In this post, I will show you how you can make money by being a freelance writer using Fiverr, and a step-by-step guide on how to create your first Fiverr gig.
I first heard of Fiverr three years ago during my fourth year in the university while I was struggling with finding a stable means to make extra cash.
I had been writing for other people but they were mostly outsourced jobs from other writers who needed an extra hand, most did not pay well enough and the jobs did not come in regularly.
So, I was desperate to find something better. Then, I was introduced to Fiverr – a freelance website where freelancers can post a profile and have a client contact them for a possible hire – I was hooked.
It felt like something I would be okay doing especially since it was going to be an online transaction. I did not need to meet anyone, I just had to chat with them and write for them and then get paid. Amazing!
However, just like the time I heard of ‘’Freelancer’’ – a similar platform – and I got confused as to how to actually set it up, I was intimated by the world of Fiverr.
There were thousands of writers on that platform from all over the world with top reviews and a strong bio/resume. How was I going to stand out in a sea of writers? How do I create a gig that will actually convince someone to choose me to write for them?
Are you a writer/creator who recently decided to monetize his/her skill but has no clue on where to begin? Or you have not even heard of Fiverr before but are already interested in what you just read? Or you have even heard of Fiverr but you need help in creating a Fiverr gig?
Keep reading!
What is Fiverr?
Fiverr is a freelance platform that basically serves as a ‘’middle-man’’ between freelance creators and their potential client. Anyone can join Fiverr – as long as you have a phone or a laptop. I should also add that Fiverr is not only for writers.
They are thousands of opportunities for other creators such as graphics/art designers, developers, relationship experts, digital marketers, musicians, data analysts to find jobs. Do you fall into any of these categories?
Fiverr might be a perfect place for you to grow your portfolio especially if you are a student and you need that extra cash.
How do I set up my Fiverr account?
I would say it is important you have a stable phone or a computer before you decide to open an account.
This is because when you eventually get a client who sends you a message after going through your Fiverr gig, you need to be online to respond. If not, Fiverr will disregard your gig and push your gig further down.
They will assume you are unavailable and the client will find someone else. It is similar to how these social media platforms work. Do you get it? So have a phone and be online!
Now, before you actually set up a gig you need to have created an account. So, do that first! Go to Fiverr.com and create a new account or log in if you already have an account.
You will be asked to create a profile. It is pretty straightforward. Once you verify your email account, you will automatically become a ‘’buyer’’.
A buyer is the default setting which means you are on Fiverr as a client and you are looking for someone to work for you.
For you, however, you want to be that someone a client is searching for; you want to be a ‘’seller’’. Which means you need to switch your account and become a seller.
The right step to take is to click on ‘’Become a seller’’ and get ready to fill out your
- Your personal info
{Name, profile picture (very important), description (a brief but specific details about your), language(s) you speak}
- Your professional info
{Your occupation, skills you are good at e.g. video editing, education, certification/awards, your website (if you have one)}
- LinkedIn account
{This is a professional digital environment so you should have a LinkedIn account that makes you stand out}
After you’ve verified your email account and a valid phone number. You are on your way to continue and create your first Fiverr gig.
NB: You can only create a gig with a computer, borrow one if you do not have a personal computer. It will only take some minutes.
How do I create my first Fiverr gig?
Finally, this is why you are here, isn’t it? I will be showing you a step-by-step guide on how you can do this. I also created a new gig to use as a guide for you, so the images are from my own gig creation.
As you can see this is my account and I am about to create a new gig. In your case as a first-timer, you will see a fresh overview after clicking ‘’create your gig”. Click that green button.
- OVERVIEW
You will be taken to this page. Now, this is your gig overview. Using mine, the red marker indicates the ‘’gig title’’. Type in what exactly you will be doing but make sure it is not long. Make it short and precise. No long story.
The blue marker indicates the ‘’category’’. Tap on the first box and search for your niche. Usually Fiverr automatically suggest for you so don’t be worried, including the service type (optional). But if they don’t, scroll down and choose your preferred niches.
