Fiverr Freelancing Essentials: What to Know Before You Start
Fiverr has forever changed the freelancing landscape. This online services marketplace gives you a direct connection to businesses and brands actively looking for creative services. So, what does successful freelancing look like? Consider this your guide to Fiverr freelancing online essentials.
What is Fiverr?
Fiverr is an online freelancing platform that enables businesses and individuals to find and hire freelancers for a variety of tasks and services. Fiverr offers a wide range of services, including but not limited to graphic design, web development, SEO, social media marketing, and more. Fiverr is a great way to get started in freelancing, as it offers a wide range of services and a very user-friendly platform.
To be a successful freelancer on Fiverr, you’ll need to:
Create a strong profile that showcases your skills and experience
Offer services that are in demand and that you are knowledgeable about
Communicate with clients clearly and efficiently
Deliver quality work that meets or exceeds client expectations
Manage your time and workload effectively
Build a positive reputation on Fiverr
Pretty simple so far, right? Follow these tips and you can be a successful freelancer on Fiverr and build a thriving freelancing business.
Who can freelance on Fiverr?
Anyone can freelance on Fiverr! All you need is a skill or service to offer, and a willingness to work hard and deliver quality results to your clients.
Fiverr Sellers and Buyers come from countries around the world. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, there's a place for you on Fiverr.
What are the benefits of freelancing on Fiverr?
There are a lot of reasons why I chose to add Fiverr to my freelance business. As a freelancer on Fiverr, you can:
Leave the traditional workforce or supplement your income
Choose your own work hours
Take the projects you want and skip the ones you don't
Work from anywhere in the world
Set your own prices
Offer your services to a global audience
Get paid quickly and easily
Create the lifestyle you want
Freelancing on Fiverr is a great way to be your own boss and earn a living on your own terms. With a few simple tips, you can be a successful freelancer on Fiverr.
How do you get paid on Fiverr?
What makes Fiverr unique is its payment and pricing structure. Freelancers can offer their services in $5 increments. The Buyer has to front the cash when they place an order. This offers some level of guarantee that you’ll get paid for your work once you deliver it to the client.
Once you complete a gig, the buyer has 10 days to leave a review. If the buyer is happy with your work, they can leave a positive review, which will help you attract more buyers in the future. If the buyer is unhappy with your work, they can leave a negative review, which will damage your reputation on Fiverr.
For new Fiverr Sellers as well as those at Levels 1 and 2, you will receive your funds 14 days after your delivery has been accepted. For top-rated Sellers, you will receive your funds 7 days faster.
What types of services can you offer on Fiverr?
Fiverr is a great platform for freelancers to offer their services online. But what types of services can you actually offer on Fiverr? Here are some ideas to get you started:
Website design and development
Graphic design
Copywriting
SEO (search engine optimization)
Social media marketing
Landing pages
PPC advertisement services
Email marketing
Lead generation
Sales funnels
Web analytics
UX design
App development
Google map citations
Chatbot development
Voiceovers
Translation
Data entry
Virtual assistant
Customer service
Your only limit is your own creativity! No matter what your profession or skill set is, there's likely a service that you can offer on Fiverr.
How do you create a Fiverr Seller profile?
Creating a Fiverr seller profile is easy and only takes a few minutes. You'll need to provide some basic information about yourself and your services, and then you can start offering your services to buyers.
Here's how to create a Fiverr seller profile:
1. Go to https://www.fiverr.com and create a free account.
2. Enter an email address.
3. Choose your Fiverr username.
4. Input a password, then click Join.
5. Confirm your account by clicking the confirmation email in your inbox.
6. Log into your new Fiverr account and click Sell to start creating your Seller profile.
How do you create a gig on Fiverr?
Creating gig packages on Fiverr is simple! Just follow these steps:
1. Click on the "Create a New Gig" button on the Fiverr dashboard.
2. Enter a title and description for your gig. Be sure to include keywords that buyers will be searching for. I suggest frontloading those keywords so they’ll be more noticeable.
