Need to build a new website? Or clean up an old database? Or revamp your marketing material? Help is on the way!
When I need something done, my first thought is always Fiverr. Fiverr is a marketplace of literally thousands of people who do all kinds of stuff – for $5.
Five bucks. Yes, indeed.
UPDATE: As of November 2015, Fiverr is removing the $5 pricing requirement, which means the prices will probably go up — but it’s still an amazing opportunity!
2018 UPDATE: Because so many of the Fiverr freelancers are truly talented professionals, Fiverr has created a pro-level category where you’ll find vetted and higher-priced experts.
The site presents the engagements in an attractive format and gives you plenty of ways to search for the right freelancer.
You’ll be amazed at the variety of freelance projects you can get for five bucks, such as:
- Create a simple banner ad
- Write a customized limerick
- Make a tough decision
- Tweet your message to thousands of followers
- Record a voiceover in a native British accent
- Add music to your video
- Send your child a personalized letter from Santa Claus
- Create a QR Code
- And on, and on and on. Hilarious and fun!
The first time I used Fiverr, I spent about $100 trying things out; and I was very pleasantly surprised with the results. I ended up with several videos that range from “eh” to “WOW!” — All for $5!
Since then I’ve spent hundreds on little projects, everything from a jingle for Your Nerdy Best Friend to expertise to fix my WordPress website to promo videos from the Posh English Lady.
My biggest successes on Fiverr have had to do with graphics. Here’s one of the new cartoons for the new book. The winning artist was a husband/wife team who call themselves bebopbop. I love it, but most of the other ones that I received were bombs.
Six Things to Know about Fiverr
- Fiverr is a great resource for any small business that needs to outsource projects outside their area of expertise.
- If you can’t find a gig you want, you can write a description of your project and request bids. This option is a little hard to find, though. Look under your Shopping tab or way down in teeny print at the bottom.
- The words “Fiverr®,” “Gig®” and a bunch of other stuff are trademarked. They want me to use the little symbols whenever I mention them. That’s kind of a pain, so let’s pretend I did that, OK?
- It’s smart to choose 3-5 designers for the same project to see which one gives you a better product. You’re still not out very much money, but you’ll get a variety of results that you can build on.
- Fiverr gigs will often cost you more than five bucks because of the add-ons. You may pay extra for a rush job or for the addition of color or a background into a graphic. You’re still paying very little for someone’s hard work, so the upgrades are easily worth it.
- Good ratings are like gold to the freelancers, and I once had an argument with a freelancer about a thumbs down I had given. I was dissatisfied with the work, but the guy kept writing and complaining that my negative review was hurting him. I caved and gave him a better rating, but I’ve heard a couple of similar stories. Stay strong.
I may give this a go as a freelance graphic designer, translator, proofreader…. but as so many of these ‘cheap labor’ websites, it’s all very well for the end user but could I make a living out of it?
You can find resources on how to make a living, like this one from US News & World Report. http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2013/08/07/the-secret-to-making-money-on-fiverr
I’ve used them several times with much success. I found it’s better to use people in United States, because sometimes there’s a language barrier or when you’re trying to communicate. Also, it’s good to try to stick with someone close to your time zone, so you’re not getting their responses after working hours.
Are all the workers located in the US?
Lisa, no, they’re all over. But you can find providers based in the US. Joanne’s advice in another comment says to look for US-based to avoid translation problems.
Sweet Beth Z, The way I look at it, giving fair and honest feedback is my way of NOT caving on my friends and fellow users. Sort of makes less-then-stellar reviews easier to write… Thankfully, I have been amazed and pleased with all Fiverr interactions/transactions to date!
I have not had much luck with Fiverr – first effort was a complete disappointment. I could not get girl to understand what I needed from her, My second try (T-shirt logo for company) was more trouble than it was worth – guy kept stalling and putting me off. I wound up designing it myself.
Thanks the link, Beth. Just to say, some advantages of using someone outside the US: give them the job late at night, go to sleep and it will be ready for you in the morning! (I’m currently in Europe but I understand the lingo perfectly after 10 years in the States) 🙂
I absolutely adore Fiverr and have been using it for years (especially for jingles, animation, and graphics when I had a web show). I think the most fun I’ve had with it has been with asking for catchy jingles. I once surprised my mom with a song I had written for her based on a funny family story. She was delighted. There is so much you can do with Fiverr, I really can’t say enough about it. Great share!
I had a Fiverr(r) vendor take a project and then back out 🙁 boo! Have yet to get those pics made into movie.