How to leverage Fiverr for Outsourcing part of your Business Operations

Last updated on March 13th, 2022 at 08:00 pm

As small business owners, we often try to do absolutely everything ourselves.  After all, we lack the big corporate budget to build a staff around every aspect of the business.  We learn about marketing, sales, web design, content creation, videography, illustration, branding very much on the fly.

Like the saying goes, we find ourselves to be a “jack of all trades, yet master of none”.  And then, on top of that, we’ve got to actually make sure our products and services are worthy of the conversions we’re trying to attract.  Looking at it from this perspective, it almost seems futile.

But there’s great news for those who need a hand, but lack the budget to hire a full staff:  Freelancers are more popular and available than ever before.  And with sites like Fiverr, finding just the right person to help you is safe and simple.

What Is Fiverr?

Fiverr (website here) is a platform where freelancers (referred to as “sellers” on the site) and entrepreneurs (known as “buyers”) can meet and mingle.  Fiverr specifically attracts sellers in the following major categories:

• Graphics and Design
• Digital Marketing
• Writing and Translation
• Video and Animation
• Music and Audio
• Programming and Tech
• Business
• Lifestyle

Within each category, there are numerous sub-categories that range the gamut of needs.  For example, someone looking for a whiteboard video for their website can find that specific trade in the “Video and Animation” category.

Fiverr’s services start at $5, and can go up to thousands of dollars with Gig Extras. Each service offered is called a GIG. A Gig can be a small one-off jobs, or a more complex project. It’s up to you to decide how much you want to spend.

Who Should Consider Fiverr?

The short answer to this question is: anyone who needs help.  Let’s take a look at some situations in which hiring a freelancer might be the best decision you can make as a new business owner.

Throughout our posts, we often refer to the importance of quality content, and how blogs and videos are incredibly important.  Whether written or visual, these forms of content reach out to your audience and educate, inform, and entertain all at once.

However, not all of us are equipped with a creative writing degree, the ability to create animations, or a video camera beyond the one on our smartphones.  So how can we be expected to create that quality content without the resources?

This is exactly where resources like Fiverr come in.  While the DIY attitude is commendable, and your own efforts are always free, this is a situation where having the help of a professional will elevate your likelihood for success.

The sellers on Fiverr have been specifically vetted by the site as trustworthy, knowledgeable, and fully capable of the tasks advertised.  So, if you find yourself needing content assistance, you would choose the category required, and start the process of finding the freelancer to meet your needs.

How to use Fiverr Services?

Once you create an account in Fiverr, you’re free to peruse the various categories and sub-categories on the site.  Signing up is absolutely free, and requires nothing more than a log in ID and password, or log in via Facebook or Google accounts.

You’ll start by choosing the category that interests you the most.  Let’s say you need help with branding, and creating a logo.  By clicking on the “Graphics and Design” category, you’ll be able to access a variety of resources for logo design.  

Searching for the best Seller for your project is easy, too, with a few options to help you out.  If you’re lacking the spare time to browse each category to find the perfect match, you can detail the job you need done, when you need it done, as well as how much you’re willing to pay, and Sellers will contact you directly with offers.

You can also refine a search for a Seller with filters.  Though the filter options may vary slightly from category to category, you’ll be able to make some basic selections to narrow down your choices.  First, you can choose the details about the Seller, including their level of experience, primary language, and location.

You can also choose a specific delivery timeframe, from as quickly as 24 hours, to an “anytime” setting that can be further defined in your conversations with a Seller.  You’ll also be able to define your budget, and choose what file format type you need (if relevant to the category).  

Once the filters are applied, you’ll see a screen full of options.  You’ll see the Seller’s information, along with a declarative “I will” statement about their skills and abilities.  For example, a videographer might indicate “I will create a quality short video blog for your website” .

Getting in touch with the Freelancers

Upon clicking on the Seller’s information, you’ll gain a full perspective on their services, prices, and availability.  Each profile includes a brief introduction to the individual, their skill level, their length of service on Fiverr, relevant personal information, samples of their work, an FAQ about their work, reviews, and feedback from previously Buyers.

Additionally, each Seller can offer up to three packages:  Basic, Standard, and Premium.  Typically, each package will include a different budget, timeframe, and project outcome. For example, a Basic package for a copywriter might include 500 words delivered in 48 hours for a certain dollar amount, while 1000 words in 48 hours might cost a bit more.  For your convenience, Fiverr includes a comparison chart of services per package.

Buyers are encouraged to contact Sellers before the hiring process begins, and contact information is provided directly on the profile.

Works in progress, feedbacks and payments

Once you’ve started work with a Seller, a shared dashboard feature helps everyone involved stay on the same page while the task is in process.  This takes the guesswork out of waiting for work to be done.  You’ll also be able to provide mid-process feedback, changes, and request updates without hoping your freelancer sees your email on time.

Additionally, no payment is required until the Buyer is satisfied with the work done.  Payment is easily conducted via a credit card, Apple Pay, or PayPal account attached to your account.  Once the work is approved, the agreed upon payment will be made to the Seller.  

As new business owners, we want to do it all.  Unfortunately, most of us are limited to two hands and only 24 hours in a day.  Sometimes, it’s best to call in the professionals, at least for temporary assistance.

Sites like Fiverr help us get in touch with exactly the right freelancer for our projects.  With a quick refined search, we can connect with hundreds of professionals who are capable of working within the terms and budget of the project at hand. 

As a result, we can focus on the overall success of the business, knowing that we have expert assistance on board.