FIVERR: A marketplace for Freelancers.

Fiverr is an online platform that brings together businesses and freelancers providing digital services.

There are many kinds of professionals on this website offering services, such as; transcription, translation, resume writing, tutoring, LinkedIn profile writing, logo designs, video editor, language lessons and social media marketing.

These services advertised by freelancers on Fiverr are known as gigs. And, don't worry about your skills not being among the most popular services in demand on this website; your uniqueness could set you apart in a niche, and very well make you some extra cash.

This may surprise you, but among the not so popular services on Fiverr listed as gigs, are for example; "I will chat, talk or listen and give you good relationship advice" or "I will be your one true friend".

Do these gigs require a professional background in psychology? The answer is no. These are services you offer every day to your friends, family or even strangers for free, and on Fiverr, buyers will pay you for it.

This marketplace has been in existence for about 10 years and is available worldwide, whether you are a buyer or freelancer of digital services. And, in my own experience as both a buyer and seller on this freelance platform, I can say it is legit.

1. Is it free to sign up as a freelancer?

Yes, go to Fiverr's official website to signup for free. There is no subscription required or fees to advertise your services.

2. How much money can I earn?

Freelance services starting price is US$5.00 and upwards, and you can work as much as you want. Keep in mind that Fiverr takes 20% of your earning for each project completed as a charge for using the platform's services.

3. The Fiverr Pro option

Fiverr Pro is a status freelancers apply for to become recognized as a verified professional or expert in the types of services they offered to buyers on the website.

To obtain a Fiverr Pro status, freelancers are required to provide background information such as their years of experience. There is an application process freelancers must follow and Fiverr advises that only about 1% of applicants receive approval.

Some benefits of earning this status include; more exposure so buyers will easily find your services, the price limit for your gig can go up to US$10,000, and US$50,000 for custom orders. You can learn more about how Fiverr Pro works.

4. How do I get paid?

Fiverr offers four(4) methods to withdraw your earnings: Fiverr Revenue Card, Paypal, Banktransfer and Direct Deposit (only accessible in the US).

Fiverr Revenue Card (Accessed via Payoneer) and PayPal are two payment options less complicated in my opinion and available worldwide. There are fees associated with the withdrawal of your earnings depending on the method you choose.

• Fiverr Revenue Card activation fee is US$5 and a US$1 charge for each time there is a withdrawal from Fiverr to Payoneer. For more information on the Fiverr Revenue Card click here.

• Paypal service fees vary considering whether its a personal or business account. For more information, you can visit the website by clicking here.

Some Pros and Cons of using Fiverr as a Freelancer

There are often positives and negatives in many of the things we do. So, let's take a look at some of the pros and cons of becoming a freelancer on Fiverr.

Pros

A. Tips from buyers on Fiverr

One benefit of being a seller on Fiverr is that the website encourages buyers to leave tips for the sellers. This occurs after the buyer approves the work completed and gives the seller a good rating on his or her service. Thereafter, the buyer is prompted to leave the seller a tip (Fiverr also takes 20% of the tips, though with generous tips it might not seem like such a significant take).

B. Make some extra money

If you have a gift or talent that could earn you some extra cash on the side, well go for it.

Don't worry that your talent might not be the norm, you never know until you put yourself out there.

There are so many freelancers on Fiverr offering so many different digital services based on their talents and know-how, why not try it out?

C. You don't need to bid to get clients

I've also tried other freelance websites such as Freelancer and Upwork. However, unlike such websites, you don't need to spend a lot of time bidding for projects. On Fiverr, if a buyer is interested in your service, you will be contacted through an email notification.

It is important to respond to a buyer at the earliest time possible as it impacts on what Fiverr calls your Response Rate; which affects your attractiveness to potential buyers of your service.

Cons

A. Potentially low income

The price for Fiverr gigs start at the US$5 and as such after the 20% service fees taken by Fiverr, you are left with US$4.

Freelancers many times charge less than the true value of their skill or service just to remain competitive and attract buyers. On the upside, the lower price may encourage more buyers to request your service.

B. Difficulty getting your first few gigs

If you are new to Fiverr it can be a challenge to get your first client. This is because when buyers take a look at your gig, it doesn't reflect experience as a freelancer on the website.

Rating is important and having experience is a consideration for buyers. Everyone starts somewhere and thought you might be a newcomer you can still get clients (freelancers many times advertise their services on social media platforms such as; Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).

If you do decide to signup and become a freelancer on Fiverr, here is a walkthrough on how to start selling on Fiver. And, there are also courses offered by Fiverr to build on your skills as a freelancer, some of which are free.

Conclusion There is much controversy online about Fiverr as a great marketplace for freelancers, but what it really comes down to is 'you'. What are you looking for on Fiverr? What are your preferences? What services can you offer? And the questions go on.

The results are not the same for everyone, and it's your choice whether or not you make that decision to join the marketplace.

Many persons have experienced job loss resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and are spending more time at home on the internet searching for jobs.

I encourage you to be on the alert for scams. Do your own research on any online jobs or money-making opportunities advertised on the internet, check out the reviews and be confident it's not a scam before participating.

These are challenging times for many of us, but we have to remain vigilant, with the hope that, though our lives might never be the same again, we are able to persevere.

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