The green marker indicates the ‘’search type’’. This is important because using the relevant keyword phrases will make it easier for your gig to be seen when someone searches for gigs related to yours. So, choose wisely. For a writer, you can go with freelance writing, blogpost, writing etc.
2. SCOPE & PRICING
How much do you want to charge for your skill? This is where you set up your fees. You can choose to have 3 packages in an ascending order so a client will choose a package best suited for their needs/budget. They are called Basic, Standard, Premium but you can change the names if you like. Select the next box and write what each package entails.
Usually, the premium package has more perks/offers than standard and basic. Like mine above, I increased the number of videos in an ascending order so the premium has more offers. Which means the more the offer, the longer the time delivery and the higher the price. You understand?
For extra, you can charge more for client who want an ‘’express delivery’’ i.e. sharp sharp work. I do not advice this if you have other things you work on because once a client chooses an express delivery, you HAVE to deliver. But if you do not mind, go for it! Make that extra cash, fam!
3. DESCRIPTIONS
Now, this is really important. This is what most clients see to determine who they’ll choose out of hundreds of bidders. So, make it good. I suggest you go straight to the point, writing about your offer. You are a seller, sell yourself. Make it concise but also make it friendly. Tell a potential client why you are the right choice. Use this free guide.
I will ____ your ______. I will help your website/platform rank higher in search results and ultimately reach its target audience. Using effective ______ will make your ____ stand out amidst hundreds of similar counterparts. It is my job to help you with that.
I have experience in ____ and ____. My skills include _____
In addition, I am easy to talk to and I understand that I am here to assist you. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you!
People connect with sellers who are confident about their strengths and are willing to help. So be that person. You can even personalize it and include FAQs.
4. REQUIREMENTS
After a buyer finds interests in your gig, they need to know what you will need to complete their job. It could be a background information about their brand/company, or a document etc. So, this is the space to that. I will suggest making a freeform format so it will be easy for someone to just type in what they wish to say. It is straightforward and it is easier for you to just read through. Save and continue.
5. GALLERY
Please do not make the mistake of not including an image. Personally, I would not hire someone who has no image on their profile. To me, not having your picture on your profile seems sketchy, don’t you think? It does not even need to be a picture of your face. It could be an infographic. Good. Just don’t leave it empty. Remember, you want someone to hire you. Do not give them reasons not to.
You can also include a video. It is perfect and very professional. It is optional however, if you want to go extra length, why not.
6. PUBLISH
You did it! Make sure you go back and crosscheck for typos and whatnot before you hit publish. Once you are done, hit it and go live! Come on… do it!
Congratulations! You are now a seller.
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SIGN UP SHEET IS BELOW THE POST
Make sure you copy your gig link and share it on social media. Share it everywhere. You did not go through all that trouble for nothing. Share your link, add it to your social media profile, share it to your friends, add it to your WhatsApp status.
Afterwards, all you can do it wait. I know… I hate waiting too. But until you get your first order, you can only share your link and hope for the best. My first Fiverr Gig order came a month after I created my gig. Then that account got closed in 2018 and I had to open another one, and my first gig order came in a week after!
What did I do differently?
I would say, I wrote a better gig description and kept sharing and remained online. When you download the Fiverr app on your phone, you get to click the ‘’online status’’. It informs Fiverr and buyers that this seller is available. These were the tips that helped me. Try it too! Also, you can just go ahead and share the link with anyone who wants to order from you directly, pin it on your twitter page! The takeaway is that you are not hesitant in promoting your gig.
HERE ARE WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FIVERR
- Fiverr takes 20% off every payment made on an order.
- You can only withdraw your money 14 days after its been completed.
- Nigerians on Fiverr can use Payoneer to withdraw their funds. Payoneer is similar to PayPal and they transfer the money directly to your bank account. If you want another post on how to set up a Payoneer account for your Fiverr, indicate in the comment section below so I can add you to my list.
I hope this helped.
This post might seem a little bit lengthy. Which is why I made it easier, you can download this free e-guide of these steps on your phone/computer just in case you need it handy when you eventually create yours.