Upwork vs. Fiverr: 6 ways they differ

By 2023, the global gig economy is expected to reach $455 billion. Due to the increasing demand for freelance work and the desire to escape the 9-5, freelancing platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr now boast over 17 million and 7 million registered users. As a result, there is no better time to join than now.

Upwork vs. Fiverr: 6 ways they differ

If you're new to freelancing, you've probably heard of or come across the two most popular freelance marketplaces, Upwork and Fiverr. Perhaps you're unsure which platform is better. This article will get you started in the right direction! Below, Workee compares Upwork vs. Fiverr in detail, including earnings, features, pros, and cons.

Set up and monetize your freelance brand with Workee.

Differences between Upwork vs. Fiverr

Fiverr and Upwork are both marketplaces for locating and hiring freelancers. Companies may utilize these tools to find qualified freelancers based on skills, experience, and geography. Businesses may also advertise a job and invite freelancers to bid. To help you better grasp how Upwork and Fiverr compare, let's look at the following differences.

1. How do they work?

Here's how Upwork functions:

Upwork vs. Fiverr: 6 ways they differ

Upwork is a global network that connects customers with freelancers. Freelancers' services are based on a set of talents. The platform's categories range from web design and copywriting to software development.

Features

  • Best for larger projects and long-term work.

  • Clickable profiles.

  • Integrated messaging.

  • Large search engine.

  • Video communication (New feature).

  • Billing and reporting.

  • Cross-border payments.

  • Feedback/rating.

Bidding

Applications and cover letters for particular projects are sent to clients on Upwork. In contrast, Fiverr allows customers to buy what they need since freelancers establish their own pricing.

Here's how Fiverr functions:

Upwork vs. Fiverr: 6 ways they differ

Employers use Fiverr to locate the finest employees for projects. This website helps business owners identify and recruit people who can expand their brand or boost marketing efforts. Fiverr's freelancers may simultaneously provide a wide variety of services.

Features

  • Best for quick fix rates projects.

  • Flexible payment options.

  • Safe payment processors.

  • Multi-gigs list.

  • Custom offers.

Bidding

Rather than advertising a job on Fiverr and waiting for applications, you search a database of possible talents.

Set up and monetize your freelance brand with Workee.

2. Is Upwork and Fiverr free?

Fiverr's pricing system is as follows: freelancers charge $5.00 to $995.00 per job. No membership or enrollment costs. Each transaction pays out 80% to the freelancer. Customers access success managers, specialized desk help, safe transactions, and freelancer search.

There are two types of subscriptions available on Upwork: free and paid. Each hiring costs $500 plus 10% of the invoice amount under the Pro membership. It includes everything in the free plan plus account pre-funding, recruitment assistance, and freelancer approvals. Enterprise subscription is based on quotes. It includes the Pro plan's features, dedicated account management, customizable reports, etc.

3. What are their benefits?

Let's look at the pros and cons of Upwork and Fiver:

Upwork perks

  • Multi-pronged recruiting approach.

  • Getting help easily.

  • Payroll enrollment has no related expenses.

Upwork disadvantages

  • The monthly limit on connections.

  • The need to purchase extra connectors.

  • Prices vary.

Fiverr perks

  • It's easy to get started, and no previous approval is necessary.

  • Complete control over each project's scope of work.

  • Certificate programs exist.

  • Free advertising for your services is offered.

Fiverr disadvantages

  • Poor freelancer customer service.

  • Increasing competition lowers rates.

  • Increased withdrawal wait time.

  • High commission.

Set up and monetize your freelance brand with Workee.

4. How much can freelancers earn on Upwork and Fiverr in a month vs. a year?

Many things impact a freelancer's income on Upwork or Fiverr. These include:

  • Skills.

  • Niche.

  • Experience.

One survey found that the average hourly wage in the USA is $20. According to CNBC, the following average hourly and annual salaries are possible for the most common freelance positions.

5. Which is better for branding?

Freelancing is also a business. To increase your earning potential, you must promote yourself like any other business. This is why developing a brand or distinguishing yourself as a freelancer is critical. In fact, 2020 research found that 71% of US freelancers do so to retain schedule flexibility. Also, 66% of respondents claimed they freelanced to be their own boss!

Which is better for branding

While both Upwork and Fiverr can assist freelance professionals in increasing their visibility, Fiverr has a slight advantage. According to a Fiverr publication, freelancers have at least seven tried and true methods to sell themselves. Here's a quick rundown of what they are.

  • Set up a profile.

  • Show your best work.

  • Get your own website.

  • Create a logo design.

  • Get referrals.

  • Utilize social media's power.

  • Order business cards.

You may be wondering if it is possible to meet all of the standards on the lengthy list. The good news is that platforms such as Workee specialize in assisting freelancers in developing their personal brands. Workee provides easy access to additional tools needed to begin self-branding, such as a free website that you can customize to showcase your best work. 

Read this post to learn more about how to create a personal brand. But if you're ready to get started, go ahead and click HERE to create your personal website.

6. Which has more job opportunities, Upwork or Fiverr?

Freelancers on Fiverr and Upwork can choose from a wide range of job opportunities. However, the platforms differ in terms of which niches or areas of expertise are in high demand.

Upwork, for example, has 14 major job categories, with writing, programming, and web design being the most popular. The Fiverr freelance job directory contains over 100 jobs divided into nine major categories.

Using freelancing platforms isn't enough! 

Signing up on Upwork or Fiverr will not get you all the clients you want! Even 56 percent of hiring managers admit that candidates with their own websites impress them more than those who rely solely on online branding. It's time to get yours up and running and beat the competition. Allow Workee to assist you! We're always happy to help freelancers set up and monetize their brands. Contact us, and let's start talking!

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Ihor, CEO at Workee

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