I’m sitting on my desk, listening to an audio file as I type it out. The psychologist is talking about the importance of praising your children. He’s talking about personal praise versus effort based praise.
I’m really enjoying this. I got myself a few tips I can practice on my five year old.
Within five hours I’m through. I go over my work, proofread it, and send it out to my client. He loves the work and sends me a message.
“Love the transcript. The audio was difficult but you managed to get every word in. Thanks!”
When my client is happy, I’m happy. Three hours later I check my email.
“Escrow funds released”
I’m 40 dollars richer.
Yippee!
I can’t wait for the next audio file from this client.
So, what is that all about? Transcription!
I must say I enjoy it thoroughly! I get to be my own boss, learn a lot of things and I don’t have anyone looking over my shoulder. If I fail, if I succeed, it’s solely by own efforts.
Transcription is a big word that simply means the conversion of audio to text or written form. You simply listen to an audio or video recording and then type it out as a written transcript.
So, what do you need to start earning money online in Kenya as a transcriptionist?
Relevant Skills for Transcription
Typing skills
You need a fast typing speed.
Excellent spelling and punctuation are important too. It takes me about five hours to transcribe a good quality one hour audio so you can see why you need to be fast.
You definitely need to be accurate. I have noticed that for some clients, speed isn’t an issue as much as accuracy. Why send a client work right on time with 50% errors? It will set you back when it comes to feedback.
Research skills
In addition to being fast and accurate, you need excellent research skills.
It’s often necessary to search for unfamiliar or technical names, towns, etc. Google becomes your best friend and helps you produce very good quality work.
Listening Skills
An enhanced ability to hear is very important. You will come across different accents and some audios will not be of such good quality. Therefore you need the uncanny ability to hear words and phrases which not everyone can hear. This will build your reputation as it is a necessary skill as a transcriptionist.
Comprehension Skills
Last but not least, you need comprehension skills.
Transcription is not about typing blindly. You need to able to put two and two together so that even if you miss a word you can be able to figure it out based on the overall content of what the speaker is saying. Put on your thinking cap dear!
Transcription Tools
Apart from the usual, a good computer and internet connection, you will also need good quality headphones. This will go a long way in enabling you to get every word in.
Also, you will require Express Scribe which is free software that you can download and use. It’s a great tool that allows you to play, forward and rewind without using the mouse.
You will only use keyboard keys and type away. A foot pedal is sometimes required but I have found that it makes little difference to me since I use Express Scribe. Therefore, it really isn’t strictly necessary.
How Much Does Transcription Pay and which are the best transcription sites?
I really love Upwork when it comes to transcription jobs as I have discovered the clients pay very well. You can also sign up to other transcription websites. Another expert method is pitching directly to podcasting companies. This can give you great direct clients who pay very well.
A one hour audio will pay you anything from $25 dollars to $100+. Once the jobs start coming in, the money is good.
An audio a day keeps poverty away
My suggestion: The more difficult the audio file, the higher the price you charge. The client may also need you to do the transcript relatively fast which is more expensive than when they give you more time, say, 24+ hours to deliver.
Sites like Upwork have different payment methods such as PayPal, M-Pesa and Payoneer. If you work directly with clients, you can also consider Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Paxful.
Like any other home business, it will take time to build up your income. However, for the short time I have been doing transcription, I do not consider my earnings to be insignificant at all.
I may not have become wealthy yet but the money I have earned over that short period of time is actually a very vital part of my household budget and lifestyle.
So, what’s the call to action? Get those headphones, begin applying and start earning your money online right now!
About the Author
Sheeroh Kiarie is a work-at-home mum who’s passionate about online entrepreneurship and women empowerment. She loves the fact that she can work from home, around her children, and also be able to teach others how they can make money online.
Woooi this is a good piece, very helpful more especially me as a starter.
Hello Walter,
Thank you very much for the information. Do you also offer article writing, copywriting classes? If so how do I start learning?
Hi Victor,
Mine is on article writing. Click here for details https://freelancerkenya.com/training
Excellent post. Very much helpful information. Is experience a factor in this?Thanks for sharing.
Thanks a lot. Sure, experience matters. But we all start from somewhere with zero experience.
Hi Walter, I have just finished taking transcription training with Nelly. My question is do you know anyone with work overflow that I can work under as I perfect my transcription skills. Thus is a skill I would love to add to my freelancing skill portfolio.
