Why we’ve moved away from Fiverr and the true value of relationships in freelancing

As a graphic design company, we often find ourselves in need of extra hands when business is booming or when we require specialised help, like in link building for our website. In those moments, turning to freelancing platforms like Fiverr seems like the perfect solution. The idea of finding skilled professionals with a few clicks and accessing a global marketplace is undeniably appealing. Yet, after multiple experiences, we’ve come to realise that this seemingly easy solution comes with its own set of challenges – ones that often outweigh the benefits.

Fiverr which is just one of many go find a freelancer websites out there, with its promise of affordable, fast services, can certainly deliver, but more often than not, we’ve found ourselves disappointed. Even when we carefully selected freelancers with glowing reviews and top ratings, the results were frequently below our expectations. Whether it was missed deadlines, incomplete work, or a lack of understanding of our brief, something always seemed to go wrong. Over time, we noticed patterns, which revealed some deeper issues with relying on platforms like these.

The issue for us with platforms like Fiverr

One of the main problems we’ve identified is the sheer level of competition on Fiverr. Freelancers are competing against thousands of others, all offering similar services, and often, the priority seems to be standing out through low prices and fast delivery promises. This constant pressure to compete can lead to compromises in quality. The rush to deliver often means corners get cut, and the focus shifts from understanding and delivering on the brief to simply completing the task as quickly as possible.

Another challenge we’ve encountered is the language barrier. Many freelancers on Fiverr come from different parts of the world, which can be a great advantage in terms of diversity and creativity. However, it also means that communication can sometimes break down. Misunderstandings are common, and in an industry like graphic design, where precise communication and attention to detail are key, even small misinterpretations can have a huge impact on the final product.

Is he really doing this?

While most of our experiences have been around missed deadlines and subpar work, we also had one alarming situation that made us rethink how we engage with freelancers on platforms like Fiverr. During one project, a freelancer we were working with requested remote access to one of our Macs. They needed access, they explained, to connect our website to their software. At the time, it seemed reasonable, so we granted it.

However, while monitoring the activity, we noticed something unexpected: instead of solely focusing on the task at hand, the freelancer used our account to write positive reviews for their various Fiverr profiles he owned. Essentially, they were boosting their own reputation using our credentials, without our consent. This breach of trust was a serious violation of our working relationship, and it showed us the risks of giving too much access to someone we didn’t know well.

While this could certainly be an isolated case, it’s an example of how things can go wrong when dealing with ‘anonymous’ freelancers on these types of platforms. It reminded us of the importance of trust and accountability – qualities that are much harder to establish with freelancers you’ve never worked with before.

The value of relationships

Over time, we’ve learned that one of the most important factors in successful freelancing collaborations is the relationship you build with the person. A freelancer who understands your brand, your working style, and your expectations will always deliver better results than someone who is new to your business and unfamiliar with your needs.

We’ve had far more success when working with freelancers recommended to us through trusted contacts or with individuals we’ve worked with before. When you build a relationship with a freelancer, you gain a partner who is invested in your success. They understand your preferences, your goals, and the nuances of your business. They aren’t just completing a one-off task; they’re helping you build something. And that sense of investment translates into better communication, more reliable results, and often, a willingness to go above and beyond.

Moreover, when a freelancer has a long-term relationship with you, they’re not just working for a quick review or rating. They’re working for your continued partnership, which often brings out their best work. This dynamic creates a positive feedback loop – trust breeds better work, and better work strengthens trust.

From freelancers to full-time staff

One of the most rewarding outcomes of working with freelancers over time is seeing some of them grow with our business and eventually become part of our full-time team on our books. We’ve had freelancers who started by taking on small, one-off projects, but as we got to know their work and they became more familiar with our client’s brand, their role evolved. Some have become integral to our day-to-day operations and are now full-time staff members for Form Agency.

These individuals didn’t just bring their skills to the table; they became key contributors to the growth and success of our business. This wouldn’t have been possible without the relationship-building process. By investing time in nurturing a freelance relationship, we created opportunities for these talented individuals to become deeply integrated into our team.

This kind of evolution – from freelancer to full-time team member – is something that just doesn’t happen when you’re constantly hiring anonymously from platforms like Fiverr. Without the opportunity to build trust and collaboration over time, you rarely get to experience a freelancer’s full potential. But when you do, the results can be transformative for both the freelancer and the company.

Recommendations vs. anonymous hires

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is the value of a personal recommendation. Whether it’s a colleague in the industry suggesting someone, or a freelancer you’ve successfully worked with before, recommendations always trump anonymous hires from a marketplace. There’s a reason personal referrals are still one of the most trusted ways to find talent – there’s already a degree of trust built in. The person referring the freelancer has already vetted them, saving you the time and effort of navigating a crowded marketplace full of unknowns.

In contrast, hiring someone off a platform like Fiverr means starting from scratch every time. You have to go through the process of explaining your business, your expectations, and your project details, all while hoping that the freelancer fully understands and delivers. It can be exhausting and time-consuming, and when things go wrong, it feels like wasted time and money.

We’re not saying Fiverr or other similar platforms have no place. For one-off, simple tasks, they can be a great resource. But for more involved projects, or for anything that requires real collaboration, we’ve found that relationships – whether built over time or through trusted referrals – always deliver better results.

Every experience is different

It’s important to note that while this has been our experience, others may find Fiverr and similar platforms perfectly suited to their needs. Many businesses successfully use these sites to find great freelancers who meet their expectations. The platform certainly offers access to a global pool of talent and can be incredibly useful, especially for small or quick jobs. For some, the convenience and range of options outweigh the potential downsides.

But for us, we’ve found that the most effective and rewarding freelance relationships are built over time, through trust and mutual understanding. That’s not something that can always be achieved through a quick hire on a platform. Our business thrives on quality, reliability, and strong partnerships, and that’s why we’ve moved away from relying on Fiverr for our core projects.

Ultimately, every business is different, and what works for one might not work for another. The key is finding the approach that aligns with your priorities and delivers the results you need. For us, that approach has meant shifting away from anonymous platforms and focusing on building lasting, trusted relationships with freelancers who have become an integral part of our team.