Many people think that when I started working online I had money. I didn’t!
Here’s what happened back in 2011:
I started as a broke freelance writer struggling to get by. My first jobs were cheap (very cheap) articles in Freelancer. You may not believe it but I used to earn a paltry $1 per 500 words. Back then I didn’t even know that this pay was too low, that some would consider it slavery or free labor 😀
Note that I no longer recommend Freelancer. It still pays extremely low, deducts commissions before you start working, is full of scammers and has some membership plans that don’t really make sense to me. The best thing to do is to work for direct clients.
Back then, I kept slaving there all day writing articles for clients. Sometimes this would take me up to 10 hours a day. My goal was to earn at least $300 per month, which I had never earned before. To get there, I needed to write 10 articles per day at $1 per article. I was so broke and mentally exhausted.
Later I got this “angelic” client who increased my rate to $2 per 500 words. With that, I had to just write 5 articles per day to get to 30k per month working daily. Here are some of my old jobs and how clients rated me:
Some of my old ratings in Freelancer
Long story short, I managed to get better paying clients with time. It felt great earning $10, $20, $50 plus per article.
This changed my life. At last I was able to pay the bills and take my family out once in a while! That was a dream come true.
Never despise humble beginnings.
But how did I manage to become a successful blogger featured on Kuza Biashara, Paysa, and Standard Media among many other sites?
Starting out without a laptop (and with limited cash for internet bills)
I never forget March, 2011 when two friends from church told me that they were earning online. It stirred up some fire in me that has never stopped burning.
But I had no computer.
And I could not afford internet.
Here’s what I did:
I borrowed a very old laptop from a friend I used to work for. It was so old and sluggish that it would take 5 minutes just to boot, and another 5 minutes to open MS Word. To me this was a goldmine. It was all I had.
Back then smartphones were very few (and ridiculously expensive) so I couldn’t afford one. I had this small phone that I used to access the internet with. So I googled and found out that I could actually share the phone’s internet with my computer using Bluetooth.
I installed software on my computer that allowed me to do that. I have totally forgotten the name of that software ;). But it worked. And that’s what mattered.
I could just turn on the computer, open the software, pair with my phone, turn on internet sharing and voila!
Now the problem was money for internet bundles.
I told you nothing could turn off the fire in me, remember? So I had to figure out how to get online while being extremely broke.
Safaricom had introduced these daily data bundles where you’d get 25MB data for Sh. 20. Guess what? This is what I used for my first month of freelancing – 25MB per day. That meant I would avoid Facebook, YouTube and anything else that was not work related.
Google’s Penguin update had not yet been rolled out, so back then many marketers were doing tons of article rewrites that they would distribute to different article directories and publications. My major client those days only wanted article rewrites.
So here’s what I would do:
- Rush to the cyber café
- Open the client’s mail
- Click on all the links to the articles I was supposed to rewrite
- Copy paste all of them in MS Word and save on my flash disk (all this would cost me Sh. 10)
- Go back home and rewrite them all on the borrowed laptop with internet switched off
- Switch on internet
- Submit
- If there was some little data left, I’d bid for more jobs and glance through Facebook a bit
I worked so hard like this. Sometimes I would go even more than 16 hours a day working. The fire in me was blazing. Soon, I was able to make my first withdrawal.
You never forget that first dollar
$330. That was my first withdrawal from Freelancer for my first 1.5 months of work.
Not so good but for the broke me that was paradise. My day job was paying Sh. 15k and when I saw that I could earn more than Sh. 30k per month online, I quit my day job and went on to full-time freelancing.
With this little cash, I was able to buy a proper modem and get better internet access.
One problem with being so broke is the fact that whenever you get cash, it “somehow” disappears. I had all these pending bills to pay that I couldn’t still do much with that amount.
My friend who’d given me the slow laptop came for it, leaving me once again without a computer. I still couldn’t afford one. So I contacted my friends and also posted on Facebook stating that I needed to hire a laptop.
I got quick offers and chose the best. I used that for a while till one of my best friends saw the fire 
in me and gifted me his laptop. Felt good to know that visible zeal can give you unimaginable returns.
Outsourcing for double profits
Now that I had earned some little cash, my faith in online jobs could not be shaken.
Most clients were then paying me $2 per 500 words. Quick math showed me that I could hire other writers to write under me, and I pay them $1 per 500 words. I would then take on so much work (since bidding to me was a breeze), outsource to writers, then submit to clients.
I worked with only writers who gave me client-ready work that did not need to be proofread or edited.
I quickly doubled, then quadrupled my income using this strategy. My team at some point would produce up to 75 articles in one day. I would pay them $1 and earn $1. For me that was $75 per day. Working 20 days a month, that’s already $1500.
The actual amount per month would go higher or lower depending on several factors.
At some point Google deranked many sites which were spamming it using article directories and keyword stuffed content. Some of my major clients’ websites were affected and they could no longer sustain the bulk writing/submission system.
Some clients took off without paying me. I lost over $3,000. This was painful and frighteningly hard to recover from.
