Believe it or not, I ventured into writing in May 2021. And no, I had never written for clients before. So, the tips I am giving you are from newbie to newbie.
It can be a struggle to succeed as a beginner if you don’t take the proper steps.
So, I’ll tell you a little about myself. I was doing transcription until April, when the account I was using was closed. After that, I tried academic writing, but it wasn’t my thing (although it introduced me to the writing world where I came across Walter Akolo).
I joined FreelancerKenya’s article writing training on 28th April 2021 and started writing in May. As I write this article in June, I’ve completed six jobs on Upwork (working on my seventh and eighth), done two jobs for a direct client, and have been onboarded into CopySmiths’ main team.
I know you think that’s a lot to accomplish in just a month. But it’s possible.
So, how did I achieve such a feat in that space of time?
Well, stick with me, and I’ll take you through my one-month writing journey.
1. I invested in good training
The first step I took before applying for jobs on Upwork was to invest in good training. Yes, I had done some academic writing in April, but the form of writing I was getting into was utterly different.
So, I joined Walter Akolo’s training at only KSh. 4000 ($40). The price changes so you can always check the current price here. The training was the best chance I had to succeed faster.
You can still succeed without training, but it will take longer.
So how did the training help me?
2. I learned the ropes of the writing world
I was green in this field, to be frank. I had an Upwork account since 2020 but never clinched a single client. I was an expert transcriber, but I didn’t know how to craft good pitches to persuade clients to hire me. So, with all my expertise, I couldn’t get a client on Upwork.
But all that changed after training. Although I stopped doing transcription and started writing, I now knew how to craft pitches to persuade clients to hire me.
I completed my Upwork profile, and my trainer analyzed it; then, I sent my first pitch on 2nd May and got my first job on 8th May.
But that’s not all…
3. I learned how to create a website and publish my articles to attract clients
For a long time, I always thought having a website was an impossible thing.
Why?
I thought I would need to hire a designer to create a website for me, which would cost me over KSh.100k ($1,000). So, I knew that was beyond me.
But the training debunked all these false beliefs. I learned I only needed around KSh.1000 ($10) to start my website.
I know you’re asking, “1000? Really?”
Let me break it down for you.
I got my domain name from Namecheap at $9.06.
I then used a coupon code from FreelancerKenya to get web hosting from HostGator for $0.01 for the first month and created my website using WordPress. So, adding up the two figures, we get $9.07 (that’s less than 1000 bob KES).
Here’s a step-by-step guide that shows you how to do this.
While designing my website, I published an article I wrote in training on LinkedIn. So, I used this article as a sample when I applied for my first Upwork job.
After the website was ready, I published the article on the website. Later, I also published faith-based articles because I love writing Christian topics.
I used these published articles when I applied for jobs in Upwork.
Creating a website was a game-changer because it gave me a professional outlook.
So, after training, what next?
4. I applied for jobs that matched my favorite niche
My first job involved paraphrasing. The client needed me to paraphrase some work for him, and he paid me $5.
I delivered pure gold, as Walter always says. I worked so hard that I slept at 2:00 am to ensure the job was top-notch quality (for only $5, hehe). I knew I wasn’t working for $5, but a 5-star review and valuable feedback.
Once I achieved this, I filtered my search to get clients that needed Christian articles written (since it was my favorite niche).
I got my second client who paid me $90 to write three articles for him (he became a repeat client).
Applying for jobs in my favorite niche boosted my chances as a newbie because the client loved my samples when he read them. Also, my samples were relevant to what he needed.
But wait, there’s more.
5. I completed the Upwork Readiness Test
Many newbies rush for jobs in Upwork without considering this factor. However, to get a Rising Talent badge, you must complete the Upwork Readiness Test.
Not only did I get the Rising Talent badge, but Upwork awarded me 30 free connects.
With more connects, I could reach out to more clients. So, I started venturing outside my niche gradually, and that’s how I got my third client.
He was paying me $10 per 1000 words. But hey, it was not about the money yet, but adding value.
And finally…
6. I looked for other opportunities outside Upwork
In one of Walter’s free emails, he wrote that CopySmiths were hiring. So, I took the opportunity and applied.
A few days later, I received an email from them. They loved how I organized my website and hired me. In addition, they were impressed that I started writing a month ago and had already set up my website (by this time, we were in June 2021).
So, they onboarded me into their trial team, where I joined their SEO Copywriting Course. My writing took a turn because I learned so much in this course. Later, I passed their trial test and joined their main team.
With the knowledge I was getting, I tweaked my Upwork profile and started applying for other jobs because I was confident I could deliver high-quality work.
That’s how I clinched my fourth client, who needed me to optimize his content using Surfer SEO (which I learned in the Copywriting Course).
So, in a nutshell…
Tips I have learned so far
I will mention some tips I have learned to get this far as a beginner.
- Don’t be driven by the money factor; add value first through learning.
- Invest in good training. I will repeat this 1,000 times. Invest in good training.
- Be self-driven. Improve your writing every day and learn from specific sources.
- Learn how to create your website using the steps you’ll receive in training. (It took me two days to understand how to set up my website, but the struggle was worth it).
- Once you set up your website, send pitches to direct clients (my website helped me get a direct client who paid me $110 for a simple task).
