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Transcription: A Great Way To Earn Money Online!

Last Updated on By 109 Comments

Transcription

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.

Comments

  1. Victor says

    Hello Walter,
    Thank you very much for the information. Do you also offer article writing, copywriting classes? If so how do I start learning?

    Reply

  2. Jayaraj Chanku says

    Excellent post. Very much helpful information. Is experience a factor in this?Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  3. Pauline says

    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

    Reply

  4. Dee says

    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?

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      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/

      Reply

  5. Grace says

    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

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      Hi Grace. Currently only Upwork has MPESA. The rest you get paid via PayPal, Payoneer, bank transfer or Skrill.

      Reply

  6. pauline says

    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?

    Reply

  7. Insight says

    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.

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      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.

      Reply

  8. janet holi says

    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

    Reply

  9. M.c says

    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?

    Reply

  10. Alkarim Versi says

    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

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      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

      Reply

  13. purity nyaga says

    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.

    Reply

  14. Njoki says

    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.

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      Njoki hi. Wow!!! Thanks a lot for the kindest of words. Indeed Sheeroh did a marvellous job. Stay blessed.

      Reply

  16. Trizah Addah Nabuyia says

    Hi Walter, I love your articles, especially transcribing my passion,thank you for that vital information and online information as a whole.thanx again.

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      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.

      Reply

  18. david m. says

    hi walter.
    great work you are doing here. av read a few of your articles. what are milestones? wil appreciate. thanks man.

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      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

      Reply

  20. Terry says

    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.

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      Hi Kevin. I hope you have read the above article. Sheeroh should also be able to help you out via email. Stay blessed.

      Reply

  24. Ray says

    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?

    Reply

  25. Edward K says

    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.

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      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 🙂

      Reply

  26. Carol says

    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.

    Reply

    • Sheeroh says

      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!

      Reply

      • Carol says

        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.

        Reply

  27. Carol says

    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.

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      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

      Reply

    • Carol says

      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.

      Reply

  28. Jane says

    I have never thought of attempting transcription jobs. Thanks a lot Walter for sharing this information.

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      Hi Jane,

      You can attempt transcription, it may be your big break!

      All the credits for this article go to Sheeroh.

      Regards,
      Walter

      Reply

  29. Wilfred Imbukwa says

    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.

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      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 🙂

      Reply

  31. venturecapitalistkenya says

    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..

    Reply

  32. agnes mugo says

    Thanks Sheeroh for the article. I have never tried transcription, but will give it a try. Thanks Walter for the guest post. Baraka!

    Reply

  33. Dennis says

    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.

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      Hi Dennis,

      You’ll get your first dollar almost immediately. Yes, you can just use it for training purposes.

      Reply

          • Carolkay says

            Thanks soo much Walter, i have one more question though, how do i verify my paypal account? Apparently, its a requirement for Scribie.. 🙁

          • Walter Akolo says

            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.

          • George says

            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?

          • Walter Akolo says

            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

          • George says

            I use Equity. Is it possible to get a mini statement from their ATM? If so, I am so headed there right now.

          • Walter Akolo says

            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.

          • George says

            Ok. I’ll do that 1st thing Monday. Thanks for the info Walter. Keep up the good work!

          • George says

            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.

          • Walter Akolo says

            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 🙂

  35. aj says

    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.

    Reply

    • Sheeroh says

      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.

      Reply

  36. aj says

    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

    Reply

  37. Carolkay says

    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 🙂 🙂

    Reply

  38. writerfelixa says

    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

    Reply

  39. Elizabeth mumbi says

    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

    Reply

  41. Lilian says

    Wow, very insightful.You are an answered prayer. Will write to you asap.Transcription is a great option.

    Reply

  42. Carolkay says

    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!

    Reply

  43. Dennis says

    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.

    Reply

    • Sheeroh says

      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!

      Reply

    • aj says

      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

      Reply

  44. Sheeroh says

    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!

    Reply

  45. Anne Nyawira says

    Loved it. You did say ‘can be able to’ though…..hehehe…… Excellent article and so much to learn! Bless you!

    Reply

  46. reuben says

    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!

    Reply

  47. George says

    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..

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      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 🙂

      Reply

    • Sheeroh says

      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.

      Reply

  48. Eva says

    Wow, this is nice! I may just start on this myself. Good work Sheeroh and Walter, these stories are really encouraging. Thanks man!

    Reply

    • Walter Akolo says

      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.

      Reply

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