Here’s my Upwork profile. I’ve blurred out the details for obvious reasons 🙂
My name is Daniel. One year ago, after graduating from campus, I immediately landed a job as an after-sales services executive with a Chinese electronics company based in Nairobi. Considering the number of unemployed graduates in Kenya, that was quite some luck, and you bet I was over the moon. 2017 was an electioneering year in Kenya, and the economy usually takes a beating in such periods. Electronics are considered luxuries in Kenya. This led to something that felt sad, but was a blessing in disguise…
The Job Loss That Marked the Beginning of My Journey as an Article Writer
You expect the industry to suffer most during hard economic times. These circumstances took a toll on the company, and it had no choice but to let me and several colleagues go. I lost the job in December 2017, but the company was kind enough to pay me until January. At the time I was devastated and lost. Three months later, I consider losing that job a blessing in disguise! Let me explain why.
I have been working as a freelance writer for two months now. I made Sh. 60,000 ($600) in my first month.
I am poised to gross over $1000 this month. I would never have imagined I could make such an amount within such a short time. I have always known people earn online, but I never really took a keen interest until this year. I was not very confident about my writing prowess either.
Skeptical Me
I used part of the little cash I had remaining to enroll for Walter Akolo’s training. I couldn’t have made a better decision. Once I had access to the training material, I skimmed through it quickly. I must admit I got skeptical at first. To me, it did not seem like I was going to start earning anytime soon (I knew was a wrong way of looking at it, but I was growing desperate). I was in a situation where I needed something to bail me out immediately.
I went ahead and implemented all the recommendations in the course. Upwork has been the best platform for me so far. I did a sample article, got it checked and corrected on PenStars and posted it on Medium. I started applying for jobs with strict adherence to the guidelines provided by Walter on pitching.
The WhatsApp message I sent to Walter after earning 60k in my first month!
Here is the amazing bit. So far, I have only sat down to apply for jobs three times. Each time I sent five proposals and each time I bagged a client. I also cold pitched a website that published content about dark web and made a breakthrough, too.
Note that I joined Walter’s course on 12th February, 2018 and I’m writing this down on 16th April, 2018. Therefore, everything I talk about here has happened within 2 months.
The Awesome Client
One of my clients has offered me a four-year contract. I write Amazon reviews for him. He pays $50 for 3000 worded pieces. The work is available on a daily basis. Initially, he offered me $5 for 1000 words (thank God the rates later increased). I accepted. We hit the ground running immediately.
The awesome client. I earned over $1,300 from this client in less than 2 months as an absolute beginner.
He needed me to complete four pieces daily. This was a challenge as I was a very new article writer. I worked hard and ensured I delivered quality articles every day. Today we have a much better working relationship, and things keep getting better.
I’m still doing my best and I believe that soon I’ll have some clients paying way higher than this.
Some Quick Upwork Tips
Some of the Upwork jobs I’ve been blessed to get so far. Read more on how you can get here as well.
I continue learning and bettering myself every day. I have learned few things about pitching on Upwork that I would love to share here.
Don’t just use one sample, clients love relevant samples
If you are starting out, don’t write one sample and leave it at that. You will have more chances of bagging a client if your sample is relevant to the job posting. Create many samples and send the most relevant ones while sending a proposal.
I personally have several published samples on Medium and LinkedIn.
Only submit proposals that fit the job post
I know, you probably think it is wise to send as many proposals as possible on Upwork. I do it differently. I have been very choosy when sending proposals.
While starting, I dreaded running out of Connects and not getting a client. So, I would write a proposal, compare it with the job posting, and ask myself “If I were the client, would I hire whoever sent that proposal?’’ I only submitted the proposals I had a good feeling about.
You don’t have to start perfect, but continue learning and improving your skills
I continue learning and working hard to improve my writing every day. I have realized you don’t have to be perfect. Nobody is! You have to be willing to put in the hours and concentrate on bettering yourself.
Upwork is a great place to start if you are willing to do what it takes. I am a passive member (please don’t ask why) of the Awesome Transcribers in Kenya Facebook group. I have learned a lot from the group, which has helped me make quick progress.
