How I Hired a Freelancer on Fiverr for $5 and Lost My Well Ranked Website: The Cost of Choosing Cheap
In today's digital age, outsourcing work to freelancers has become increasingly common, with platforms like Fiverr providing a vast pool of talent at affordable prices.
However, my recent experience serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the potential risks involved in hiring freelancers without thorough research and careful consideration.
Make sure to read the full article. So you will understand every mistake and what I learned from my mistakes?
Table of Contents
I Hired a Freelancer on Fiverr for $5 and Lost My Well Ranked Website
In pursuit of website speed optimization, I unknowingly made a costly mistake that resulted in losing not only my well ranked website but also two other websites hosted on the same account.
The purpose of this article is to shed light on the reasons behind this unfortunate phenomenon and to emphasize the importance of being careful while hiring freelancers for critical tasks.
The Role of the Freelancer and the Unfortunate Result: In an effort to improve the speed and overall performance of my website, I turned to Fiverr, an online platform that connects freelancers with clients looking for various services. Attracted by the low cost offer of $5, I hired a freelancer who claimed to be an expert in website speed optimization. Little did I know that my decision to prioritize cost over quality would have disastrous consequences.
The freelancer I hired allegedly used a nulled plugin, a pirated or modified version of a premium plugin, to speed up my website. However, unbeknownst to me, the plugin contained malicious code that triggered a series of security breaches, infecting my website with malware. As a result, my website was shut down, and all the hard work, time, and resources I had invested in building its rankings were instantly jeopardized.
The Ripple Effect (Multiple Websites Affected): To compound the damage, the malware spread swiftly within my hosting account, affecting not only the targeted website but also two additional sites that shared the same server space. This unfortunate turn of events resulted in the loss of not just one, but three websites, further magnifying the impact of my ill-informed decision.
What Lessons I Learned:
- Authenticity of Tools and Plugins: Using nulled or pirated plugins is illegal and highly risky. Always ensure that the tools and plugins employed by freelancers are obtained legally from trusted sources. Verify their authenticity and reputation to safeguard your website from potential malware or security breaches.
- Value Over Cost: While cost considerations are important, they should not overshadow the importance of quality and expertise. When it comes to critical tasks such as website optimization or security, it is crucial to prioritize the experience and credibility of the freelancer over their price point. Investing in reputable professionals may be costlier upfront but can save you from incurring significant losses in the long run.
- Vigilance in Hiring: Hiring freelancers requires due diligence. Take the time to thoroughly review their profile, examine their portfolio, and read client reviews. Look for certifications, experience, and evidence of successful past projects related to the service you require. Don't hesitate to ask for references or clarification on their methods before finalizing the agreement.
- Prioritize Website Security: Regularly update your website's security measures, install reputable security plugins, and conduct routine malware scans. Additionally, create backups of your website and maintain offline copies to minimize the impact of any potential breaches.
Conclusion:
My experience serves as a cautionary tale for those seeking to hire freelancers for critical website tasks. It is essential to strike a balance between cost and quality, prioritize thorough research and vetting processes, and never compromise on the security of your website. While platforms like Fiverr can provide access to a wide range of skilled professionals, it is crucial to exercise caution and make informed decisions to protect your online assets. Remember, the consequences of choosing cheap can be far more expensive in the long run.
