[Changing prices on gigs]

Oh boy do I know this struggle! My thoughts on raising prices also used to be 'when I reach Level 1/2 I'll raise my prices'. But like @donnovan86said, there's absolutely no reason to wait. Of course, at the beginning when you want to get your foot in the door you might want to outprice your competitors. I see you already have 13 reviews on one gig so that's wonderful! And I'd say a good moment to reach your prices since your base price point is only $5. 

I don't have a lot of returning buyers due to the nature of my gig. However, the ones who did come back after I changed my prices didn't seem to mind it at all. I informed them saying my prices have increased since last time and all they said was 'okay send an offer'! 

I also don't have any hard data to confirm raising prices = fewer orders. However, even if you have fewer orders the revenue most likely evens out since you (hopefully) get the same revenue with even less work. I somewhat recently raised my prices after thinking about it for a long time. I also asked for advice on this forum and some even mentioned they believed my prices are still not high enough 🙈 But I'm still hesitant to raise them further because I do think it will affect my orders. 

As you can tell from the text above, it's all a bit of trial and error. I'd say raise your prices and see what happens! Especially since your prices are extremely low. In my opinion, no service is worth a mere $5 (even less than that after deducting the %20 fee). 

In short: don't wait for anything and just raise your prices to see what happens (spoiler alert; you'll most likely only see benefits!) 😄 

[New Feature: Auto Reply]

2 hours ago, vickieito said:

Hey @sabinespoems! It looks like you rebranded your profile image and gigs! Looks great! 😍

Thank you Vickie!! 🤗 I'm not seeing the effects of it quite yet but I'm happy with the overhaul either way. Maybe ChatGPT is stealing my poetry business too? 🕵️‍♀️

26 minutes ago, vickiespencer said:

A QR can not be sent to a new buyer when you sleep. 

That's definitely true and I can see the way you use it can be helpful. I was more thinking about the auto-reply being sent when I'm awake. Resulting in a buyer first receiving the auto-reply, followed quickly by another message asking them for more details that are specific to their request. 

With every feature, it's not for everyone. But it's nice that for you and others it has added value!

[New Feature: Auto Reply]

47 minutes ago, melanielm said:

Is there an indication of an unread message still if you use the auto-reply feature?

I believe so! They mention this; "Don’t worry, it will be marked as Unread in your Inbox, so that you don’t miss the message."

I don't understand how it's more useful than a quick response tbh since your stats require you to still respond. It would only add value for me if I could set a time period. Like @terrygrantvomentioned to let a buyer know I'm asleep. 

[Is it okay if I leave the account idle for a very long time?]

11 hours ago, rifqart said:

Is it okay to insanely edit a gig?

And Is it okay if I keep using the account that have been idle for a long time?

Yes and yes! If you haven't used your account in a while it will take time to get impressions and clicks again. See it from Fiverr's standpoint; if you're not active they won't make money and have no benefit in 'pushing' your account to potential buyers. 

So definitely start editing your gig to make it the best it can be and be a little patient throughout the process. Don't get discouraged by your decreasing impressions, it takes time to get your account up and running again. 

Good luck! 😄

[Tips for grabbing clients]

Let's grab them! 

[I work third shift and this affects my response time]

Unfortunately, you cannot change this! I also work evenings/nights, and I'm nocturnal on free days too. Overall (with time zones included) I haven't noticed it affects my response time drastically. Of course, sometimes I receive messages and will only respond 8 hours later when I'm awake again. But it cancels it out since I respond to other messages very fast. 

See it like this; you're awake when most people are asleep (in your area of the world). So when those people message you, yes you'll respond 'too late'. However, to those buyers that also have a different schedule or live in a different part of the world, you can respond very fast! 

I see that your response time is 3 hours. That's not bad! And I believe it doesn't turn your stats in the red either. Trust me, if buyers believe you're right for the job they won't care if you respond too late. And they definitely won't be deterred by the 3 hours 🙂

[How to select the countries to target?]

4 hours ago, johnbethke said:

I can see in search results that my gig only shows up to target the US.

How did you see this? 

[Groundhog Day]

I love that it both is Groundhog Day tradition-wise and also feels like Groundhog Day when looking at the new posts on the forum (something you probably also referred to @newsmike). 

[My tattoo design gig gets no orders EVEN THO I believe I have a very professional and well built gig, please help!]