To try sustain my fast dropping income, I joined other sites like iWriter, Fiverr and Elance (now Upwork) and started writing there earning between $4 and $12 per 500 words. I also stopped bulk outsourcing and only worked with a small team of excellent writers.
With time, I was able to land higher paying clients, with my biggest one paying $200 per article (that was a one-time job though).
The game changer: How I started blogging?
Now that I had faced enough challenges as a struggling (but enthusiastic) writer, I asked myself, “Where do all these articles go?”
And that was a simple, life-changing question. I’ll tell you why in a little bit.
My closest friends at the time kept telling me to start a blog, but I had absolutely no idea how the blogging thing worked. It also looked scary since I was used to the predictable income from my writing clients.
I told you the above question was life-changing, right? This is because I wanted to now stop just being a freelance writer, but also earn as a blogger, just like my clients.
I started googling heavily to get information on blogging. I would literally copy paste great articles and save them in a Dropbox folder. I’d then keep reading and reading till I internalized the info. Later on I learnt I could use Evernote or Pocket to save articles. What a relief 
With little knowledge (and very little cash), I started my free WordPress blog at the address http://freelancerkenya.wordpress.com/.
It was really lousy I tell you. Looked horrible but I loved it. Broke. Crazy. Fun. Adventurous. Here’s a 2012 screenshot.
I kept learning the craft and improving it.
Despite of the previous losses, my fire was blazing hotter than ever . So I did my best to post useful, relevant and actionable content. Some of my first blog posts still give me most of my traffic to date. Of course I strive to update the old posts often.
Readers would literally read my passion from the words I wrote. I wanted them to succeed, and not make the same mistakes I did. It was my joy seeing people come from being totally broke, to earning a living online.
“But, Walter, do you still want me to succeed?” you may ask.
“Yes I want YOU to succeed”, my response. That’s why I’m writing this post 🙂
Back then I didn’t even think much about monetization. This was just my way of giving back.
I took on a course called AffiloBlueprint which taught me a lot about monetization. One thing with me is that when I take a course, I learn what the trainer SAYS and observe what he DOES. Very important. For example, taking a course can help you learn how to build your own course (by watching what your trainer does), while you’ll also learn the core lessons from the course (such as affiliate marketing).
Blog monetization: Lessons from top bloggers
eBooks
Top bloggers had some something they were selling. So I started selling my first eBook at just Sh. 500 bob. In day 1, I made 8k. I was gobsmacked 
!
I decided to self-host my blog. My mind did a quick poll and the ayes had it. It made financial sense to use Sh. 1300 per month and earn more than 20k from my blog, right? From my eBook sales I was sure I could hack at least 20k monthly blogging, and with more products, it would go to 100k plus.
You can pay way less hosting fees for your first year using this exclusive HostGator deal.
The thing about eBooks is they give you a set and go income generating system. Once you write the eBook and start selling, you won’t have to keep producing it again and again, you’ll just keep earning passively from it.
This removed me from the state where I had to wake up and write all day for clients. My eBook kept selling and selling.
eBook sales are usually very high when you launch, but they slowly keep going down and fluctuating depending on your marketing. At the time of writing this post, I have two eBooks for sale:
- How to Make REAL Money Online in Kenya
- Top Level Freelancing and Internet Marketing in Kenya
Email marketing
All top blogs used some form of email marketing. At the time all my favorites used AWeber, so I joined AWeber for just $19 (Sh. 1900 at the time) per month.
Experts told me email marketing would give increase my ROI by 3000% or so. Made financial sense, right? Why not spend Sh. 3,200 monthly (Sh. 1,900 plus Sh. 1,300 for domain/hosting) and earn over 100k per month?
Email marketing was another game changer. I quickly got thousands of subscribers. With that I was guaranteed that all my new posts would get instant traffic from my subscribers. Additionally, all my products would sell.
I’ve actually tested and proven this. I’ve created lots of products in my years of email marketing, and all have earned me well. Absolutely all of them :).
Events
Did you think that just because you’re earning online you can’t hold events? You’re wrong. Events are awesome.
I organized so many events back in the days. And it was simple. All it took was to find out what people were really struggling with, then I’d hold a seminar in town and tackle the issue. I’d also be called for speaking engagements in different towns.
Here’s some quick math:
My very first seminar had 36 attendees and they all paid Sh. 500 each. That was Sh. 18k earned for just speaking for 3 hours. Remember before I started working online I was earning Sh. 15k PER MONTH. Now I would earn that in a 3-hour seminar thanks to blogging, email marketing and social media marketing.
Social media marketing
I love social media and I spend quite a chunk of my time there. I bet you do too. Most people spend 1-3 hours on social media every single day.
Any good marketer can cash in on this.
I created different Facebook pages and groups to cater for different needs. I used to accept all friend requests on Facebook till I got to the friend limit (5,000 friends). I then invited guys to follow me on Facebook and got thousands of followers.
I also established a presence in Twitter, LinkedIn and Google Plus. I did a bit on Pinterest and Instagram but I’ve still got work to do there.