3. Choose a category and subcategory that best fit your gig.
4. Choose tags for your gig. These help the Fiverr algorithm learn what your gig is about and display your gigs in relevant search results. You can add up to five search tags.
5. Click Save and Continue at the bottom.
5. Set a price for your gig. You can offer multiple pricing options, each of which includes different levels of service.
6. Add extra services (called gig extras) that buyers can purchase separately. More services mean more revenue!
8. Describe your gig in detail.
9. Include an FAQ to help buyers make a decision and provide you with everything you need to complete the order.
10. Specify the information you need from buyers before you can begin the order.
11. Add images or videos to your gig to make it more appealing to buyers.
12. Preview your gig.
13. Complete any required Fiverr exams certifications or other verifications.
14. When you're finished, click the "Publish" button.
Your gig will now be live and buyers will be able to find it when they search for keywords related to your services.
What are the gig extras?
As a freelancer, one of the best ways to stand out from the crowd and attract more clients is to offer gig extras. Gig extras are additional services that you can offer to clients on top of your usual services. By offering gig extras, you can show clients that you're willing to go the extra mile to get the job done and that you're a reliable freelancer who is always willing to go above and beyond.
Some examples of gig extras that you can offer include:
A money-back guarantee
A rush job
Discounts for repeat clients
Additional research
Additional or unlimited revisions
Data charts and tables
By offering gig extras, you can show clients that you're a reliable freelancer who is always willing to go above and beyond.
What are buyer requests?
The buyer requests are specific tasks that a buyer wants completed. These tasks can be anything from writing a blog post to designing a logo to creating a website.
Fiverr sellers can access buyer requests via the Fiverr app. With each request, you will bid on the job alongside other Fiverr freelancers. The buyer will make the final decision as to which service to hire.
You can opt in or out of notifications when buyers make relevant requests. From your Fiverr dashboard, click your profile picture, then click Settings. Choose notifications, then tick the box for Buyer Requests.
These requests include varying amounts of detail about a project, including the client's budget.
When you're bidding on a project, you'll need to be clear about what the buyer is asking for and what you're willing to do. If you're not clear about the buyer's requests, you may not be able to complete part or all of the project to their satisfaction.
How do you deliver your gig?
As a freelancer, you’ll need to deliver your gig in a way that is professional and meets the buyer's expectations.
All deliveries go through the Fiverr platform. Depending on the actual deliverable, you will either upload a file to the platform or provide some form of proof that you've completed the work.
Here are some tips for delivering your gig:
Read the order details carefully and understand what the buyer wants.
Make sure you have all the necessary skills and resources to complete the gig.
Create a plan for delivering the gig, and make sure to stick to the order turnaround timelines.
Communicate with the buyer throughout the process to keep them updated on your progress.
Deliver the final product according to the buyer's specifications.
Following these tips will help you deliver a successful gig and build a good reputation as a freelancer.
How much do Fiverr freelancers charge for their services?
Fiverr freelancers charge for their services based on the scope of work and the experience they have. Some gigs have a starting price of just $5. Others are selling their services for much more.
According to Glassdoor.com, the estimated hourly rate for a Fiverr freelancer is $26 per hour. However, since freelancers work on a per-project basis and not on an hourly basis, the actual rate may be much higher.
How much can I make as a Fiverr freelancer?
As a Fiverr freelancer, you can set your own rates and make as much money as you want. However, to be successful, you need to understand how to market your services, set your rates, and deliver quality work. All of these things play a part in your success.
What are the Fiverr levels?
The Fiverr levels are a system that freelancers use to show their experience and success on the site. The levels are:
-New Seller: All new sellers start out here
- Level 1: Sell for at least 60 days AND complete at least 10 orders AND maintain an average rating of 4.7+
- Level 2: Sell for at least 120 days AND complete at least 50 orders AND maintain an average rating of 4.7+ over 60 days
- Top Rated Seller: Sell for at least 180 days AND complete at least 100 orders AND earn at least $20,000 in revenue AND maintain an average rating of 4.7+ over 60 days
All Sellers are expected to maintain at least a 90% or better in response rate, order completion rate, and on-time delivery rate. These are metrics Fiverr users to ensure you're meeting buyer expectations.
