Young people are embracing the idea of working from home in the gig economy. By the year 2027, it is estimated that half of the US workforce will be independent.
In the past, forming direct relationships with companies was a lot harder than it is today. With the rise in online marketplaces, it is easier for people to find opportunities. It is easier than ever to get opportunities from multiple companies at the same time. A steady stream of work can be found with the help of platforms like Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer.com.
Two of the most popular platforms for hiring workers are Upwork and Fiverr. The popularity of these platforms has increased in recent years for those looking to hire workers for short-term jobs.
Here’s a quick comparison summary:
| FIVERR | UPWORK | |
| Pricing | 20% for all projects | 20% to start then scales down |
| Opportunities | Better for smaller projects | Better for larger projects |
| Customer Service | Limited help center | Robust support center |
| Upgrades | Fiverr Pro is free to apply | Upwork Pro costs $14.99 |
For a closer look at how each platform stacks up, keep reading. To make sure it’s a good fit for you, read reviews from other people who have used the platform.
Jump straight to our in-depth comparison of the two companies. If you’re still unsure, be sure to read our article for more information on the differences between Upwork and Fiverr. Upwork comparison
What is Fiverr?
There is a marketplace for people to connect with companies and offer their services. It makes it easy for companies to find the talent they need.
The company was founded in 2010 and has been helping gig economy workers find jobs for over a decade. They have helped millions of people find their ideal job.
How Fiverr works
There is a breakdown of how to use Fiverr. You can use the platform to help grow your business once you’re familiar with it.
1. Have a skill
The platform only gets you so far. It’s up to you to build a successful career as a freelancer. Making money requires you to have a marketable skill.
This is not a platform for learning new trades, practicing writing, performing voiceovers, managing social media, or practicing video design. It is intended to help you find professionals who can provide these services. You need to be proficient in graphic design, digital marketing, copywriting, or translation to use Fiverr. Hire a professional with the expertise if you don’t possess these skills.
Fiverr is not a training center. It is up to users to find the skills they need and the professionals who can help them achieve their goals. If you treat it as training, you could wind up taking on a contract that you can’t execute, damaging your reputation as a freelancer. It’s important to research the project thoroughly before agreeing to any terms.
If you need practice before using Fiverr, consider looking for courses on a site like Skill Success or interning for a company that can teach you the knowledge you need to succeed.
2. Sign up for Fiverr
If you have a clear understanding of your skill, you can sign up for a service from Fiverr. You can start earning money by offering your services to potential clients. If you join, you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket or subscribe to a service. The platform is easy to use, so you can get started right away.
3. Create a gig
Once you are up and running on the platform, the next step is to create a profile and then a gig, which is basically an advertisement for a particular service. Potential customers know exactly what to expect from you when they hire you, so your profile and gig should reflect that.
It’s a good idea to spend some time crafting an ideal description. Key words will help people find your description. There isn’t a guarantee that you’re going to get results either way. Even if the results are not what you expected, it’s important to stay focused and do your best.
Pick the subcategory that matches your skill set to create a gig. Set an appropriate price and provide a detailed description of the services you are offering. You can choose the email marketing category.
It is a good idea to browse the site and see what your competitors are offering. It’s time to come up with some services that you can offer if you have a good understanding of how Fiverr works. Look for ways to make your gig stand out from the rest and try to figure out an optimal price range and effective messaging for your services. Ensuring that your services are communicated in a clear and concise way can help potential clients understand what you have to offer.
4. Wait for offers or pursue jobs
There are two options at this point. The first thing to do is let companies find you a job. Another option is to reach out to companies that might be interested in your services. It’s easier for people to find you if you fill your gig with specific words. If you want potential fans to get a better idea of what you do, include visuals or videos of your work.
There are a lot of people on Fiverr, which is the main problem with this approach. This can cause an overcrowding of available services, which can lead to decreased quality and limited opportunities for those offering the services. There are a limited number of jobs on the platform. Employers are presented with a pool of highly qualified and experienced candidates to choose from. You have to be the best of the best to stand out. It’s not easy to be the best, but with hard work and dedication you can do it.
