Upwork vs Fiverr: Which is the Best for Freelancers?

Choosing the Right Platform for your Success

The freelance industry is witnessing fast-paced growth. Companies are increasingly seeking versatile and remote talent. As the remote and work from home movements continue to evolve, the choices for freelancers and digital nomads have expanded. Articles indicate that 36% of freelancers work full time. If you’re finding yourself in this percentage of people, you may have asked yourself: Upwork or Fiverr? In the freelance landscape, both platforms stand out prominently. Choosing between them is crucial as you navigate the path to freelance success.

What’s the Difference?

Upwork is a platform that facilitates connections between clients and freelancers. It boasts a comprehensive approach to offering specialized skills and work. Fiverr provides freelancers with a platform to showcase their profiles and gigs, allowing clients to “shop” for the right talent. Which one is better for you?

Upwork

• +18 million registered users (buyers and freelancers)
• Upwork accepts freelancers with high demand skills
• Your profile must be verified to receive more jobs
• Freelancers compete by bidding on projects posted by clients
• You have to buy Connects to submit proposals
• Costs slightly more than Fiverr
• Most freelancers charge hourly or by project

Fiverr

• Active buyers exceed 4.3 million.
• Fiverr charges slightly lower fees than Upwork.
• Dominated by web developers, video creators, and photographers
• Freelancers can offer as many services as they’d like
• Buyers look for sellers with the best gigs
• Must pay a fee on all earnings

Upwork Freelancers: An Overview

Upwork emerged in 2014 as the result of the merger between Elance and oDesk. Quickly, it established itself as the premier and largest freelance platform. The platform stands as a haven for thousands of skilled freelancers, vetted in an array of talents ranging from SEO, blogging, programming, content writing, copywriting, virtual assistance, and much more.

What sets Upwork apart is the unique feature allowing freelancers to create and showcase their profiles, serving as a bridge to connect with potential employers. Upwork experiences millions of job posts each year, solidifying its reputation as the go-to platform for freelancers.

Setting up an Account

The sign-up process is multifaceted and merits a dedicated discussion. You can read the in-depth beginner guide to Upwork here.

The initial step is to apply to become a freelancer. You must assess the demand for your skills. Upwork primarily accepts those with high-demand experience and valuable skills. Popular skills, however, may lead to rejection due to over saturation. This could include content writing, customer service, or graphic design. If Upwork declines your initial profile submission, they encourage you to refine your skills and resubmit for approval.

After successful approval, freelancers receive 50 free connects. Connects are necessary for bidding on and securing jobs. It is important to bid often and regularly. You are able to find available jobs related to your skill set on your dashboard, or search and filter for jobs aligned with your requirements. Clients are also able to extend invitations for proposal submissions on their job post.

Upwork Platform Experience for Freelancers

Navigating Upwork is a seamless experience. Clients can effortlessly post their jobs and project requirements through job posts. There is a description box to attach detailed instructions and the ability to engage in direct chats with freelancers.

Upwork also offers flexibility for payment structures. For hourly projects, freelancers track their working hours and submit timesheets, ensuring accuracy and transparency. The escrow system facilitates fixed payments, ensuring security for both parties. This adaptability allows freelancers to choose between hourly or fixed payments, depending on the nature of their projects.

Freelancers can search for jobs with specific requirements easily. The filters allow users to narrow down available jobs by category, experience level, payment type, proposal count, client history, client info, time zone, time length, connects needed, and more.

Target Audience: Freelancers Thriving on Upwork

It is not easy to get invitations and win job bids on Upwork, especially if you’re just starting out. Once you’ve worked with multiple clients, you will see an influx of clients. However, if you’re one of the following professionals, then Upwork may be the best site for you.

Writers

Upwork is a lucrative site, particularly favorable to writers of all genres. There are opportunities for marketing copies, eBooks, informative articles, and book writing. As you refine your skills and earn top-rated badges, the platform continues to pave the way for substantial earnings.

Virtual Assistants

There are clients actively seeking freelancers to manage their social media and other administrative accounts. This presents the opportunity for freelancers to become virtual assistants, leveraging their managerial skills to meet the needs of diverse clients. Virtual assistants can showcase their expertise and offer valuable services.

Developers

For website and app developers, Upwork has many lucrative opportunities. Due to the platform’s ability to track hours worked, there is a fair and transparent payment system. This benefits freelancers by ensuring fair compensation for their expertise and creates a conducive environment for clients seeking development services.