Keep SHOWING clients what you’re made of
Upwork is awesome because you get to converse with clients directly and show them your work. I have had to do a test article for every client I got, even after they had reviewed my samples. I strived to deliver my best on those tests, and I got the clients.
I have come to understand that your writing, just like any other craft, improves gradually as you continue. Your confidence also gets a boost as you continue getting better. You don’t just convince clients by telling them you’re good. Show them what you’ve got by .
Divine intervention and overcoming fear…
I also believe there has been some divine intervention. I am not a very religious person, but I believe in God. I say a prayer once in a while. There are many in the same situation that I was two months ago. Will Smith once remarked that “On the other side of maximum terror are the best things.”
I was afraid while starting. I remember thinking to myself, “Well, I am paying for this training, and I probably will never be able to write well. Will I not just be wasting the little money I have?” I overcame that fear and everything turned out right.
Try. You never know. You may be the next success story!
As Walter says, people are different and will move at different speeds. However, if you put in the required amount of effort into the craft, you will certainly enjoy some level of success. You need to purpose to get rid of the fear and inspire yourself to start. And of course, you will never know if you are capable of doing something unless you try it.
The first line you get from a trainer advertising their services probably is, “Do you have impeccable grammar and can write with a flair?” I did not believe I had that ability, but I tried anyway. I did not fail, and you probably won’t either. You won’t know if you don’t try.
I am inspired I think I need to overcome my self doubt,I will take a step of Faith
I am encouraged. I am sure I will be trained by Walter. Right now what stands between me and the training is the training fees. I will not quit. However long it takes.
Quite inspirational! Many congratulations to Daniel and Walter.
Personally, I must confess that my biggest hindrance is self-doubt. I’m always afraid of what others would say about my writeup.
This testimonial just reinvigorated my commitment to bettering myself at writing. I’d love to subscribe to Walter’s course. But right now, I need to tighten up some loose ends here. I’ll come onboard immediately I get through this.
So much to learn!
wow ….what an inspiration i believe i’ll be the next testimony giver .
Walter may God lift you from glory to glory..
Thank you Shinina. God bless you too abundantly.
Wow. An amazing inspiration. A great encouragement there. Thanks for sharing. Creating my story soon.
Wow this is so inspiring. I just finished my training with Walter a week ago too and I for sure found the training so informative and engaging. In this field of freelance, it is not just about writing but writing well. But how do you become a good writer? Walter’s training will answer all your questions for those aspiring to become writers. I have just hit the ground with my first client a week after my training and soon am gonna come back with an inspiring testimony like this one here. Things have just started getting better for me and thanks to Walter for his training. That $40 you pay for Walter’s training is nothing compared to what you stand to gain in the training. So be inspired and get started.
Hi Selinah,
Thank you so much.
May more great things come your way!
Thanks Daniel for that testimony. It is so inspirational. And thanks to Mr. Akolo. Am looking forward to joining the training classes soon. I can believe I can do it.
Sure, Francis. You can do it!
An awesome testimonial Daniel, congratulations!! lots of gratitude to Walter too. All of us clear;y see the end game of his relentless input is not just success, but massive success.
Wow am very inspired
Hi Walter,
I recently registered on medium and I have tried publishing there but am not able to…
Kindly advice me on how to go about it
Hi Jane,
See how to do that here https://help.medium.com/hc/en-us/articles/225168768-Write-post
Walter, thank you for being generous with information and mentoring people.Daniel thats unbelievable kudos.
onto you walter in this freelance writing can one major in one area of writing or should be diverse ? for example am in the medical industry can i do purely medical? thank you
Hi Damaris,
Thanks for your comment.
Yes, one can specialize in one niche.
Hi Walter how can one reach for more information about the training?
This is encouraging.
Congratulations to Daniel and Walter be blessed for changing lives of people.
Thanks Sarah. God bless you too.
Wow… Loads of inspiration here. I can relate with your situation… I lost my job right about the same time Daniel lost his. And it has been a constant struggle of trying to earn something to survive. Deep inside i have been nurturing a passion for writing but am in that very skeptical phase, where am constantly questioning myself if i can make it. And after reading this, i feel inspired and rejuvenated to delve fully into it. Much appreciation to Daniel and Walter
You are me like a campus dropout and jobs that don’t take you anywhere. I made a decision in January this year to research on my skills and its been interesting, I find myself every where. It’s the high time we wake up for the available opportunities. You’re an inspiration. God bless your work to still reach out.