Hi there! The first thing I want to mention connects to @grayprogrammerz and is the fact you've only just started in January. Creating a profile on Fiverr doesn't mean you'll get orders (right away), no matter how good your profile is. Many people don't receive their first order for the first few months. Here are some of my points you might want to take into consideration. Know that it's just an opinion and you can do with it whatever you choose 🙂

1. Giving unlimited revisions won't attract buyers. It only shows you're not confident in your service, because it implies you won't get a client's wishes right in a few tries. Plus, it opens doors to clients who will never be satisfied and you're at risk of being in a revision loop. 

2. You said your packages are well-written. Although this is true, as a potential buyer I don't see a clear difference between your Standard (detailed tattoo) and Premium (highest possible quality) package. For every design, I'd expect the highest quality for the price I'm paying. So if I choose the lowest price I understand it won't include a background for example, but it will still be of quality. Think of differentiating between the add-ons. Currently for both packages, all the add-ons are basically the same, except for multiple concepts for the Premium package. Try to think of ways to make the difference between them clearer maybe. 

3. The title of your gig is tattoo creation. It's only after I click on your profile it becomes clear you're focusing on creating designs for businesses to stand out. I think you have to be more clear in defining your target group. Will it be focused on a person like me who wants a tattoo? Or will it be focused on businesses who want to use a design for a T-shirt? These are two completely different markets. 

4. Research your competition and find your USP. I typed in 'tattoo design' and found 4100 other sellers. Study them and find your own unique voice. 

5. In your first picture you've included 'exclusively on Fiverr'. You might've intended this as a good point, but it's (in my eyes) the exact opposite. Even if this is the case, there's no need to communicate it. I also work exclusively on Fiverr currently, but that doesn't say anything about my skills or potential. 

These are some points that stood out to me right away. Below are some links that might help you as well! Besides these links, the forum is filled with questions and answers. I hope this helped and good luck! 🙂  

Are you a new seller? This is how you get more orders: - Tips for Sellers 

The first 5 things you should do when starting your Fiverr career

How to build credibility on Fiverr, even if you're a new seller with zero reviews 

Answer to all the questions that sellers have 

 

[How to activate that marquee with recent customer reviews?]

On 1/24/2023 at 12:53 AM, vickieito said:

Oh, that makes me sad! 😟 I thought they would let the other sellers keep it, but only let the Seller Plus members choose which reviews get shown.

Thank you for your compassion haha, it makes me sad too!! It would've been nice if that would be the only distinction. But I understand the 'taking away features to add-on by payment' approach in a sense. 

I don't think it's a make-or-break feature when it comes to attracting buyers, but I can see how it could add to the professional impression it gives. And for some buyers, that's what's needed to haul 'em in! 

[Gig has been declined due to gig price editing?]

On 1/22/2023 at 3:29 PM, raidigital said:

I have not committed any policy violations.

Customer Support's response shows they did, in fact, deny your Gig because it violated their policy. However, they mention the Gig is not visible to anyone meaning they didn't delete it. CS says in their email response that you deleted it yourself?

However, you can simply create a new Gig! So be happy that your account is still there and you'll still be able to support your family. I'd advise to read the Terms of Service closely so you won't have these issues in the future. 

All the best to you! 

[How to activate that marquee with recent customer reviews?]

7 hours ago, vickieito said:

This feature is now available to Seller Plus members, who can select which reviews to put in their highlighted reviews!

After reading your post I checked my profile and it's indeed gone 😔 I'm slightly disappointed, but I understand why Fiverr would make it available to only Seller Plus Members. It's a nice touch that you can choose your own preferred reviews though! 

 

[Gig has been declined due to gig price editing?]

21 minutes ago, smartdezigns said:

Means that the gig image was not original (not your own design/work) as you used Canva?

This is not necessarily true. Canva provides a lot of free designs that you are allowed to use. There are a lot of terms they mention, but below is a snippet of them (granted you're only using the free designs and not Pro of otherwise). 

"You can use our content in a Canva design, for a wide range of personal and commercial uses."

@raidigital What does it say when you click on the 'click here to see..."? 

 

 

[Order of Images and video in gallery]

Hi there! When you upload a video, it automatically chooses that as the thumbnail for your gig. Unfortunately, you cannot choose an image for your gallery. However, you can incorporate this image in the video and set it as the thumbnail that way. 

How to edit your Gig Video's Thumbnail:

1. While in Gig Edit mode > Gallery > Video > Edit.
2. Press Play > Pause the video on the desired frame > Set as preview > Close.

