I’m sure, as freelancers we all have a difference of opinion on which platform to work. But, the problem arises when we start from scratch as a beginner in freelancing. We try many freelancing platforms and finalize which is best for us. I did the same exact thing but it literally ate my time. I’m sure we all hate trying one by one and then finalizing. It’s always best to receive a rough idea from a friend and then plan ourselves which platform to choose.
If I have received an opportunity to decide and finalize which platform to choose from an experienced friend, then I definitely would have not missed the opportunity. But, it is fine I did not get that opportunity from a friend. Instead I tried many platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork and then finalized which platform is best for whom. No worries, I got you! I will explain to you my experiences along with comparing both Upwork and Fiverr. Read completely and I’ll definitely give you a proper complete guide and you will be able to find out which freelancing platform is best for you by the end of the article.
According to My experience, both Upwork and Fiverr are most commonly used and popular platforms for freelancers but working styles are different when comparing them with each other and according to the perspective of the freelancers they choose on which platform to work on. And each freelancing platform has a wide range of audience. Let me help you to choose which freelancing platform you belong to as a friend.
In this article I have compared both Upwork and Fiverr accordingly,
you will be able to choose which is the best for you in the end.
01. Platform structure.
02. Ease of entry.
03. Pricing and fees.
04. Client interaction.
05. Competition and visibility.
06. Payment and security.
07. Community and support.
In each of the above subtopics there will be a conclusion on which platform to choose and finally you will be able to conclude your decision.
01. Platform structure.
Fiverr
When it comes to the structure of the Fiverr platform, fiverr operates on a gig (service package) based structure in which buyers can purchase your service packages which is predefined. All of the seller’s services will be designed according to the package basis (basic, standard and premium) which will be made easy for the client to purchase.
Image from ByteGain
Each gig will include a description of the service you provide, the prices of each package and other additional services including fast delivery and extra revisions. As services are provided according to the packages the prices and conditions will be already fixed and projected publicly which will make the clients to attract easily and
This is how the fiverr platform works basically.
Upwork
To conclude regarding the platform structure, for beginners it’s quite challenging to work in Upwork and it requires more effort than working in Fiverr. When it comes to Fiverr it can be considered as an ideal platform for beginners as it provides the opportunity to offer service without having to communicate and negotiate the terms and conditions with each and every client.
02. Ease of entry.
Fiverr
Image from Become a Fiverr Affiliate- Fiverr
Entry into Fiverr is literally very easy, you simply create a gig and set your prices and you will feel the ease to move forward for sure. You will have no need to bid proposals for your clients. They will look into your profile and request you for your service if your gig is well made and by considering the other package details. But, it’s quite sure that there will be more freelancers offering the same service as yours and the competition will be literally so high. It can be quite challenging at times to stand out on the platform without ratings and reviews as there will be more competitors.
Upwork
Image from Upwork
Upwork focuses more on the entry process which will seem a bit strict for beginners. Freelancers must create a detailed profile to get their profile approved which may require some more effort than Fiverr which will be a bit challenging task for beginners. This also includes writing proposals for each and every job which can be difficult and seem unfamiliar to a beginner. If there is a negative phase then there will definitely be a positive phase too. So, when we consider the pluses of proposing services in the above-mentioned manner as a project based may have chances to lead long-term engagements and repeat the business.
While considering the pluses and minuses in both the platforms, I think Fiverr receives more pluses in ease of entry than Upwork as a beginner.
03. Pricing and fees.
Fiverr
Image from Learning Revolution
Pricing on Fiverr starts from 5$ which is quite a very low amount. But, you can adjust your pricing system and package according to the services you provide. But, it’s always important to manage everything carefully as it may lead to undervaluing your service.
Also, Fiverr takes a 20% commission on all of your earnings regardless of the service and size of the package you offer.
On pricing and fees it’s quite transparent that there is a negative part to consider in Fiverr.
Upwork
Image from RemoteHub
It’s more obvious that in Upwork it is paid hourly and fixed priced contracts. Which is a great option to get paid more. Pricing flexibility is literally so good on Upwork where you can negotiate directly with your clients. Somewhat similar to Fiverr, Upwork also charges a commission fee which varies with the amount range also with the same client.
I personally suggest that Upwork has much better pricing and fee strategy than Fiverr according to my experience.
