Is Fiverr Worth It for Freelance Writers? A Comprehensive Look
If you’re a freelance writer, you’ve probably heard of Fiverr. It’s one of the most popular platforms for freelancers to sell their services, from graphic design to video editing to—you guessed it—writing.
But is Fiverr worth your time as a freelance writer? Let’s break it down and take an honest look at the pros and cons of using Fiverr to earn an income.
What Is Fiverr, and How Does It Work?
Fiverr is an online marketplace where freelancers can list and sell their services, known as “gigs.”
These gigs often start at $5 (hence the name Fiverr), but the platform now allows freelancers to charge much more, depending on the complexity and scope of the service. Writers can offer services like blog writing, copywriting, scriptwriting, and more.
As a writer, you’ll create a profile showcasing your skills and set up gigs describing what you offer.
Clients browse Fiverr, find freelancers they’re interested in, and place an order. Once the order is placed, you’ll deliver the work by the agreed-upon deadline. Fiverr acts as the middleman, handling the payment and ensuring both parties meet their obligations. While it sounds simple, succeeding on Fiverr requires strategy, effort, and consistency.
The Pros of Using Fiverr as a Freelance Writer
Let’s start with the positives because there are several reasons why writers might consider Fiverr a viable platform.
1. Access to a Global Market
One of the biggest perks of Fiverr is its global reach. Your gigs can be seen by clients worldwide, which means there’s always potential for work. This global audience can be especially beneficial for writers in regions where freelance opportunities are limited locally. Fiverr’s international exposure allows you to connect with businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals from various industries who need writing services, from SEO-optimized articles to press releases.
Additionally, this wide reach can expose you to diverse projects that might not be available elsewhere. You might find yourself writing a product description for a tech startup one day and a travel blog for a boutique agency the next. This variety can keep your work interesting and help you expand your skill set.
2. Built-In Marketing Tools
Fiverr handles a lot of the marketing for you. Once your gigs are set up, the platform’s search algorithm helps connect you with potential buyers. While you’ll still need to optimize your gigs with keywords and clear descriptions, you don’t have to worry about creating ads or running campaigns. This is a significant advantage for freelancers who don’t have the time or expertise to market their services independently.
Moreover, Fiverr’s user-friendly interface includes features like analytics that allow you to track gig performance. You can see how many people view your profile, click on your gigs, and place orders. This data can help you tweak your offerings to better meet client needs and improve visibility.
3. Flexibility
You can work whenever and wherever you want. Fiverr offers unparalleled flexibility for freelancers who value autonomy. You set your own rates, delivery times, and the scope of services. If you only have time to take on one gig a week, you can do that. If you’re looking to make Fiverr a full-time endeavor, you can scale up accordingly by increasing your gig offerings or shortening delivery times to take on more clients.
This flexibility is particularly appealing for individuals balancing other commitments, such as a day job, parenting, or education. It’s also ideal for digital nomads who want to earn an income while traveling.
4. Opportunities for Upselling
Fiverr allows you to add gig extras—additional services that clients can purchase on top of your basic gig. For instance, you might charge $50 for a 500-word blog post but offer to deliver it within 24 hours for an extra $20 or include SEO optimization for another $15. This can significantly boost your earnings.
Upselling is not just about making more money; it’s also about providing clients with more comprehensive solutions. Offering extras like detailed keyword research, formatting, or even accompanying graphics can enhance your appeal and justify higher rates. Clients who value convenience are often willing to pay for these added services, creating a win-win situation.
5. Building a Portfolio
For new writers, Fiverr can be a great place to build a portfolio. Completing gigs allows you to gather writing samples and testimonials from clients, which can help you land bigger opportunities down the line. Even if you’re just starting, a well-organized Fiverr profile with a variety of completed projects can serve as a powerful showcase of your skills.
Over time, these samples and positive reviews can act as social proof, making it easier to attract higher-paying clients both on and off the platform. Think of Fiverr as a stepping stone to bigger projects and more lucrative opportunities.
The Cons of Using Fiverr as a Freelance Writer
While Fiverr has its advantages, there are also some notable downsides to consider.
1. Highly Competitive Marketplace
Fiverr is saturated with freelancers offering similar services. Standing out can be challenging, especially when competing with experienced sellers who have hundreds of positive reviews. New freelancers often struggle to gain traction because the algorithm tends to favor gigs with a proven track record.
This competition can be intimidating, particularly for those who are just starting. To succeed, you’ll need to put in extra effort to create an eye-catching profile, offer competitive pricing, and deliver exceptional quality to earn those crucial first reviews.
2. Race to the Bottom on Pricing
While you can set your own rates, many buyers on Fiverr look for the cheapest options. This can lead to a “race to the bottom,” where freelancers feel pressured to underprice their services just to secure gigs. If you’re not careful, you could end up working long hours for very little pay.