Hope this helped!

[Guy on bench: My new hero]

That man handled it so well and remained quite kind! And also absolutely right about her not knowing what people want to see. I'd much rather watch the 'old' man than somebody talk about their fitness journey...

The best part for me: "Your followers? Oh, are you Jesus now, are you?"  😂

[I am not getting much clicks on my Fiverr gigs, is it ok to change my gig thumbnail?]

It's definitely okay to change your thumbnail! It's always good to take a look at your gig and see what you can improve to attract buyers. So by all means make any changes you feel will improve your gig 🙂 

[How to activate that marquee with recent customer reviews?]

You approached this better than I did @vickieito 🙈 and did your wonderful research as always. Very useful and insightful!

I guess when you receive it just depends on the mystery criteria Fiverr sometimes upholds 🤔

[How to activate that marquee with recent customer reviews?]

Hi there! Let me start off by clarifying it's not a feature you can enable yourself. I have it on my profile, but unfortunately, I cannot recall exactly when it appeared. I do know it's not something you get when you become a level 2 seller for example. 

I believe Fiverr selects certain sellers based on (hidden) quality metrics. Think of it as the same system that's in place for the 'rising talent' badge. You cannot apply, request, or enable it. The only way to receive it is to consistently deliver good customer service, have a nice profile & deliver orders of great quality. It might also have to do with having a good amount of reviews.

Again (little disclaimer), I have no proof of my above statements but I think it's most likely related to those points!

[buyer is threatening]

20 hours ago, saadullah326 said:

I have completed what buyer has asked to do. He asked initially incorporate the IDX to his website, which I did. now he say to fix other issues as well otherwise he wont pay

What should be done in this case?

should I submit the work which i have done?

If you have completed the work that you both initially agreed upon, let the buyer know that you'll be happy to do any extra's but this does come at a price. Unfortunately, you're bound to run into buyers who always try to get free work. Stand your ground! 

20 hours ago, saadullah326 said:

and what happen if buyer declines the work? does fiverr support buyers in every case?

I don't have a lot of experience with cancellations of this nature. However, what I've read on the forum is that if you plead your case to CS and you can show you've delivered what you agreed on they don't automatically side with the buyer. They do encourage working it out with the buyer first so I suggest you try that before contacting them. Then you'll also have the chat as proof. 

So in short, mention to the buyer you're happy to do extra work against an $X fee. You've put in the time and work, so don't let them bully you thinking you won't get paid/leave a bad review.

I'm not sure if this reply will reach you in time, but I hope it will!

 

[Profile feedback will be much appreciated]

2 hours ago, miiila said:

Firstly, congratulations on your two years. Many register, but many don't reach that mark, for sure, it's easy to enter, but not for the faint of heart to stay. 😉

I can only reiterate the "girl, raise your prices", and "more Gigs".

Thank you! 🎂 It certainly requires dedication and not allowing your heart rate to go up when dealing with certain buyers 😅. I'm definitely looking into how to expand my gigs and in due time I'll raise my prices. It's nice to have confirmation through all this feedback that raising my prices further isn't a farfetched thing to do (if not simply vital with the cost of living!).

2 hours ago, miiila said:

I think many people are confused by the 3-tier structure, so if you offer a "simpler" option, maybe it helps those lost in Fiverr Gig options people to decide).

That's a really good point actually. I'm also one to think that offering more options gives a broader range to fit a buyer's wishes. But some people might see it as a hassle or are confused by it all and then think, "Well, never mind!". I'm definitely going to think about how, and for what gig, I could incorporate that 🤔

2 hours ago, miiila said:

I very much understand your reservations about an actual photo, but maybe grant yourself a shiny new profile image for the new year and your third Fiverr year, anyhow.

Like @vickieitomentioned about my logo, I really like it myself too. However! I don't think the logo is the reason why people order from me. It helps of course, and I won't switch it for a bad-looking equivalent haha. So freshening things up with an 'equally' good theme might be nice, even if it's just for myself for some new start & inspiration! 

2 hours ago, miiila said:

In any case, have fun trying out some things, you never know, and you can trash anything that won't work, after all, to make room for new things.

Lastly, don't worry too much, I think most if not all of us have seen such lulls in orders. But still get doing, of course.

That's all very true too! I'm in a luxury position of not having to rely on my income from Fiverr, as well as not just starting out so I already have a base to work with. I'll definitely get to doing! Thank you so much for all the things you shared 😄

[Profile feedback will be much appreciated]

4 hours ago, catwriter said:

Or maybe not a gig extra, but a consultation gig for those who need it?

