Finding your ideal freelancer on Upwork

Why do you need a freelancer?

In my previous post about avoiding being scammed on Fiverr, I received a number of questions about the possibility to work with new and unknown freelancers. In this blog, I will briefly explain the main reasons for engaging freelancers, and then will explain some benefits of using Upwork, especially in view of engaging newbies.

So, why do you need a freelancer?

First of all, it's the question of time. If we had unlimited time, there would be no need to work with external parties. We could do everything ourselves. Unfortuntely, we live and operate under time constraints. Even if we work without any sleep and breaks (impossible...), we are capped at 24 hours a day... unless, we get someone to lend us a pair of hands. Suddenly, we don't need to spend 24 hours a day to get our projects done. We can spend less, and we can spend our time where we are more productive. If you are good in design, then you can focus on that, and if you are good in writing, then focus on writing. Our weak areas can be covered by freelancers.

The other reason, which I implied already, is that we cannot be good at everything. There are areas where we excel, and then there are areas where we need some help and support. I am personally not so good in writing. I am probably better in planning and organizing. Not so good in details either. Hence, I am always looking for specialists who can help me in those areas where I need some help.

Wait a moment, you might say, stop - what about the money? We need to pay freelancers!

Yes, this is correct, nobody wants to work for free. That´s why you need to make a budget, and weight costs and benefits of getting extra help. I would assume that any project should be at least net positive in terms of expected returns. The bigger is the net result, the more scope is for engaging freelancers.

What about Upwork? Is it better than Fiverr?

I peronally find Upwork more like an employment agency, whereas Fiverr is more like a contract agency. The reason for this is that at Upwork I always post the Job ad and then I wait for the freelancers to bid and make the best offers. At Fiverr, it's me who is approaching each freelancer individually and offering them a project.

As a result, when you pubish a job at Upwork, you do get a huge range of offers coming from both experienced freelancers with a huge job portfolio behind them, as well as newbies with no or little experience behind them.

On Fiverr, on the other hand, you know in advance the freelancers and their qualities, reviews and ratings. As such, there is a natural tendency to go for the best and most trustworty.

Clearly, this means that Upwork and Fiverr are suited for different audiences, and for different work approaches. It is not like Upwork or Fiverr are better. They are just different depending on your needs.

What is the result?

Based on my experienced, I found that I never worked with a newbie and unestablished freelancer on Fiverr. On the other hand, I did work with many newbies and first-time freelancers on Upwork. The reason for this is that when I get a very interesting motivation letter, I feel inclined to ask a few questions and ask for some samples of work. More often than not, I am pleasantly surprised by responses, and feel inclined to give it a try.

Being an Entrepreneur!

In one way or other, when you start working with freelancers, you become a true entrepreneur. You define the terms of the job, you steer your freelancers, and you decide if the final outcome is good for you or not. You also take the risk of a project failure. This makes you are a real entrepreneur - taking the risks and enjoying the upside!

I hope you found this short blog useful. Please share with me your experiences of working with both Fiverr and Upwork, as well as engaging with newbies and experienced freelancers. Are there any other points and considerations that you would like to add?

I remain yours faithfully,

Nellya