Beginner-Friendly Freelance Platforms for Creatives

The best freelancer site for beginners  depends on certain factors, which you have to consider before making your choice. As a creative, maybe you’re overwhelmed by the numerous options out there, and you’ve likely heard that Upwork or Fiverr are the best freelance platforms.

But let’s get real – isn’t it better for a new creative such as yourself, to start your freelance career on  a new platform with zero competition like Cre8Space? Instead of trying to compete on a platform with older and more experienced creatives like Fiverr and Upwork?

I’m just saying, if you think about it, as a beginner, you need a platform that will help you grow and succeed, not hold you back. But don’t conclude quickly, by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which platform to choose to kickstart your freelance career. No more confusion, no more overwhelm – just a clear path forward to success!

Fiverr

So we’ve established that you’re a creative, you’re new to freelancing and you’re not sure which freelancer site is best for beginners. If you do a quick search online, one of the first freelancing platforms that’ll pop up is Fiverr. It’s a company that connects freelancers to people or businesses looking for services. So let’s look at the pros and cons of using Fiverr.

Pros

So, what makes Fiverr a good choice for freelancers? For starters, the barriers to entry are super low. You can create a gig and start offering your services in just a few minutes. Plus, Fiverr has a huge range of gig options, from digital marketing to writing, design, and more.

The company uses a system called “Fiverr Orders”. It’s pretty simple: you create a gig, someone orders it, and then you deliver the work. Once the client is happy, they pay you, and you get to keep the funds. Easy peasy!

Also, what you’ll appreciate about Fiverr is the flexibility it provides. You can work on your own schedule, and choose projects that fit your interests and skills. So you’ll find it easy to balance your work and personal life. Plus, Fiverr has a really supportive community of sellers. You can connect with other creatives, share tips and advice, and learn from each other’s experiences.

You’ll also want to check out Fiverr’s “Fiverr Pro” feature. This is a program that helps you get verified and stand out from the competition. It increases your credibility and helps you attract more clients.

Also, an important question in deciding which freelancer site is best for beginners is the money stuff. Fiverr’s fees are quite straightforward. You get to keep 80% of your earnings, and Fiverr takes 20%. Plus, you can withdraw your funds via PayPal, bank transfer, or Fiverr Revenue Card.

Cons

A big challenge with Fiverr for a creative who’s new to freelancing is that it takes time to gain visibility. Mostly, because there are lots of experienced and established freelancers on the platform to compete with. In order to beat the competition, you’ll need to learn how to find your niche which is difficult to identify if you’re just starting your career as a freelancer. You’ll also need to learn how to use keywords, which involves learning SEO (Search Engine Optimization), and you might have to spend some money on social media advertising, which you might not be able to afford.

Another challenge with Fiverr is that it has some extra fees for things like payment processing and currency conversion. It’s not a lot of money, but it can be surprising, and even confusing, for someone who is new to freelancing. Also, Fiverr has a “clearing period” of 14 days. This means that your earnings are held for 14 days before you can withdraw them. Finally, as a Fiverr freelancer, your rating is everything. It’s what helps you attract clients and get hired for gigs, and for a new freelancer getting good ratings can be tough.

So, if you’re a creative who just wants to get into freelancing without much stress, then Fiverr might not be the easiest option for you. But if you’re patient enough, then it’s possible for you to see results.

Related: How to Get High-Paying Jobs as a Creative Freelancer

Upwork

So, at the stage where you’re still wondering which freelancer site is best for beginners, another popular option online is Upwork. It’s been around for a while, and it’s got a huge user base. It’s a platform that connects freelancers with clients who need help with various projects. So it’s like a big marketplace, where you can showcase your skills and bid on jobs that fit your expertise. So let’s look at the pros and cons of using Upwork:

Pros

So, what makes Upwork a great choice for new creatives like you? For starters, they have a huge client base, which means plenty of job opportunities. And with a variety of job postings, you can experiment with different types of projects and find what works best for you. Also, Upwork also has a really cool feature called “Upwork Plus”. It’s a premium membership program that offers extra benefits, like more bids per month and access to top clients. And with Upwork’s messaging system, you can easily communicate with clients and negotiate projects.

