FreelanceHustle Podcast

Making Money on Fiverr While Travelling – with Luke Baillie

Luke’s Fiverr Profile [https://www.fiverr.com/lukebbaillie] Starting Out on Fiverr Q: Luke, when did you first get involved with Fiverr?Luke: Technically, about eight years ago—I was just helping a friend manage his Fiverr messages. But things did not work out there. You were actually the one who pushed me to give Fiverr a real shot, back when we were in Russia in 2021. I started my own account, and the first few months went well until I got a 4-star review, which kind of threw me off. I stopped for a while… then picked it up again last year in Belgrade. Q: What happened after you restarted?Luke: From August to November, it was great. I reached Level 2 Seller, which was a big milestone for me. Then I got a mediocre review—nothing terrible, but enough to drop me back to Level 1. And last month, I dropped again to Level 0. Riding the Ups and Downs Q: That sounds frustrating. Are you still getting orders?Luke: Surprisingly, yes. Last month, I still made $1,000 on Fiverr—even on Level 0 with no promoted gigs. My best week ever was $3.5K, just before I lost my promoted status. Q: Why not launch a UGC gig? You are a native English speaker from the UK.Luke: I actually did one as my first Fiverr order—it was $500. But I have been hesitant to go all-in. Part of it is that I want to be selective. I do not want to be the face of products I do not believe in. Especially if I go into politics someday, I do not want old videos resurfacing of me promoting some crypto scam or questionable supplement. The Travel Lifestyle Q: You have visited over 80 countries now. Where did that passion come from?Luke: I used to watch Top Gear with my dad. Those road trips and adventures they filmed just fascinated me. I always dreamed of seeing the world like that. Fiverr gives me the freedom to travel while I work—I just need decent internet to deliver videos. Q: What are the most memorable countries you have visited?Luke: Russia was definitely one of the best—I ended up staying for three months instead of three weeks. Afghanistan was eye-opening too, even though I visited in winter and had the coldest shower of my life. It is hard to pick just one place. Every country teaches you something different. Mental Growth Through Struggles Q: Has all this travel changed your perspective on life?Luke: Massively. A few years ago, I hit rock bottom. I was broke, homeless for a few nights, just walking around cities until morning. But those experiences teach you what really matters. You stop caring about being judged. You realize how little you actually need—and how much freedom matters. Direct Clients and Building a Business Q: You recently started getting direct clients too, right?Luke: Yeah. In December, I launched a video editing subscription service—mainly short-form content like reels. One client found me through email and reached out at 1:00 a.m. Vietnam time. I took the call outside with mosquitoes buzzing around me, and they are still with me today. Q: How are you finding more clients now?Luke: Some cold email outreach and a lot of referrals. I am up to seven private clients now. It is not stable, but I work hard, stay up till 4:00 or 5:00 a.m. if needed, and meet all deadlines. Clients come back when you deliver well. Plans for Personal Brand Q: What are your plans for Instagram and YouTube?Luke: I want to build my personal brand—travel content, business lessons, maybe even motivation. I posted 24 travel reels in February and started seeing results. But then I went to Turkmenistan and lost internet for a while… and just never got back to it. I need to be consistent. Q: What is holding you back from posting?Luke: Overthinking. I get so many ideas that I end up doing nothing. I confuse myself. I know I need to just start and figure it out along the way. That is what I am working on now. Advice to Aspiring Creators Q: What would you say to someone who wants to live with more freedom like you?Luke: Start by connecting with people. Almost every opportunity I have had came from conversations—not from job boards. And do not wait until you are ready. Just start. My first real job came after 120 rejections. You need to take big steps, be willing to move, and be open to change. And if you have a skill, build on it for a few years. That experience will always give you leverage later. Q: What does the future look like for you now?Luke: Keep growing the client side, keep traveling, and finally launch my own content regularly. I do not know what country I will be in next month—but I do know I will be editing videos and building something meaningful wherever I am. Where to find Luke: * Fiverr’s Profile [https://www.fiverr.com/lukebbaillie] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lukebaillie] Thanks for reading this edition. If Luke’s story resonated with you, drop a comment or share it with someone. See you soon,Vasily This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.freelancehustle.com [https://www.freelancehustle.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

