Which freelance site is the best for freelancers and online clients?

Back in the day, finding work as a freelancer or finding a freelancer to hire could be difficult. But now, there are many different programs that are designed to help connect freelancers to potential clients. Today, we will be taking a look at two of these platforms, Fiverr and FlexJobs.

Freelance work is one of the most popular forms of work right now. The rise of freelancing has become increasingly more stable as remote work has become more common. With flexible hours, the ability to work from home, and the option to work with a wide range of companies, there has never been a better time to work as a freelancer or hirer.

Fiverr 

What is Fiverr?

Fiverr is one of the most popular ways to find freelance work. After gaining massive media attention in the past few years, the site is by far the easiest way to get your freelance business started. You can find services for nearly anything – from coding you a brand new website to writing a theme song for your Youtube series, there is no shortage of digital services Fiverr can offer you.

Founded in 2010, the Israelian site was originally created under the premise that you could hire freelancers for as little as $5 – hence the namesake – and was seen as a two sided marketplace for freelance work. 

However, as the quality of freelancers continues to grow, many services can cost hundreds of even thousands of dollars. Today, Fiverr is a multi-billion dollar company, and has been praised by Business Insider and Forbes. However, the site has also garnered quite a bit of controversy in the media for their use of advertisements and negative reception from controversial users on the platform.

How does Fiverr work for freelancers?

Once you sign up for a free Fiverr account, you can begin posting ‘gigs.’ Gigs are what Fiverr calls their job postings, and it is how potential clients will find you to hire you for their projects.

While creating your gig, you want to include as many positive keywords and phrases about your work as you can. Include your past experience, your rate, what your deadlines can be, and include final products of your work. Positive reviews from past customers is always helpful to add as well.

Below is an example of what a gig looks like for a top rated seller on Fiverr.

Fiverr even gives you the option to show off your top customers, including large brands like Chewy.

Fiverr divides sellers up into four different categories – New Seller, Level 1, Level 2, and Top Rated Seller. 

As you grow on the platform and continue to make sales and create positive relationships with clients, your level will grow as well, which will encourage future clients to purchase services from you. Every seller starts as a new seller, but after 60 days on the platform, ten orders, earning a total profit of $400 or more, amongst a few other requirements, you can move up to Level 1. This will allow you to post more gigs, amongst other perks.

Below is an example of how you can reach Top Rated seller, and the features that level includes.

To add extra services to your gigs, you can try adding packages. Packages can vary from basic, standard, to preimum. The premium packages often come with more content, quicker delivery time, and the option to have more revisions if your client isn’t satisfied with their finished product. Below is an example of the packaging tiers you can offer.

Note: It is important to be aware of the fact that Fiverr takes 20% of all profits from your total sales. That means you will be coming home with 80% of your sales.

How does Fiverr work for clients?

As a client of Fiverr, you can easily switch between freelancer and client. Instead of posting what services you can provide, you can search through the hundreds of categories to find a freelancer that fits your project.

When purchasing a service from a freelancer, note that they can deny your request at any time, and can also provide limited revisions.

If you are looking for a specific project to be completed and can’t find any gig that matches what you need, you can try posting a specific request. Fiverr will do its’ best to match you with potential freelancers that can fulfill this request, and allow you to work one-on-one with the freelancer to come up with a project, deadline, and budget that fits both of your needs. Below is an example of the request form.

Note: Fiverr charges a 5.5% service fee on all orders, and charges $2 USD for any sale under $50 USD.

FlexJobs

What is FlexJobs?

Flexjobs is a freelance site aimed at helping remote workers find remote, hybrid, and freelance jobs.

The site has been praised by companies such as Forbes, Business Insider, CNN, and more.  Founded in 2007, the site has only grown since the rise of remote work, and promises to protect members from scam sites and junk-jobs. 

Some major companies that are currently hiring on FlexJobs are CVS, CDW, and Sutherland. 

How does FlexJobs work?

Once you sign up for FlexJobs, you gain access to over 20,000 potential jobs that have been pre-screened by the FlexJobs staff.

Below are some of the categories you can scroll through – from accounting positions, to web design and freelance writer positions.

This will save you a lot of time as a freelancer. Instead of spending time on your own trying to find freelance positions, FlexJobs puts these opportunities right in front of you.

How much will FlexJobs cost?

You can sign up for 4 different pricing tiers at FlexJobs, depending on the amount of time you’ll want to spend looking for a job. Unlike many freelance sites, FlexJobs does not take a fee from the job you will take, as they are not affiliated with the companies on the site. This can save you a whole lot of money in the end as, remember, Fiverr takes a 20% cut from all your profits.

These subscription tiers are – one week, one month, three months, and one year. For one week, you will pay $9.95 USD. For one month, $24.95. For three months, $39.95, and for one year, $59.95

Each membership gives you unlimited access to the pre-screened jobs, free skill testing to place on your profile to show off your talents, such as web design or copyediting. You will also have access to job search tips and resources, like mock interviews and resume review, and a personalized portfolio that shows potential employers your work samples.

As a member, you also receive access to member perks from FlexJobs. This includes perks such as exclusive discounts and deals to services such as Audible, CostCo, Dell, SkillCrush, and more.

Below is a small list of some of the companies that provide discounts with your FlexJobs account.

Which freelance site is better?

Both sites offer opportunities for freelancers and clients looking to purchase services. Fiverr may have more options for clients and has a larger brand recognition, therefore more opportunities to make money, and more creative services. It is also free to use their platform, despite the heavy cut they take from profits. However, FlexJobs offers more than just freelance positions, and won’t take a cut from your work.