Fiverr is an online freelance marketplace that connects buyers and sellers. Freelancers list their services as “gigs,” and interested buyers can bid on or purchase these gigs.
As a seller, you can set up a gig based on your specialization and wait to attract a willing buyer for your services.
Is Fiverr a good way to make money?
Yes, Fiverr is a good way to make money online as long as you have the right skills and are ready to put in the effort and deliver a great service. Some of the top earners on Fiverr make six figures a year as you can see in this Forbes article.
When Fiverr first started, freelancers charged $5 a gig, hence the name “fiver.” The online marketplace first started as a way for freelancers to sell skills and services on the side.
Nowadays, the company allows you to create gigs charging up to $995, and many freelancers use it as a full-time income source.
Additional Reading: Is Fiverr Good for Beginners?
What makes Fiverr a good place to make money online?
Are you considering joining Fiverr part or full-time? Here are some reasons you should join Fiverr to make money online.
Wide range of categories
Are you an expert programmer? Or perhaps you know a lot about dogs and can help a new struggling pet mom? Whatever you think you’re good at, you can create a gig for it on Fiverr.
One of the best features Fiverr offers is the numerous field specialties. And each category it offers is further divided into a sub-category.
Basically, you can offer services for almost anything. Some popular categories include programming, business, lifestyle, writing, graphics and design, and video animation.
Be your own boss
Fiverr puts you in charge by letting you choose projects to work on. You no longer have to worry about working for difficult clients or projects you hate.
Because you create the gigs, you have control over what to offer. A client may request a little tweaking here and there, but ultimately, you are in control of the gig.
Flexible schedule
Hate the idea of working a regular 9-5 schedule? With Fiverr, you do not have to adhere to strict working hours. Are you a night owl? Or an early bird? Whichever the case, Fiverr offers the freedom to work when it’s most suitable for you.
A flexible working schedule means you can work right before your morning run or after an evening yoga class. You even have room to schedule a dentist appointment when it’s less busy. Get the picture?
Remote work
Remote work became popular during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic due to mandates to help curb the spread of the virus.
However, remote work was still popular, even pre-pandemic. A Global Workplace Analytics study found that the number of remote workers in the US increased by 140% since 2005.
Bored of staring at the same four walls every day? Some freelancers combine their love for traveling and the freedom of working anywhere by becoming digital nomads. As a digital nomad, you can work at the little café down the street or in a different country entirely.
You’re free to work wherever you please, even if it’s in your bedroom while wearing pajamas.
Build a network
Fiverr is a platform open to buyers and sellers from around the world. As you find work and grow as a seller, you’ll meet clients and potential buyers worldwide. This creates an opportunity to build a network that you can later leverage.
Additional Reading: How To Be Successful On Fiverr
How to use Fiverr to make money
Now that you have an idea of how Fiverr can benefit you, here are the steps to get you started.
- Create an account through the Fiverr website or app. Ensure you choose the ‘Become a Seller’ option. Select a professional username, as this is what potential clients will see when they shop for gigs in your category.
- Activate your account and set up a profile with necessary details like your skills, description of your services, education background, and a suitable photo.
- Set up gigs based on the services you offer. Create several gigs to increase your visibility and make it easy for clients to find you.
- Avoid bland and unimaginative gig titles. As a beginner, you’ll need to stand out from the competition to make it on Fiverr. “I write well-researched articles.” Yeah? So do the other thousands of freelance writers on the platform. Think of a title that would make a client stop scrolling and say to themselves, “Yes! This is the one”. If you’re not sure, browse high-ranking sellers in your category to get an idea of how they title their gigs.
- Add additional details like relevant images, videos, or client testimonials. You can also make a gig package to offer more to clients.
Some of the best-selling categories on Fiverr include:
- Digital marketing
- Graphic and design
- Content writing
- Web developer services
- Translation services
- Virtual assistant work
- Accounting work
If your skills fall under these categories, you already have a better chance of getting gigs on the platform.
Fiverr tips for sellers to maximize your earnings
To sell more on Fiverr, you need to understand what makes for a successful gig. A gig needs to be unique, offer value for money, and have a high-conversation rate.
Follow the proven steps below if you truly want to get the most responses from your gigs and increase your sales.
1. Set up professional-looking gigs
Have clear and concise titles. Use trigger keywords that will capture a client’s attention. Words like “proven,” “secret,” “powerful,” and “imagine” are examples of words that evoke a reaction. Such words will nudge a client to take action, like hiring your services.
Ensure your gig includes a vivid description of what services you offer. It has to be succinct since the platform limits this to 200 words. Include relevant visuals that will convey more about your work than words can.
2. Fine-tune your seller bio
Think of your bio as a personal brand. Include a high-resolution professional photo of yourself, and ensure you choose one where you look warm and approachable.
Keep your bio info short and to the point. Also, include testimonials of clients you’ve worked with in the past, including outside of Fiverr. This makes it easier for potential clients to trust you.
3. Set competitive rates
Remember, you’re competing against thousands of freelancers who also offer $5 services. This may seem discouraging, but when starting, offer high-quality services at the same low price. Your goal is to garner enough 5-star reviews and a proven track record. Later, you can adjust your rates higher.
4. Pay attention to the buyer request section
The buyer request section has several clients listing jobs they need help completing. These jobs already have a budget, and you will need to bid on them to catch the client’s attention. However, this section can help you fetch positive reviews and level up as a freelancer.
Additional Reading: How to Make Money on Fiverr Without Skills
Drawbacks of using Fiverr
- Fiverr charges high commissions
Fiverr deducts 20% from your earnings on their platform. So, for example, if you earn $100, Fiverr deducts a whopping $20. This is a big cut, considering the company charges per gig and not the whole project. Remember that they also charge the client for letting them use the platform to source for services.
- Highly competitive for beginners
It is difficult to get your first few gigs when you’re just starting out. There are thousands of sellers on the platform, and you’re competing against them for clients.
It also doesn’t help that the platform’s algorithm highly ranks freelancers with good reviews, increasing their chances of attracting more buyers. This works against newer freelancers because clients will avoid taking a risk on a seller without reviews compared to one with a proven track record.
Conclusion
Fiverr is a great place to get your feet wet if you are just starting out as a freelancer. You can select from multiple categories and sub-categories, specify your services through gigs, work remotely, and earn a full-time or part-time income. If this sounds appealing, sign up and get started.