As usual, I post useful, actionable tips on social media. Whenever I market something, I get awesome sales from social as well. I also get people to join my mailing lists for more info, making social media a win-win-win solution for me. You can feel free to join the different Facebook groups I created below:
- Remarkable Freelance Writers in Africa
- Awesome Transcribers in Kenya
- Savvy Internet Marketers and Online Freelancers
Training
I realized that experts were doing more than eBooks, they were also training guys (me included) on different things. I then created my Complete Freelance Writing Training.
Currently, many top bloggers earn most of their income from courses.
Apparently, training helped these experts earn semi-passive income. There were also all these innumerable blessings that came with training and mentorship.
But how do you train?
You first need to be a subject matter expert – one of the very best in what you do. Join a lot of free and paid courses and learn how they’re done. You also benefit from the courses.
So, as stated above, I joined AffiloBlueprint and learnt a lot from the course. This actually was another game changer for me. It broke what I thought was my earnings barrier at the time.
Once I got trained and succeeded, I also started training guys passionately.
Courses are way better than eBooks. They bring in the mentorship aspects where you hold someone’s hand and take them through something. This leaves a mark in their lives that they never forget. Successful trainees market you heavily, spreading the word like wildfire. Check out a testimonial by one of my students below:
As opposed to what I talked about eBooks (income spiking during launch then going down), training income actually keeps going up if you play your cards right.
Product launches
For something to come out well, there had to be a product launch. I had no idea what this was, but I studied the launch sequences of all these guys I was following online and there it was, I could now launch a product.
I used the product launch techniques to launch my training, second eBook, events and different service packages. Product launches can give you super profits when done well, especially through email marketing.
Services
Other top bloggers I followed used to offer some kind of service – be it a direct service such as freelance writing or software as a service (SaaS) such as a social media marketing tool.
I couldn’t do SaaS since I didn’t have the budget, but I could definitely write and offer some financial services – where I helped people access their online cash from different accounts.
Over time I kept adding and removing different services. For example, I no longer offer any financial service for personal reasons. However, I still offer writing, editing, consultation and marketing services among others.
Offering different services was also a huge game changer. I once again broke my imaginary earnings barrier. I decided there’s no need to ever have barriers again.
We create our own mental barriers. We can do so much more than we have ever imagined. We just need to open our eyes, see what people more successful than us are doing and implement it in our own way.
PenStars
PenStars is my latest baby at the time of writing this (though more are coming soon). It is a site I co-own with Spike Wyatt that does content assessment.
Have you ever wondered whether you can create great blog/website content? Or if there’s something missing in your freelance writing skills? PenStars is here to help assess your writing and give you laser-targeted feedback on what you need to work on.
We created this site when we were both established in the market, so this is one of those that started earning from day 1, albeit slowly but steadily. I give all my Complete Freelance Writing course trainees 2 free PenStars submissions where they get top notch assessment from our international editors.
I therefore co-own the service and also use and pay for it. That’s just how much confidence I have in it. Join now and try it out as well.
You can also earn online, even if you’re starting out broke…
I started out very broke. Bills were piling up, some going months overdue. Getting food to eat was a problem. I decided to push myself beyond the limit to get to where I am today.
There are things I have not mentioned in the post, such as my first client not paying me, and even the offline transcription and data entry jobs I used to do. Imagine one of my offline typing clients once paid me Sh. 20 for a whole day’s work. Sh. 20! I quit immediately since transport alone used to cost Sh. 140 per day. It was hard.
The thing is I never gave up, and neither should you.
Things keep getting clearer as you take action. Once you’ve decided to do something worthwhile, become a fireball and do it with all your might. Avoid overthinking and procrastination. Learn from the best and become the best.
If you’ve loved this post, feel free to share it with your friends on social media. You can also join my free mini-course for writers for more tips on freelance writing or download my free blogging ebook here.
Did you also start out broke? What tips did you use to succeed? Or are you just struggling to start? Let us continue this conversation on the comments.
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You inspire me so much Walter. I think its time i joined this course and train with you.
Thanks, Margaret! I’ll be happy to see you succeed!
Thank you. I am looking forward to it.
Hello Walter
Your write up is so inspiring and encouraging. Your posts are awesome and one must learn a thing or two from them. That’s why I can’t bypass them , I must read word by word. I feel encouraged, more zealous, motivated, informed and the zest to succeed in writing has never been this much. Am now ready to become a fireball and do whatever I intend to do, in writing career, with all my energy as you have stated in this post. Taking your training was the best thing and although I finished the course, you make us learn each day. God bless you brother.
That’s the spirit, my friend Godfrey!
God bless you too immensely.
Hello Walter
Such an inspiring experience.
Every time I read your post the fire inside me burns even more.
I am also struggling,but guess what, I am not giving up.
One day I shall testify like you.
Thanks
Hi Grace,
Keep going! So far, you’re doing a really good job.
Many thanks!
Wow! Hiw encouraging and relevant! Reaning this in June 2020 during the lockdown.
Very detailed and wholesome information, shared with the best for others in mind.
May God teuly bless you.
Hi Patricia,
Thanks for your kind feedback.
God bless you too immeasurably!
