Upwork Vs Fiverr For Beginners

Freelancing

Freelancing is an amazing way to make money as a side hustle or second job or to develop it into a full-time career, but getting started can be tricky.

One of the main barriers to getting freelance work whether you’re a designer, writer or corporate strategist is finding clients to pitch to.

This is where platforms like Upwork and Fiverr come in, but you might be thinking about which is better Upwork Vs Fiverr for beginners, and that’s where this article comes in.

What Are Upwork And Fiverr?

Upwork is a freelancing platform that connects freelancers with businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations that need their services. It allows freelance workers to search for jobs related to their skills and apply them. It also allows employers to search for and hire qualified workers.

Fiverr is an online marketplace for freelancers that offers a wide variety of services, from software development to graphic design. It allows freelancers to provide services at competitive rates and employers to find the perfect service providers for their projects.

Both Fiverr and Upwork are generally great places for beginner freelancers to start their journey, but which one is better for novices? Let’s explore!

I’ve been a freelancer for over six years now, and have earnt over $100,000 in one year just from freelancing on platforms like Upwork, so I know a thing or two about the platforms and am keen to share my knowledge.

In fact, I even wrote a best-selling book all about how to be successful on Upwork, so if you’re serious about getting started on Upwork, I would recommend having a look!

Upwork Your Way To Freedom Ebook

What is the primary difference between Upwork and Fiverr?

The primary difference between Upwork and Fiverr is in their pricing models. Upwork charges a flat fee for each job, while Fiverr takes a percentage of the payment for each service provided.

Apart from that, essentially they are really the same thing. A freelancing platform where anyone can have a go at freelancing.

The great thing about both of them for beginners is that everyone can start!

Is Upwork Good for Beginners?

Upwork offers a wide variety of jobs, allowing beginners to explore different types of work and gain experience in the field. It also provides an easy-to-use platform, with a variety of tools to help freelancers manage their projects

However, it’s not all plain sailing. Upwork charges a percentage of the total cost of the job, which can be costly for beginners.

In April 2023, Upwork announced a change to its fee structure. They will now be taking only 10% commission from each job, no matter the price. So, coupled with the 4% admin fee, the total commission Upwork takes is 14% which is lower than Fivver’s 20% flat fee.

It also requires freelancers to bid on jobs, which can be intimidating for those who are new to the platform, it can be tricky to win those first proposals on Upwork especially if your Upwork bio isn’t up to standard.

Another minus point for Upwork is that you do need to have your Upwork profile approved before you can start bidding on jobs which can be tricky if you don’t have any experience in your field yet.

If you are having trouble getting approved, winning jobs or knowing how to charge higher amounts on Upwork, then the Upwork Your Way To Freedom Book could be perfect for you!

Is Fiverr Good for Beginner Freelancers?

Fiverr offers competitive rates and a variety of services that can be attractive to beginners. The platform also has a simple user interface and an easy-to-navigate marketplace. It’s definitely a lot easier to get approved on Fiverr and start earning money quicker, but the general quality of jobs is a lot lower on Fiverr compared to Upwork which is why I, as a professional freelancer have never really favoured Fiverr.

But it’s not all easy, Fiverr takes a percentage of the payments for each service provided, which can be costly for beginners.

Additionally, it can be difficult for beginners to get noticed on the platform due to the large number of experienced freelancers offering services.

Although, if you’re willing to do menial jobs to grow your profile and reputation, then it’s still a great beginner’s freelancing platform.

I would suggest Fiverr as a great place to start a second job while working a full-time job, especially if you’re based in a country like the US or UK where minimum wage jobs pay better.

How much does Fiverr take from $50?

Fiverr typically takes 20% of every payment made on its platform, so if you make a $50 payment, then Fiverr will take $10.

Is Fiverr or Upwork better for beginner freelancers?

Answering if Upwork or Fiverr is better for beginners depends on the type of services you are offering and the complexity of the projects you are working on. If you are offering simple tasks such as writing articles or creating logos, then Fiverr may be more cost-effective than Upwork due to its fee commission.

However, if you are doing more complex tasks such as software development or web design that develop into longer projects spanning weeks or months with the potential to earn thousands of pounds or dollars, then Upwork may be more cost-effective.

Really it comes down to your personal choices as a freelancer and where you see it going.

I think the longer-term potential of Upwork is what makes the real difference for beginner freelancers, are you keen to leave behind your current job and launch your freelancing career? Then Upwork is the place for you and I think it’s definitely worth it.

Read More: Is Upwork Worth It?

What is the primary cost difference between Upwork and Fiverr?

The primary cost difference between Upwork and Fiverr is in their pricing models. If you are doing a simple task, such as writing an article or creating a logo, then Fiverr may be more cost-effective than Upwork. However, if you are doing more complex tasks such as software development or web design, then Upwork may be more cost-effective.

Is Upwork cheaper than Fiverr?

Yes, thanks to Upwork’s recent changes in commission structure, Upwork is now cheaper than Fiverr, with 10% total commission versus a 20% commission plus admin fee from Fiverr.

Final Words

It’s always going to be tricky to start up as a freelancer, and in my opinion, both Upwork and Fiverr offer great opportunities for beginner freelancers looking to break into the industry.

Each platform has its own pros and cons that should be considered when deciding which one is right for you and your business needs. Ultimately, the best platform will depend on your specific needs and budget.