Upwork’s fees are also straightforward. You’ll pay a 5% commission on your earnings, plus a payment processing fee. Plus, Upwork offers a variety of payment options, including PayPal, bank transfer, and wire transfer. You can even get paid via Upwork’s own payment system, which is pretty convenient. Also, Upwork is very involved in helping freelancers grow and improve. They have a lot of resources and tools to help you improve your skills and find more work.

Cons

Finding your first job on Upwork can be challenging, especially for beginners. It may take a lot of time and effort to create a strong profile, send proposals, and get hired. Also, like Fiverr, Upwork can be very competitive, which means there are many other freelancers competing for the same jobs. This can make it hard to stand out and get hired.

Another con is that Upwork charges fees to freelancers, which can eat into your earnings. This means you might not take home as much money as you thought. Some clients on Upwork might not be very clear about what they want or might be difficult to work with. This can be frustrating and make it hard to do your job.

Finally, Upwork has a rating system that can affect your ability to get hired. If you don’t get good reviews from clients, it can hurt your reputation and make it harder to find work.

Related: How to be creative when you’re alone

Cre8Space

Most people don’t know about this freelance platform because it’s quite new, but it’s one of the best platforms out there. Cre8Space also known as CreateSpace, is a platform for only African creatives. It’s like a big marketplace where you can showcase your skills and services. Whether you’re a graphic designer, writer, photographer, or digital artist, Cre8Space is for you. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of this platform:

Pros

Cre8Space is designed specifically for African creatives, which means you’ll have access to a community that understands your unique needs and challenges. Plus, with Cre8Space, you can work with clients from all over the world, which is pretty cool.

One of the best things about CreateSpace is its user-friendly interface. You can easily create a profile, showcase your portfolio, and apply for projects that fit your skills. Plus, with insights and analytics, you can track your progress and see how you’re doing.

CreateSpace also has a job board, but instead of applying for jobs, you can create your own gigs and offer your services to clients. It’s a great way to showcase your skills and attract new clients.

One thing to note is that CreateSpace has a pretty active community, and they’re always working to improve the platform. So, if you have any suggestions or ideas, you can freely share with them.

Cons

Cre8Space might be challenging to navigate, especially if you’re a beginner. The platform has many features, but you can easily handle it because Cre8Space offers many resources, such as tutorials and guides, to help you get started.

Another con you might claim about Cre8Space is that freelancers have to pay a subscription fee. But that’s not really a problem with Cre8Space, because it’s a platform that connects creatives with constant employers, which means you can always make enough money to keep subscribing.

Lastly, some if you experience technical issues while using CreateSpace, such as login problems or payment processing errors. Cre8Space has a support team that’s available to help users troubleshoot these issues. By following the troubleshooting guides and reaching out to the support team, you can quickly resolve these problems and continue using the platform.

Related: How to figure out your niche as a creative

Why Cre8Space is the Best Beginner-Friendly Freelance Platform for Creatives

So, if we’re to compare the three popular options: Fiverr, Upwork, and CreateSpace. Each platform has its pros and cons, but which one is right for you? Fiverr is great for small, one-off projects, while Upwork is better suited for larger, more complex projects. Cre8Space, on the other hand, is designed specifically for African creatives, for small, one-off projects and large complex ones as well.

When it comes to fees, Fiverr takes a 20% commission on earnings, while Upwork charges a 5% commission. Cre8Space, however, offers a range of subscription packages to suit different needs and budgets. In other words, on Cre8Space you’re not forced to use a particular subscription, but you can easily choose whatever works for you.

In terms of user experience, all three platforms are relatively easy to use. Cre8Space is special because it offers personal help and a community where creatives can learn from each other. Also, Cre8Space is a platform that reduces competition, because the company is always involved in making sure creatives get jobs. So you don’t have to stress a lot about personal advertising or promotion.

Conclusion

So, which freelancer site is best for beginners? While Fiverr and Upwork have their pros and cons, Cre8Space stands out as the top choice for African creatives. With a user-friendly interface, personalized support, and community features, Cre8Space offers a unique and supportive environment for new creatives to thrive.

Plus, as a platform designed specifically for African creatives, Cre8Space understands the unique needs and challenges of this community. By choosing Cre8Space, you’ll be joining a vibrant and growing community of like-minded creatives who are passionate about making their mark.

So why settle for a general freelancer platform when you can join a platform that is specifically for you. Sign up on Cre8Space today and start building the creative career of your dreams!