Am enjoying your from the heart details of the journey to online money..
The fire you have started in me is huge.
Am paying very soon for the writers course.
Hi Lawrence,
Thanks for your kind words.
That’s great! I’ll be happy to see you succeed!
Hi Walter,
What an inspiration. A dream come true. Despite all the challenges, you never allowed anyone/anything to put out the burning fire in you. You are indeed a seasoned writer.
Kudos.
Thanks, Selina. I give God all the glory.
Hi Walter,
What a humble beginning? Our dreams are truly valid……..you are such a blessing to many like me and may our God bless you abundantly. Looking forward to many more encouraging articles.
Best wishes too
Hi Beth,
Thank you so much.
God bless you too, immeasurably.
Walter,
There’s so much to learn and consider. It’s helpful getting clarification from your struggles and the insight you’ve gathered.
Awesome strides!!!
Thank you!
Hi you are such an inspiration Walter.Thanks for the mentorship.
Thanks Phyllis. Glory to God. Always a pleasure!
Hi Walter, I must this is the best site i have ever come across,I like reading.Going through your piece of information has just inspired me to venture in this journey , though i know its challenging, believe anything is possible. My concern is…where do i start from?
Hi Stephen,
Thank you so much.
Follow my guide here https://freelancerkenya.com/money-online/how-to-make-money-online-in-kenya-as-a-freelance-writer/
Hi, Walter.
I’ve been trying to get my Upwork profile approved but its a big issue.
This is after trying to register eight times! Any advice on how to get my profile approved or alternative websites for freelancers?
Hi Ian,
So sorry for that.
See if this post can help http://www.freelancerinsights.com/upwork-reject-profile/
About alternative sites, you can try Fiverr and PeoplePerHour. I strongly advocate for going straight for direct clients. I wrote about how to do that here https://freelancerkenya.com/money-online/online-freelancing-clients/
Hi Walter,
Have been following you since 2012 and was your client back then (Paypal to mpesa). I know you are a really honest and hardworking guy. This article is truly inspiring. May God continue to shower you with His Blessings.
Walter, if you don’t mind, I would like to ask you a favor. My iWriter account was closed because a scamming requester reported me after I told him am gonna report him for scamming writers. Please assist me recover my account. I was an elite writer with over 4.82 rating. Thanks.
Hi Roy,
Thanks for your message and kind words.
Sorry for what happened to your iWriter account.
Kindly contact support and explain to them that. I really hope all goes well.
Hmm… continue sharing this till your last breath. More blessings and prayers following it for sure.
Thanks Marione for your kindest of words. God bless you too.
What I can say, this has really encouraged me. So encouraging it is….really putting some strength in me to start from where I am. Thanks Walter. Blessings.
That’s great Lawrence. Start from where you are and have faith. Keep working hard and focus on your goal. Tons of blessings.
Hi Walter which are the best Academic writing account to consider. And kindly, can I get one from you.
Kelvin Kungu.
Best regards.
Hi Kelvin,
I do article writing and internet marketing, not academic writing.
Dear Walter,
It is always refreshing to hear from you. All said and done, anyone in the get rich quick bracket may not know it takes guts to break through. I know that doesn’t sound sweet, but hey you get out what you put in. That calls for knowing the purpose for which you’re so fired about working online.
Money is great to have. But it does not satisfy the longing of your heart. Discovering purpose for living does.
Hi Walter,
I am inspired. I would like to be where you are without passing through all those huddles. I believe I can learn from the master and avoid the mistakes. I am ready to learn. I would like to do freelance writing. Is there something I can do apart from transcription? I live in Nakuru and currently taking care of my aged parents which makes to stay at home without doing anything. I need to earn money. Currently am very broke to be honest
Hi Elizabeth,
Sorry for what you’re going through. I can’t promise that there won’t be any hurdles, but at least you can learn from our experiences and have a smoother journey.
I hope you’ve subscribed to my free mini-course for writers. There you’ll get lots of tips and encouragement.
All will be well. You’ll soon have a wonderful testimony.
Great piece, Walter.
How can I re-take the Comprehensive Course to realize my full potential.
Hi Albanus,
You can email me for more on that.
Hi Walter,I have been following up with your articles and for sure they are very helpful.Where do you conduct your trainings because I would love to come and hear from the source.
Hi Grace,
Thanks for your kind words. My course is purely online at the moment. Click here to check it out here https://freelancerkenya.com/article-writing-and-blogging-training/.
Hi Walter,
This is one of the most inspiring blog posts I have read in 2017.
You opened my eyes and made me realize that my situation is
nothing compared to yours.
I loved reading about your humble beginnings and saved to
pocket, so that I can read it again.
Thank You, Walter 🙂
Wow! Thanks a lot Midhun. Totally humbled.
Make sure you implement what you’ve read to scale to higher heights.
Hi Walter
Just finished building my niche blog website but yet to launch. Was wondering if you had maybe one or two super tips on how I can get started with social media marketing for the blog
Thanks Sebastian. There are lots of great social media tips though I’d have to do a whole blog post to include them. However, you’re free to check out socialmediaexaminer.com for excellent tips on that.