Thank you once again
Hi Pauline,
Glad you’ve finished the course! I hope you enjoyed it. I don’t personally know anyone hiring right now. There are definitely lots of clients you can get on sites like Upwork. You can even cold-pitch podcasting companies and see if you can strike a deal with some. You can also try the different transcription sites mentioned in the course, the above post, and this one https://freelancerkenya.com/money-online/legitimate-freelancing-websites/
All the very best!
Hi Walter please send me your contact details. I need a good transcriptor. Please email me
Hi Deepa,
Email sent.
Hi Pauline can you please link me up with Nelly..I am looking for someone who can train me on transcript writing
Hi Catherine,
You can check out Nelly’s training details here https://freelancerkenya.com/transcription-training/
Hi Sheeroh and Walter, I was introduced to online writing by my cousin in 2014. I wrote for their academic freelancer account but stopped, as the jobs were at times tricky to get. Fast forward to 2017, I read one of your articles Walter, this May, went to upwork registered a profile of what I’m good at but they told me my field has many people in it. I tried I writer and it was good, got good ratings on my first 2 articles and got paid. Then all hell broke loose, and my articles started getting rejected and iwriter gave me a warning that my account was about to be closed for a poor rating (2articles rated me poorly). I know I’m a good writer, who just needs enough practice. Since then i have been so discouraged, I dont know where to pick up again, I have read the topics on transcription, but my typing speed is still a baby 30. Help a sister out, how do I start with my limited skills in transcription and still make a buck?
Hi Dee,
Thanks for your comment.
So sorry for what you’re going through.
First, you may need to figure out your weak points. What were causing all those rejections? Is it your grammar? Sentence structure? Fluff? Etc.
Once you do that, work on improving the area you’ve identified. Nowadays there are plenty of free and paid online resources.
After that you can start again with the right footing.
Also I know this sounds strange but prayer has also done it for me. Always keep God first.
For writing tips you can follow my guide here https://freelancerkenya.com/money-online/how-to-make-money-online-in-kenya-as-a-freelance-writer/
Hey Sheerow i would like to ask if all the transcription sites pay via PayPal or there are those that pay via Mpesa especially for people who dont have bank accounts yet but would love to venture into transcription
Hi Grace. Currently only Upwork has MPESA. The rest you get paid via PayPal, Payoneer, bank transfer or Skrill.
hey Walter, the transcription jobs seems very interesting. i have never done this before but i am so willing to learn. can you help me?
Hi Pauline,
Awesome. You can try implement the tips you learnt on the above post.
Hey Walter,
Insight here. Found this post great and useful as I ventured into transcription. Its my first month and I have earned 2k on gotranscript. I love the ease of transcription since creativity or analytical skills are not required its really very quite mechanical. One just needs to listen carefully and typeout everything. Found it easier working with full verbatim. The editors dont punish as much for full verbatim as compared to clean verbatim.
Hi Insight. Congrats on earning your first income on GoTranscript. Interesting that you love full verbatim, most people love smart verbatim. Keep going. All the best.
Hi, Sheeroh, I saw on an earlier post that you are familiar with Voxtab. What is their pay per minute. I just did their test files and waiting for feedback
Great insights on the different online platforms. Thanks Walter and the rest of the team. Great. However, quick question, what can you tell me about Transcription Hub? Is it one of the legit transcription websites?
Thanks MC. Yes, that’s a legit transcription site.
Hello, please forward a couple of contacts I could get I touch with for transcribing about 8-10 hours of audio hearing sessions (not-for-profit organization work). I would be working closely with the consultant (as the audio involves about 4-5 individuals) in hope of having this ready by the 20th of Nov.
Thanks, Al
Hi Alkarim
Kindly get in touch with me via email so that I can help you with this. You’ll get awesome work done in good time.
Thanks
Any idea here I can buy a foot pedal for my transcription work?
Sorry Morris I have no idea.
Please give me the legitimate transcription jobs coz I have been checking but to no avail
Thanks
Try speechpad.com, castingwords.com and transcribeme.com
i do transcription for Police Service Commission police service commission and looking for part time job. the first time to do the job was pathetic but now am enjoying it.
Good to hear that Purity. You can try joining different transcription sites such as http://www.speechpad.com, http://www.transcribeme.com and http://www.castingwords.com. Thanks.
Thanks so much Sheeroh & Walter! Great article above and so easy to comprehend. Never read such a comprehensible guide on transcription before. Simple and very informative. I have also read all the comments and replies on this page and it’s quite insightful!
Asanteni sana for kindness shown in sharing a lot of valuable info we did not know. I have been transcribing for some years now and i can still say, i have learnt a lot.
Thanks guys, will be keeping in touch!
Njoki.