Digital Marketers

Whether you specialize in marketing strategies, optimizing online presence, or implementing innovative campaigns, Upwork provides a dynamic space for digital marketing experts. Freelancers can showcase their talents and meet the growing demands of businesses seeing to enhance their online visibility.

The Pros and Cons for Freelancers on Upwork

Pros:

1. Upwork is Free to Join: Singing up for a freelance account on Upwork is free. Begin by completing your freelancer profile, then submit it for approval. Remember to assess the demand for your skills to avoid joining an oversaturated market.
2. All Working Hours are Billed: Every hour, second, and minute of your work is compensated when you deliver high quality results according to your client’s specifications. Through the work diary function, Upwork ensures that you are able to bill your clients accurately for the work performed.
3. You Apply for the Jobs You’re Interested in: Opposed to Fiverr, freelancers apply and bid on posted jobs rather than relying on clients to select them based on gigs. This allows freelancers to thoroughly review job requirements to determine if their skills match before submitting a proposal. Freelancers are empowered to engage with potential clients through this application process.
4. Foster long-term Relationships: Freelancers have the potential for long-term collaborations with clients. Then clients are satisfied with the services provided, they often opt to hire the same freelancers for ongoing projects. This can lead to the possibility of not needing to actively bid on jobs as you consistently receive repeat clients.

More Pros…

1. Simplified Communication: Upwork ensures smooth communication by allowing for the exchange of job requirements through the messaging functionality. Freelancers and clients can attach files and completed tasks in one place. All files undergo verification to prevent the transmission of malicious content. This ensures a secure and reliable environment for both parties to collaborate.
2. Payment Protection: Through the escrow protection system, Upwork ensures secure transactions. When hired, the client deposits the agreed-upon amount for the project in escrow. The client releases payment when the job is complete. In the event of a client not releasing the funds, Upwork will automatically complete the transaction after seven days.
3. Upwork App: The mobile app allows freelancers to stay in touch with clients while on the go.
4. Public Reviews: Upwork allows freelancers to provide feedback on clients, creating a two-way review system. This system allows freelancers to share their experiences, including insights into a client’s work ethic, communication, and more. By reviewing feedback you can assess a client’s professionalism, helping freelancers make informed decisions.

Cons:

1. Challenging for Beginners: Securing a job on Upwork with a new account is a challenge due to uneven freelancer to job opportunity ratio. Due to the platforms competitive nature, new freelancers are put at a disadvantage. Clients tend to prefer established profiles. Despite the experience curve, winning a job is still possible as a new account. Success requires effort in drafting excellent proposals that highlight skills, expertise, and how your skills can help the client’s problem.
2. Risk of Suspension: If you fail to follow the Upwork terms and conditions, your account risks being suspended without notice. Also, if you are inactive for too long, your profile visibility will switch to private so clients cannot see you on a search.

Fiverr Freelancers: An Overview

Fiverr was founded in 2010 with a unique proposition: freelancers offering services starting at just $5. While some still operate at this price point, the platform has evolved significantly since its inception. Today, freelancers on Fiverr have the flexibility to set their own prices, offering a wide array of services spanning from design to development and beyond.

On Fiverr, individuals offering services are commonly referred to as “sellers.” A “buyer” on Fiverr corresponds to a “client” on Upwork. When a buyer on Fiverr is pleased with a seller’s services, they initiate an “order” to purchase those services. Each service offered by a seller on Fiverr is encapsulated in a “Gig,” typically presented with a title like “I will [service] for $10.”

With nearly 35 million monthly visitors, Fiverr remains a powerhouse in the freelance industry. However, the critical question lingers: Does Fiverr stack up against Upwork?

Setting up an Account

Getting started on Fiverr is a seamless and cost-free process. Before showcasing your services through gigs, you’ll be prompted to complete your profile by providing essential information. Since clients will make hiring decisions based on the details you share, it’s crucial to build your profile thoughtfully. To begin, follow these steps:

1. Create your seller profile by providing all necessary information. Your profile serves as your digital resume on the platform.
2. Develop your first gig for sale, outlining the service(s) you aim to provide.
3. Optionally, enhance your profile by adding an introductory video.
4. Expand your offerings by adding more gigs, providing clients with an array of choices.
5. Leverage your skills and expertise to cater to the needs of your clients effectively.

