As a Success Manager at Fiverr, I spend a lot of time coaching freelancers on how to build and grow their businesses. One conversation that always stands out is when I connect with a seller who feels stuck. Their impressions are dropping. Clicks aren’t coming in like they used to. And despite good ratings, solid metrics, and a strong profile, the work just isn't there anymore.
I understand this is a frustrating situation, especially when it feels like you're doing everything right. But here's the truth: your performance on Fiverr isn't just about what you do. External factors such as AI, the economy, and shifting market trends are all external forces beyond any freelancer's control.
Instead of staying frustrated and stuck, it’s better to focus on what you can control. You can't stop the market from shifting, but you can shift with it. Sometimes that means pivoting to a service that's more aligned with current market demand.
Recognizing when it might be time to pivot
Pivoting into a new industry or service can feel scary, especially after investing so much time building your business around a specific skill. It might feel like starting over. But done strategically, it can set you up for long-term success.
Here are the signs I tell freelancers to look for:
You notice a consistent drop in orders over 3-4 months
Metrics fluctuate — that's normal. But when I see a steady decline with no clear explanation, it's worth paying attention. If your Success Score is strong, you have no recent negative public or private reviews, and everything else checks out, yet orders keep dropping, that's a pattern we need to address.
Keyword trends are declining
Use the Seller Plus Top Keyword tool to see what the data says. If keywords in your Gig are declining in search traffic, that's a real signal that the market is shifting. Market research shows a broader slowdown
Go to your subcategory in the marketplace and sort by best-selling. Check the top performers. Do they have orders in queue? Recent reviews? Compare that to your own performance.
If they are performing well, demand may still be there, and you may just need a slight adjustment to your strategy to attract more clients. But if even the top sellers in your niche are struggling with low volume, that's a stronger signal that it may be time to pivot.
Choosing the right direction
Recognizing the need to pivot into offering a new service is one thing. Doing it smart is another. You don't want to jump into something performing just as poorly, right?
Here's how to make an informed decision about where to pivot:
Do more market research
Browse your vertical and check out the "Most Popular" subcategories. Click into ones that interest you, sort by best-selling, and look at their order volume. Find services where top freelancers have plenty of orders in queue compared to where you are now.
Watch for new subcategories
Fiverr adds new subcategories every month based on strong client demand. Look for the "New Category" tag. These signal trending buyer interest. Plus, getting in early can also mean less competition and easier traction.
Revisit past client requests
Have multiple clients asked if you offer something you don't? That's demand knocking. If you're seeing a pattern, it's worth exploring by starting a new Gig offering that service.
Identify transferable skills
Pivoting doesn't always mean abandoning your expertise. Sometimes it's about shifting to an adjacent service using skills you already have.
If you’re a voiceover artist facing increased AI competition, you might pivot into UGC content, which is currently a booming market. You’re still using the same personality and script-reading skills, just applied in a different way. Similarly, a web developer could expand into offering debugging services for Vibe Coding, using existing technical knowledge rather than starting from scratch.
These are just a few examples. If you ever need more ideas, a Success Manager is always happy to brainstorm with you and share insights on trending services and potential pivots that align with your current skill set, so you can make informed and confident decisions.
Moving forward thoughtfully
Once you’ve landed on the sweet spot for a seamless pivot, it’s time to get the ball rolling by starting a new Gig. Here's what to keep in mind:
Keep your old Gigs up
Even if they're not getting much traffic, leave them active. You'll maintain your reviews, metrics, and reputation. No need to start from scratch.
Market your new Gig intentionally
Don't just launch it and hope. Be strategic:
- Add the service as a Gig Extra on relevant existing Gigs where it makes sense as an upsell.
- Bundle services and create packages combining your old and new offerings.
- Leverage Seller Plus follow-up messages to introduce your new service to past clients who already trust you.
- Use pre-order communication to discover if clients have additional needs your new Gig could solve.
- Link your new Gig on your old ones for increased visibility
For more tips on launching successfully, check out these three tips to help get your new Gigs off the ground. The market is always moving. Trends shift. Client needs change.
But here's the thing: so can you.
Pivoting isn't about giving up, it's about staying sharp and building a freelance business that adapts and thrives. You've already proven you can succeed once. Now it's time to do it again.
You've got this.
Want specialized guidance like this for your Fiverr business? Seller Plus members get access to exclusive tools like the Keyword Research tool, priority support, and a dedicated Success Manager, like myself, who can help you navigate challenges like these with strategies tailored to your specific situation. Learn more about Seller Plus.