For example, some buyers might expect a 1,000-word article for $10, which barely covers the time and effort involved. While it’s possible to attract higher-paying clients, it often takes time and effort to establish yourself as a premium seller.
3. Fiverr’s Commission Fees
Fiverr takes a 20% cut of every transaction. So if you charge $100 for a project, you only receive $80.
This fee can add up quickly, especially if you’re offering lower-priced gigs. Additionally, you’ll need to account for transaction fees when withdrawing your earnings. For freelancers on a tight budget, this can feel like a significant downside.
4. Demanding Clients
Fiverr’s rating and review system can make dealing with clients tricky. Some clients may have unrealistic expectations or request multiple revisions, even if your gig explicitly states that revisions are limited. Negative reviews can impact your ability to get future gigs.
In some cases, clients might exploit the platform’s policies to demand free work. For example, a client could leave a negative review if they’re unhappy, even if the delivered work meets the agreed-upon standards. Handling such situations requires patience, diplomacy, and clear communication.
5. Limited Control Over Visibility
Fiverr’s algorithm determines which gigs show up at the top of search results. If your gig doesn’t perform well initially, it may be buried under thousands of others. This can make it difficult to gain visibility, even if you’re offering high-quality services.
To improve your ranking, you’ll need to remain active on the platform, consistently deliver great work, and earn positive reviews. However, this process can take time and may not guarantee consistent results.
Tips for Succeeding on Fiverr as a Writer
If you decide to give Fiverr a try, here are some tips to help you maximize your chances of success:
1. Create Detailed, Eye-Catching Gigs
Your gig description is your pitch. Be clear about what you’re offering, who it’s for, and what the buyer can expect. Use keywords to improve your gig’s visibility and include examples of your work if possible. Adding a professional and engaging video to your gig can also make it stand out.
High-quality images or thumbnails that represent your service professionally can grab a potential buyer’s attention. Think of your gig as a storefront—make it appealing, clear, and professional.
2. Start with Competitive Pricing
While it’s not ideal to underprice your services, starting with lower rates can help you attract your first few clients and build reviews.
Once you have some positive feedback, you can gradually increase your prices. Think of your initial gigs as an investment in building credibility. To balance competitive pricing with value, offer smaller deliverables at a lower price instead of lowering rates on larger projects.
3. Communicate Clearly with Clients
Set expectations upfront to avoid misunderstandings. Be clear about your turnaround time, what’s included in your service, and how many revisions you’re willing to offer. Good communication can lead to positive reviews and repeat clients.
Responding to messages promptly also boosts your profile’s visibility. It’s a good idea to have a set of templates for common client queries, which you can personalize as needed. Always maintain professionalism, even if a client is challenging.
4. Offer Gig Extras
Upselling can significantly boost your earnings. Think about what additional services you can offer, such as faster delivery, additional revisions, or SEO optimization. Clients are often willing to pay extra for convenience and added value.
Another strategy is to bundle related services into packages. For instance, you could create a basic blog post as your main gig but offer packages that include SEO research, internal linking, or even social media posts promoting the blog.
These extras not only increase earnings but also show clients you’re a comprehensive solution for their needs.
5. Stay Active on the Platform
Fiverr’s algorithm favors active sellers. Log in regularly, respond to messages promptly, and update your gigs as needed to stay relevant. Even small updates, like tweaking your gig title or description, can help improve your visibility.
Additionally, completing orders quickly and exceeding client expectations can lead to higher ratings and better placement in search results. Staying active doesn’t just mean logging in—it means consistently interacting with the platform to optimize your presence.
6. Focus on Earning Positive Reviews
Early in your Fiverr journey, positive reviews are crucial for building credibility. Always aim to exceed client expectations by delivering high-quality work and being accommodating (within reason).
If a client is particularly happy with your work, politely ask them to leave a review. Over time, a strong track record of positive feedback will help you charge higher rates and attract premium clients.
7. Leverage Fiverr Learn
Fiverr offers an educational platform called Fiverr Learn, which provides courses on various topics, including writing, digital marketing, and graphic design.
Completing these courses can make you eligible for a “Fiverr Learn” badge on your profile, which helps boost your credibility and appeal to buyers. It also allows you to refine your skills and offer more specialized services.
Is Fiverr Worth It for Freelance Writers?
The answer depends on your goals and circumstances. Fiverr can be a good starting point for new freelance writers looking to build a portfolio and gain experience. It’s also a viable option for writers who enjoy the flexibility of working on a variety of projects.
However, it’s not without its challenges. The competition, commission fees, and pricing pressure can make it difficult to earn a sustainable income, especially if you’re not strategic about how you use the platform.
Ultimately, Fiverr should be one tool in your freelance toolbox—not your sole source of income. By diversifying your income streams and building a strong personal brand, you can create a more stable and rewarding freelance writing career.