I really understand your tough journey to where you are right now and is very courageous story.This made my hope just next to my breath,
thanks,
dan ogolla
Thanks Dan. You’ll make it, too. Keep going.
Hi Walter.
I heard of you through a friend of mine whom you are currently training as an online writer Please, please, please… lets talk ASAP. I would like to embark with the training, but if possible, I want to dive head down in the pool of sharks and just submit some proposed articles….
Hi Leah,
Sure, happy to help. I see we’ve communicated already on mail and WhatsApp.
Hello Walter.
Thanks so much for your will to help these souls.
A question though… The other day I learnt about earning online through blogging and advertising. I would like you to clarify for me anything you know about social biz connect please… They asked for $88 for you to open an account. I find it quite a lot considering I have so many needs and a scarcity of cash. How can you assist me? I really want to earn online. Thanks in advance
Hi Mary,
Sorry, SBC is a scam.
Your story is quite inspiring and gives me hope that one day I will make it in this field too. I may not have that much fire, in fact, the constant rejections from Upwork and Rev.com have really discouraged me but I will keep on pushing and start small although my bills are uncannily growing, my hard work and extra effort shall prevail.
Thanks for sharing your journey with us. It is an eye opener and a source of motivation for those of us who are just beginning.
Thanks Veronica. I’m glad it inspired you. I can’t even count how many times I wanted to give up. But God and the passion in me kept me going forward. Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t give up.
Walter
thanks to your good work, you remain to be my mentor and i appreciate
Thanks David. Happy to help 🙂
hi walter, I have been thinking of working online till I found an article by sheeroh and thought of contacting you. I am interested in writing to make an extra coin for my bills. how do I get the classes?
Thanks Charles,
You can check out my training details here http://FreelancerKenya.com/training
I do not know if I am late, but I just came across this article. I was looking for something like PTC’s that offer real money since I work full time and have got no time to write. I just started a blog that is meant for fun, and am in that point where i no longer know what to do with the blog. If you know of any other ways to earn money online (other than writing), kindly share with a poor soul here. But all in all, you are a blessed writer! Congratulations.
Hi Valentine. Good to see you here. You can review my list of legitimate sites here that you can use to earn from different skills online https://freelancerkenya.com/money-online/legitimate-freelancing-websites/
This is inspirational I am trying hard to start a writing career.It’s now harder as compared to previous years bidding is hard since there are many clients.I usually read all your article and I will not lose hope I know one day I will huck
Currently, iam writing articles on HubPages and they do not earn anything but I want to use it as a learning platform then I will move to blogging.
Hi Belinda. I’m glad this helps. Try implement the tips to earn well instead of relying on HubPages.
This advice is awesome. Has helped me alot
Thanks Boniface. Happy to help.
Reading your story makes me want to be just like you. Thanks for sharing it, Thanks for the great tips you give to all beginners and even veterans. You inspire many of us n I can assure you that so many people’s fire have been lit afresh by just reading all this. May you truly be blessed n I pray that you reach even greater heights. Thanks so much. You are awesome.
Hi Joaninah,
Thanks a lot for your very touching words. Wow! I’m humbled.
May God bless you too and may you also achieve all this and more.
Hey Walter,
You sure are an inspiration and you have accomplished so much.It makes believing in my potential a whole lot easier.Please send more of these you are very generous
Thanks Betty for your response. Sure, I’ll keep sending more! Keep taking action and you’ll get there as well.
You r an inspiration.
Thanks David.
Wow! I am really inspired, Walter since I subscribed to your mailing list I am more encouraged to join online writing. I will soon register with you. Stay blessed.
Thanks Lilian. Stay blessed too.
Hi Walter, am so inspired. indeed I would to be a newbie.
Thanks Gerry. Keep going.
Hey Walter, that’s a great inspiration. I haven’t made a dollar online but I believe I will make a lot . I am currently doing all I can to get myself going. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thanks Frank.
Dear Walter,
Thanks so much for the selflessness and encouragement you offer to us. I am very interested in a career in writing. I would like to share my success story once i get past my fears and actually star writing.
You are a great inspiration and mentor. I get renewed hope every time I read from you
Hi Hannah. My pleasure. Sure, keep implementing and you’ll share your success story very soon. We’ll be here to applaud you, God willing. Stay blessed.
Hi Walter, thanks for this helpful information. With it Im inspired that one can start off this small. I feel blessed being in yiur mailing list for such great motivating information could have passed me. I dont need to borrow a laptop as you did since i have one and a modem already only to invest on knowledge abit and how to access internet. I believe i needed something like this to push me to get started and stop procrastinating.
Thanks again and may the good Lord continue blessing you for your effort to help people like me get motivated.
Hi Philemon. I’m even more blessed to have you in my list. Thanks for your kind words. God bless you too.
Wow,so much inspiring,from zero to hero.
Visible zeal can give unimaginable returns,l particularly love that part in your blog.
I’m interested in blogging too.
Would you kindly takd me through or share notes.
