fiverr is its diverse
pool of talented freelancers from all over the world, making it easier for
employers to find the right fit for their projects. Additionally, the
platform offers a user-friendly interface and a secure payment system,
providing a seamless experience for both parties.
However, one potential con of Fiverr is the competition among freelancers,
which can sometimes lead to lower rates and quality of work. It is
important for employers to thoroughly vet freelancers and set clear
expectations to ensure a successful collaboration. Overall, I believe
Fiverr is a valuable platform for both freelancers and employers, but it is
important to carefully consider the pros and cons before using it.”
2. Jeff Mains, Founder, Champion Leadership Group
“As the Founder of Champion Leadership Group, with extensive experience
scaling SaaS and professional services, I’ve leveraged platforms like
Fiverr to enhance business operations and growth. The primary advantage of
Fiverr lies in its ability to provide rapid access to a global talent pool,
enabling businesses to scale operations flexibly and cost-effectively.
However, the platform’s vastness can also be a double-edged sword; while it
offers variety, navigating the multitude to find quality providers can be
challenging and time-consuming. Additionally, the impersonal nature of the
platform might hinder the development of long-term, meaningful business
relationships with freelancers. Ultimately, Fiverr is a powerful tool for
businesses seeking agility and diversity in talent, provided they are
prepared to invest time in selecting the right collaborators.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can beginners successfully start freelancing on Fiverr?
Fiverr is designed to be user-friendly for beginners, offering an intuitive platform where new freelancers can create gigs, showcase their skills, and connect with potential clients. The key to success involves creating a compelling profile, pricing services competitively, and gathering positive reviews to build credibility.
How secure are payments and transactions on Fiverr?
Fiverr provides a secure payment system where funds are held in escrow until the delivery of the service is confirmed by the buyer. This system protects both buyers and sellers by ensuring that freelancers get paid for their work and buyers receive the services they’ve paid for.
Is Fiverr a good platform for finding specialized talent?
Yes, Fiverr is home to a diverse range of freelancers offering specialized skills and services. Clients can find experts in fields like graphic design, digital marketing, programming, video editing, and much more, often with niche expertise not readily available elsewhere.
What are the options for scaling your business on Fiverr?
Freelancers can scale their business on Fiverr by moving up through Fiverr’s seller levels, which can unlock premium tools for gig promotion, price setting, and offering additional services. Additionally, successful sellers can expand their portfolio, increase their pricing strategically, and leverage Fiverr Pro for access to high-value clients.
How does Fiverr ensure the quality of services offered on its platform?
Fiverr encourages quality through a rating and review system where buyers can rate their experience and provide feedback. High-performing sellers are rewarded with greater visibility and opportunities for additional gigs. Fiverr also offers Fiverr Pro, a tier for top-quality freelancers who are vetted through an application process to ensure exceptional service and expertise.
Key Takeaways
Fiverr stands out as a dynamic marketplace, ideal for those seeking to explore a wide range of freelance services or to offer their own. It’s a platform where opportunity meets talent, enabling users to connect with freelancers from various fields worldwide. While it offers the convenience of diverse services and the chance to tap into global expertise, it’s important for users to approach it with mindfulness. The quality of work can vary, and clear communication is crucial to ensure that the delivered results align with expectations. As such, it’s wise to carefully review portfolios, read feedback from previous clients, and engage in detailed discussions before commencing projects.
In the same vein of personal and professional development, the Skill Success All Access Pass complements this ecosystem by providing a platform for continuous learning. Instead of juggling between disparate resources, users can integrate their experiences on Fiverr with the expansive learning opportunities offered by Skill Success. This synergy allows individuals to not only seek or offer services on Fiverr but also to enhance their expertise through an extensive catalog of courses available with the All Access Pass.
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