Fiverr is a website where you can order a gig for $5. The gigs, or jobs as some people might call them, are anything from writing and editing to the fun and bizarre, like writing your name on the beach, sending a picture in coffee to you, or singing songs in the jungle.
A few years ago, I was looking for ways to make extra money as a writer and came across a book called How I Made An Extra $1200 Per Month At Home Using One Free Website by Connie Brentford. In this book she discussed how to get started and make money from Fiverr. The author gives good ideas in a step-by-step way. As soon as I finished reading it, I jumped right in, creating an account and adding my gigs.
I easily came up with four gigs, but only one of them I made regular money from. I didn’t get rich, but it was a little extra each month to help out with my bills.
When I lost my job outside the home, I started thinking about freelancing. I joined a website that had a small membership to get exclusive information and classes on how to get started and fulfill this dream I’ve had since I was in college.
I found out one of my gigs wasn’t being done the way it should have been. Basically, I was told I wasn’t being truthful with my readers. I had no idea. So I paused my gigs until recently.
I came across a fellow writer who also does proofreading as I do. I had had a proofreading gig, but never had that many clients. Since my fellow writer is doing well on there, I thought I would give Fiverr another chance.
The website is a good place to get started and/or even earn some extra money. I don’t plan on staying with this forever because I would rather build a writing and editing business on my own than to earn money this way. But, at least, it’s a fairly safe place for people to see what kind of work I can do. I don’t have to worry about not getting paid, or, at least, I didn’t when I was on there before.
I know some will argue that Fiverr isn’t worth it — that you’re not getting paid what you’re worth. But I would argue differently.
1. Build your portfolio
Fiverr is a great way to get your feet wet if you’re trying to build a business. Maybe people don’t think you’ll do a good job, or you think you won’t get paid. This is a safe way to earn some money on the side or maybe even earn a full-time income. Some people do that believe it or not.
You can build your portfolio and get some great testimonies from the clients. Testimonies definitely help when it comes to getting new clients who are leery to give you a try.
2. Charge what you want
This might be a little misleading and let me clarify. Once you are a level 1 seller, you can charge whatever you like. You can add on extras to your gig. For instance, I have a proofreading gig right now. I charge $5 for up to 1,500 words for four days delivery. For an extra gig, I charge $10 for one day delivery See how that can add up quickly?
Maybe I could add another extra gig by adding feedback for $10 or $15. This feedback could be for a short story, resume, or business plan. I could share my thoughts on what I think about the clarity of the document or story.
3. Develop client relationships
If you use the same person over and over again, then you’ll eventually build a relationship with that person. When I was doing another gig featuring authors on my website, I got repeat clients because I had not only done good work, but it had gotten them results as well. And I had quick delivery.
Once you develop enough clients, you might have enough to go out on your own and not need Fiverr anymore. But until that time comes, you can always get them from that website.
4. Pay yourself whenever you like
Fiverr pays through Paypal so you can pay yourself whenever you want. You don’t have to wait until a Friday. You don’t have to wait every two weeks. If you are earning enough, you can pay yourself every few days or wait three weeks. You could even pay yourself every day.
However, you will pay a small fee to move your money to Paypal. So I would probably wait for a few days before paying myself to avoid as much of the fees as possible. When you get paid is all up to you.
5. Work from home
More and more people are working from home. Freelancing is becoming a bigger and bigger deal. In fact, it’s been predicted that eventually it will be the way for people to make a living. Freelancing any kind of job, like writing, editing, and graphic design, is becoming more and more popular because companies are doing away with these type of jobs and opting for freelancing. Companies use freelancers to cut expenses.
I have always wanted to be a writer, and the editing came along with it. Freelancing can be done in many different jobs, but the two I want to do are what I love. Writing has been a part of me since I was in sixth grade, but writing doesn’t always earn a full-time living. The more I have done editing, the more I enjoy it — even more than writing.
People will argue that Fiverr isn’t worth your time, but as you can see, I don’t agree. I have five reasons why giving this website a chance is a good option.
You don’t have to post the gigs I have, but choose something that interests you. Maybe it’s posting on social media or making a video or creating a craft. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you can sell over and over.
I love fiverr. It is really confidence boosting to earn money doing something I really enjoy, using a skill I had spent time developing. Glad you gave it another chance.