- Send as many proposals as you can. (I have sent over 30 proposals to clients, and I have worked with only four. So don’t give up).
And now over to you
As a newbie, it can be hard to get clients on Upwork. But with hard work, determination, passion, and perseverance, it is possible. I am living proof.
You need to invest in good training. The primary purpose of training is to open your eyes to the opportunities available and show you how to clinch them.
Also, never give up if you’re sending proposals and getting no response. Instead, add value to yourself, and soon, the clients will start noticing you.
Do you want to write better articles and get valuable clients? Check out Walter Akolo’s Complete Article Writing course.
An encouraging piece it’s. It is my turn to take action.
Congrats Billy. I was offboarded from Copysmiths a few months after joining them since I couldn’t meet their minimum articles per month, hehe. I had a full-time editors job at another copywriting agency.
Anyway, I am here to confirm your story. Copysmith’s writing course changed my life! literally. It costs over $400 and we are some of the lucky few that were able to access the course for free
congrats Billy. your are such an inspiring identity. personally have been in Upwork for long and unfortunately I have never got a single hire. as per now I fell motivated and am just about to take actions in adding value initiative. coming soon with feedback. thanks once more and keep on soaring brother.
Thanks Billy! This has been very helpful.
Insightful piece…nice work Billy
Hi Billy,
Thank you and Congratulations for great achievement. Keep going the article was quite inspiring.
God bless and take you to higher heights.
Good read! I will try your methods and get back. Asante sana.
this is just awesome piece and beyond words
I enjoyed reading this. I am personally on Upwork and I have managed to get two clients. As you have just said for you to succeed in content writing and copy writing, one needs to focus on value addition. What makes the client trust your work. So having this in mind, you’re bound to succeed.
Congratulations Billy. Such an inspiration. Keep winning
God bless Walter whom was an angle from heaven to come and walk you through. God bless you too Billy for showing interest of wanting to aim higher. Actually I’ve been a transcriber too with GT since Nov 2018, my account was closed Oct 2020. Then from that time up to now I haven’t decided what to do despite having enough internet, laptop and time. Because of your testimony I’m soon investing into writing course with Walter. Thank you.
Congratulations brother!
This is very encouraging.
Billy, Congratulations. Your story is not only inspiring, but has hooks
Well done, Billy! Keep soaring.
That’s so detailed Billy and congratulations bro.
Hope I will be the next Billy celebrating my achievements.
Upwork here I come😁
Someone once said that the biggest investment you could ever make is on yourself.
You’re a prime example of this maxim.
This article is well articulated and flows naturally & progressively.
Like you’ve said, ” add value & don’t chase the money first”.
May God open more doors for you.
Keep it up Billy.
A very good learning lesson to many if us who are still trying to learn it the hard way out. I am touched. Have someone who can hold your hand and walk you to your so-called pure gold. We will do exactly that.
This is quite Inspiring. Soar, we must. Thanks for the encouragement
A good inspiring story there Billy, thanks for sharing. I have picked a few points especially on how to get the first critical clients. Keep moving forward, that’s the key thing
Invest in good training, that’s it! Continue adding value to your work. Thanks for sharing your story Billy. Hope to get where you are soon.
wow! Very inspiring. Congratulations Billy and thank you for sharing
Wow…Your story is an encouragement . Congratulations
Thank you, guys.
Anything is possible through hard work, passion, and determination.
And of course, Mungu mbele.
Thank you Billy. Walter is a gem. He has trained me. Am not there yet but he inspires me every day. You are an inspiration. Keep going and all the best.
Congrats Billy, you are such an inspiration and as you have stated, we should never giver up if our proposals seems futile, let’s endeavour to nurture our writing talent and stay steadfast. Hongera brother.
I feel motivated and encourage to continue with the writing journey.
Writing is all about passion and determination to continue.
This is truly inspiring. I enrolled on the article writing course from Walter Akolo.
I look forward to a successful writing career
Wow congratulations Billy
Billy, you an inspiration. I wish you well in your freelancer journey.
Great to hear your inspiring story.
Thanks so much
Wow. Congrats Billy even with how you’ve written this article is very impressive. I can testify all that you’ve said is true since I have seen you live it out and an encouragement to anyone starting that it’s indeed possible. Thankyou for sharing your secrets to successful writing. I am inspired.
I just want to start my website. Billy come for my help. +254790291396
Hey Beatrice,
Use the link that’s attached to this article to learn how.
I believe it will help you tremendously.
Congratulations Billy, this is so encouraging
Hello Walter Thank you for sharing on Billys’ achievement as a newbie . This is very encouraging and a big challenge too.
To Billy, many congratulations!
Hi Walter thanks for letting us in through BIilly’s journey into becoming a writer in such a short period of time. This is very encouraging to all of us out here and to Billy congrats on your achievements.
Thank you, Nancy.
Being determined and taking initiatives is the best way to grow in value.
This is so great Mr Njogu. Congratulations for your great achievements within a short period of time.
Thank you, Hassan.
Wow. This is so inspiring, Billy. I’m motivated, challenged, inspired, name it. I do recall applying for the same position advertised by CopySmiths. Guess what? My application never went through, despite being a copywriter since 2015. That tells you that you are way ahead, bro. Keep soaring.
Thank you, Otieno.