From Oxford to Fiverr Pro: Denis's Cybersecurity Journey

Denis’s Fiverr Profile [https://www.fiverr.com/denis_galkin] Early Passion for Tech Q: Denis, how did your journey in cybersecurity begin?Denis: My interest started when I was a teenager in the 90s. I was programming in BASIC, Turbo Pascal, and Visual Basic on Windows 3.1 and 95. I fixed computers at school, sometimes better than my computer science teacher. I even created some automated test systems for teachers to save grading time. That was my first exposure to practical IT. Breaking into Cybersecurity Q: How did you transition into cybersecurity professionally?Denis: Around 2005, I started working with banks like HSBC, Barclays, and Lloyds as a security engineer. I was securing ATMs, implementing cryptography, and hardening systems. It was the early stage of what we now call cybersecurity. The Oxford Dream Q: What inspired you to study at Oxford?Denis: As a child, I saw the word "Oxford" in science books at home. My grandmother was a paleontologist, and we had many academic books around. That name stayed with me. Years later, after building experience and earning certifications, I applied and was admitted to Oxford for a master’s in Software and System Security. Was Oxford Worth It? Q: Looking back, was it the right decision?Denis: Definitely. It took five years to complete while working, running a company, and raising two children. I passed my CISSP after failing once, got my ISO 27001 Lead Auditor certification, and later added CRISC and CISM. Oxford was tough, but it helped me level up my career. Working with Big Banks & Launching His Company Q: What was it like working with major corporations?Denis: I worked with seven international banks. At Fujitsu, I was a Principal Security Solutions Architect, reporting to the CISO and signing off on multi-million-pound security solutions. But the pressure was huge. Even while skiing in the Alps, I had to take work calls. That’s why I eventually launched my own limited company—to gain flexibility and balance. Discovering Fiverr Q: With all that experience, why try Fiverr?Denis: I had known about Fiverr through a friend but only gave it a serious look in late 2024. Initially, I thought it was not for me, but then I started analyzing the platform. I spent two months watching videos—especially yours—and created around 17 gigs covering different cybersecurity services. First Sales and Niche Focus Q: How did your Fiverr sales begin?Denis: Real traction started in January 2025 after polishing my gigs for a few months. My services cover everything from GDPR to ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, and risk management. Because I worked across many domains in my career, I could confidently offer consultations in all of them. Gig Structure & Pricing Q: How do you structure your offers?Denis: Most gigs are one-hour consultations with three tiers: * Basic: Delivery within 30 days * Standard: Delivery within 5 business days * Premium: Delivery within 2 days for urgent cases In some cases, clients book multiple hours or even larger bundles. I am also preparing to launch subscription-based services for companies that need ongoing support but cannot afford a full-time Chief Information Security Officer. Pro Seller & Top Rated Status Q: How did you become a Fiverr Pro and Top Rated Seller so fast?Denis: I applied for Pro Seller status shortly after joining. I had all the credentials—Oxford, industry certs, real-world experience—and got approved in about a month. I hit Top Rated Seller status within three months of consistent sales, maintaining a 100% response rate and success score of 10. Fiverr Project Insights Q: What kind of clients and requests do you get on Fiverr?Denis: Most clients are small businesses, though I have worked with billion-dollar companies through Fiverr too. Some requests are strange—people asking me to hack systems or recover stolen accounts. I report those immediately. But overall, the platform has allowed me to serve a wide range of serious clients. Tips, Tools & Workflow Q: Do you use any tools or have a team helping you?Denis: I work closely with a trusted colleague—one of the top technical cybersecurity specialists I know. He helps with the more technical engagements. We do not use complex systems—just a clean setup to manage consultations and delivery. Thoughts on Fiverr's 20% Fee Q: How do you feel about Fiverr taking 20%?Denis: It is similar to