Because Money Matters

How to Earn More Money as a Freelancer in a Gig Economy

LOOKING FOR WAYS TO EARN MORE MONEY?

This book will show you what you need to get started as a freelancer, especially if you want to run your business on Fiverr.com. If you are a freelancer wishing for better success, this book will help you get to the next level where you get paid top dollar and have the freedom to choose clients and projects.

After reading the book, you will know:

About freelancing

The advantages and disadvantages of being a freelancer and whether a freelancing business is right for you.

Pick a business

How to find out what you want to do.

Become successful

What it takes to become a successful freelancer earning his/her worth.

Set up shop

Where and how to set up your online shop for your freelancing business.

Earn your worth

How to price your service using the C.O.S.T. model to reflect the true value of your expertise and the work you do.

Build clientele

How to get and retain clients and referrals through excellent client service.

Manage your business

How to properly manage your business without stress while staying competitive, current, and relevant.

Effective communication

How to use the BASIC test to ensure the effectiveness and professionalism of your written communication.

Work with clients

How to handle different types of clients.

Message Templates

How to use the 48 ready-to-use message templates to communicate and negotiate effectively with clients in various scenarios.

Reviews

David Loving

David Loving

There's an irony to being a freelance editor editing a book about freelancing. I'm pleased to say I learned from it. This book contains resources I wish I'd known about when I started as a freelance editor and I will continue to reference it as my own freelance business grows.

Kirsty McManus

Ever wanted to enter the freelance world, but aren’t sure where to start? This book will provide you with a broad overview of what it means to be a freelancer, before delving into the specifics of using a platform like Fiverr. Full of thoughtful points, examples and practical instructions, you should feel a lot more comfortable about stepping out on your own after reading this book.

Kirsty McManus
James Minter

James Minter

For me “how to” books are the best and V.V Cam’s books are up there with the most useful...

Sample Chapters

TABLE OF CONTENT

WHY THIS BOOK EXISTS
BECOMING A FREELANCER
1.1 Advantages
1.2 Disadvantages
1.3 Self-Assessment: Am I ready to be a freelancer?
1.4 List of freelance fields
1.5 Sample services
1.6 How to find what you want to do
1.7 List of freelance websites
1.8 Other freelance websites/job boards
1.9 Checklist: Selecting a freelance website
FREELANCING ON FIVERR.COM
1. STEP 1: SETTING UP SHOP
2.1 How Fiverr.com works
2.2 Setting up your account
2.3 Setting up your profile
2.4 Setting up your Gigs
2.5 Pricing your Gigs
2.6 Checklist: Items I need to set up my account and profile
2.7 Checklist: Items I need to set up my Gig
2. STEP 2: GETTING ORDERS
2.8 Providing quotes
2.9 The C.O.S.T. model
2.10 Promoting your Gigs
3. STEP 3: WORKING ON ORDERS
4. STEP 4: DELIVERING WORK
5. STEP 5: GETTING RATINGS, REVIEWS, AND TIPS
6. STEP 6: GETTING PAID
7. CANCELLATIONS
8. SUPPORT & TOOLS
BEING A SUCCESSFUL FREELANCER
3.1 Self-Assessment: Do I have what it takes?
CORE SKILLS
3.2 Ways to upgrade your core skills
3.3 List of learning websites and apps
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
3.4 Self-Assessment: Am I a good communicator?
3.5 What is tact?
3.6 The BASIC test for written communication
3.7 Checklist: Does my message pass the BASIC test?
3.8 Scenarios for the BASIC test
Scenario 1 – Handling a complaint/misunderstanding
Scenario 2 – Resolving a conflict/criticism
Scenario 3 – Negotiating an agreement
NEGOTIATION SKILLS
3.9 Self-Assessment: How effective am I as a negotiator?
3.10 Checklist: Making persuasive arguments
TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS
3.11 Self-Assessment: How good am I at managing my time?
3.12 How to prioritize your work
3.13 Self-Assessment: How good am I at organizing?
3.14 Self-Assessment: How good am I at de-stressing?
SAMPLE SCENARIOS & MESSAGE TEMPLATES
4.1 When you acknowledge an order that you can start
4.2 When you need time to respond
4.3 When you ask for information
4.4 When you ask for confirmation
4.5 When you ask for clarification
4.6 When you provide a quote
4.7 When you decline work before an order is placed
4.8 When you decline work after an order is placed
4.9 When you offer samples
4.10 When you offer free/trial work
4.11 When you don’t offer free/trial work/samples
4.12 When the client asks for proof that you can do the job
4.13 When the client says he/she can’t afford more
4.14 When the client says your price is too high
4.15 When you want to keep negotiating
4.16 When the client’s offer is low before he/she orders
4.17 When the client didn’t pay enough on his/her order
4.18 When the client wants to add or change an order
4.19 When you want to add or change an order
4.20 When you want to ask for more money or time
4.21 When you provide status update on an order
4.22 When you want to propose an idea
4.23 When you deliver work
4.24 When you follow up
4.25 When the client points out your mistake
4.26 When you want to apologize
4.27 When you need to resolve a dispute or conflict
4.28 When you want to express your gratitude
4.29 When you ask for referrals
4.30 When you ask for feedback
4.31 When you ask for a review
4.32 When you ask for a review revision
4.33 When you cancel because the buyer is unresponsive
4.34 When you cancel because you couldn’t agree
4.35 When you cancel because of insufficient fund
4.36 When you cancel because of out-of-scope work
4.37 When you cancel because not enough information given
4.38 When you cancel due to unforeseen circumstances
4.39 When you cancel at buyer’s request
4.40 When you cancel because the buyer complains
4.41 When you cancel duplicate orders
4.42 When someone asks for help that you can give
4.43 When someone asks for help that you can’t give
4.44 When you ask for help
4.45 When you ask for suggestions
4.46 When you provide feedback
4.47 When you postpone a request for action
4.48 When you explain your process
REFERENCES
COMMON QUESTIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
5.1 Managing business
5.2 Dealing with clients
5.3 Developing skills
COMMONLY MISUSED WORDS
USEFUL LINKS
MAY YOU BE A SUCCESSFUL FREELANCER
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TABLE OF CONTENT

