Freelancing Platforms
When starting a freelancing career, most people rely on online freelancing platforms to find their first clients and establish themselves. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and PeoplePerHour are common choices for beginners. However, a trend among freelancers is becoming overly dependent on these platforms, which often leads to challenges down the road. While these platforms are great for beginners, relying on them for long-term career goals can be risky. Instead, freelancers should focus on gradually building their own businesses. Today, I’ll share why it’s essential to reduce dependency on freelancing platforms and develop your own business based on my personal experience.
Why Are Freelancing Platforms Not Suitable for Long-Term Work?
Let’s start with a real-life example.
Rahim is an expert graphic designer who began working on a popular freelancing platform to utilize his skills and become self-reliant. Initially, he secured clients, gained positive reviews, and increased his earnings. Seeing success, he decided to focus solely on the platform. Everything was fine until one day, his account was permanently disabled without prior notice. Despite his best efforts, he couldn’t recover it. This incident made him regret relying entirely on the platform and having no backup plan.
Rahim’s story isn’t unique. Many freelancers have faced similar issues.
The main problem with online freelancing platforms is lack of stability. The authorities of these platforms can disable your account at any time, regardless of your earnings or positive reviews. If an account is permanently deactivated, there’s little to no chance of recovery. This means there’s no guarantee that you can continue working on these platforms indefinitely.
Moreover, freelancing platforms focus more on their clients than freelancers. They prioritize clients’ satisfaction, even to the extent of penalizing freelancers based on negative reviews. Even if you’re an expert with consistent income, your profile can be disabled for a client’s bad review.
Another drawback is the strict rules these platforms impose. Freelancers must follow these rules while providing services, leaving little room for creativity or individuality.
Freelancing platforms also take a percentage of your earnings as commission. For example, Fiverr primarily works through published gigs, and freelancers only get clients as long as their gigs rank. If a gig loses its ranking, it becomes difficult to attract clients, no matter how skilled or experienced the freelancer is.
In short, relying entirely on freelancing platforms is not a sustainable approach due to the lack of income stability and excessive dependency on external rules.
What Should You Do Instead?
By now, you’ve likely realized that the mindset of solely relying on freelancing platforms needs to change. Freelancers should aim to develop their own businesses alongside working on platforms. For instance, if you’re a graphic designer working on marketplaces, you can start your own graphic design business.
Here are the benefits of owning your freelancing business:
- Stability
Having your own business eliminates the risk of your account being permanently disabled. You don’t need to follow rules imposed by others and have complete control over how you operate. - Autonomy
As the owner, you’re the boss. You get to decide your business policies, growth strategies, and how to approach potential clients. You also have the freedom to showcase your individuality and creativity. - Earning Full Revenue
Unlike freelancing platforms, you get to keep 100% of your earnings without sharing a portion with the platform. - No Gig Ranking Issues
In your business, you won’t face issues like losing clients due to gig ranking drops. Client acquisition depends on your planning, expertise, and marketing strategies. - Ideal Clients
With your own business, you can attract clients who align with your values and work preferences. Satisfied clients are more likely to return, creating a stable flow of work.
If you plan and market your business effectively, you’ll not only find ideal clients but also build long-term relationships.
Final Thoughts
Freelancing platforms as like upwork are great for starting your career, but they should never be the sole foundation of your freelancing journey. Shifting focus to developing your own business takes effort, but it ensures long-term stability and success. If you’re consistent, patient, and strategic, you’ll eventually reach a stable and successful position in your freelancing career.
Let today’s discussion serve as a reminder: freelancing platforms are a tool, not a career. Always think beyond them and strive to establish your own business for sustainable success.