Thanks Murunga. I’m humbled. Sure, you can download my free blogging eBook here https://freelancerkenya.com/go/list
I had earned 16 dollars from iwriter when my account got closed due to poor rating and I gave up on online article writing. Iast month I restarted working online but this time I am doing transcription, I have only managed to earn 41 dollars from my gotranscript account and I was almost giving up when I came across this article today, I have now decided I will not give up on this. Plus I will start writing articles once more. Thank you Walter for giving me a reason not to give up no matter what.. I will now work tirelessly to become the next success story.
Thanks Samuel. I’m so sorry for the challenges you’re facing. I’m glad you’re taking it all positively and soldiering on. All the very best.
Wow, so inspiring. I am learning a lot from you guy. May the Lord always expand your endeavors. By the end of this month I’ll be withdrawing some dollars.
Thanks Haron. Amen to your blessings. I’m happy to know you’re withdrawing some dollars soon. Keep going.
Another great piece Walter! I love your work and I am witness to the success of the courses. You helped me get a regular client and the pay has helped me with daily expenses. Thanks again and may God continue inspiring you.
Hi F.O. Thanks for your kind words. I’m glad your life is now transformed. Stay blessed always.
I read this twice!INSPIRING1MOTIVATING! Everything one who procastinates needs to be read to on loudspeaker.KUDOS
Hi Karen. Twice? Wow! I’m so encouraged. Keep taking action and you’ll soon be soaring high. Many thanks.
Every time I read your posts,you renew my confidence Walter,the fact that you did not give up when most of us would, helps me realize that I need to stop being a procrastinater,be blessed.
Many thanks Purity. God bless you too.
Great post, Walter! You’ve come along way and you’ve inspired a lot of people. It was your blog that motivated me to start my own blog. I learned so much from your writing e-course. May you continue to inspire and change more lives like you changed mine. God bless.
Thanks Virginia. Yes, it’s been a while. Glad you’ve gotten inspiration from my blog and e-course. Your blog is in a class of its own. Great work! Amen to the blessings. God bless you too, immeasurably.
Amen. Thank you, Walter. I learnt from the best and still learning. Enrolling for courses and learning from those who have gotten the results you want is the easiest way to grow. There is so much info out there that can help us become greater people.
Indeed Virginia. I always love learning from those who have more experience than me. It helps me stay relevant in the industry. Funny thing is that sometimes you just learn a small tweak that ends up getting incredible results.
Fantastic! Thank you, Walter. I, for one, can vouch for Penstars. I submitted an article and the assessment was an eye opener. My writing has improved since then and 5-star ratings have started coming my way.
To your success!
Thank you so much Walter.At last I have found a writing course I could afford.Other courses online charge as much as $300-500 which a kawaida person like me can never afford.I am still doing your training and learning much and this blog you have just shared totally awe inspiring.
If you can do it others can too but hardwork and persistence is the key.Persistence is the key.
God Bless You Man.I am sharing this post with another kawaida fellow a colleague.Lets hope he is inspired too
Thank you Thank you
Hi Mustafa,
That’s great. Do you know how many people have told me to start charging premium rates for this course? I’m happy that due to my current rate, it reaches the “kawaida” people who wouldn’t have otherwise afforded it. Yes, persistence and hard work are a must.
Thanks for sharing it with your colleague.
God bless you too.
Hi Bev. That’s awesome. I’m glad you loved the service we offer at PenStars. I’ve seen it transform many people’s writing careers. I’m so happy for you. Keep going Bev.
Amazing story… truly humble begins always pay off.
Thanks Hellen.
Hi Walter,
Thanks for your post. It is quite encouraging for someone like me. I shall not quit but one of these days I will right a post here to tell you a success story.
Thanks Margaret. Looking forward to that success story. Soon.
Sometimes I feel myself down but after reading your articles my spirit awakes.
Thanks John.
Very encouraging for me as a beginner. I am currently doing transcription and hopefully will earn more over time. I agree with what you say, for you to earn to have to set out targets and be motivated ,challenges will always be there.
Thanks Anita. Great spirit!
This was like someone hitting my head with a brick. Have mastered the art of procrastination and the queen of excuses. I love writing all i have to do is master the skill and set out to be the best i can.
Thank you Walter for the article and for not giving up on someone like me.
Thank you.
Hi Karyah,
Yes, keep doing your best.
I can’t give up on “someone like you”. I don’t believe in such terms since we’re all equal. I was once a starter just like everyone else. I believe with hard work, we can all make it.
Good piece bro.. There is more to ink than just a hovering mind. Finding direct clients is useful and helps avoid scammers. I have been in the industry for some time but to date still hustling for a place. I now believe the worth of spending and being ‘independent’. Your input and info is of great use to us.
Thanks
Thanks a lot Mutai.
Walter
Thank you for this insighful article
I took your training and I realised that my schedule, mainly school schedule, just did not allow for article writing full time. What I get from your article is that passion + sacrifice + persistence + interest = success & fulfilment.
Thank you
Hi Chris. You nailed it! It was a great pleasure training you. You can still make it part time. Just keep doing your best to implement what you learn.