To be a successful freelancer on Fiverr, you need to understand the Fiverr levels and what each level entails. By using Fiverr levels to set goals and benchmark your performance, freelancers can set themselves apart from the competition and attract more clients.
What are the benefits of each Fiverr level?
There are many benefits to each level of Fiverr freelancing. In addition to increased exposure and the ability to offer more services, each higher tier also receives:
- More extras per gig
- The ability to create larger custom offers
- Priority customer support from the resolution center
- And more!
Understanding Fiverr's parameters for the different levels can help you focus your efforts and move up the ranks faster.
How do you market your services on Fiverr?
Yes, there’s a lot of competition on Fiverr. No, that doesn’t always matter.
There are lots of ways you can stand out. Here’s what to keep in mind when marketing your services on Fiverr:
- Make sure your Gig title is clear and concise
- Use keyword-rich tags to help potential buyers find your Gig
-Talk about how you can solve your client's pain point.
- Write a compelling Gig description that outlines the services you offer
- Use eye-catching visuals, including videos and photos
- Offer a competitive price for your services
-Choose an attractive gig thumbnail that makes buyers want to click.
- Respond promptly to buyer messages.
-Anticipate buyers' questions and address them in your Frequently Asked Questions section.
-Offer custom arrangements to accommodate buyers' unique needs.
-Keep an open browser window to show you're online and ready to speak with clients
- Deliver quality work that meets or exceeds buyer expectations
You can also download the Fiverr app to streamline communication with buyers. In many cases, buyers' consideration is directly connected to response time.
Most of these are pretty simple tips. Some you’ll have to figure out as you go. Follow them all to increase your success as a freelancer on Fiverr.
What are some of the challenges you may face as a freelancer on Fiverr?
As a freelancer on Fiverr, you may face challenges. And in true freelancing fashion, you'll have to answer most of them on your own.
Managing your time and workload is usually at the top of the list. You never know when you’re going to get your next order, and sometimes they can come all at once. If you see your schedule start to fill up, consider expanding your delivery times so you’re not rushed.
There’s also the fact that you’re competing with a million other freelancers on Fiverr, and millions more off Fiverr. But don’t let that scare you. With the rise in the gig economy and employers struggling to fill key positions, hiring freelancers is becoming more widely practiced. Maintain an abundant mindset — there really is enough to go around!
Dealing with difficult clients can throw some freelancers for a loop. I cover how to deal with difficult clients in another blog article.
As a freelancer, you’ll be responsible for managing your finances. The good thing about Fiverr is that you’ll have a trackable sales history for every order showing how much you made. However, you will need to manage your money so you can keep your business going. Set yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily income goals to help you stay on track.
Something I’ve encountered when freelancing on Fiverr is the struggle of understanding a variety of clients' needs, especially those that don't natively speak your language. I’ve learned how to ask good questions and make sure I understand the client’s needs before I accept a job.
How can you overcome these challenges?
Like any business, freelancing has its challenges. Here are a few tips on how to overcome them:
- Stay organized and keep track of your finances.
-Take advantage of free education courses and training offered by Fiverr.
- Find your niche and build a strong portfolio.
- Market yourself effectively to attract clients.
- Stay positive and motivated, and always keep learning.
What are some of the advantages of freelancing on Fiverr?
I started freelancing on Fiverr because it offered tons of advantages that other platforms didn’t.
Besides the obvious bit about working from anywhere in the world, and having the freedom to choose your own hours and work schedule, I love the flexibility of choice.
You can choose the projects you want to work on without being obligated to take work you don’t want. You can set your own rates and timeline. Plus, you don't have to spend money and time building your own website.
