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These 6 strategies got me 4 clients as a beginner in June 2021

Last Updated on November 18, 2021 By Billy Njogu 44 Comments

Billy Njogu

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.

Get valuable article writing training at the best price!

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.

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About Billy Njogu

Billy Njogu is a content writer and blogger. He has a bachelor's degree in mathematics and statistics. He specializes in writing B2B and B2C content. Check out his website.

Comments

  1. Dorcas says

    April 4, 2022 at 10:16 pm

    Thank you Billy,,am 3 days old in this field and am encouraged. Over to me

    Reply
  2. Emmie Alaka says

    March 28, 2022 at 10:10 pm

    I stumbled on this and I must say it was a good stumble.

    Reply
  3. Chris says

    November 25, 2021 at 8:53 pm

    An encouraging piece it’s. It is my turn to take action.

    Reply
  4. Fiona says

    October 15, 2021 at 1:24 am

    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

    Reply
  5. stephen musau says

    September 4, 2021 at 7:49 am

    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.

    Reply
  6. Mercy says

    August 31, 2021 at 11:57 am

    Thanks Billy! This has been very helpful.

    Reply
  7. David says

    August 16, 2021 at 3:15 pm

    Insightful piece…nice work Billy

    Reply
  8. Hellen Mmasi says

    July 31, 2021 at 1:40 pm

    Hi Billy,

    Thank you and Congratulations for great achievement. Keep going the article was quite inspiring.
    God bless and take you to higher heights.

    Reply
  9. Billy Hero says

    July 27, 2021 at 10:43 am

    Good read! I will try your methods and get back. Asante sana.

    Reply
  10. johnie danny says

    July 15, 2021 at 12:24 pm

    this is just awesome piece and beyond words

    Reply
  11. Kent says

    July 8, 2021 at 6:04 pm

    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.

    Reply
  12. Mary says

    July 8, 2021 at 3:49 pm

    Congratulations Billy. Such an inspiration. Keep winning

    Reply
  13. Loveey Angira says

    July 8, 2021 at 10:34 am

    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.

    Reply
  14. Dominic says

    July 8, 2021 at 6:29 am

    Congratulations brother!

    This is very encouraging.

    Reply
  15. Julliet says

    July 8, 2021 at 12:30 am

    Billy, Congratulations. Your story is not only inspiring, but has hooks

    Reply
  16. Wanjiru says

    July 8, 2021 at 12:22 am

    Well done, Billy! Keep soaring.

    Reply
  17. Billy Orera says

    July 7, 2021 at 10:34 pm

    That’s so detailed Billy and congratulations bro.
    Hope I will be the next Billy celebrating my achievements.
    Upwork here I come😁

    Reply
  18. Jym says

    July 7, 2021 at 7:45 pm

    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.

    Reply
  19. Willy Mc'Otieno says

    July 7, 2021 at 3:07 pm

    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.

    Reply
  20. Carolyn Nganga says

    July 7, 2021 at 2:50 pm

    This is quite Inspiring. Soar, we must. Thanks for the encouragement

    Reply
  21. walter says

    July 7, 2021 at 1:31 pm

    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

    Reply
  22. Margaret says

    July 7, 2021 at 12:35 pm

    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.

    Reply
  23. Valentine says

    July 7, 2021 at 12:23 pm

    wow! Very inspiring. Congratulations Billy and thank you for sharing

    Reply
  24. Vivian Ndakala says

    July 7, 2021 at 11:43 am

    Wow…Your story is an encouragement . Congratulations

    Reply
  25. Billy Njogu says

    July 7, 2021 at 11:35 am

    Thank you, guys.

    Anything is possible through hard work, passion, and determination.

    And of course, Mungu mbele.

    Reply
  26. Faith Nyagah says

    July 7, 2021 at 11:28 am

    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.

    Reply
  27. Godfrey Mulwa says

    July 7, 2021 at 11:12 am

    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.

    Reply
  28. ROSEMARY WANJIKU GICHURE says

    July 7, 2021 at 10:57 am

    This is truly inspiring. I enrolled on the article writing course from Walter Akolo.

    I look forward to a successful writing career

    Reply
    • jane says

      February 10, 2022 at 12:16 pm

      Hi Rosemary,

      Reply
    • jane says

      February 10, 2022 at 12:17 pm

      have seen your contact on Freelance writing page.

      Reply
  29. Harriet says

    July 7, 2021 at 10:21 am

    Wow congratulations Billy

    Reply
  30. Anthony Tabuche says

    July 7, 2021 at 9:53 am

    Billy, you an inspiration. I wish you well in your freelancer journey.

    Reply
    • David Juma says

      July 7, 2021 at 11:09 am

      Great to hear your inspiring story.

      Thanks so much

      Reply
  31. Favour Wambui Njogu says

    July 7, 2021 at 9:24 am

    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.

    Reply
  32. Beatrice says

    July 7, 2021 at 8:43 am

    I just want to start my website. Billy come for my help. +254790291396

    Reply
    • Billy Njogu says

      July 7, 2021 at 11:43 am

      Hey Beatrice,

      Use the link that’s attached to this article to learn how.

      I believe it will help you tremendously.

      Reply
  33. Elizabeth says

    July 7, 2021 at 8:19 am

    Congratulations Billy, this is so encouraging

    Reply
  34. Gladwell says

    July 7, 2021 at 8:15 am

    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!

    Reply
  35. Nancy Muricho says

    July 7, 2021 at 7:20 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Billy Njogu says

      July 7, 2021 at 7:44 am

      Thank you, Nancy.

      Being determined and taking initiatives is the best way to grow in value.

      Reply
  36. Hassan Rachami says

    July 7, 2021 at 6:36 am

    This is so great Mr Njogu. Congratulations for your great achievements within a short period of time.

    Reply
    • Billy Njogu says

      July 7, 2021 at 11:33 am

      Thank you, Hassan.

      Reply
  37. Otieno Opiyoh says

    July 7, 2021 at 6:32 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Billy Njogu says

      July 7, 2021 at 11:32 am

      Thank you, Otieno.

      Reply

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