At Ecolibero, we understand that there are times when clients face limitations due to staffing constraints, technical deficiencies, or the need for specialised skills. In these situations, outsourcing solutions such as Fiverr and Upwork can serve as stop-gap measures, helping to fill resource gaps and deliver critical content or services. However, as part of our tailored advisory services, we guide our clients on when and how to use these platforms effectively, ensuring that the work aligns with strategic goals while maintaining high-quality outputs.
Challenges
One of the most pressing challenges faced by our client, an investment platform, was the inability to deliver content in-house due to limited technical expertise and staffing shortages. The client was inundated with requests for educational content for investors and customers, and their internal team did not have the capacity to meet the demand. Initially, the client considered using Fiverr for all aspects of content creation, including both written and video production. However, we recognised that this approach could result in suboptimal outcomes.
Outsourcing through Fiverr is effective in certain scenarios, but using freelancers for complex or ongoing tasks without a structured approach can be risky. Richard Coase’s work on the nature of the firm and transaction costs teaches us that firms exist because there are inherent costs to using the market for every service. Ecolibero applied these economic theories to determine whether Fiverr was an appropriate solution for the client’s needs.
Action Taken
Ecolibero’s approach to outsourcing is based on the principle that tasks should be clearly defined, structured, and focused on specific, measurable outputs. If the work requires ongoing input or involves multiple functions, it is often better to keep it in-house or find longer-term partnerships. Using Fiverr or similar platforms should be limited to tasks that are well-contained and transactional by nature.
Key Actions
1. Task Segmentation: We helped the client to separate the educational content into two distinct tasks—script writing and video production. The written content required deep subject-matter expertise, stakeholder engagement, and internal buy-in from key experts. Therefore, we advised the client to keep the script-writing process internal, ensuring accuracy, relevance, and alignment with the platform’s messaging. 2. Freelancer Consultation First: Before jumping into hiring through Fiverr’s standard gigs, Ecolibero recommended booking consultations with freelancers specialising in video production. This ensured that the freelancer was a good fit for the project, could understand the client’s expectations, and would deliver a polished final product. 3. Clear Output & Expectations: Ecolibero provided the freelancer with a detailed brief, including the internally-prepared script, expectations for video length, style, and branding. This clear structure ensured that the freelancer could focus on producing high-quality content that adhered to the client’s brand guidelines. 4. Strategic Use of Fiverr: Based on Coase’s theory on transaction costs, we advised the client that using Fiverr for isolated, one-off tasks like video production was appropriate. However, for ongoing or multifaceted projects like script development, it was more efficient to handle the work internally to avoid unnecessary transaction costs associated with managing freelancers.
Key Results
1. Improved Quality Control: By keeping the script writing in-house and leaving the video production to the freelancer, the client was able to maintain control over the content quality, ensuring that the messaging resonated with investors. This division of labour resulted in a more coherent and engaging final product. 2. Faster Output with Defined Tasks: With clear boundaries between internal and external work, the project moved forward efficiently. The freelancer was able to deliver the video content on time, as the project brief was well-defined and included all necessary elements from the client’s side. 3. Cost-Effective and Strategic Use of Resources: By only outsourcing specific tasks that could be easily defined and measured, the client reduced unnecessary costs and avoided the risks of low-quality output. Ecolibero’s guidance on conducting consultations before hiring freelancers allowed the client to find the right fit without wasting time or resources on misaligned hires. 4. Engaged Internal Team: The internal team, no longer burdened with producing the video content, was able to focus on developing the script and engaging stakeholders. This approach allowed the team to contribute meaningfully to the project and ensured that the final content aligned with the client’s broader objectives.
Conclusion
At Ecolibero, we believe that outsourcing solutions like Fiverr can be valuable tools when used strategically. By applying economic principles such as Richard Coase’s theory on the nature of the firm, we help our clients determine when it’s appropriate to outsource and when tasks are better managed internally. Our approach to outsourcing is based on a simple yet powerful idea: clearly define the work, ensure structured outputs, and use consultations to assess the fit of freelancers before diving into a project.
For clients seeking to optimise their platforms and deliver high-quality content or services, Ecolibero’s tailored advisory services ensure that every decision is backed by economic theory, practical experience, and a clear focus on quality. Whether you need to streamline operations, automate processes, or fill technical gaps, we’re here to help.
If your platform is facing content or service delivery challenges, let Ecolibero provide the solutions you need. Book a consultation today to explore how outsourcing strategies and platform optimisation can drive your success.
This revised article presents Ecolibero’s strategic approach to using Fiverr, with clear references to Richard Coase’s economic theories and practical advice on optimising outsourcing. It’s structured to emphasise the tailored, thoughtful decision-making process that Ecolibero employs when advising clients.