WHY THIS BOOK EXISTS
BECOMING A FREELANCER
1.1 Advantages
1.2 Disadvantages
1.3 Self-Assessment: Am I ready to be a freelancer?
1.4 List of freelance fields
1.5 Sample services
1.6 How to find what you want to do
1.7 List of freelance websites
1.8 Other freelance websites/job boards
1.9 Checklist: Selecting a freelance website
FREELANCING ON FIVERR.COM
1. STEP 1: SETTING UP SHOP
2.1 How Fiverr.com works
2.2 Setting up your account
2.3 Setting up your profile
2.4 Setting up your Gigs
2.5 Pricing your Gigs
2.6 Checklist: Items I need to set up my account and profile
2.7 Checklist: Items I need to set up my Gig
2. STEP 2: GETTING ORDERS
2.8 Providing quotes
2.9 The C.O.S.T. model
2.10 Promoting your Gigs
3. STEP 3: WORKING ON ORDERS
4. STEP 4: DELIVERING WORK
5. STEP 5: GETTING RATINGS, REVIEWS, AND TIPS
6. STEP 6: GETTING PAID
7. CANCELLATIONS
8. SUPPORT & TOOLS
BEING A SUCCESSFUL FREELANCER
3.1 Self-Assessment: Do I have what it takes?
CORE SKILLS
3.2 Ways to upgrade your core skills
3.3 List of learning websites and apps
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
3.4 Self-Assessment: Am I a good communicator?
3.5 What is tact?
3.6 The BASIC test for written communication
3.7 Checklist: Does my message pass the BASIC test?
3.8 Scenarios for the BASIC test
Scenario 1 – Handling a complaint/misunderstanding
Scenario 2 – Resolving a conflict/criticism
Scenario 3 – Negotiating an agreement
NEGOTIATION SKILLS
3.9 Self-Assessment: How effective am I as a negotiator?
3.10 Checklist: Making persuasive arguments
TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS
3.11 Self-Assessment: How good am I at managing my time?
3.12 How to prioritize your work
3.13 Self-Assessment: How good am I at organizing?
3.14 Self-Assessment: How good am I at de-stressing?
SAMPLE SCENARIOS & MESSAGE TEMPLATES
4.1 When you acknowledge an order that you can start
4.2 When you need time to respond
4.3 When you ask for information
4.4 When you ask for confirmation
4.5 When you ask for clarification
4.6 When you provide a quote
4.7 When you decline work before an order is placed
4.8 When you decline work after an order is placed
4.9 When you offer samples
4.10 When you offer free/trial work
4.11 When you don’t offer free/trial work/samples
4.12 When the client asks for proof that you can do the job
4.13 When the client says he/she can’t afford more
4.14 When the client says your price is too high
4.15 When you want to keep negotiating
4.16 When the client’s offer is low before he/she orders
4.17 When the client didn’t pay enough on his/her order
4.18 When the client wants to add or change an order
4.19 When you want to add or change an order
4.20 When you want to ask for more money or time
4.21 When you provide status update on an order
4.22 When you want to propose an idea
4.23 When you deliver work
4.24 When you follow up
4.25 When the client points out your mistake
4.26 When you want to apologize
4.27 When you need to resolve a dispute or conflict
4.28 When you want to express your gratitude
4.29 When you ask for referrals
4.30 When you ask for feedback
4.31 When you ask for a review
4.32 When you ask for a review revision
4.33 When you cancel because the buyer is unresponsive
4.34 When you cancel because you couldn’t agree
4.35 When you cancel because of insufficient fund
4.36 When you cancel because of out-of-scope work
4.37 When you cancel because not enough information given
4.38 When you cancel due to unforeseen circumstances
4.39 When you cancel at buyer’s request
4.40 When you cancel because the buyer complains
4.41 When you cancel duplicate orders
4.42 When someone asks for help that you can give
4.43 When someone asks for help that you can’t give
4.44 When you ask for help
4.45 When you ask for suggestions
4.46 When you provide feedback
4.47 When you postpone a request for action
4.48 When you explain your process
REFERENCES
COMMON QUESTIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
5.1 Managing business
5.2 Dealing with clients
5.3 Developing skills
COMMONLY MISUSED WORDS
USEFUL LINKS
MAY YOU BE A SUCCESSFUL FREELANCER
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