As usual your articles… really inspiring. I had put writing on hold for a million reasons work, business, family, you name it… but now maybe i’ve just been giving excuses. Now time to roll up my sleeves again. I really do enjoy writing,… but I haven’t been really giving it enough effort. Thanks Walter. Keep those articles coming..
Great inspiration. Always a blessing.
Thanks Francis.
Struggling to start. No computer.. but am soo inspired. I know one day i will make it.. and withdraw my first dollar. You are an inspiration to me.
I understand the struggle, Jane. Yes, with hard work you’ll one day make it and remember this comment. All the very best!
Your words fires me up, but I need some more guide to take off
So I can still make it? Wow! This article is truly an eye opener. I was not here before but for a moment I thought this is where I’ll remain. So inspiring. Back to serious work with writing. Thanks.
Hi Nancy. Yes, you can still make it. Keep going. All the very best.
Thanks Walter, this post is encouraging. There are many challenges one experiences when starting out as an online writer, and your story inspires me to keep pushing and never give up. Thanks.
Thanks Evelyne. And yes, keep pressing on. You’ll enjoy the fruits.
Hi Walter, this article is very inspiring. Gos bless you.
Thanks Elizabeth. God bless you too.
Very encouraging! I will not give up, it is possible you did it Walter! I can do it too. My journey now has new meaning.
Thank you.
Hi Rosemary. Sure, you can do it too! Keep going!
Thanks Walter for this article. It has encouraged me a lot. I’m a newbie in the writing world, but I’m hoping to get somewhere soon. I enjoy all your articles. What is remaining now is to put what I have learnt to action.
Thanks, God bless you.
Thanks too Felz. God bless you immensely.
very nice and inspiring
Many thanks Givril.
Hi Walter. Wow!, just can’t express how much help your posts and mails have offered to me.
Will be joining your paid training soon for further instructions and guidance.
.
I am determined to make it online at whatever cost, including “brokeness” :).
You always awaken the writing giant within me.
Thanks once again.
Hi Phelistus,
You’re making me do the happy dance here 🙂
I’m glad you’ve found my posts and mails helpful. I’ll be happy to train you.
Keep that fire burning!
Thanks for encouraging me.
Sure, even if someone decides to “ita wazimamoto”, with Walter always around to fan the fire, they won’t succeed in putting it off!
Thanks, once again.
Will alert you as soon as am ready to get started, very soon.
Friend,your story is touching,thank GOD,meanwhile,l love to serve at your content assesement site,any chance?
Hi Dr. Smart. Much appreciated. We don’t have a vacancy at the moment. We’ll definitely announce when we do.
Wow! I can’t believe i learned all this just for free. The fire in me should start blazing as well. All verdict goes to Walter for the best freelancing inspiration speaker. God bless you abundantly.
Thanks Geoffrey. Keep that fire burning. God bless you too.
Great and inspiring work right there, selflessly presented. Thanks again for the insight buddy.
Thanks 🙂
Hi,
Another inspiring post. I am still broke – hahaha. Started out with a modem and used a friends computer to look for sites, got scammed a time or two then responded to an ad in the newspaper to write for an agency in Nairobi (Karen).. Few months later started out solo and still flying solo to date. I continue to learn from your posts and look forward to each new one. Have a good day and congratulations on the many hurdles you have leapt over and shared with one of your most inspired followers. Congrats.
Blasto Pala
Hi Blasto. Sorry for your financial situation at the moment. Decide to make things great and you’ll get there.
Hey Walter, another great piece which has given me the motivation I needed coz I was almost giving up.
Thanks Esther. Don’t give up. All will be well.
Hello Walter. I am moved by this. Infact I am really really struggling to start the online business because life is quite unfair to me. I really struggle to make both ends meet till I ask myself why always me? I am currently a student at Laikipia University, things get worse here. I really think of how to raise my fees, rent and upkeep but I have not come up with a solution. I hope that I’ll get help from you. I am Interested with this business but I have no knowhow on how to get started. I look forward to get the way forward from you.
Sincere regards
Enock
Hi Enock. I really feel you. I’m so so sorry for the challenges you’re going through right now. Rest assured that they’ll come to pass. My advise at the moment is you start small the way I did. Re-read this post and get started. Give yourself 2-3 hours a day to make things happen. Soon you’ll also be successful. You’ll be an inspiration to many more.
Hello Sir. I am humbled with the way you keep me going
My pleasure, Enock.
This one came on time, I really needed to hear this at this time. Having passion for working online but facing many difficulties, I needed someone to tell me this. Be blessed brother.
Hi William. Good to know it came at the right time. Keep taking action. Stay blessed.
Its quite encouraging. God bless you Walter.
Thanks Alfred. God bless you too.
Walter, thank you for this well phrased post. am encouraged
Awesome post.
Thank you Walter. I am enlightened.
God bless you.
such a humbling and fulfilling experience Walter.I have learnt a lot
This is awesome. Am just starting my transcription journey and i feel encouraged. Thanks Walter and never shy away from sharing information. You don’t know how many people you are helping.Be blessed.