Companies can find highly skilled and experienced Fiverr users. The users are usually able to command higher rates due to their expertise. The majority of users would benefit from browsing and applying directly. This is the best way to get noticed. Ensure that your profile is up-to-date with a professional photo and accurate description of the services you offer so that potential clients can easily find you.
5. Do the work
Even after signing up, creating profiles, and hunting down opportunities, you still have to execute on any agreement, so it’s important to keep in mind. It is important to read the details of any agreement carefully and make sure that both parties are in agreement before moving forward.
Make sure you budget your time so that you are in a position to deliver after you accept a job. Firm deadlines are what most projects have. It’s important to give yourself enough time to complete the project before the deadline. If you want to keep getting jobs, you have to move quickly. Don’t wait too long to apply for positions that interest you because time is of the essence.
6. Get paid
If you complete a task on Fiverr and deliver the expected item, the client will review it to see if it meets acceptable standards. If the client is satisfied, they will rate your work and leave a positive review.
The client will pay you at the end of the project. The results of your work will be appreciated by the client. Once all deliverables are met, payment is transferred to your account. Once the payment is successfully transferred to your account, we will send you a confirmation email. It is something to consider, as Fiverr will take a slice of your payouts. The fee depends on the nature of the transaction, so make sure to read the terms of service carefully.
The Pros and Cons of Fiverr
Advantages
- Wide range of job categories
- Customize your own gigs
- Get paid through the app
Disadvantages
- High 20% commission to the app for all projects
- Can be hard for beginners to find work
- Poor customer support
What is Upwork?
Upwork is a marketplace. It’s a great place for businesses to get help with certain tasks or services. It was launched in 2015. The platform has become one of the leading outsourcing marketplaces and has a dedicated user base. The platform offers competitive pricing and is easy to use, making it a popular choice for those looking to outsourcing services quickly and efficiently. Upwork is highly sought-after.
How to get started with Upwork
There is a list of how to get started with Upwork. You will be able to find meaningful work opportunities that will help you reach your professional goals once you’re comfortable with the platform.
1. Have a skill
Expectations are the same for upwork as they are for Fiverr. Both Upwork and Fiverr require users to meet the same standards of professionalism and quality when it comes to the services they offer. The honor system is the most important proof of your skills and ability. All applicants are encouraged to be honest with their information.
You have to be able to deliver on the promised service if you say you can build a website or typeset an ebook. Your reputation will be negatively impacted if you don’t deliver on this promise. If the finished product isn’t up to par, you won’t get paid. Before accepting a job, you should make sure you are comfortable with the expectations.
Upwork is for professionals. If you want to be successful on Upwork, you need to bring your A-game. It is not a place for beginners. It requires a lot of hard work and dedication.
2. Build a profile
Upwork requires users to build profiles with their skills and experience. Upwork profiles can help users stand out.
Companies can quickly browse examples to determine if they want to move forward if users choose to share portfolios of their work. Users can quickly demonstrate their skills by sharing portfolios.
3. Set your pay
Companies can see what you charge in advance by determining your hourly pay rate in your profile. If you want to be compensated fairly, be sure to review your pay rate regularly.
There isn’t much negotiation in this part of the process because companies see how much you charge. They know how much it will cost, but only if there is room in the budget.
Think about how long it will take you to do an average project if you don’t know how to set an hourly rate. You can research the usual rates for similar services in your area to get an idea of what you should charge. The beginner rate is $20 per hour. As the beginner gains more experience, the rate may increase. A solid freelancer with years of experience could charge more.
Companies will typically go for the cheaper option if you can’t clearly and effectively demonstrate your ability and value.
4. Bid for jobs and get paid
Upwork will highlight ideal jobs that match your skills once you create a profile. You can either apply directly through Upwork or wait for companies to contact you. You can work as much or as little as you want, so you can fit it around your other commitments.
As you complete jobs, you can receive reviews and a Job Success Score. This is a great way to get more work. The opportunity to connect with potential clients is one of the things it provides. You can charge more for your work if you have a higher score. Your credit score is an important factor when it comes to getting a loan or financing, it can be the difference between being approved and denied.