WHY THIS BOOK EXISTS

The gig economy is part of a shifting cultural and business environment. According to Investopedia.com, “In a gig economy, temporary, flexible jobs are commonplace and companies tend toward hiring independent contractors and freelancers instead of full-time employees. A gig economy undermines the traditional economy of full-time workers who rarely change positions and instead focus on a lifetime career.”

In my book, Because Money Matters: The 8 Principles to Build Your Wealth, I outlined eight principles for building wealth. The first principle is about earning as much as possible. Running a freelancing business is one of many ways to do so. This book fulfills my promise to share how I became a Top Rated Seller on Fiverr.com and added about $10,000 each year for the past five years to my full-time income by working less than five hours a week in my spare time in the evenings and weekends.

I chose to freelance because I wanted to earn as much as I could while I can. I also wanted to have an option to earn extra money doing something I enjoy after I retire in a few years. I researched freelancing opportunities and signed up on Fiverr.com in September 2012 to provide Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) form design services. Since then, with many mistakes made and a few lessons learned, I’ve completed over 1,500 orders ranging from $5 to $1,800, received over 1,000 five-star reviews, gained many happy repeat clients, and made a few friends along the way. I’ve also contributed my thoughts on Fiverr’s forum, created free tools for sellers and buyers, and offered free promotions on my website to fellow sellers.
Fiverr chose me as one of their Top Rated Sellers in February 2015. This status is given to sellers who maintain high standards and high ratings, deliver on time, and play fair. Top Rated Sellers enjoy a growing number of exclusive benefits, such as the ability to offer additional services for higher amounts, get faster support, and the chance to receive early access to beta features.

Being a seller on Fiverr.com has given me opportunities to help and interact with people all over the world. The extra money I’ve earned has also helped my husband and me in publishing and marketing our books.

The potential to earn income as a freelancer is based on your ability, effort, and time. The Design Salary Guide provides real-time compensation information for design and creative professionals around the world. Many sellers on Fiverr.com earn six-figure income.

I’ve learned a lot about the freelance world. I want to share my knowledge, my experience and the lessons I’ve learned with you. I’ve also included tips, tools, and samples to help you along the way.

Running a single-person freelancing business requires a variety of skills and abilities. I’ve chosen to focus this book on earning money by attracting and retaining clients, because without clients, your business cannot make money. As a result, this book will not provide how-to information about registering your business, writing contracts, issuing invoices, keeping records, or filing taxes.

This book will show you what you need to get started as a freelancer, especially if you want to run your business on Fiverr.com. If you are a freelancer wishing for better success, this book will help you get to the next level where you get paid top dollar and have the freedom to choose clients and projects.

This book is about my experience on Fiverr.com. Because the platform changes frequently, it does not include step-by-step instructions, but it describes Fiverr’s process and includes information that can be used on similar freelance websites.