working with a recruitment agency—they take a cut for connecting you with clients. Fiverr offers infrastructure, support, and traffic. Of course, it would be nice to pay less, but for what it offers, the fee is reasonable. Advice for Experienced Professionals Q: What advice do you have for experienced professionals considering Fiverr?Denis: Define your goals clearly. Understand that you are trading time, energy, and money. Focus on learning how Fiverr works—watch videos, study gig structure, and test. If you are a true expert, there is definitely demand. Just be ready to put in the time initially. Strategic Direction: Healthcare & HIPAA Q: What are your long-term goals beyond Fiverr?Denis: I am building a second major stream around HIPAA compliance in the U.S. healthcare sector. I have worked with companies like Novartis and helped hospitals protect sensitive patient data. I believe healthcare is vulnerable and needs more cybersecurity awareness, especially in small organizations. $15K+ Months, Tips, and What's Next Q: What kind of results have you seen so far?Denis: Within the first month, I hit $5,000/month. That quickly grew to $15,000+ by May. I have received tips up to $1,000 from satisfied clients. Fiverr has given me flexibility, reach, and a new client base. I will continue growing on the platform while building out my healthcare consulting business. Where to Find Denis * Fiverr Profile [https://www.fiverr.com/denis_galkin] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisgalkin/] * Website [https://www.adsecurus.com/] Thanks for reading this edition. If Denis’s story resonated with you, drop a comment or share it with someone. See you soon,Vasily This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.freelancehustle.com [https://www.freelancehustle.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

How Marko Made $50,000+ Selling on Fiverr

Marko’s Fiverr Profile [https://www.fiverr.com/markusflok] Discovering Fiverr Q: Marko, how did you first hear about Fiverr? Marko: Back in college, I was looking up ways to make money online and came across Fiverr through a simple Google search. I had a passion for music production and knew how to use FL Studio, so I thought, why not turn that into a service? That is how it all started. Early Gigs & the First Order Q: What was your first Fiverr order like? Marko: It took about a month to land my first order. It came from an Eastern European client who wanted a basic remix for $5. That feeling of earning money online for the first time was incredible—I could not believe someone would pay me just through a computer. Building Momentum Q: How did things progress from that first order? Marko: The first few months were up and down. I got a few orders, then one month was dead, then it picked up again. But I kept experimenting—testing new thumbnails, creating multiple gigs in niches like meditation music, lo-fi, podcast intros. That helped me learn what worked. Transition to Full-Time Music Services Q: At your peak with music gigs, what were you earning? Marko: Around $2,500/month. A lot of that came from creating original meditation music for faceless YouTube channels. They needed custom audio to stay monetized on YouTube, and I filled that gap. Realizing It Was Time to Pivot Q: Why did you shift from music to Webflow websites? Marko: I stopped enjoying music when it became “work.” I even tried automating music generation, but it felt wrong—I originally loved music because it was fun. I wanted to move to something more scalable, more high-ticket. That is when I discovered Webflow. It allowed more customization, and I saw potential for higher-value services. Learning & Rebranding Q: How did you teach yourself Webflow? Marko: I started by creating projects for myself—most of them were terrible at first. I learned on the go, and whenever I got stuck, I turned to YouTube and ChatGPT. Slowly I built confidence. Q: Did you create a new Fiverr profile for Webflow? Marko: No. I decided to keep my original profile and rebrand it completely—new gig titles, new descriptions, new thumbnails. I was worried it might confuse buyers since my reviews were music-related, but it turned out to help. Getting First Website Orders Q: How did you land your first Webflow orders? Marko: I reached out to some of my old music clients, offering website design instead. Most said no, but a few said yes. That kickstarted my transition. Then promoted gigs started bringing in more organic leads. Order Growth & Workflow Q: How did orders grow in the first few months of Webflow? Marko: It started slow—1 order, then 3, then 2 the next month. It was not instant, especially since I was still learning. Promoted gigs made a big difference, accounting for about 80–90% of orders. Q: What tools and