04. Client interaction.
Fiverr
Client interaction is literally the most important thing that should be prioritized when it comes to freelancing. Client interaction is the first and foremost thing that paves the way to gaining more orders when it comes to freelancing. When it comes to Fiverr, only limited and direct interaction is allowed with clients before they purchase the gig. Which is somewhat better when it comes to beginners. But, it reduces the opportunity to clarify the needs of the client at times which increases the chances of the client getting unsatisfied after the gig is being purchased. Communication between the freelancer and the client occurs mostly after the service is being purchased which sometimes may cause misunderstandings between the seller and buyer.
Upwork
In Upwork, it is the opposite of Fiverr’s client interaction. You can communicate with your clients with no conditions and upwork encourages interactions between the freelancer and the client before the project begins. But, this sometimes may consume a large amount of time with no guarantee of getting hired as a freelancer. Which might be a great loss of your time for you.
To conclude, client interaction is important. But, as a beginner I suggest providing more points for client interaction on Fiverr is really better as you might spend more of your time and energy into upwork with less result.
05. Competition and visibility.
Fiverr
Image from Writing Studio
In Fiverr, as mentioned earlier, the competition is so high in which beginners literally find difficulty in promoting their gigs and receiving orders. The competition is so high in services like graphic designing, digital marketing, and writing in which beginners find their gigs to be found well. The main problem faced by a beginner in Fiverr is they find it difficult to achieve their first order without ratings and reviews. Achieving the first order is the main step and conquering it will help you to achieve visibility. Using good and attractive keywords and professional gig presentations will improve visibility.
Upwork
Competition is as strong as the other freelancing platforms. Beginners usually struggle with the process as most of the clients look for experienced freelancers. What matters is, building an attractive and strong portfolio. It will help you to achieve your client but it consumes time. And always remember at the end of the tunnel there is always light.
I’ll recommend Fiverr here because, according to My perspective, even if you’re a beginner, by being able to directly show your talents through gigs you will be able to attract your clients within a lesser period of time than Upwork.
06. Payment and security.
Fiverr
Image from praiseonthespOt- WordPress.com
What a freelancer expects is a secure platform and Fiverr is a pro in it. All the Fiverr payments are secured through the platform itself which is highly trustable. But, there will be a slight delay in the payment as the payment is released to the freelancer after a 14-day clearing period of time.
Upwork
Image from Upwork Help
Maximum number of payments are processed in Upwork weekly on an hourly basis with a fixed priced contract. And the clearance period of time is similar to Fiverr. And Upwork offers payment security through escrow services.
I believe, maintaining payment and the security through the freelancing platform itself is a great option. So here, Fiverr gets the credit.
07. Community and support.
Fiverr
Having an active community is really important when it comes to freelancing. Fiverr has a community in which they share tips and advice. However, some freelancers have reported complaints that community support is unhelpful while resolving some issues.
Upwork
Image from Upwork Community
Upwork has a great community in which they share webinars, guides and forums. The community support is really great on Upwork because they support issues and disputes related to payments and contracts.
I would strongly say that community and support is literally so good in Upwork when compared to Fiverr.
I am sure now you are so confused as a beginner in which platform to choose as both of the freelancing platforms have positives as well as negatives. But, there are more scores towards Fiverr as a beginner in the above mentioned main points. As I promised you I’ll suggest you the best freelancing platform for you as a beginner.
As a freelancer, I suggest absolute beginner freelancers choose Fiverr as their freelancing platform. As the procedures are easy for you to access you will be able to achieve faster in Fiverr than in Upwork.
It is totally fine if you choose Upwork over Fiverr. But, for beginners I would recommend Fiverr. If you’re really interested and looking for long term projects with higher earnings then I would recommend Upwork which would suit you. And Upwork will also provide you a great experience communicating with your clients than Fiverr.
And to finalize, I would recommend you to choose Fiverr as a beginner to improve yourself more and then step into Upwork which would be a great idea.
Which is the best platform for long term projects, Upwork or Fiverr?
Both Upwork and Fiverr are popular platforms worldwide. But, as an expert, Upwork will be a greater option if you are interested in long term projects and long term relationships. Which also will increase your experience day to day.long-term
Is Upwork’s payment method safe?
Yes, it is safe for sure. If it is not safe then Upwork would have not become a popular freelancing platform for sure.
Why Should we do freelancing?
When it comes to a 9 – 5 job there will definitely not be flexibility in time even in unavoidable circumstances. But, here freelancing the time schedule is so flexible. And we can obtain diverse opportunities through freelancing to which clients worldwide get attracted. And, there is no control over earnings. You can earn however much you want with no limits which are literally so great. The main plus point here is there will be a global reach for your service in which you can earn more than your 9-5 job if you use the opportunity wisely.