I am confident this book gives you all the tools and inspiration you need to be successful in this gig economy, whether you are a part-timer new to freelancing or an experienced freelancer working full-time.

After reading this book, you will know:

  • The advantages and disadvantages of being a freelancer and whether a freelancing business is right for you.
  • How to find out what you want to do.
  • What it takes to become a successful freelancer earning his/her worth.
  • Where and how to set up your online shop for your freelancing business.
  • How to price your service using the C.O.S.T. model to reflect the true value of your expertise and the work you do.
  • How to get and retain clients and referrals through excellent client service.
  • How to properly manage your business without stress while staying competitive, current, and relevant.
  • How to use the BASIC test to ensure the effectiveness and professionalism of your written communication.
  • How to handle different types of clients.
  • How to use the 48 ready-to-use message templates to communicate and negotiate effectively with clients in various scenarios.

Ready? First, please let me explain what freelancing is about.

BECOMING A FREELANCER

A freelancer or freelance worker (also sometimes referred to as an independent contractor) is a person who is usually self-employed and is not necessarily committed to a particular employer. Some freelance workers are represented by a company or a temporary agency that resells freelance labour to clients. Some freelancers work independently and promote their business themselves while others use professional associations or websites to get work.
This book focuses on running a business as an independent freelancer who uses websites to offer his/her work. It is different from using websites where freelancers bid for work posted by buyers.

The regularity and type of freelance work can vary. A freelancer often offers various types of services to multiple businesses and individuals concurrently.
While the marketplace of freelancers is competitive, the need for quality and reliable freelancers is growing. Being a freelancer can be a great way to earn money while gaining experience, testimonials, and referrals.

Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of using other companies’ websites to offer work:

1.1 Advantages

  • You can get started quickly if you know what you want to do and have the necessary skills.
  • Your business starts in an established marketplace.
  • You don’t have to build and maintain your own infrastructure, website traffic, and money management system.
  • You can choose your place of work and you can set your own hours, working full or part-time on the projects of your choice.
  • You can control how the work is done to fulfill your clients’ specifications.
  • You can set your own price.
  • You don’t have to chase clients for payments after an order is completed and closed.

1.2 Disadvantages

  • It can be difficult to gain visibility in a competitive marketplace.
  • It can take time to build a steady clientele.
  • Work can be irregular. You will need to plan for slow times and be ready to work hard to deliver work on-time when work is plentiful.
  • Managing multiple clients and projects can be a challenge.
  • You don’t receive benefits such as vacation or sick pay.
  • You have to operate within the website’s terms of service which can be restrictive, for example, you can communicate or accept payments only through the methods provided by the website.
  • You are dependent on the website that keeps all the information about you and your clients.

Take the following self-assessment to see if you are ready to run your own freelancing business. Since it is a business, there will be more responsibilities than working as an employee. You will be responsible for other things that come with starting a business, such as keeping proper business records, complying with legal requirements, obtaining appropriate insurance, and reporting of business taxes.

1.3 Self-Assessment

Select all the statements that apply to you:
 I know what service I want to provide.
 I read, write, and understand English.
 I have the core skills required for the service that I plan to provide.
 I am self-motivated.
 I am organized.
 I can keep good records.
 I am able and willing to learn and improve.
 I can work alone without supervision or with others.
 I have a place to work.
 I have all the required tools and equipment, for example, computer, software and anything else I need to run my business.
 I have computer skills including uploading/downloading files and creating videos.
 I have access to the Internet.
 I know how to use Internet communication tools, for example, email and Skype.
 I have an account for receiving money, for example, PayPal or bank account.
 I have an email account.
 I am prepared to build a portfolio of my work to use as samples.
 I am able to recognize and correct my mistakes.
 I am able to consider consequences and make effective, clear decisions.
 I have checked into how freelancing would affect my income tax situation.
 I have checked into whether I need and can get appropriate licence or permit for my business.
 I have checked into whether I need and can get insurance or bond for my business.
 I know what is involved in running a small business.
 My family and friends are supportive of my work (if applicable).

About V. V. Cam

In Because Money Matters: The 8 Principles to Build Your Wealth, V.V. Cam shares the lessons and wisdom she learned from her mother in managing personal finance. With her usual pragmatic advice, compassionate voice, and succinct writing style, in this book she shares her experience and lessons she learned while running her freelancing business on Fiverr.com.

See all V. V. Cam's books here

Contact: vvcam @ because.zone

Author Profiles: Amazon | Goodreads

Please free to reach out to me if I can be of further assistance to you in any way.

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