So, you’ve heard of Fiverr and are wondering how you can start making money from there? You’re in the right place.
In this post, we’re going to share with you everything you need to know so you can also start earning from Fiverr. We’ll give you insights into how you can make a living through Fiverr. Before that, you need to first understand what Fiverr is and how it operates. So, let’s get into it.
What is Fiverr and how does it work?
Fiverr is an online platform founded in 2010, that allows freelancers to market their digital services and earn from their different skills. It is among the most reputable sites for connecting clients to freelancers. So, you don’t have to worry, Fiverr is a legit site where you can earn as a freelancer.
Another thing about Fiverr is that it has a unique way of operating. But before we get into any more detail, let me first familiarize you with some of the terms you’re likely to come across on the platform. To starts with, you will come across the term Gigs. Fiverr Gigs are specific sets of skills and services you package and sell to clients at varying prices as a freelancer. The gigs can range from basic packages offering the bare minimum at a rate of $5 to premium packages that offer all the works at a higher rate. They describe the deliverables you will offer in exchange for the stated price and normally start with the statement, “I will…” You can also add gig extras which are simply extra services related to the package that allows clients to customize the package to suit their need. Another thing to note is that on this platform, you, the freelancer, are referred to as the seller. The clients are referred to as the buyers who purchase your services.
With this understanding, we’re sure you’re starting to see how Fiverr operates differently from platforms like Upwork. Unlike Upwork, which operates on a bidding system that requires you to approach a client with a proposal for a job, on Fiverr the clients approach you instead with an offer. The gigs are set up in a way that the clients/buyers can purchase them without having to speak to you first. So, you need to ensure that your gigs are clear, well thought out, and properly marketed.
Some things to keep in mind, however, is first, as you start on Fiverr, you may be limited on the number of gigs you can list. You may also be restricted on the number of gig extras and deliverables you can add to the package. As you progress from one seller level to another, these restrictions will also be minimized. Additionally, like with any other platform, Fiverr charges a fee for every payment you receive. That fee is normally 20% of your earnings, which is almost a standard across all platforms.
So, what services can you sell on Fiverr?
You now understand what the site entails and how it operates. So, you must be asking yourself, what types of services can you include as your gigs? Once you go through the easy process of signing up for Fiverr, you can proceed to create your first gigs based on any of the categories available on the platform. The beauty of Fiverr is that it is very versatile when it comes to the services offered. All these services are grouped under nine major categories. Among the nine there is:
Writing and Translation
This category is very broad and entails very many forms of writing. It also entails other services like editing and proofreading content that’s been written. A great example of services you can offer under this category is article writing. This service mainly entails coming up with the content you mainly read on blogs, newsletters, or websites. Many different types of content fall under here, like product reviews, press releases, product descriptions, and landing pages among others. You can also offer the services of a ghostwriter, or niche writer, or even a copywriter.
Data
This is another broad category with a variety of services that can be offered under it. Most of the services mainly entail collecting and handling different formats of information. A good example is Data Entry. This service involves inputting raw data into a computer and formatting it to produce useful information. As a data entry expert, your gigs could reflect services like file conversions where you convert data from one format into another. For example, you may offer to convert image files into text documents for your clients. Other services you could include are conducting online research, collecting and formatting data, or performing administrative tasks like filling out surveys or office forms.
Video and Animation
If you have watched whiteboard animated videos, or 3D product videos then you have an idea of the kinds of services provided in this category. Other services that fall here include, creating visual effects, short advert videos, and captioning. Captioning for example involves converting the audio file of a video into text format and then displaying the texts in segments by aligning them with the words spoken in the audio. This is not to be confused with subtitles which also fall in this category. Unlike subtitles, a caption is done in the original language and not translated into different languages.
Digital Marketing
This category involves marketing services conducted online using electronic devices. The services can vary from social media marketing to influencer marketing and public relations among others. But the best examples of services offered under this category are affiliate marketing and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Affiliate marketing involves starting a blog or website on something you’re passionate about and using the content from it to promote products by including links to where the products can be bought. If one of your readers uses your link and buys a product through it, you’re entitled to earn a commission from it. Amazon associates, for example, pay affiliate marketers a commission of 3% for every product bought through their links that have tracking IDs to identify each marketer. Search Engine Optimization on the other hand is simply the knowledge of how to grow organic traffic for your site on google. It’s ensuring your site ranks first, each time someone searches keywords that relates to the content in your site.
The other major categories include Graphic design with services like a logo or poster design. There are also business, lifestyle, music, and audio, as well as programming and technology categories. In total, Fiverr offer a variety of up to 200 hundred services combined from the categories.
Now that you’re aware of what services you can package as gigs, the next major question must be…
How do you get paid on Fiverr?
After all the hard work, you need to be sure you’re at least paid your dues, right? With Fiverr, you can rest assured that you will receive your payments on time. How much you earn will of course depend on how much you work. It also depends on how you rate your gigs, normally, the price ranges from $5-$995. Aside from the 20% standard fee Fiverr charges on each earning, there are no hidden fees for you to worry about. The minute you complete a buyer’s order to their satisfaction, you can be sure that the payments will be transferred to your account.
How do you access the funds? Well, Fiverr offers four withdrawal options for you to access your money. One popular option across most platforms is PayPal. Kenyan freelancers prefer this option especially because you can link the PayPal account with Mpesa for more convenience in accessing your money. Another popular option is Payoneer. This option uses a Payoneer prepaid Mastercard that Fiverr terms as a Fiverr revenue card. Other payment options include bank transfers or direct deposits which apply only if you reside in the US.
What skills are required to offer services on Fiverr?
Every service offered on Fiverr requires a specific set of skills. For you to offer these services, you must acquire these skills. This is because the buyers on this platform expect that you can proficiently perform the tasks you offer as services. Many people underestimate the amount of skill required for these services. Take affiliate marketing for example. Such a service doesn’t just require marketing skills. You also need to know how to build a website from scratch along with experience with the different types of SEO. In the same way, data entry isn’t such a simple copy and paste job. It isn’t enough knowing how to type. You also need to have research skills and knowledge of the different tools you need for the job.
Gaining such skills cannot be done overnight. It takes time and effort to acquire along with constant practice to improve. You need to undergo proper training, and that is where online training courses come in handy. I know how difficult it can be to find the appropriate course that will equip you with all the necessary skills and knowledge. So, allow me two introduce you to some of the best online courses you’re likely to find in Kenya that will help you make money on Fiverr.