Njoki hi. Wow!!! Thanks a lot for the kindest of words. Indeed Sheeroh did a marvellous job. Stay blessed.
Hi, my email is muen206@yahoo.com i would like to be a transcriber, please someone help me out on the process or requirements. I am very new in this thing
Hi Mueni
You can email Sheeroh, the writer of the post, through her contact page at her site http://workonlinekenya.com.
All the best.
Hi Walter, I love your articles, especially transcribing my passion,thank you for that vital information and online information as a whole.thanx again.
Hi Trizah. Thanks for your lovely words. I am glad you love my articles. This one was written by Sheeroh who is an excellent transcriber and trainer. She did a great job as always. Thanks.
when creating my profile on elance,is it a must i do the profile verification and upload my photo?
Hi JJ
Yes, it is important to do that.
hi walter.
great work you are doing here. av read a few of your articles. what are milestones? wil appreciate. thanks man.
Thanks for your kind words.
Milestones are payments that the client releases to the site and it’s held on your behalf. The client cannot cancel the payment. On the other hand, the freelancer cannot access it. Once client is happy with work done he can release to the freelancer. If he is not satisfied, he can ask the freelancer to cancel. If there is a dispute, the site moderates and sends the cash to the worthy party.
Thanks
want to join transcription please assist
Hi Festus,
Kindly follow the tips above then let me know where you get stuck so that I can help you better.
Also get lots of transcription job alerts from https://freelancerkenya.com/go/jobs
Thanks
Wooow this is lovely Walter and Sheeroh God bless you guyz,,,am really interested in transcription stuff and how to go about it please help.
thanks for the advice, I have always wanted to be a transcribe.
You are welcome George. Kindly join my free job alerts mailing list for updates on transcription jobs https://freelancerkenya.com/go/jobs
I have done some transcription for some companies around CBD and want to start doing it myself how can you help.. kevin.wambua@gmail.com
Hi Kevin. I hope you have read the above article. Sheeroh should also be able to help you out via email. Stay blessed.
hae guys i have a compute and 24/7 internet plz hlp me start transcribing.iimkaisi@gmail.com
Hi Emmanuel,
Click here out Sheeroh’s training on transcription
I truly loved reading every bit of this article and so great to hear about Kenyans making a living from working online. Go technology.
I have one query that I’d appreciate if you could answer me… What services are the “best” (cheaper/safer/trusted) to use for withdrawing your hard earned monies from Paypal to your Kenyan bank account?
Hi Ray,
Yes, Sheeroh did a great job on the article.
Here is an article that will explain to you all about withdrawing from PayPal – https://freelancerkenya.com/going-about-paypal/how-to-withdraw-money-from-paypal-in-kenya/
All those services are trusted and affordable.
Thanks
I came across your site while searching on Google for “Voxtab legitimate”. I read a conversation with George asking if Voxtab was legit. Following the link I came to this site. I cant seem to find that post dated June 27, 2013. However I just signed up for Voxtab and they sent me their NDA. They also sent me two links from edisense for filling forms (Bank details and work related specification i.e hours etc). If you would be kind enough to relay the information on Voxtab again I would be grateful. I wouldn’t want to give my bank details where I am not too sure of what is on the ground. Thanks in advance.
Hi Edward K,
I believe what you saw here were the comments and not words from this post itself. In one of the comments below, the writer of the article, Sheeroh, says that Voxtab is indeed legit and she is one of their associates.
She’s a great lady so you can trust her word. Go ahead and share your info.
Cheers 🙂
That was fast. Thanks mate.
You’re most welcome Edward.
Hi Sheeroh/Walter, how can I reduce background noise when listening to a transcribed audio? Is there a software that can help or do you use your computer sound properties to do this.
Hi Carol,
If you’re using Express Scribe, go to File – Special Audio Processes – Background Noise Reduction. That should definitely help. All the best dear!
Thanks for the tip Sheeroh. I now use that feature to clean up audio. I can also recommend FTR which produces amazingly clear audio if you cannot get clear audio on ES.
Now, I’m looking for headphones with a mic and notice you have a pair sitting your table. A few querries –
Are those the ones you use?
Are they good quality?
How much do they cost (Im looking for cheap good quality)
Where can I get them?
Do they cancel out noise?
Do you have an extra pair?
Anyone in this forum who can assist, I’ll really appreciate.
Thanks.
Hi Walter, where can I get a free download of scribe. The one I downloaded recently keeps prompting to purchase the software. I had an earlier one that didn’t bother me like this but had my computer upgraded and everything disappeared.