That story is quite motivating. One question though; is it possible to incorporate writing with an 8-5 job?
Hi Eric,
Thanks for your kind words.
Yes, it’s possible to do so. I started part-time as well.
This is an awesome piece. Wish join Walters bus soon.
Thanks Henry. Join any time.
Wow,so inspiring and motivating.
Wow!unbelievable.God help me overcome these stumbling blocks.my plug ya laptop isn’t working,am just helplessly watching and reading people’s success stories.
Hi Monicah,
Sorry for that. I hope you manage to fix the laptop soon so that you continue working hard and smart.
I pray that all goes well and that you also have an awesome success story to share, soon.
Wow! I’m inspired.
Congratulations Daniel! You’ve really inspired me. My Upwork account is 4 months old now but have not managed to land on a single job. I have learned a lot from your post and I believe I’ll be next to give a testimony! Once again, congratulations and all the best in your writing career.
I like the motivation. I shifted from academic writing because i felt somehow it was not ethical. I struggled being paid sh. 0.5 per word but I appreciate someone trusted in me. This week I got a direct client and earned over $250 a week. We can make it with determination, faith and prayer.
It is well with my soul. Good stuff
wow!!! .Great motivation
Thank you very much for sharing
I know I’m learning from the testimonies, slowly but eventually I have a writers passion. To Walter, keep up the good work and may God bless you. To Daniel, your testimony is so amazing, the fact that you joined this February, gives me more hope. May the almighty open more ways for you.
This is truly awesome. Walter is such an amazing guy. There are so many testimonies of people who have tremendously changed their lives through writing. Kudos Walter and congratulations to Daniel.
Oh what an awesome piece of inspirational stuff! Daniel you’ve just given most of us a very good reason to forge on despite the many challenges. Please continue encouraging us. Actually, the fear of failure is what is ailing most of us and also the good feeling that comes with relaxing after relaxing! As for you Walter Akolo, I can only say God bless you beyond measure. You are the best mentor this side of the globe.
Wow! What a great motivation. It’s all that I needed to put my best foot forward and take the damn leap of faith. I’ve always known that I can be a good writer but the fear of unknown makes me develop cold feet. I keep asking myself; does this job really pay? Will I be able to take care of my financial obligations? Well, now I know better thanks to Daniel and Walter. Walter, I’m soon knocking on your gates. I just need to put my house in order. Thanks.
True, Wangari. Great things come to those who are courageous, hardworking and persistent. You’re welcome to the course any time.
I am inspired. I have to work on overcoming my deepest fears.
God Bless
This is very encouraging Daniel. I started off with the writers course in early Feb, just slightly ahead of you. Here I am, the third month is gone and Walter can attest to the fact that am still whining and brooding over lack of writing jobs! As from 1st of may, I have committed to convert my day job into a side hustle. And for the prospecting writers, Walter’s course is worth US$60….though he’s charging a fraction of it. Take advantage and take action.
This is very encouraging. I’ve been researching a lot about writing but I’ve never really decided what it is I want to write about. This gives me an idea on where to start,
Keep up the good work and I wish you success in your new quest!
That great. I pray that you go far, and I can see that you will go very far. Why? Because just like your mentor, Walter you are not selfish. Continue inspiring and God will continue lifting you.
I am also not sleeping, maybe soon enough, God willing, I will be out with a success story.
Such an inspiration.I have one problem though, where to post my sample articles to refer clients to. Someone please help.
Hi Diana,
As Daniel shared, you can post your samples on Medium or LinkedIn Pulse.
In future, you can have your own blog and also guest post on other authority blogs/publications.
Welcome to the club bro.
Yes. We wake up every morning and tell ourselves we are the best. But unless we try things out, we will only be good at telling ourselves that we are the best!
You are in good company.
Kind regards
Johnson
This is very good but true, infarct it is all I needed. Feeling down.. I have a hope. Thanks Daniel and Walter.
Thank you Daniel, haujui what you have done to my lazy me to get up and do something. Be blessed.
congratulations Daniel, that’s really inspirational.
