If you’re a manager in charge of content creation, you’ve probably heard about Fiverr and other similar platforms by now. Most people would recommend Fiverr’s online marketplace for fast and cheap work, starting as low as $5.
So how does it work? It boils down to searching for the gig you need and selecting a provider. Then, you upload your task requirements to the website. Within a few days, you’ll receive the completed work. Also, despite its name, not all services on Fiverr cost $5. Creators can now create service packages worth hundreds of dollars.
On paper, it seems like a great way to get a simple task done for a small amount of money, but it also sounds too good to be true. So what is the deal with Fiverr? Is it a waste of time? Or is it a viable option for outsourcing work? Read on to find out.
What to (not) outsource
We could all use some extra time in our day to focus on more strategic tasks. That’s why you should focus on delegating tasks that are either time-consuming, low value, or other occasional needs. Tasks like data entry and social media scheduling are perfect for delegation.
Some of the most popular gig categories on Fiverr include Graphic Design, Digital Marketing, Social Media, Video Editing/Production and Writing/Proofreading. So if you want to outsource any tasks from these categories, chances are you’ll find an excellent provider on Fiverr.
One important issue you need to keep in mind to get good value out of Fiverr is that it’s best to avoid outsourcing strategic activities. Focus on one-off tasks like logos, templates, print graphics, text editing, and so on. Additionally, there are several types of services that aren’t totally up to par on the marketplace:
- SEO tasks: many sellers that promise first page Google rankings or link building justify low prices with black hat tactics. These might work in the short term, but will end up costing you more and creating more hassle as time passes;
- Something you need the next day: unless you’re working with a seller that you know you can count on, ordering work you need to have the next day on Fiverr is a bad idea. Most sellers won’t deliver high-quality work on a very short deadline.
- Advanced copywriting from non-native speakers: while many foreign sellers offer their services in English, when it comes to more advanced and creative work, it’s probably best if you stick to either native or certified writers. Otherwise, you might end up spending more time correcting the materials you receive than it would have taken to just write them yourself.
How to find the best sellers
Ratings
Like with many other online services, you should always check ratings and reviews. Fiverr sellers are rated based on their work, but also communication, time of delivery, and so on. Generally, if a vendor has a large number of high ratings, you can assume that they’re reliable and will do decent work within the allotted time.
Tiers
Fiverr sellers are categorized in several tiers: Seller, Level One Seller, Level Two Seller, and Top Rated Seller. Level One and Level Two can be reached by completing a certain number of tasks successfully, while Top Rated Sellers are hand-picked by Fiverr based on strict factors. Generally, vendors with Level 1 status and above take their work seriously and are safe bets for a variety of tasks. The Pro sellers I mentioned earlier are different since they receive the distinction based on their experience outside of the marketplace.
Collaborate long-term
Obviously, the best way to evaluate a seller is to work with them. A good strategy to make sure that you get quality work from Fiverr is to stick with vendors that have a proven track record of delivering exactly what you’re looking for. Once you’ve built a team of people that specialize in the various tasks you need to outsource, your delegation process will be much more simple.
Fiverr now has a Pro version
This year, the company introduced Fiverr Business Tools, a new and improved set of features intended for small and midsize businesses. They include:
- Team management: adding and removing collaborators from your team
- Billing: selecting a preferred payment method, setting limits on card usage, and updating your invoicing information
- General overview: keep track of your orders in one place
Furthermore, all Fiverr Pro sellers are individually vetted by Fiverr employees, so you can be sure that they meet enterprise quality standards. The freelancers themselves are also treated well on the platform: they have access to various tools that help them create contracts, track time, and manage expenses.
So should you outsource?
The answer obviously depends on what tasks you need help with. Complex, collaborative work doesn’t really benefit from outsourcing on Fiverr, since it would be better in the hands of more experienced employees. However, if you find yourself in need of an extra logo or have some data fields to fill in, you’ll surely find a helping hand on Fiverr.