Hi Carol,
I’ve not transcribed using Express Scribe for a couple of years now. I believe you can search for previous free versions through popular software-download sites such as CNET or Softpedia. Just go to the sites and look for Express Scribe free version and I believe you may get one of the older version that wasn’t sales oriented.
In fact, in over 2 years the only thing I’ve transcribed is a video on Fiverr. Click here to check that out.
Otherwise, I hope you get the version that will not bother you.
Let us know how it goes.
Thanks
Hi Walter,
I downloaded from softpedia. It still gives me an annoying notification which I can now bypass and proceed to the transcription. From the research I have done, the later versions of express scribe will always prompt you to purchase the application. I have also come to learn that the older version does not work with windows 8.
Thanks for your help.
I have never thought of attempting transcription jobs. Thanks a lot Walter for sharing this information.
Hi Jane,
You can attempt transcription, it may be your big break!
All the credits for this article go to Sheeroh.
Regards,
Walter
I love this article. I also won 159 dollars from participating in an article writing competition and withdrew the money via payoneer. This is my first time earning money online. What I can say is that making money online will take time but once you make your first income, it starts getting simpler.
Hey Champ,
Congratulations my friend for that huge accomplishment. I was following up on that international competition and was glad to see you win. I believe you’ll go far. Thanks for sharing this information.
Cheers 🙂
Most welcome Agnes and Venture!
Great article, more so that within 5 hours of reading it, I applied for transcription jobs on Odesk and already got a gig, the pay isn’t in your region but you must start somewhere. I shall shoot an email to you sheerooh on a few things I am encountering but I am enjoying the work so far. Walter, you constantly amaze, if we had more of you particularly in parliament, Kenya would be far, Keep up the good work..
Thanks Sheeroh for the article. I have never tried transcription, but will give it a try. Thanks Walter for the guest post. Baraka!
You’re welcome Agnes.
If I sign up for Scribie how long will it take for me to start making the first dollar. I realise that the site that pays peanuts is the best for training.
Hi Dennis,
You’ll get your first dollar almost immediately. Yes, you can just use it for training purposes.
Hi Walter, how do we join scribie? sorry for sounding to much of an amateur. 🙂
Hi Carolkay,
Don’t worry, some of us started worse.
Kindly click on the link below to apply to join Scribie.
https://scribie.com/freelance-transcription#intro
All the best.
Thanks soo much Walter, i have one more question though, how do i verify my paypal account? Apparently, its a requirement for Scribie.. 🙁
Hi Carol,
To verify PayPal you’ll need to use a local ATM card. Simply check the back of yours, call your bank and ask whether it is enabled for online transactions.
Once it is enabled, go to PayPal and click link and verify card then follow the prompts.
Feel free to ask more questions.
I didn’t know the Visa card has to be verified for online transactions. Thanks for the heads-up Walter. Could it be the reason it’s taken over a month now to receive my code in the mail? Is there a way I can acquire the code from the bank?
Hi George,
There are visa cards e.g. Coop that have to be manually enabled. New Equity cards come enabled by default, that’s why some people have to call their banks first to find out.
Otherwise, yes, you can go to the bank and get a statement then you’ll get the code here.
There are other banks where you can simply get the code on a mini statement from the ATMs.
Which bank do you use?
Thanks
I use Equity. Is it possible to get a mini statement from their ATM? If so, I am so headed there right now.
Hi George,
Equity do not give the full code on the ATM statement, it will lack one character. Sorry.
You’ll have to go to any branch on Monday and request for a statement. You’ll see the code clearly on the statement.
Ok. I’ll do that 1st thing Monday. Thanks for the info Walter. Keep up the good work!
You’re welcome George. Please don’t forget to let me know how it goes.
Hey Walter.
Found the code in the statement, applied for Scribie and got accepted. Too bad there’s a waiting list though and I have to wait approx 222 days to receive the test. Asante sana.
Hi George,
I’m glad you got the code and all is well now.
He he he…their system says that but you’ll just wait for a few days if any.
You’re welcome and all the best 🙂
Thanks Liz, Sam and Lilian. All the best.
In the article you mentioned charging for extra work load “…the more difficult the audio file, the higher the price you charge..” are’nt the fees agreed before the work is done? if so, how do you know to charge extra, do you 1st litsen to audio? how does that happen, and is that all on elance.com?
Appreciate a response.
Hi aj,
Let me use Elance as an example. Some clients clearly state on the job post that the audio is difficult. When this is the case, you will charge higher than usual. When the job post is just, for example “Transcriptionist needed” with no details of the quality of the audio, should you realize the audio quality is difficult once the client has sent you the file, Elance allows you to change the terms of your agreement. You will only need to tell the client politely that for difficult audios, you charge higher. Hope that helps.