systems do you use to manage everything? Marko: I work solo. I used to use Notion but now prefer Airtable to manage clients and projects. For scheduling calls, I use a tool called Setmore, which does not send emails (important to avoid Fiverr’s terms violations). And for video calls, I use Fiverr’s Zoom integration—it helps when clients need handholding or walkthroughs. Fiverr Strategy & Insights Q: What pricing strategy did you start with? Marko: Fiverr does not allow Webflow gigs to be under $80. So I priced one page at $80, then upsold extra pages. That helped build momentum. Q: Do you offer unlimited revisions? Marko: I did early on. One project took six months because of unlimited revisions and slow client responses. Never again. It taught me to set clear limits and expectations. Q: What about Fiverr Promoted Gigs? Marko: Game-changer. I once spent $100 and earned over $2,000. Most of my orders come from them. If you are not using promoted gigs, you are invisible—half of Fiverr search results are ads now. Personal Website & Branding Q: Does having a portfolio website help on Fiverr? Marko: Definitely. Unlike audio, where clients can just listen, website buyers want to see. A personal website builds credibility and makes you stand out. I even used Vasily’s website as inspiration for my own. Exploring Direct Clients & Agencies Q: Are you considering working with clients outside Fiverr? Marko: Yes. Fiverr is a great lead channel, but I am also experimenting with cold emails and building a brand on X (Twitter). Eventually, I might join a Webflow agency to learn more or even build one myself. Success Score, Consistency & Frustrations Q: Your Fiverr success score is 9—do you think that matters? Marko: It helps. One buyer told me he chose me simply because I had a gig video. The platform is weird sometimes—traffic comes in waves—but you just have to stay consistent. Q: What frustrates you most about Fiverr? Marko: The imbalance. Some clients want $200 websites with crazy animations. And I do not always know why traffic drops suddenly. But you have to push through and keep improving. Advice for New Sellers Q: What advice do you have for people starting out on Fiverr? Marko: * Research your niche and study your competitors * Use a profile picture with your face and add a video * Create at least three gigs—test different offers * Be patient—orders take time to come * Consider offering trending services like AI or chatbot tools * Keep experimenting and learning daily What’s Next Q: What are your plans for the next few months? Marko: * Keep optimizing Fiverr gigs * Expand to AI-related services * Launch cold email outreach campaigns * Continue growing on X and building portfolio credibility * Possibly work with or join an agency for mentorship and experience Where to Find Marko * Fiverr Profile [https://www.fiverr.com/markusflok] * X (Twitter) Profile [https://x.com/MarkusFlok] Thanks for reading this edition. If Marko’s story resonated with you, drop a comment or share it with someone trying to figure out their next move. See you soon,Vasily This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.freelancehustle.com [https://www.freelancehustle.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

How Filip Built a $13K/Month Fiverr Agency With His Team

Filip’s Fiverr Profile [https://www.fiverr.com/agencies/siriusanimation] Discovering Fiverr Q: Filip, how did you first discover Fiverr? Filip: Everything started in 2021. I was studying animation and 3D design in Serbia, after switching from a physics degree that did not work out. I always had the feeling I was meant for more, and after discovering Fiverr, I was drawn to the idea of setting up a storefront instead of constantly applying for gigs like on Upwork. To create my first gig, I used projects I built during a bootcamp and personal pieces, like a stylized character of my wife. I priced my basic gig at $50 and analyzed other sellers to position myself competitively. First Orders & Key Lessons Q: What was your first Fiverr order like? Filip: It took one month to land my first order—a hair salon owner wanted 3D models for an AR app. I did not even know what AR meant at the time, but I figured it out and delivered. That project led to more work with the same client. My second project got canceled after 7 days, and I felt defeated. But it taught me a key lesson: miscommunication kills projects. From then on, I created pre-written macros, PDF style guides, and asked for references upfront. Going Full-Time Q: When did you realize Fiverr could become your full-time business? Filip: After just 2–3 months, I went from earning $500/month to $5K/month. That was when I knew Fiverr could be more than a side hustle. I could either keep freelancing solo or start