The Pros and Cons of Upwork
Advantages
- Larger projects than Fiverr
- Better customer support
- Sliding scale means lower fees as time goes on
Disadvantages
- High 20% fee to start
- Heavy competition
- Bidding war could potentially mean underselling services
Fiverr vs. Upwork: A Comparison
Both Upwork and Fiverr are similar. It is helpful to consider which platform is a better fit for your needs, as both are great platforms for finding work. They have their differences. One is a liquid and the other is a gas. Let’s take a look at how they stack up against each other. It is a good idea to compare the two products side by side.
Pricing
Customers are charged $1 for every $5 they bring in, with a 20% commission. The commission model is beneficial for both Fiverr and its customers. If you land a gig that pays you $100, you will lose money. When budgeting for a project, it’s important to factor in the Fiverr fee.
Upwork charges a service fee based on a percentage of earnings. Upwork charges a small processing fee on certain payment methods. This is based on a sliding fee of 20% for the first $500 that you bill your clients, and then 10% for total billings between $500 and $10,000, and 5% for total billings of more than $10,000. The fee structure is designed to help you maximize your earnings potential.
These options are not stellar. It is clear that either option is not ideal. That is the price you pay for using a service. Many people are willing to pay that price in order to get access to these opportunities.
If you want to avoid these fees, find your own clients. Once you have a relationship of ongoing work with clients, you can contract with them on your own. You can develop a steady stream of work without relying on the platforms.
This opens up a whole new world of possibilities when it comes to finding clients and billing for services. It is important to be aware of the different ways you can go about doing this in order to make the process as efficient and seamless as possible.
Freelance opportunities
Access to a variety of jobs is offered by both Upwork and Fiverr. Upwork and Fiverr can help you find a job in the tech industry or something more creative.
Upwork seems to be the better platform for larger jobs that require advanced skills or knowledge.
Less experienced people are more likely to do better on Fiverr. It can be a great way for newcomers to gain experience and build a portfolio of work.
Customer service and dispute resolution
A limited help center is offered by Fiverr. Users can ask and answer questions on the community forum. There is no phone number or email address listed for help on Fiverr, but rather a request button for assistance and a link for checking on existing requests.
It can be difficult to experience payment issues. Stay patient and contact the customer service team for help. You will not be able to speak with a representative. Customer service is not currently available.
Upwork, on the other hand, offers a robust support center with personalized support and assistance. The fact that jobs are more complex on Upwork is important. It is important to consider the time and effort that will be required to complete a job on Upwork before submitting a proposal. It makes sense to have someone to chat with when help is needed.
Upgrades
Both Upwork and Fiverr offer upgrade options over their free platforms. Upwork Plus and Fiverr Pro offer enhanced features for those who decide to upgrade.
The pro is still free. The benefits of Fiverr Pro are still free, so you can take advantage of them. To be accepted, you have to apply to their team. If accepted, you will be able to charge more and work with better clients than you can in the free version.
Upwork Plus is a paid plan. This provides access to 80 monthly connections, enhanced features like a custom URL for your profile, and the ability to see what your competitors are offering for a gig. It allows you to easily manage your gig, so that you can focus on creating quality content and providing exceptional customer service.
The difference between Upwork Pro and Fiverr Pro is that Upwork Pro is better for people who are just starting out and need advanced features to cut through the noise.
Upwork Pro takes an additional cut on top of the subscription fee for every gig. It can be hard for a person to maintain a consistent income.
Tips for Freelancers
Freelancing is not easy
Some clients are difficult to work with. Regardless of their level of pickiness, all clients should be treated with respect and courtesy.
Being able to take criticism and being patient with customers is part of being successful on a platform. To continue to provide the highest level of service, it is important to be flexible and willing to adjust to changes. You won’t last very long in this line of work if you can’t handle that element.
Freelancing is competitive
Making matters more complicated, freelancing is extremely competitive—especially in the post-pandemic gig economy where many people are working from home and looking for flexible freelance work.
You need to put in some serious work to succeed on either Upwork or Fiverr. It’s important to be prepared to invest time in marketing your services, building relationships, and providing value to your clients. It requires charging low amounts, fighting to get jobs, and completing work in a very limited time frame. It is important to maintain professionalism even when you are overwhelmed by the challenge.
