Writing has given me back my ability to dream again and to believe in a bright future. Honestly, getting paid to write is a dream come true. I hope my journey as a freelance writer on Fiverr will also inspire you to pursue your freelancing goals too.

This post was first published in 2017. While it may be dated, one can still learn some tricks about how to transition to working full-time online.

It’s been a surprisingly fruitful first ten months since I started on this journey. It hasn’t been easy – not at all – but, it has been worth it.

Over the course of this one year, I have been asked on several occasions, what it was like making the switch from paid employment to working online full-time.

So, to answer this question, I’m going to chronicle my experiences, the lessons, the pitfalls; in fact, I’m baring my heart on everything I have learned working online and making a living full-time from being a freelance writer.

Why should you listen to me?

The truth is, you want to make enough money to live on from the internet. Or learn how to get started, if you have started making money online already…

…that’s why you’re here. You see, I have been doing this full time for the last twelve months.

During this period, I have made some cool money, precisely I have made over two thousand dollars on Fiverr alone.

But, I’ve gone on since then to earn more than ten thousand US dollars from Fiverr.

Also, I have raked in couple of hundreds of dollars in the same time frame from clients outside of fiverr.

Now, understand that this is not me bragging – no far from it. My goal is to show you what’s possible.

Honestly, my earning is far more modest compared to what others are bringing home.

Having said that, let’s take a step back to the where it all began.

Where it all began.

Way back in 2010, during a youth camp in my home state, I came for the first time across the idea of making money from the internet.

Back then, I didn’t understand what the speaker was talking about, however, I remembered being fascinated by the thought of earning money from the internet.

Looking back now, I realized it was then that the seed for wanting to live the internet lifestyle was first sown.

From then forward, everything I had was unconsciously preparing me to either earn my living online or to earn in dollars. So as the years go by, the seed turned into a burning desire that came to a head last year.

The Baby Steps…

During my service year in 2015, I researched several ways one can make money from the internet. I joined forums just to learn more; however, even with all the plenty resources, I still wasn’t able to figure out anything.

Not until, I joined a full boutique, full-service digital marketing agency as a marketer a year later. Yes, it was a deliberate decision- I have already decided that my career path lies in computers, the internet, and the new media.

It was while working here, I began to piece together the fragmented pieces of the whole online “thing.”

Preparing to make the leap

It’s worth noting that, throughout the duration of my first Job, which by the way, was for complete grand twelve months, I was learning SEO, WordPress website design, Social media marketing, and content writing.

Also, I realized I needed to at least, start making money from the internet even while working my 9-5. The thinking for me was, if I could make my first dollars with my service, I can definitely earn more when I transition fully into it.

The first thing I did was to apply for online marketing jobs. Here, I was testing out my knowledge and of course, to build up my confidence in my skills and ability.

It was also, around this period, I got my first copywriting gig on fiverr – the order was to write an email sequence; an onboarding email – for an Indian technology company.

I was excited and scared at the same time.

However, the positive feedback from the client was crucial – First, I became convinced, I can actually make money doing internet jobs. Secondly, I realized, there are people willing to pay me to handle their content needs.

These two discoveries, in addition to the positive feedback from my colleagues, supervisors, and boss about my writing gave me the push to venture into the world of earning online through writing.

Taking the Leap

I resigned from my first job and took up a new appointment with another company that hired me as their social media manager.

I lasted only three months in this new role. I was sacked and thrown into the job market.

The sack, to me, was a sign it’s time to finally go full-time with my online side hustle.

The first thing I did was to audit all my social media profiles. It’s important for me to reflect that I’m a freelance writer – this action was crucial to the number of successes I have had over the past months.

I have been contacted severally by clients who stumbled onto my profile, it somehow made prospecting a bit easier but the greatest value was getting in the first all-important client.

Essential things to keep in mind while updating your freelance social media profiles:

• Focus your attention on your bio. It is essential for your prospective client to get a sense of who you are, your personality, and what you’ve done in past from glancing through your bio.
• Use niche related keywords in your tagline. For instance, here’s mine on Linked and on Facebook – it makes searching for you on these platforms a lot easier.
• Finally, share valuable content to project your expertise.

The beauty of setting up an optimized profile is that, even if you don’t have a website yet, which you should, by the way, prospective clients can still read your works and also, you’d have something you share when your portfolio is requested.

Setting up my fiverr account

Honestly, I bombed my first attempt at creating a gig on this platform. Yes, I made a few sales here and there but if this was going to be a full-time job; then, I’ve got to make sales on a daily basis.

To be frank, the first account wasn’t pulling in the orders.

So, I deleted that and went in search of knowledge on how to create a profile that will be irresistible to buyers.