scaling. I chose the second path. Team Building Q: How did you start building your team? Filip: * I started locally—Facebook groups and university classmates * My first hire, Dan, is now the technical lead * We are now a team of 9 (including my wife, currently on maternity leave) Hiring was not easy. Some people only lasted a few months, while others like Dan grew with me. Now I am working on building proper processes to train new team members more efficiently. Shifting to Agency Model Q: You turned your Fiverr profile into an agency. Why? Filip: Because it reflects reality. Clients often prefer working with certain team members based on their visual style. I wanted to be transparent and also attract higher-ticket projects by showing we are a professional studio. Studio Operations Q: What systems do you use to run your studio? Filip: * Discord – for internal communication * Notion – for project tracking (may switch to Asana) * Google Drive → internal server (32TB) – for file sharing * On-site office in Novi Sad – creative collaboration is better in person I believe in building a physical office culture, especially for creative work. It is not the trendiest thing right now, but it helps grow a strong team and better results. Frustrations with Fiverr Tools Q: What do you think about Fiverr’s tools? Filip: FiverrGo (AI Assistant) * Cannot read images or interpret links * Sends too many messages that feel spammy * Often underprices projects without understanding complexity Fiverr Ads * Too basic—needs better targeting, keyword control, and higher budget options These features feel underdeveloped compared to other ad platforms or AI tools like ChatGPT. Becoming a Fiverr Pro Q: How did you become a Fiverr Pro? Filip: I applied several months in and got accepted on my first try. I submitted portfolio work from clients like Decathlon and Kipling, along with side projects and personal animation work. Using Seller Plus Q: What about Seller Plus—what features do you use? Filip: * Priority customer support * Success manager feedback * Buyer insights (order volume, average spend) * I do manual follow-ups instead of using automation Earnings and Workflow Q: What is your current Fiverr income? Filip: Right now, we average $12K–13K/month. We focus on high-ticket work—each project is usually $1K to $5K. We take on about 5–6 clients per month. Client Collaboration Q: How do clients respond to working with your team? Filip: Most still message me directly, but they like knowing a team is behind the work. Some even request specific team members once they’ve worked with us before. What’s Next Q: What are your future plans? Filip: * Continue using Fiverr as a lead channel * Build more presence on social media to attract direct clients * Train team members to take over communication and sales Advice for Freelancers & Agencies Q: What advice do you have for new Fiverr sellers or agencies? Filip: * Yes, Fiverr still works—but you need effort and positioning * Study your competition and do better * Invest in your visuals—especially for design/3D niches * Build structure early on (FAQs, PDFs, macros) * Start local when hiring and scale slowly Where to Find Filip * Fiverr Profile [https://www.fiverr.com/agencies/siriusanimation] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/filipzekic/] Thanks for reading this one.If you enjoyed it, feel free to reply, comment, or share your biggest takeaway. See you soon,Vasily This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.freelancehustle.com [https://www.freelancehustle.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

From Freelancing on Fiverr and Upwork to Building a 6-Figure Marketing Agency

👋 Meeting Again, Years Later Back in 2019, I hosted a small Instagram marketing event in London. One of the people who showed up was Pascu — a talented videographer, fitness enthusiast, and aspiring entrepreneur. Fast forward to 2025:We reconnected again, this time in Belgrade. Since that event, Pascu’s journey has been anything but linear — moving from fitness, to freelancing, to agency-building, and to building a strong personal brand online. 📸 From Fitness to Freelancing to Agency Owner After graduating in London, Pascu was working odd jobs, filming events, weddings, and slowly building a portfolio. But when the pandemic hit in 2020, all his videography work disappeared overnight.Instead of giving up, he pivoted: * Started a podcast * Took on podcast management clients * Transitioned into remote video editing * Later, worked for one of London’s fastest-growing agencies, learning how video must sell — not just look good Eventually, he realized he wanted to run his own business.That decision pushed him to leave London, move back to Romania, and double down on building something that truly fit his lifestyle and values. 