Cant thank you enough Walter, and Sheeroh too. Lets pray many more get into the brotherly/sisterly spirit of lifting one another out of the doldrums..
cheers all
Thanks a lot AJ.
I have to admit that this is the first time am hearing about transcriptions!! and the weird thing is that i have been writing articles for almost two years… Am sure if i put my mind to it id be great at it, i just have to find somewhere to start 🙁 ….. My writing career has been in sort of stump coz i have limited myself to work as middle man(woman) for so damn long… 🙁 am kinda addicted to Mpesa money! 🙂 Thanks everyone, coz you are all really opening my eyes 🙂 🙂
I did transcriptions for a while. Apart from oDesk and Elance, you can also try scribbie. Most of their transcriptions pay $10 and you will never lack work
Hello, I need help. I am a newbie, I want to try scribie, but my PayPal has been banned, what do I do?
Thanks Sheeroh.This is quite insightful and i will definitely give it a try.Thanks Walter for giving her the platform.I love freelancerkenya and the spirit of helping each other explore opportunities in freelancing
You’re welcome Elizabeth. It’s always a pleasure to help out freelancers.
Awesome article Sheeroh! This is an inspiration to new freelancers.
Wow, very insightful.You are an answered prayer. Will write to you asap.Transcription is a great option.
Hey shiroh great peace and very insightful info…. is it possible to get your email address for more info? mine is carolkay02@gmail.com… Will be more than happy if you give me the chance to pick your brain…
Again thanks for the info!
Thanks Carol! Its sheekiarie@yahoo.com
Thanks dear, be on the look out for an email from me 🙂
Sheeroh
Another opportunity is here.I just wish I came online longtime ago and also wish I was in the same level as you. Where was I? The only thing you need to help me with this opportunity is accents. I really find it impossible to listen to any abroad accent but no problem with local. Anyway thanks for the ignition once again. All posts here are excellent opportunities and if something is not here yet it has not happened “donge”!. Thanks all parties.
So right Dennis. We so thank Walter for this blog. Its very informative and I personally have gained much. I have realized the more exposed I am to accents the better I get at it. Australian accents used to be a challenge for me before but I am now very comfortable with them. Give it time. It will definitely get better!
Hi Sheeroh,I would like to learn about transcription.How do I get in touch with you please.My email hellenndunyu@gmail.com
No worries Dennis, dont be a prisoner of your past you still have time to catch up. Focus on what you want and build towards that. for the accent part,
I would advise you watch movies and strive to appreciate what they say. If you can pick those that have subtitles (english writing as movie plays) and check text against what you think you hear. Your ear shall become better tunned to the accents. good luck.
bizcounsell.blogspot.com
Glad you enjoyed the article and thank you for the kind comments! I totally enjoy transcription. I agree sometimes the workload can be quite heavy and its very tempting to accept each and every job that comes in. Sometimes you need to give yourself a short break. For those looking to venture into it, all the best! Its great!
Loved it. You did say ‘can be able to’ though…..hehehe…… Excellent article and so much to learn! Bless you!
Hey lady, you’re right on! I’ve done transcription work and yes, it’s quite strenuous work, but indeed does reward handsomely, especially if you utilize the skills mentioned above! You’ve done it again Walter!
Nice article Sheeroh. I used to do transcription some time back but the strain became too much.. plus I was doing it for a Kenyan freelancer so the pay never matched the efforts I put in. I have a few questions as I try and do it on my own this time. Have you ever managed to acquire a client on Fiverr? Is Voxtab legit? How about Scribie? Walter, you da man..
Thanks George.
Sorry for the strain. The point that comes out here is that it is always better to hustle for yourself instead of working for a middleman. I have personally transcribed on Fiverr and Scribie. Scribie is for beginners, paying peanuts. Fiverr is great. I also worked for Kenyan freelancers for a long time in town and Mombasa Road back in the days.
Otherwise, Sheeroh nailed it here I must agree.
Cheers 🙂
Thanks George! I’m not very active on Fiverr but I can assure you that yes, Voxtab is indeed legit. I’m on of their associates too.
Wow, this is nice! I may just start on this myself. Good work Sheeroh and Walter, these stories are really encouraging. Thanks man!
Karibu sana Eve. My goal is to see as many as possible earn money online.
Transcription is a great option and Sheeroh did a masterpiece here 🙂
Thanks Eve for the comment.
Great piece! Very helpful.