It won’t be pleasant to work on some of the jobs that you take on. It is important to remember that you need to be focused on the final outcome no matter how difficult the job may be. That is just the nature of being a free agent. It’s a roller coaster ride with many highs and lows, but it can be rewarding.
Don’t quit your day job just yet
It is possible for a person to wake up one day and not have to answer to a boss. The idea of freedom and independence is one of the main motivating factors for entrepreneurs.
It is not that simple. Quality work can be harder to do if you don’t have a full-time job. This can lead to low self-esteem and an overall feeling of being overwhelmed. It may negatively impact performance if you are constantly worried about making ends meet.
The stress of having to actually locate jobs on Upwork is not guaranteed. Many people who work from home need to find time to market themselves and build an online presence in order to attract potential clients.
Consider finding jobs without Fiverr or Upwork
Giving someone a cut of your hard-earned pay is one of the most frustrating things. When you don’t receive anything in return for your contribution, it’s even more frustrating. You surrender a fee in exchange for them throwing work your way when working on a site like Upwork or Fiverr. It’s not an easy process, but it can be rewarding if you succeed.
On the other hand, you may not be able to get on your own. They are often short-term and project-based jobs that require a certain skill set. That is taking the lazy way out. The effort to find a better solution is usually worth it. The lazy way is not the best way in business. It’s important to put in the extra effort in order to get the best results.
Companies are going to sites like Upwork and Fiverr to find talent. There is now an opportunity for people who are not employed to find work and take control of their career path. Go to similar companies and offer their services. You can use online services such as Upwork to create a profile and showcase your skills, making it easier to find work. You can form your own connections by negotiating your own contracts.
This approach can lead to more money being made.
Most experienced freelancers don’t work on sites like Upwork or Fiverr. These sites can be used to hire inexperienced people. When you are ready, graduate and walk your own path, you can try these sites as you are starting out. If you want to provide the most value to your clients, you need to stay up-to-date on the best practices in your field.
You will be better off if you choose. It’s important to be informed before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Upwork take from freelancers?
Upwork charges on a sliding scale, starting at 20% for the first $500 you bill. The more you work on Upwork, the less you’ll pay in fees. Upwork charges 10% for total billings between $500 and $10,000 once you reach that level. Clients pay a 5% fee after that. 5% is the third tier for total billings over $10,000. Businesses with higher monthly billings can get a significant discount.
Is Fiverr good for freelancers?
Fiverr is generally beneficial for freelancers who need access to quick side jobs. This platform is ideal for quick one-offs. It’s a great way to get your ideas out into the world.
It can be hard to find work with Fiverr. The quality of work can vary greatly depending on who you hire. Since they are competing globally, companies look for the lowest price they can find on the platform. The result is that they have to reduce their rates in order to compete.
Is Fiverr or Upwork better?
In terms of exposure, they are similar to exposing a wide network of clients across multiple industries. It’s a great option if you want to get noticed and increase your client base. For small projects, Upwork is better than Fiverr. Both Upwork and Fiverr offer great services for those who are looking for a reliable platform.
What are some alternative freelance platforms to consider?
Elance, oDesk, and 99designs are alternative platforms. These platforms are great for connecting with clients and finding work. Get a better idea of what else is out there by vetting the various platforms. It’s important to research so you can find the platform that’s right for you. Upwork and Fiverr are usually ranked in the top five. These two platforms offer a variety of services and features that make them stand out from the competition.
Some platforms offer skills tests to help source the best talent. Taking these tests can help you stand out. It is possible to demonstrate that you are a top-tier candidate for the job by showcasing your knowledge and expertise. Some clients might need them. Many businesses prefer to have contracts in place for their services.
The Bottom Line
Upwork and Fiverr are some of the top platforms for independent work. The opportunity to find meaningful work and grow portfolios are provided by both platforms. There are thousands of jobs across hundreds of niches on both websites, no matter what type of work you do. You could end up making your own schedule if you produce high-quality work. It is possible to go from feeling unfulfilled and stuck in a rut to having the freedom to pursue your passions and goals.
Who knows? You might be a full-time freelancer before you know it, making a ton of money to do what you love, without ever having to answer to a boss. You could make more money as a freelancer than you would in a regular job.