Fiverr Platform Experience for Freelancers

Fiverr offers a user-friendly experience for both buyers and sellers. Upon the buyer’s satisfaction with their order, they have the option to release the payment, ensuring a seamless transaction process. Unlike Upwork, Fiverr transactions are based on fixed prices agreed upon between buyers and sellers. Moreover, Fiverr boasts round-the-clock customer support, providing assistance whenever needed.

For buyers, Fiverr presents many options, offering many services and expertise areas. The abundance of choices might seem overwhelming at first glance. However, Fiverr is designed for easy exploration of individual gigs and sellers. Detailed gig descriptions, along with seller profiles showcasing their skills, ratings, and reviews, help buyers make informed decisions. This transparency empowers buyers to find the perfect match for their project requirements, ensuring a satisfactory experience on the platform.

Target Audience: Freelancers Who Excel on Fiverr

Fiverr’s system relies heavily on the visibility and appeal of your gigs, making it essential to design compelling offerings that stand out in the marketplace. Despite the initial hurdles, Fiverr can be an ideal platform for professionals in various fields.

Writers

On Fiverr, the realm of writing services is vast, allowing you to offer a wide array of content creation options tailored to your expertise. As a seller, you have the flexibility to establish your pricing structure, which often hinges on factors such as word count, project complexity, and delivery timelines. Writing clear and concise gig descriptions is key to informing potential clients about the scope of your services. Additionally, you can utilize the platform’s question feature to gather essential details from clients, ensuring that you can deliver high-quality work tailored to their specific needs and preferences.

Designers & Illustrators

On Fiverr, sellers have the advantage of utilizing questionnaires to gather specific details from clients, ensuring that they fully understand the scope and requirements of each project. For example, if a client requests a logo design, sellers can use a questionnaires to gather details such as the desired name or symbol, preferred color scheme, and any specific design preferences. This streamlined approach facilitates clear communication between sellers and buyers, resulting in customized deliverables that meet the client’s expectations.

The Pros and Cons for Freelancers on Fiverr

Pros:

1. You Don’t Have to Apply for Jobs: Freelancers on Fiverr showcase their services through enticing Gig listings, detailing what they offer and at what price point. Buyers then have the freedom to browse through these Gigs and select the ones that best match their needs.
2. You Decide your Rates: Freelancers set their own prices for the services they offer, providing complete control over their pricing strategy for each Gig. This flexibility enables freelancers to determine the value of their expertise and tailor their pricing. The factors can include the complexity of the task, the level of customization required, and their own experience and proficiency.
3. It’s Free to Use and Join: Fiverr offers a free registration process, allowing users to sign up for an account without any upfront fees. Once registered, freelancers can immediately begin creating and setting up their Gigs on the platform, providing a seamless and straightforward onboarding experience.
4. Fiverr Pro: While Fiverr Pro is an exclusive feature reserved for experts, it stands out as one of the platform’s remarkable offerings. By qualifying for Fiverr Pro, freelancers can leverage this prestigious status to foster enduring relationships with clients and command lucrative earnings.

Cons:

1. Commission: Regardless of the duration or the cumulative earnings from a gig, a standard 20% commission is deducted from each transaction. This can add up to be a large portion of your earnings, especially since taxes are not accounted for.
2. Buyers Contact you: One of the major drawbacks of Fiverr is the platform’s reliance on freelancers to attract clients solely through their listed Gigs. While this system offers flexibility, if your Gigs fail to capture the attention of potential clients, you may struggle to secure projects.

Upwork vs. Fiverr for Freelancers: Final Thoughts

In my personal opinion, I prefer Upwork over Fiverr. I find Upwork to be more conducive to establishing long-term client relationships and working on larger-scale projects.

Fiverr’s market saturation and emphasis on low prices can sometimes make it challenging for experts to stand out. This creates a “race to the bottom” mentality. However, the choice between Upwork and Fiverr ultimately depends on the specific services you seek from freelancers.

If you’re focused on starting a freelance career in areas like graphic design or software development, Fiverr might be a suitable choice. If you value the potential for long-term partnerships and higher-value projects, Upwork could be the better option. Ultimately, weighing the pros and cons of each platform will help you determine the best fit for your freelance goals. Good luck in your journey!