Thank you for this inspiring update. I am yet to overcome my fears. It’s like only graduates marvel well in writing skills. What about under graduates? Or rather those who did their form four and trained as front office assistant or secretaries?
I guess the English you learnt in high school can still help. Most graduates don’t necessarily learn additional English grammar on campus unless you are doing Education (English) or English literature.
Start with the English you know and build on it with time and dedication.
Am really encouraged Daniel may God helps us to overcome the fear of unknown
This is a real motivator. Kudos Daniel.
I am truly encouraged. Congratulation Daniel and Walter for Sharing such inspiration stories. This journey of writing is one i am looking forward to succeeding.
Wonderful! All the best. We can do this!
wow,i feel so encouraged by this.
Such tangible success within such a short period of time. So encouraging.
Great work Daniel. Am encouraged and soon after the free plan with Walter I definitely enroll for training
Congratulations Daniel…You have encouraged a soul somewhere.
Every time I read success stories, I feel motivated to start. I write stories as a journalist and would like to venture in freelance for better pay. I would not know where to start pitching for clients to write for or who to send proposals to. Someone please help.
Hi Anne,
You can get helpful tips here https://freelancerkenya.com/money-online/how-to-make-money-online-in-kenya-as-a-freelance-writer/
An encouragement there from Daniel. I really need to start off. how much do I need?
Leah, you can read this other guide on how to get started https://freelancerkenya.com/money-online/how-to-make-money-online-in-kenya-as-a-freelance-writer/
In case you want the paid course, here are the course details and price https://freelancerkenya.com/money-online/how-to-make-money-online-in-kenya-as-a-freelance-writer/
This is so encouraging. Congrats Daniel. A great motivation.
Wow! Great piece Daniel.
As I read this, tears rolled down my cheeks. I’m not sad that Daniel has made it. I’m sad because Daniel is exactly 2 months into writing just like myself. He has made $600 while I have only made roughly $80 in two months. To me, this is downright frustrating.
All the same, congratulations to Daniel! You’re making me put more effort to my work. Above all, I must make sure I look for the $30 to join Walter Akolo. Whether it will mean I don’t eat anything for a week, I will. My main aim this week is to join Walter Akolo.
Be grateful and inspired. At least you have made something. You are getting somewhere. Don’t look back.
Thanks very much Grace. I’m humbled.
I’ll be happy to have you on board, Denzil. And yes, be happy that you’ve already earned that $80. That shows you that with an extra push, you can really go far!
Thanks for the warm welcome. I shared this post and many are asking for where to start. Please could you resend your free training link.
Thanks for sharing.
Here’s the link to my free mini-course for writers http://FreelancerKenya.com/pack
I feel motivated. Fear of the unknown is something I keep fighting everyday.
Wow! Great to hear this! Thanks, Daniel for aspiring to inspire this generation. I’m also one of the recently hatched eggs from Walter’s brooder. Your motivation is directed to inspire my daily Latin Motto, “Spero meliora” translated as “I hope for better things”. Keep it burning lol and never let go!
Wow am feeling like gotten pushed!! am coming Walter Akolo soon, soon!! Thank you Daniel for this piece of motivation this morning here in Tanzania.
Nice! I’m feeling so encouraged to do more.
Thank you.
Awesome! Nothing is impossible with God. Every time I read articles like this one I get more encouraged.
Wow a good one, You have really inspired me.
Great,i believe I am getting there too.
I just want to cry,thinking out loud to myself,how terrified I am of taking that crucial action….. This motivation is all I needed to start my day.
Thank you for the encouragement. Keep the fire burning
I feel motivated .looking forward for training with Walter
Looking forward to training you, Miriam.
Incredible, keep on soaring Daniel!
Amazing!! You are blessed Daniel. Keep soaring.
Wow!! Congratulations on your success. I believe am next in line.
This is the best motivation I needed this morning. I am a beginner and I know with hard work and dedication I can make. May God see you through this journey.stay blessed Daniel.
Wow! How wonderful. Great testimony. This is all the motivation I needed. Let’s do this!!!
aaaaaah, this one is a good motivation.
Keep it up for the success.