Take a look at my Fiverr profile here; use this link to create your own account, and perhaps if you need someone to walk you through the process contact me.

Once I was satisfied I had all the information I needed to set up a profitable gig, I set to work.

Here is practically all the steps I took to create my profile and gig.

• Create an account – well, that’s obvious,  isn’t it? fill in the form as accurately as you can.
• Link your freelance social profile to the account for social proof; though, you can skip this option.
• Verify your account with your mobile number. You can either, choose the option of voice call or a text. Use the text verification since it is faster an also eliminates the odds of making any mistake. Once, you’re verified, it is time to set up your first gig.

Setting up my first fiverr gig

Actually, to make money from Fiverr, you need to render a service, that service, whatever it is, is called a gig. Most new sellers on the platform usually get stumped and fumble at this stage.

It can be quite tricky here, and without proper guidance, one can easily make mistakes that would cost them in the long run.

So, what were the things I did which I believe you should also do to ensure your success on the platform?

First, Research the niche and study the top-selling gigs. Also, for a balanced view, throw in a couple poor performing gigs to see what they’re doing wrong.

The key to success lies here. Do it right, and you would have unlocked the secret of multiple high volume sales. Miss the mark, and you’ll leave Fiverr defeated.

Here’s a checklist of things to note:

• List out all the keywords you came across while researching. To really put things in perspective, compare the keywords used by the top performing gigs and the other not-so-good gigs.
• Take note of the prices; both for top-selling gigs and the poor performing ones.
• Study the gig description, take note of the formatting, the words used – the description is your sales letter to get buyers order your gigs.

Then, bring them all together in creating your gig.

• Take a moment to include those phrases that have the strongest link to your niche. Don’t mind whether you’re making sense here Ok, they aim is to include at least two keywords in your gig link.
• Once, the gig link is sorted, you can rewrite the gig title.

Here’s an article to learn more about how to set up and optimize your gigs.

Succeeding as a freelancer on Fiverr

After all, is said and done, you’re now your own boss – you decide what projects to take-on, the time to work, who to work with – you’re literally in charge of your time.

There are pitfalls scattered along this path, however, and if you’re not cautious might cost you dearly.

So what are the tips I’d share with someone starting out on this journey?

First, I’d tell the person, Get your Mindset Right

You see, Freelancing is fundamentally different from paid employment; it isn’t just another flexible form of employment.

Take, for instance, the default setting for an employee is that no matter what (at least reasonably) you’ll have a job and paycheck tomorrow.

For Freelancers, the default is there’re no guarantees you’d have a job tomorrow.

This constant uncertainty is scary and always leaves the freelancer on the edge. But, the truth is, this is an exciting lifestyle.

Hence, it is vital for your mental well being to sort your mindset.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

As a freelance writer, the easy way would have been focusing only on the orders that come in through Fiverr. The danger in this, however, is that you’d be leaving out money on the table while also missing out on big opportunities outside the platform.

For me, Fiverr is just another channel to draw clients into my funnel.

Here’s what I do:

Once, a new client comes through for me, I’d work with them until they are comfortable and the trust established.

Then, I’ll suggest taking the business outside the platform. It’s a win-win for both of us since the Fiverr charges are eliminated.

I also, leverage my social media presence, especially Facebook and Linkedin to prospect new clients. Although, most of my clients from social media found me themselves.

So, you see, I have other channels that brings me steady stream of leads outside the Fiverr platform.

Go above and beyond with customer satisfaction

Customer satisfaction is non-negotiable. Keep your clients happy, and they will come back for more, and the best of it all they would refer their friends to you.

Ninety-five percent of the orders I fulfill every week comes from repeat business. In fact, I get a trickle of one or two new buyers every other week.

To succeed, not only as a freelancer but in any other business, providing top-notch service backed with world-class customer service will help you nurture a base of loyal customers.

Some of the things to keep in mind include:

• Deliver top quality services and deliver it on time. If you say you will finish a project in 24 hours, endeavor to keep to that time.
• Keep an open communication with your buyers; especially when you’re running late with the order. In my experience, I inform the buyer I would be late in delivering the order and most times, they understand and extend the time.
• If you can’t complete a project let the buyer know. It’s nothing you be ashamed of – remember, your integrity and reputation is at stake here; you should protect them with your life.

You may also like: 7 Essential Things to KNow As You Transition to Remote Work in Nigeria

Final thoughts on how to become a freelance writer on Fiverr

It’s a tough world out there; however, with plenty of opportunities. Freelancing is for the strong-hearted, you’ll come face-to-face with your worst fears but, if you’re persistent you’ll begin to live your dreams.