Hi. I plan to study web design and web development, for the purpose of being a Freelancer at Fiverr and Upwork. Then I want to develop a greater business. A computer shop and or a web design agency of my own.
I plan to study quite hard for that.!
Will I find enough work at Fiverr and Upwork as a Freelancer???
Do I need to get a loan to start my computer shop and web design agency???
Thanks.
Hi Stefan,
Starting as a freelancer on Fiverr and Upwork can be a great way to build your skills, portfolio, and client base. There’s definitely potential to find work, but competition can be tough, so focus on building a strong profile and delivering quality work. As for starting a computer shop or web design agency, it’s possible to grow your business gradually without a loan, but it depends on your specific situation and how quickly you want to scale. Start small, reinvest your earnings, and consider a loan only if necessary for larger expansions. Good luck!
If you want to kick-start your freelance work on Upwork, Fiverr, and so on, then take up a couple of courses and undertake multiple projects to build your portfolio. It is tough to find an initial batch of projects without having a portfolio. Otherwise, you create one with your own projects and attach those to your portfolio.
At Upwork, you need a profound profile, a well-developed portfolio, and properly written proposals. Your rating is important in this network, so actively work in this direction. Meanwhile, remember that you need to buy Upwork credits to apply for jobs.
With Fiverr, you will be developing “gigs” that clients can buy. You are supposed to put in a description of your skills and attach beautiful samples of your previous work to each gig. Fiverr will allow you to set your price and terms, but keep in mind that the competition could be enormous.
Develop your freelancing career first. It is only when you have a well-established clientele base that it will be okay to open your own agency.
Thank you!
Hi Stefan. Congrats to this idea and goal!
I started to work as a web development freelancer when I was 19. I never went to university and just started freelancing on Upwork. From my experience today it is very hard though to be successful on Upwork and especially Fiverr unless you are in a specific market. If for example you’re a German developer building German sites it will be much easier to find projects than in English, and still it will be hard.
You could try other tactics in addition. I got my first customer from an Ebay post 
Try to be creative and look for places like this.
After that it’s all about being good and getting long-term clients. Companies will be happy to have a good developer, so do a good job and they will offer you constant work. I was lucky to get a client who offered me a 20 hrs/week contract. Looks for something like that.
I tried to start a web design agency as well. It’s very competitive but probably not impossible. I ended up shifting to content and SEO because the market was easier. I’m now running Blogtec, where we focus on SEO and content services.
I guess the lesson is to try to find a specific niche, like PHP developer for XX applications, or focus on a specific market/audience.
Hi Stefan,
It’s awesome that you’re diving into web design and development! As a freelancer on Upwork, I can tell you there’s definitely work available, especially if you build a strong portfolio and focus on a niche. Consistency and quality are key to getting noticed.
Regarding your computer shop or web design agency, consider starting small to reduce risks. You might not need a loan right away; freelancing can help you save up and gain experience first.
Stay dedicated, and you’ll find your path!
Good luck!
First, try to find your customers through Fiverr and Upwork. This way, you will have recurring clients in the following years because it is quite common for old clients to call on you once they have confidence in you. In addition, try to partner with an already established web agency in order to obtain recurring requests for subcontracting. Approach high-end agencies by offering specific services. Finally, try to optimize your SEO at the local level first, then nationally afterwards. It is always good to stand out on well-targeted keywords. Finally, you can use social networks like Linked In to develop your customer base. Hope It’s help. Best regards
Great to hear about your goals! Freelancing on Fiverr and Upwork can definitely provide opportunities to kickstart your web design career, though it’s competitive. To stand out, work on building a strong portfolio and complete your profile with a description. Focus on smaller projects first to gain positive reviews - these are key for visibility and attracting clients on both platforms. (Here is a good comparison between these two platforms with some tips for freelancers working on each.) Rather than listing generic skills like “web design” or “graphic design,” focus on specific skills or industries that set you apart. For example, specialize in “WordPress website optimization” or “e-commerce store design for small businesses.” This can attract clients who need your exact expertise and help you stand out. Take time to write proposals that address each client’s specific needs. Highlight how your approach would directly solve their problem. If possible, link to relevant portfolio examples and briefly explain why your skills are perfect for the project. Also, delivering a bit more than promised (like adding a small extra feature) can encourage positive reviews and repeat clients.
Starting small for a future web design agency can work in your favor financially, you can invest in essentials. If you develop your skills and client base as a freelancer first you should be able to generate cash flow without taking on debt. Define your services clearly, from basic web development to ongoing maintenance packages, which can attract various clients and offer upsell potential. You could also regularly share content related to web development (like blog posts, videos, or case studies) to attract organic traffic. Growing your agency often depends more on retention than acquiring new clients. To scale effectively, consider creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) and definitely select agency KPIs to track your progress. You could also offer value-added services like website maintenance, or content updates. Networking on platforms like LinkedIn and joining industry groups can also help you connect with potential clients and build your reputation. Honestly, networking is not my favorite part, but it is necessary; building long-term relationships can lead to consistent revenue and referrals.
I added a couple of resources, hope you’ll fund them helpful down the road. Good luck!