The Question of the 21st Century: How to make money online
If an era can be said to have a question, then that of the 21st Century is; “Brother, how can we make money online?” Wherever one goes, there are people who are looking for ways of making money online. Admittedly, the problem of making money is one with which humanity has always been seized, both on and offline. However, the internet revolution has spawned a new frenzy, as people, from the Sahara to New York, go on the hunt for easy pickings.
Today, millions of people across the globe are looking for legitimate ways of making money online and this article introduces one of them; Freelancing.
Based on my own personal experience, I can safely say that freelancing is one of the few genuine ways through which you can make money online. In fact, if you are really good, you can even make a living this way;
Ways of Making Money Online: Freelancing
The world’s hordes of desperate job-seekers have found havens on Freelancing sites such as Upwork and Freelancer. Here, they meet people from across the globe who have work that needs to be done.
Freelancing is not that different from a normal workplace. You get the chance to showcase your skills in a wide variety of areas by doing work for other people. These “clients,” can be all over the place; from Harare to New York and London.
It’s no Stroll in the Park
Apart from working on this blog, I have been freelancing for a few months now, and have discovered that working as a freelancer is no stroll in the park. If you are looking for a get rich quick scheme, then freelancing is not for you.
Clients expect work to be done
In the time that I have worked as a freelancer, I have had a wide range of clients from all over the world. What you should know, right off the bat, is that like any other employer, clients on places like Upwork and Freelancer expect the work that they assign you to be done. That is why it is important for you to apply for only those jobs that you are good at. For me, its writing, and I occasionally produce web content for my clients on a wide range of topics.
Success depends on your reputation
Your success or failure as a freelancer depends on your reputation. If you do not do your work properly, people will blacklist you and it will reflect on your profile.
That is why it is important for you to, as mentioned above, do a perfect job every time.
Which Skills are sell-able?
A number of skills are marketable on freelancing marketplaces. You probably won’t find anything if you are a professional bricklayer, unless, of course, if you can write about your profession. The following are some of the skills that you can sell should you decide to launch a freelancing career;
Can You Make a Living as a Freelancer?
As is the case with everything else in life, making a living is relative, and depends on where you live. If you live in Bangladesh, where people who make the clothes that we all wear earn the equivalent of a paltry $38 per month, then, working as a Freelancer will make you rich. Of all the ways of making money online, freelancing is, it has to be said, somewhere in there. It all depends on your profession of course;
a. Web and Mobile Developers Earn More
The one thing that I have noticed, and that constantly leaves me green with envy, is the fact that web and mobile developers can earn thousands on a single project.
Although I can produce Joomla and WordPress websites, I decided to limit myself to only writing about it while working as a freelancer.
b. Content Writers
Content writers are, unfortunately, near the bottom of the food chain when it comes to earning money as freelancers. It all depends on how good you are, of course. If you are good enough, you will get repeat clients.
As an example, I can’t remember when I last applied for a job. All the work that I am currently doing comes from clients whom I have been working for, for several months. I am not bragging here, but there you have it. Clients would, obviously, not seek repeat work from less than good freelancers.
Earnings rise steadily
Your earnings as a freelancer, I have discovered, rise as you establish yourself on places such as Upwork. My own earnings, though still paltry, have risen steadily, which does mean ditching some clients, because I cannot get myself to demand a pay rise from them.
Yes, you can make a living as a freelancer
So, back to the question on whether or not freelancing is one of the goods ways of making money online, the answer is “Yes!”
Freelancing is one of the most legitimate ways of making money online. In fact, it is no different from any other jobs marketplace, where employers hire employees to get things going.
As mentioned earlier, freelancing is not a get rich quick scheme. This may limit its appeal to some people. It is also no arena for the mediocre; clients pay real money to get real work done. You will be held accountable if you do a shoddy job. And if a client leaves a scathing review on your profile, it is doubtful that you will be able to get any other jobs.