That could definitely work! I was also contemplating a poem proofread/edit gig, but since I'd be new to that I need to research how to set it up (pricing/word count etc). I've had buyers come to me for this, so I might as well set up a separate gig for it 🤓

[Profile feedback will be much appreciated]

1 hour ago, moikchap said:

I have a very simple and cliché personal definition of a poem. To get my interest, I would want to see basically a clever limerick .

That's actually a really good point I would've never thought of myself! Since poetry writing is basically what I do for a (partial) living, I guess I thought my examples would convey the art. But you opened my eyes and made me see that simple and straightforward might work better for people without any experience 🤔

Thank you for providing a 'buyers' point of view! 

[Profile feedback will be much appreciated]

1 hour ago, vickieito said:

I don't think a profile picture is necessary in your case. I really like your logo profile picture design and think you've branded yourself perfectly with this. Just make sure this design transfers over to all of your gig thumbnails that you'll have.

Yay it's Vickie! I'm glad you responded and as usual, provided great advice 😄. I've used a different thumbnail for my gig, but I was definitely planning on keeping that consistent (but perhaps changing the color scheme for example). 

1 hour ago, vickieito said:

You might even offer a consulting fee for those who need a little more guidance/help. I think you are doing a lot of that (and it shouldn't be for free).

This is definitely the case and an interesting point! Many buyers mention they're new to the site or have a difficult time explaining their ideas for example. So this does take up my time, but I find it hard to charge for this since it's all before an actual order is placed. But I'm going to think a bit about how I can put this into practice as a Gig Extra!

1 hour ago, vickieito said:

You can definitely raise your prices (or lower the number of lines) so that you can get paid for your work and time. Your prices do look very low, so you can definitely raise your prices. If you don't want to do that because of low sales, at least lower the number of lines that you offer and add in some gig extras.

The reason for the number of lines is that I find it easier to write more lines in order to get emotions across compared to short and concise 😅. I always thought that this is a win-win; buyers get more for their money and it meets my preference. But as I'm writing this I realize some buyers might not order because of the number of lines since they only need, let's say, 12. I think I'll lower the lines for now, and once my sales drought is over I'll increase the prices again 🤔

2 hours ago, vickieito said:

You might want to charge extra for designs that you might include with your poems (and have different charges for text only, borders, borders with graphics, color, etc.). It looks like you are doing this already. Try to think of services that you are already doing that could be an add on service.

I always deliver in one style (the borders etc), so my portfolio is all in one style, and never thought about including this in the service tbh. I used to think about delivering with a background image until I realized this will get me in trouble copyright-wise and never thought about it again. Now I realize there are plenty of royalty & copyright-free sources I could use too. 

Thank you so much for your good points! I think my entrepreneurial mindset still needs to develop more haha. I focus a bit too much on my core business, without thinking about all the extras I could scrape more money from.    

[Profile feedback will be much appreciated]

1 hour ago, catwriter said:

Oh, no, it's perfectly possible to make more specific gigs.

1 hour ago, vickiespencer said:

So you can broaden your "net". I would search to see what type of services your competitors are offering. 

Thank you both for the confirmation! As I said before, I always just got stuck thinking of expansion options and since it wasn't really 'necessary' since I was receiving orders still, I simply kept coasting. But now I'll definitely look into it and will most likely break my main gig up into specific categories.  It might be a bit foolish of me to only realize now how I really should be creating more gigs, but better late than never 😅

And thanks to the lovely @words_to_wow, I'm already setting up my children's poetry gig! 

 

[Profile feedback will be much appreciated]

1 hour ago, manuelmarino said:

Congratulations, Sabine, for your anniversary 🙂 I give you a tip, not for the GIG, but for the Forum profile. I understand you don't want to change the picture, but maybe you could add a couple of info lines in the Forum "about me" section? I think the Forum profile is important as well 🙂

Thank you! I'm curious as to why you believe the forum profile is important though? It's not connected to your Fiverr seller account. So if perhaps your tip is based on people finding me here and going to my profile, I just want to let you know it doesn't really work like that. Most people on this forum are sellers so the likelihood of getting sales from the forum is very low (if any chance at all).

Of course, you're free to customize your forum profile and provide details as much as you want! I just wanted to share my thoughts as to why I believe it's futile to do so 🙂