Is Fiverr or Upwork the Best Choice for Nigerian Freelancers?
Imagine this: You’ve just learned about online freelancing, and you’re pumped! You’ve heard stories of people making thousands of dollars from the comfort of their homes—no traffic, no toxic boss, no wahala.
But when you start researching, you hit a roadblock: Fiverr vs Upwork. Everyone has an opinion, but which one is actually better for freelancers in Nigeria? Some say Fiverr is faster, while others swear Upwork pays more.
Who is telling the truth?
The truth is, both platforms have their advantages and disadvantages. But for Nigerian freelancers, where factors like withdrawal methods, competition, and client demand play a huge role, making the right choice is crucial.
And guess what?
According to a report by Payoneer, the global freelance economy is expected to reach $455 billion by 2025!
That means there’s more than enough money on the table—you just need to know which platform gives you the biggest slice of the cake.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this article, you’ll know:
The key differences between Fiverr and Upwork
Which platform is easier for Nigerian freelancers to succeed on
The payment options and which platform allows smooth withdrawals in Nigeria
The pros and cons of each platform
My final recommendation based on real-life experience
Table of Contents
Fiverr vs Upwork: A Quick Overview
Ease of Getting Started
Earning Potential: Which Platform Pays More?
Payment Options: Which is Better for Nigerians?
Competition and Job Opportunities
Fees and Charges Comparison
Pros and Cons of Fiverr
Pros and Cons of Upwork
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
FAQs
Who Should Read This?
Nigerians looking to start freelancing online
Existing freelancers struggling to decide between Fiverr and Upwork
Anyone tired of Nigeria’s frustrating job market and wants to earn in USD
Fiverr vs Upwork: A Quick Overview
Fiverr and Upwork are two of the biggest freelance platforms in the world. But they work differently.
Fiverr is a gig-based platform where freelancers create services (called gigs), and clients come to buy them. Think of it like Jumia, but for services.
Upwork is a proposal-based platform where freelancers apply for jobs posted by clients. You send proposals, clients review them, and if they like you, they hire you.
Ease of Getting Started
If you’re a Nigerian freelancer looking for a quick start, Fiverr is easier. You simply create gigs, optimize them for search, and wait for orders.
On Upwork, you need to create a strong profile, send proposals, and sometimes even pass skill tests before landing your first job. This takes longer but can be more rewarding in the long run.
Earning Potential: Which Platform Pays More?
Here’s the hard truth: Upwork freelancers generally earn more per project than Fiverr freelancers.
A study by Payoneer found that freelancers on Upwork earn an average of $21 per hour, while Fiverr freelancers often charge lower prices to stay competitive.
However, Fiverr allows you to build passive income by selling gigs repeatedly. If your gig ranks well, you can make money without actively applying for jobs.
Payment Options: Which is Better for Nigerians?
Fiverr: Withdraw via Payoneer, bank transfer, or crypto (via Binance P2P)
Upwork: Withdraw via Payoneer, direct bank transfer, or Wise
Both platforms work well for Nigerian freelancers, but Fiverr has a slight edge because of its direct Payoneer withdrawals.
Competition and Job Opportunities
Fiverr has higher competition because thousands of freelancers offer similar gigs. If your gig doesn’t rank, you might struggle to get orders.
Upwork has less competition per job, but getting approved on the platform can be difficult for Nigerians.
Fees and Charges Comparison
Fiverr takes 20% of your earnings on every gig.
Upwork takes 10-20%, depending on how much you earn from a single client.
Both platforms charge similar fees, but Fiverr’s flat 20% cut means you lose a bigger percentage if you land high-paying clients.
Pros and Cons of Fiverr
Pros:
Easier to start
Passive income potential
No need to send proposals
Cons:
Higher competition
Lower average pay per gig
Pros and Cons of Upwork
Pros:
Higher-paying jobs
Less competition per job
More long-term clients
Cons:
Harder to get started
Requires sending proposals
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
If you want quick orders and don’t mind lower prices, Fiverr is your best bet.
If you prefer higher-paying, long-term clients, Upwork is the way to go.
Either way, both platforms can make you money if you use the right strategy.
FAQs
Which platform is better for beginners? Fiverr is easier for beginners because you don’t need to apply for jobs.
Which one pays more in the long run? Upwork has higher-paying clients, but Fiverr allows you to build passive income.
Can Nigerians withdraw money easily from both platforms? Yes, both Fiverr and Upwork support Payoneer, which works well in Nigeria.
Conclusion
Choosing between Fiverr and Upwork depends on your goals. Fiverr is great for quick sales, while Upwork offers higher-paying opportunities.
No matter which one you choose, freelancing is one of the best ways for Nigerians to earn in dollars. So stop overthinking and start today!
Which platform are you choosing? Drop a comment and let me know!
Simon Taki Zaku
Founder, CEO, IbiFoundry Limited
For the IbiFoundry.com.ng E-magazine.
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