Starting as a web designer on Fiverr can be exciting, but getting your first order is often the toughest hurdle. In this guide, we’ll break down each step to help you land your first Fiverr gig, from setting up your profile and creating attractive gigs to promoting your services and securing that first order. Follow these strategies to get noticed and start building your freelance business on Fiverr.
1. Set Up a Professional and Optimized Fiverr Profile
The first step to getting your first web design order on Fiverr is setting up a professional and optimized profile. Your profile is the first impression potential clients have of you, so it’s essential to make it count. Choose a professional profile picture that presents you as approachable and trustworthy. A clear headshot with good lighting works best.
Next, write a compelling bio that highlights your web design skills and experience. Be specific about what you offer—mention skills like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, WordPress, and Shopify to attract the right clients. Make sure to use keywords throughout your bio to improve your visibility in Fiverr’s search results.
Example bio:
“Hi! I’m a professional web designer with over 5 years of experience specializing in WordPress and Shopify sites. Whether you need a sleek portfolio site or a high-converting eCommerce store, I’m here to help bring your vision to life. Let’s create something amazing!”
2. Create a Web Design Gig that Stands Out
Your gig is the heart of your Fiverr profile, and it needs to stand out to get noticed. Choose a specific service to focus on, like WordPress website design, landing page creation, or custom Shopify store development. By narrowing your focus, you make it clear to potential clients exactly what you offer.
Craft a clear and attention-grabbing title for your gig that includes relevant keywords. Use phrases like “Professional WordPress Website Design” or “Custom Shopify Store Setup”. In your gig description, explain exactly what clients can expect, including deliverables, timelines, and revision options. Make sure to use Fiverr’s search tags effectively to target your audience and improve your gig’s visibility.
3. Showcase Your Web Design Skills with a Portfolio
A strong portfolio is essential to attract potential clients, especially if you’re new to Fiverr. If you don’t have many past projects to show, consider creating mock-up designs to showcase your skills. Your portfolio should feature high-quality web design samples that highlight your technical abilities and design style.
Make sure to include responsive design examples, showing both desktop and mobile views to demonstrate your versatility. Each project should come with a brief description that explains your role and the technologies you used. This will help potential clients understand your expertise and build trust in your skills.
4. Set Competitive Pricing and Offer Gig Packages
When starting on Fiverr, competitive pricing can help you attract your first clients. Research what other web designers are charging on Fiverr and set your prices accordingly. You can start with lower prices to build your reputation and increase them as you gain more reviews and experience.
Offering tiered gig packages is a great way to appeal to a broader range of clients. For example, you can offer a basic package for a one-page design, a standard package for a multi-page website, and a premium package for a full custom website with eCommerce features. This way, clients can choose the package that best fits their needs and budget.
5. Write a Clear and Compelling Gig Description
Your gig description is where you can explain in detail what services you offer and why clients should choose you. Use the description to outline what’s included in the gig—such as the number of pages, revisions, and any extras like SEO optimization or responsive design.
Make sure to break down your process so clients know what to expect. Mention the tools you use (like WordPress, Shopify, or HTML/CSS), how long the project will take, and how you handle revisions. Addressing common client concerns upfront will make your gig more appealing and build trust.
6. Promote Your Fiverr Gigs Outside the Platform
Don’t rely solely on Fiverr’s internal search engine—promote your gig outside of Fiverr to drive more traffic to your profile. Share your gig on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, where potential clients may be looking for web design services.
Create blog content or YouTube videos related to web design, and include links to your Fiverr gigs. This will help you establish authority in your niche and attract clients who are interested in your services. Engaging in web design forums or communities is another way to build connections and promote your gig to a broader audience.
7. Use Fiverr’s Buyer Request Feature
Fiverr’s Buyer Request feature is an excellent way to find web design jobs when you’re just starting. This section allows clients to post job requests, and freelancers can submit their proposals directly. Check the Buyer Request section regularly and respond quickly to relevant job listings.
When responding to buyer requests, make sure your message is personalized and highlights your relevant skills and experience. You’ll likely be competing with other freelancers, so a well-crafted, professional response can help you stand out and increase your chances of getting hired.
8. Provide Exceptional Customer Service
Once you start interacting with potential clients, providing exceptional customer service is key to winning orders. Respond to inquiries promptly and be professional and friendly in your communication. Set clear expectations around delivery times, revisions, and what’s included in the project.
Good communication throughout the project helps ensure that your client feels valued and informed. Deliver your work on time (or even ahead of schedule) and provide high-quality designs that meet or exceed client expectations. Excellent customer service not only helps you secure your first order but also increases the likelihood of receiving positive reviews and repeat business.
9. Collect and Showcase Your First Review
After completing your first web design project, politely ask the client to leave a review. Positive reviews are essential for building credibility on Fiverr, especially when you’re starting out. A simple follow-up message like “Thank you for the opportunity to work with you! If you’re happy with the website, I’d really appreciate it if you could leave a review to help grow my Fiverr profile.” works well.
Once you get that first review, showcase it on your profile and gig pages. Even if the feedback is constructive, use it as a learning experience to improve your services. Every review helps build trust with future clients, so focus on delivering great work that naturally leads to positive feedback.
10. Optimize Your Gig for Fiverr SEO
To increase your chances of landing more orders, it’s crucial to optimize your gig for Fiverr SEO. This means using relevant keywords in your gig title, description, and tags. Research what potential clients are searching for and incorporate those terms naturally into your gig.
Regularly update your gig to keep it current. Add fresh portfolio pieces, new skills you’ve acquired, or gig extras to offer more value. Ensure that your gig images and videos are high-quality, as this will improve your click-through rates and help attract more potential clients. By optimizing your gig for SEO, you’ll rank higher in Fiverr’s search results, increasing your visibility and chances of landing new clients.
Conclusion
Landing your first web design order on Fiverr may seem challenging, but by following these steps, you can set yourself up for success. From creating a standout profile and gig to promoting your services and providing exceptional customer service, each step is designed to help you attract clients and grow your freelance web design business. Start implementing these strategies today, and soon you’ll have your first order—and many more to follow!
