Working as a online freelancer can be empowering and stressful at the same time. The stress of finding the best freelance platforms that fit your needs can be overwhelming and have you second-guessing your decision to freelance. Two of the most popular freelance platforms are Fiverr and Upwork. In this post, we break down the details on these two platforms and which one is best suited for you. 

Benefits of Using Fiverr & Work Opportunities Available

Originally started on the idea to make freelance talent available at any budget, the platform has grown to offer numerous types of gigs and over 50 million transactions completed. There are many benefits of using Fiverr to grow your freelance career, including: 

• You are in control of your job postings.
• Get paid quickly with the money transferred to your account after completing an order.
• Learn from Fiverr courses allow you to take on-demand courses to improve your freelance career.

Type of Work Typically Found on Fiverr

While the platform began with a focus on novelty gigs, it now has a wide network of freelancers offering digital marketing, writing, translation, programming, and other services. Fiverr attracts more creative professionals with a niche for smaller projects and freelancers who provide a specific service. Example: Creating a logo for $X. 

All About Upwork and Benefits of Freelancing on the Platform

As one of the biggest freelance marketplace on the web, Upwork attracts many larger brands and companies interested in long-term contracts. Its large size and well-known reputation make it ideal for freelancers to operate their entire business or add another revenue stream. Some top benefits of using Upwork as a freelancer include: 

• Once your Upwork profile is complete, you can begin searching for projects that interest you, so you choose which clients and projects to work with. 
• Upwork clients can post jobs in hundreds of skill categories at great prices for an excellent variety of work opportunities. 
• With reviews and recognition for great work, your Job Success Score makes your profile more appealing for new opportunities to grow your freelance career. 
• All of Upwork’s projects include Payment Protection, so you can rest easy knowing you’ll get paid for all your successfully completed work. 

Type of Projects Typically Found on Upwork

Upwork is more like a typical job board that allows you to search for opportunities that match your skills and interests. You can find anything from blog writing to social media marketing management and everything in between on the marketplace.

What Freelancers Need to Know Before Signing Up for Fiverr or Upwork

Whether you are thinking about signing up for Fiverr, Upwork, or both, keep these things in mind:

• As a freelancer on Fiverr, you post the service you are offering, and the clients find you, whereas, with Upwork, you search and bid on job opportunities that align with your skillset, and the client will choose their preferred freelancer for each job. 
• You must apply and be approved to be a freelancer on Upwork, whereas, with Fiverr, you sign up and create a profile to begin creating gigs. 
• With Upwork, you must choose between a free Basic membership or a Plus. 
• Once you have a Fiverr profile, you can create gigs and are only charged when someone purchases your service. Once you build up enough sales and credibility, you can apply to become a Fiverr Pro to enhance your freelancing experience on the platform. However, only 1% of applicants earn Pro status. 
• The only fee involved with freelancing on Fiverr is the 20% taken out of each transaction. 
• Upwork has a sliding fee with 20% as the highest. You pay the Upwork Service Fee on all billings, whether it’s hours worked, milestones, or bonuses.
• Upwork requires the use of Connects to apply for jobs. There are three ways to get Connects. 

If you’re a freelancer looking for job opportunities, Freelance Mojo can help. Contact us for more information on growing in your freelance career.