This is all about encouraging people in all parts of Africa that can have the minimum resources to start on freelancing. This could be just getting listed to offer a service to someone elsewhere who is anywhere in the world. If you do make this move, trust me, people are looking out for someone like you to do a certain service for them and they are willing to pay you for it. There is no one person that cannot be useful to someone else in a way that they cannot be paid for it. The match can only be realized when the two parties meet, if you stay back, the match won’t happen.
Be confident in yourself because you can do this. I am telling you the truth that I started with no experience but only the courage and confidence in myself. I tried a number of platforms online and I’m still going on with the search but for now the one I can recommend is fiverr. On fiverr, freelancing is open for people 13 years and older. Those below 18 years can participate under their parent’s profile and they may not do videos, otherwise they can offer all sorts of products and services without restrictions. The African world needs the money and there are people elsewhere that can give us the money.
Why freelancing?
It is true that there are many ways of making money online today but sadly the way it works is not equally applicable across all parts of the world. The one thing we must know is that we are in Africa. We have restrictions in many ways and are deprived some privileges for various reasons. An example is that of rev.com which I demonstrate in the video ‘Practical Application’.
Sometimes trying out some of the money making ideas online as an African is like plumbing a house in a desert where you know that there is no structured water supply that will connect to your taps. You work hard plumbing and when time comes to connect you realize that you have no way of connecting at all.
If you go on any social media and search for ‘how to make money online’, you will get a lot of models and get excited and yet when you get serious about each of them, you might face some restrictions in one way or the other and eventually not get to the point of making money. I have tried many of these initiatives and most have not worked for me, simply because of restrictions here and there. I have tried Etsy.com recently and the catch was on the payment method. My country is black listed and PayPal as a payment method is not accepted.
Some website will ban you without even explaining to you why they did. I recently tried redbubble.com, and they banned me under a long list of possible reasons, which I couldn’t know exactly which one applied to me. rebubble are set up to help you with your print designs, it could be t-shirts, stickers, cups, etc. Those who are my WhatsApp contact will know that recently I had shared some t-shirt designs that were ready for printing but then later I had to suspend the initiative because it just can’t work the way I had believed it would.
I have tried many other models but only four types of money making online worked for me so far; stock photography, affiliate marketing, selling Google Ads on my website and freelancing. The one that made me more money is freelancing and I know it works because it takes someone somewhere to like your service and then pay you for it. I believe that there is also the element of liking someone that contributes to a customer in choosing who to engage for a service.
Most often than not, freelancing is largely done from wherever you are. Services are mostly digital and deliverable electronically. Even when you have to make corrections, it is cheaper and within your means to do so. You also price the service at will. Of course there is room for the customer to negotiate but at the end of it all you agree to offer the service at a price you are comfortable at.
The rate of success is purely unpredictable. If you search online for freelancing testimonials, you get different experiences. Some testify of making millions within a short space of time and some sadly never make a dime. Then the tricky part is that you never know which side you fall. Let me make an example of my quick response listing that I made with fiverr. I listed my ‘Spokesperson’ gig and within 4 days I received and order. Within a week I was in discussion with a customer that would engage my services on a long term basis. What if I had not listed that gig? The listing is free of charge. I also have registered as a freelancer in at least two other websites and I have never made a sale on them, ever but I’m still waiting a possible call for an order.
The good news is that once you make your money, it is now possible to have it deposited in your local bank account. It may take a while and a little bit more on charges but it works now. In the past it was a challenge to have access to the money. What I used to do was buy services for local website designers using my PayPal account and have them pay me the equivalent amount in local currency.
A word to the interested
If you have the basic equipment; a laptop, a smartphone and internet connection you can get started. All you do is registering yourself on fiverr while you are looking up for other possible alternatives, then start listing your services there.
Fiverr is one of the biggest freelancing websites in the world. At some point it was estimated that about 60 million people visit this website every month. I don’t know today but surely the statistics has gotten even higher. If you get listed, someone will see your profile and if they like your services and want to buy from you, they will start charting with you. There are tips on how to make your profile standout which I will share in another article in this blog. However, a quick guide would be to I recommend a visit to fiverr, where you will have to search for services similar to those you would like to offer and just learn how others have presented themselves. Go for those with a high number of successful deliveries and those with orders in the queue. Take your time and learn, then start your own. Don’t reinvent the wheel.
Final thoughts to this journey
I know that there are a lot of other Africans that have made good money online not only in freelancing but also in through many other methods out there. I’m not the only one and therefore the opportunities are open for anyone who takes the courage to try.
If you chose to take this route, please try to be as professional as you possible can. Professionalism does not always mean expensive. Be presentable in your profile. Cut your hair short if you have to, unless your services require long hair, dress up in your smart attire and be mature. I know we often think that being African is being casual about things but that’s not the case if you are to get paid for a service. By being professional, you already position yourself ahead of the lot. Do your best to market yourself, at least with all the resources you can get. Don’t be shy to lend some piece of equipment that will add the professionalism element in your work from a neighbor, a friend or a family member. Just know that it counts how you present yourself.
You are welcome to check my page on the services that I offer.
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