# My Fiverr Journey: $17.7K in Just 3.5 Months—4 Key Strategies
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Chapter 1: The Transition from Upwork to Fiverr
After a challenging departure from Upwork, where I had accumulated over $100K in earnings, I found myself seeking new opportunities on Fiverr. This shift came after an unexpected demand for a significant refund that left me feeling as if I had lost my hard-earned reputation on Upwork.
As I navigated through my feelings of loss, I realized I needed to diversify my freelancing efforts to prevent a similar situation from happening again. My new strategy included:
- Switching to Fiverr as my primary platform.
- Expanding my network via LinkedIn.
- Exploring writing on Medium to offer different services.
In fact, I devote 96% of my time to my newsletter, which has garnered 750K views and 12K subscribers. If you're interested, feel free to join my network!
A Conversation with Doubt
Before diving into Medium, a friend expressed skepticism about my blogging aspirations. He cited statistics that indicated only 16.7% of writers on the Medium Partner Program earned over $1,000. Despite this, I decided to give it a go.
In the first half of the month, I secured around $1,208—bringing my total since December to $3,699. This experience underscores an important lesson: you'll often encounter naysayers who tell you that you won't succeed in a crowded marketplace.
Fiverr's Potential
As I mentioned, I’ve generated $17.7K in orders since starting on Fiverr in January 2022. Initially, I had reservations about Fiverr's affordability and higher commission rates compared to Upwork. Nevertheless, I committed to thoroughly understanding the platform and analyzing successful freelancers offering similar services, such as investment presentations and business plans.
Key Strategies for Success on Fiverr
- Professional Presentation of Gigs
Fiverr has a plethora of gigs, but many are poorly designed. As a freelancer, it’s crucial to stand out. Buyers often judge a gig based on its visual appeal before even reading the description.
- Prompt Responses
Timeliness is vital across all freelancing platforms. Just like customers expect quick service from Amazon, Fiverr buyers also want immediate responses. While I prioritize my well-being by taking weekends off, I ensure I respond promptly during the week.
- Patience in Growth
Freelancing success often builds over time. Each month can surpass the last if you consistently provide high-quality services. My own experience with clients has taught me that patience is essential.
One memorable encounter was with a client, "Steve," who initially provided positive feedback but later became unreasonable. Despite my efforts, he demanded additional revisions while I was battling COVID-19. This experience highlighted the importance of setting boundaries with clients.
- Staying Current with Trends
Being in tune with market trends can significantly impact your success on Fiverr. For example, I noticed a surge in interest for NFTs, so I tailored my offerings accordingly. This approach allowed me to secure 56% of my orders from a gig focused on creating whitepapers for ICOs.
Navigating Customer Support Issues
While I appreciated Fiverr's structure, I encountered challenges when trying to arrange a video call with a potential client. Unlike Upwork, Fiverr's policies require a contract before such interactions can occur. This led to an unconventional workaround, but it demonstrates the need for flexibility.
Final Thoughts
Fiverr is all about meeting specific client needs within set timelines. The key challenge lies in accurately understanding what the buyer wants. I recommend providing a structured approach to your services, as this can facilitate clearer communication and expectations.
This article aims to motivate you to embark on your freelancing journey. If you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to leave a comment. I'm dedicated to helping others navigate this landscape.
I'm Al, a business consultant from Zurich, Switzerland, committed to delivering value through my content. Connect with me on social media if you're interested in more insights!