Fiverr vs Upwork: Which Is Better for New Freelancers?

Freelancing got its quick rise and became recognized as one of the easiest and fastest ways to get paid online.

Especially for new ones who want to get some hands-on experience, earn money, and be independent. Among the numerous freelancing marketplaces that exist today, Fiverr and Upwork get to be the two most important ones in the field. However, for the total newcomer, the dilemma still exists: Fiverr or Upwork - which one is more appropriate for the beginner freelancer?

What Is Fiverr?

Fiverr is a platform for gig-based freelancing where service providers make listings known as gigs, and customers buy them directly. The starting price for services is generally $5, although numerous freelancers make a lot more through the additional offerings and premium options of the gigs they sell.

Key Features of Fiverr

• A marketplace for gigs
• No bidding needed
• Interface suitable for beginners
• Clients all over the world
• Services at fixed prices

Fiverr attracts a lot of users particularly in categories such as graphic design, content writing, video editing, voice-over, digital marketing, and programming.

What Is Upwork?

Upwork is a platform for project-based freelancing where employers list jobs and workers present their bids to obtain those projects. The workers have to constantly apply and fight for work.

Upwork's Main Features

• Bid system
• Projects by the hour and for a fixed price
• Possibilities for long-term clients
• Skill assessments and profile authentication
• Marketplace for professionals

Web development, software engineering, writing, marketing, consulting, and administrative services are the main areas of Upwork usage.

Fiverr vs Upwork: Key Differences for Beginners

1. Ease of Getting Started

Fiverr:

• Very easy signup process
• Approval not needed in most categories
• You can start selling as soon as you create gigs

Upwork:

• Profile approval needed
• Compared to entry process
• Some newcomers get rejected at first

2. Competition Level

Fiverr:

• High competition, but clients come to you
• SEO-optimized gigs can get ranked and end up getting orders

Upwork:

• Very competitive
• Newcomers confront the skilled freelancers
• Strong proposals are needed to win jobs

4. Pricing & Earnings

Fiverr:

• Clients look for and order your gig
• Possibility of passive income
• Initially, less communication

Upwork:

• Proposals are to be sent by you
• Pitching skills needed
• More client interaction

Best for introverts & new ones:

• $5 is the starting price but it can go higher
• Fiverr's commission is 20%
• Little control in the starting months

Upwork:

• Freelancers can determine their own pay
• The fee for the service is between 10% and 20%
• Higher earning potential in the long run
• Best for long-term income: Upwork

5. Payment Protection

Fiverr:

• Leakproof payment mechanism
• Money released post-order completion
• Minimal scams risk

Upwork:

• The system for fixed-price jobs is escrow
• Hourly protection through time tracker
• Very safe payments
• Pros and Cons of Fiverr for New Freelancers

Pros:

• User-friendly for beginners
• No need for proposals
• Easier to generate first income
• Suitable for artistic skills 

Cons:

• High commission of 20%
• Competition of lower pricing
• Control of client is limited

Pros and Cons of Upwork for New Freelancers

Pros:

• Clients who pay more
• Projects of long duration
• The atmosphere of professionalism
• Flexibility in charges

Cons:

• Difficulty in getting profile approved
• Proposal credits (Connects)
• Tough competition for beginners

Fiverr vs Upwork: Which Is Better for Beginners?

If you are a total beginner in freelancing, Fiverr is probably the better option to start with. It grants the newcomers the following:

• Confidence built
• Reviews gained
• Client handling learned
• Earning without pitching

However, if you have already:

• Strong skills
• A professional portfolio
• Good communication abilities

In that case, Upwork can yield higher income and long-term growth.

Best Strategy for New Freelancers

A lot of successful freelancers work on both platforms:

• They Acquire experience with Fiverr first
• Then move to Upwork for higher-paying clients
• They diversify their income sources 

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Final Verdict

Beginners will find Fiverr as the best platform to start with, whereas, if one has already professional skills and want to grow further, Upwork is the right platform. It all boils down to one's capabilities, level of patience, and financial targets. If the situation allows, it is recommended to begin with Fiverr and then move to Upwork slowly as one's experience increases.