🛫 Leaving London: Why Geography Does Not Matter Anymore In the early days, London gave Pascu opportunities, clients, and perspective. But once he built his skills and network, being physically based in London no longer made sense. The expenses were high. The opportunities were shifting online. The need to "be in the city" was fading. Today, he works fully remotely, building his brand and client base while living in Eastern Europe — proof that geography matters less than ever if you know how to position yourself. 🎯 Reinventing His Offer: From Videographer to Creative Strategist Pascu realized early that being "just a videographer" would not be enough.He evolved into a Creative Strategist, combining his skills in: * Video production * Paid advertising knowledge * Direct-response marketing principles Today, he helps DTC brands (direct-to-consumer companies) improve their creative assets and advertising strategies, driving real results in highly competitive markets. And he found his niche by blending his past passions — not abandoning them. 🔥 Building a Real Sales Funnel Instead of relying on Fiverr or Upwork forever, Pascu built a real funnel: * Personal branding on LinkedIn and X (Twitter) * A clean, simple landing page that builds trust immediately * Direct booking into discovery calls * Diagnosing client needs before offering solutions Today, his sales cycle includes discovery, audits, custom proposals, and long-term client relationships — not one-off gigs. 🧠 Lessons on Personal Brand and Authority If you are trying to build a serious freelancing or agency career today, personal brand is non-negotiable. As Pascu put it perfectly: If someone Googles your name and only finds your Upwork profile, you are just another freelancer.If they find your YouTube videos, interviews, articles, and real content — you become an authority. In a world flooded with AI-generated content, real personality and depth will stand out more than ever. 📚 Learning by Doing, Not Waiting Pascu’s early career was built by learning the hard way: * Buying a camera before he knew how to use it * Learning videography on YouTube * Editing obsessively, spending 20+ hours on 1-minute clips * Reaching out directly to businesses when platforms were too competitive The key was never being afraid to start imperfectly — and figuring things out on the way. 📞 Sales Calls vs. No-Calls: What Works Best? For higher-ticket clients, Pascu still believes in sales calls: * Building human connection matters * Understanding client pain points personally * Setting clear expectations before starting a project Instead of pushing for immediate sales, he focuses on diagnosis first — analyzing ad accounts, spotting real issues, and only offering solutions when it makes sense. 📈 Client Retention Over Client Churn Pascu’s agency focuses on long-term relationships, not quick wins. * His average client stay is 9–10 months * Some clients have been with him for 2+ years * Delivering consistent results builds loyalty — and referrals In contrast to platforms where clients come and go quickly, direct relationships offer much higher LTV (lifetime value) and stability. 🏆 Thinking About Coaching and Masterminds We also discussed the idea of Pascu eventually coaching others. His view is refreshing: * No fake promises of "10K months in 90 days" * No mass-marketed info products * Focused, intentional help for serious entrepreneurs who want real mentorship, not shortcuts Maybe in the future, you will see Pascu hosting masterminds, private events, or selective programs.(And who knows — maybe we will collaborate on one.) 🚀 Key Takeaways from This Conversation * Adaptability is everything. You can pivot your skills without starting over. * Personal brand is the future. People want to know the person behind the service. * Direct client relationships offer more freedom. Platforms are great for starting, but long-term growth requires independence. * Learn by doing, not waiting. Imperfect action beats waiting for perfect conditions. * Focus on real value and human connection. Clients stay longer when you genuinely care. 📣 Connect With Pascu You can find Pascu here: * LinkedIn - Pascu [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascudragos/] * X (Twitter) - Pascu [https://x.com/pascu_exodus] * Work with Pascu [https://exodus-creative.com/] Feel free to reach out to him if you want to learn more about his journey, agency work, or just follow his next moves. Thanks for reading this one.If you enjoyed it, feel free to reply, comment, or share your biggest takeaway. See you soon,Vasily This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.freelancehustle.com [https://www.freelancehustle.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]