One advantage of Fiverr is that you can turn ordering on or off at your convenience. Clients can place orders when you're "open" for business and can't place orders when you're out of the office.
There are tons more benefits we could add to this list. The "best" answer depends on what's important to you.
What are some of the disadvantages of freelancing on Fiverr?
While freelancing on Fiverr can be a great way to earn some extra income, there are some disadvantages to be aware of.
First, because Fiverr is an online marketplace, there is a lot of competition and it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd. Also, Fiverr takes a 20% commission on all earnings, so you will need to factor that into your pricing.
You're also not allowed to share contact information with Fiverr buyers. It's not like having your own website, where clients can e-mail or contact you directly. All communication needs to occur within the platform. Otherwise, you risk getting a penalty and could be banned from using Fiverr.
Finally, Fiverr does not offer any protection for intellectual property, so if you create original artwork or content, you will not have any legal recourse if it is used without your permission.
What makes Fiverr better than other freelancing marketplaces?
Fiverr has been a go-to site for freelancers for years because of its simple and straightforward interface. When you sign up for Fiverr, you create a gig, or a service that you're offering, and set your price. Work whatever schedule you prefer, and as much or as little as you want.
Its entire purpose is centered on inbound marketing so creatives can focus on what they do best. Fiverr does most all of the marketing for you. They also handle all aspects of payments so you're not chasing down invoices.
Fiverr is also known for its buyer protection policies. When you purchase a gig on Fiverr, you have the option to leave a review and rating for the seller. This helps other buyers know what to expect from the seller and builds trust on the platform.
Finally, Fiverr offers a wide range of services on the site. Whether you're a graphic designer, a copywriter, or a web developer, you can find gigs that match your skillset on Fiverr. This site is a must-have in your freelancing essential toolkit!
How can you be a successful freelancer on Fiverr?
There are a few things you need in order to be a successful freelancer on Fiverr.
First, you'll need to create a profile that showcases your skills, work, and experience. Include information about your education and professional background, as well as samples from your website or portfolio. Give buyers a reason to trust and choose you over another freelancer.
You'll also want to diversify your profile. Offer a number of services that are in demand. You'll attract more leads when you offer more services, as long as you can perform each of those services satisfactorily.
Pricing your services competitively is another big component of Fiverr freelancing. Many gigs start at just $5. But buyers also know they get what they pay for. Don't be afraid to charge what you feel you're worth, as long as the quality of your work can justify those prices.
Speaking of which, make sure you're delivering quality work. When you get a lead, they can read reviews that other clients have left. If your work isn't living up to customer expectations, they may have something negative to say that will be public to other customers.
Building positive feedback and reviews will be your most powerful marketing tool on Fiverr. Reviews and star ratings are public and can help to build trust with new customers.
By following these tips, you can be a successful freelancer on Fiverr and make a great living!
How do you get started on Fiverr?
There are a few things you need to do to get work on Fiverr. First, you need to create a profile. This is where you will showcase your skills and services.
You will also need to create a portfolio to showcase your work. Even if you don't have freelancing experience, you can put together some samples that show what you're capable of. Samples are a great way to win buyer trust and get more work. Your own website can serve as a portfolio. Or if you don't have your own site, you can create a Google doc with links to your work.
Finally, you will need to set up your payment information to get paid for your services. All payments go through the Fiverr site. This is a huge benefit to time-poor freelancers that cringe every time they have to chase down an invoice. Clients pay for services upfront and the funds are put into escrow until the gig is complete.
After that, it's a matter of waiting for clients to message you. Fiverr is mostly inbound, which means clients come to you instead of you having to apply for jobs or pitch your services. You can spend more time on your craft and less time trying to market youself.
Fiverr Freelancing Essentials Done Right
Whether you're brand new to freelancing or you've been doing your own thing for years, Fiverr deserves to be on your radar. Take advantage of the above Fiverr freelancing essentials to get started on the right foot.
And stay tuned for my upcoming course on how to become a successful Fiverr freelancer!