From Broke to Booked: How Freelancers Make Big Money Online

From Broke to Booked: How Freelancers Make Big Money Online

Byelviswarutumo

Introduction

There’s a myth that freelancing means barely getting by. In reality, thousands of freelancers in Kenya are making serious money online. The difference isn’t talent—it’s packaging, consistency, and knowing how to sell value. This blog explains exactly how freelancers make money online, even starting from zero.

Start by Learning One Marketable Skill

Every successful freelancer begins with one skill. They don’t try to do everything—they master one offer first.

Some of the most bankable freelance skills in Kenya include:

  • Web design
  • Graphic design
  • Content writing
  • Social media management
  • Digital marketing

Course: Freelancing Workshop – June 2024
Related: The World of Freelancing
Related: Freelancing Is a Skill, Not Just a Job — Here’s How to Master It

Position Yourself as a Problem Solver, Not a Job Seeker

Clients don’t hire you because you “need work.” They hire you because you solve a problem.

To do this, you must:

  • Craft clear offers (e.g., “I help small businesses grow their Instagram”)
  • Show proof of skill (mockups, demos, testimonials)
  • Write proposals that focus on outcomes

Related: How to Package Your Freelance Services for Quick Client Approvals
Related: From Confused to Booked: Effective Freelance Positioning for Success

Learn Where the Money Is

The highest-paid freelancers don’t just have skills—they know who needs them and where to find those people.

High-paying client pools include:

  • Coaches and consultants
  • E-commerce brands
  • NGOs and international startups
  • Kenyan businesses trying to digitize
  • Clients on LinkedIn and Upwork

Related: LinkedIn Makeover: Simple Fixes That Attract Clients and Jobs

Create Offers That Scale

The smartest freelancers move from low-ticket hourly rates to value-based offers. This is how you go from Ksh 500 logos to Ksh 50,000 retainers.

Types of scalable freelance offers:

  • Monthly social media packages
  • Website design + SEO bundle
  • Consulting + content creation
  • Graphic design retainers for agencies

Course: Digital Marketing Bootcamp
Course: WordPress Web Design Course

Show Up Online — Even When You’re Not Yet Booked

Clients don’t find you by accident. They need to see you sharing, teaching, or showcasing your skill online.

Ways to increase visibility:

  • Post insights and behind-the-scenes work
  • Teach mini-lessons on LinkedIn or TikTok
  • Share testimonials and project outcomes

Related: The Power of Showing Up: How I Built Influence by Simply Sharing
Related: Your Personal Brand Exists — Are You Shaping It Intentionally?

Final Thoughts

If you’re broke, freelancing won’t fix that overnight. But if you commit to the process—build a skill, position yourself correctly, and serve your clients with excellence—you won’t stay broke for long. That’s how freelancers make money online. And you can too.

Explore full freelance training programs at
courses.elvisw.online

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