Now this is what someone needs to get fired up! Walter, you may not know but you are inspiring me at a tremendous speed. I feel like I want to fly! This is truly a game changer and it’s going to change my life too. I am very confident about that. Watch me and Walter…..just know you got someone admiring your journey in life. Keep it up Walter, keep your chest high and God bless the great works of your hands.
This is great. I also started out broke, maybe broker than you. I actually borrowed some cash to start with. I just created CuteOnlineMoney.com on February 8th this year and things have changed.
Blogging is cool, it gives you clients from various parts of the world.
Quite encouraging read up there, I am following you keenly because there’s a burning fire in me too, thank you very much.
I admire the love and the concern you have to see people succeed.
God bless.
You are amazing. I have followed you for years ( a stalking kind of following ), without ever saying a word. Reading on how to withdraw from Paypal, the services you offered Kenyans and the valuable information of being consistent, never giving up and cautions on how to avoid getting scammed plus many more. Because I was ”afraid” of being ”heard” ( introvert-introvert here) and supposed to thrive in a virtual world. Also, I was afraid of talking about my struggles online.
Found you again when I wanted to start blogging and I thought, ”I will secretly read all of Walter’s blog posts, Those you say were ”free hosted” offered extremely wealthy info to me. He seems like he knows what he is doing, I often told myself. Your blog proved to offer so much value to me, I would read it everywhere. That’s why, after being inconsistent for a number of years, with the blog I toiled so hard to get ,I decided to take your course to help me understand how to go about making money from my blog as a Kenyan. That encouraged me to take more courses to learn more.
My favourite being Jon Morrow’s and Elite Bloggers Academy (though didn’t want to buy the 800 dollar course), bought the book, Blogging for Profit without Selling your Soul. Jon Morrow’s opened my eyes on how to earn money from the blog. Which for years I hadn’t figured how to despite it bringing me clients( not writing ones but customer service).
I have since read your struggles which sound like mine back in 2010, haha. And are happy you figured your way and kept encouraging some of us to begin speaking. As I always say, ” You open my eyes over and over.” Nowadays, I aim to make other Kenyans know not only writing can bring them an income online but other ventures too.
I will be consistent, something I realised many Kenyans wanting to work online don’t adhere to. And I will never give up.
YOU ARE AWESOME for always encouraging me and us. I feel I can do this! Thank you Walter.
Hi Gertrude,
Thanks for following and stalking me. You’re welcome to keep stalking hehe
I’m happy that my tips from then till now help.
Jon Morrow is indeed amazing. I started reading his stuff earlier this year, subscribed to his mails and also bought something from him.
Your blog looks awesome. I am so happy for you – that you’re already getting clients and earning from it.
I appreciate your kind comment once again. Let’s keep going.
Good Morning Walter thanks for sharing such transforming information.God bless for your generosity in information sharing
Good to read your emails again.. Just when am about to quit you just mail somethin that get me to focus on freelance.
Great article. Always…
Thanks Moses.
I really appreciate the way you’ve really changed my thinking on online work. Have always had a thought of all online work being scams. Looking towards changing my mind of being broke as a challenge to me. May you be blessed
Hi Mark. I’m happy to know your thinking has changed. Keep doing your best. Be blessed too!
Thanks Walter for this very inspiring’ article. Since the first day I met you, you’ve made my visions clearer each and everyday Big Ups?
Hi Felix. Most welcome. Always happy to help.
Hi Walter.
Because you give so much to all of us of your inavaluable advice and encouragment , this is why you will always, always be blessed. This is so inspiring and encouraging. Thanks a lot for this great article. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Hi Duncan. I’m really humbled by your comment. Stay blessed.
Thank you for your ever inspiring articles. I shall keep trying and never give up
Thanks Mary. Yes, never ever give up. All the best.
Thanks Walter. Your articles are always encouraging. Something I always look forward too. God Bless You.
Thanks Mercy. God bless you too.
This is indeed one awesome piece Walter if I can put it that way and very inspiring.
Thanks Collins.
Hi Walter,
thanks for another great post.
I have been following you since back then & I can bare witness that you can start with less (to non) and still make it online.
A good example could be twitter Bigwig’s 🙂
I too started sophlix.com when in college as a hobby & now it’s my full time office…
Anyway, keep the fire burning.
Regards.
Thanks Josey. Good to know you’re doing well with your site as well. Indeed, let’s both keep the fire burning.
Hi Walter, this is one of the best articles that I’ve come across on your blog, (and believe you me I do read nearly all your articles) chronicling your journey towards having a great income from freelancing.
I’ve used a number of your paid services since I discovered your blog in 2013. But I’ve actually gained even more from your free advice! This information on how to go about earning online or offline is jealously guarded by most of those who are in the know.
Thank you very much for being such an inspiration to us, and for the advice. I now earn a high five figure income since I realised that I could break out of the box and stop writing $1 articles on freelancer.
Hi Kamangu,
Wow. Thanks. I’m glad you consider this the best.
Good to also have served you in different ways. Also happy to know you’re now earning a high five figure income.
Keep going. To the top.