As a business owner that occasionally hires freelancers, I’ve had the privilege of working with some truly talented professionals. But I’ve also seen the struggle that many freelancers face—putting their best foot forward time and time again, only to lose out on gigs due to intense competition. It’s a reality that weighs heavy on my heart and one I felt compelled to address.
The Freelance Boom: Opportunity and Challenges
The freelance industry is booming, with platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr acting as hubs for connecting clients with talent. To be fair, these platforms, to some are a ready-made marketplace filled with opportunities.
But the reality is far more complex. Consider these stats:
- Upwork has over 18 million freelancers competing for the attention of 5 million clients.
- Fiverr offers millions of gigs across every imaginable category, making it easy for even the most talented freelancers to get lost in the noise.
- Freelancer hosts 50 million registered users, with just 2,000 new jobs posted daily.
This level of competition often leads to pricing wars, where freelancers feel compelled to underbid just to secure a job. I feel that it’s a race to the bottom, leaving many skilled professionals undervalued and overworked.
The High Cost of Convenience
Freelance platforms might simplify the process of finding work, but I have found, this convenience comes at a price:
- Upwork takes a commission of 20% on your first £500 with a client and 10% on earnings up to £10,000.
- Fiverr takes a flat 20% cut on every transaction.
- Freelancer charges between 10% and 20% of the total project fee, depending on the job type.
For smaller jobs, these fees significantly reduce earnings. For larger projects, they add up quickly, leaving freelancers with far less than they deserve. Therefore, I often find myself paying more for jobs or tipping heavily.
The Harsh Truth: Can You Make a Living Solely on Platforms?
While platforms share plenty of success stories, the truth is that some freelancers struggle to build sustainable careers through these sites alone:
- The average freelancer on Upwork earns around £16 per hour, but many earn far less.
- On Fiverr, gigs often start at £5-£10, making it nearly impossible to scale income without taking on a grueling workload.
The harsh reality is that relying solely on freelance platforms can make it difficult to create a stable, long-term career for some.
A Better Way Forward: Build Your Own Online Presence
Freelance platforms should be part of your strategy, but they shouldn’t be your entire strategy. To thrive in today’s competitive market, freelancers need to create their own online presence. Here’s why:
- Take Control of Your Brand Platforms dictate how you present yourself. A personal website allows you to showcase your skills, portfolio, and unique identity on your terms.
- Build Direct Relationships Platforms keep clients at arm’s length. By working directly through your website, you can establish stronger relationships, leading to repeat business and referrals.
- Avoid Hefty Fees No platform commissions mean you keep 100% of your earnings.
- Stand Out in a Crowded Market With your own professional website, you can rise above the noise and make a lasting impression.
- Diversify Your Income Streams Your website can also be a hub for additional revenue streams, like selling digital products or offering consulting services.
How to Build an Omnichannel Strategy
To succeed as a freelancer, adopt an omnichannel approach that combines freelance platforms with your own online presence:
- Create a Website Your website is your digital HQ. Include a portfolio, client testimonials, and clear calls to action.
- Leverage Social Media Use platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram to share your work and connect with potential clients.
- Use Platforms Strategically Continue using platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to find clients. Make it one of your sales channels within the omnichannel strategy.
- Optimise for SEO Make sure your website is easy to find through search engines.
- Offer Value Beyond Services Establish yourself as an expert by sharing free resources, writing a blog, or posting useful tips on social media.
Freelancers, You Deserve Better
To every freelancer who’s been overlooked, underpaid, or undervalued—my heart goes out to you. You bring so much talent and dedication to the table, and you deserve a career that reflects that.
Freelance platforms are a good tool, not a solution to successful selling in my humble option. By taking control of your online presence and building a strategy that works for you, you can stand out, earn more, and finally build the career you’ve dreamed of.
You’re more than a profile on a platform. You’re a business. It’s time to own it.
