Have you ever wondered if freelancing is worth it?
Because, let me tell you—when I first started, it felt like pushing a wheelbarrow with a flat tire on Third Mainland Bridge. 🚶♂️💨
I used to think clients would magically appear the moment I signed up on Upwork. Spoiler alert: they didn’t. In fact, I spent weeks applying for jobs, getting ignored, and wondering if my village people were behind my struggles. 🤦🏽♂️
But after tons of trial and error, some late-night strategy sessions, and a sprinkle of luck, I landed my first gig. And in just 30 days, I had made my first $1,000!
Today, I’ll share my exact journey—the struggles, the wins, and the strategies that took me from a frustrated freelancer to making over $1,000 before eventually launching my freelance website, SimonZaku.com (where just one client paid me $1,200 upfront). 🤑
What You Will Learn
How I went from struggling to getting my first freelance gig
The exact strategies I used to land high-paying clients on Upwork
How you can replicate my success (even if you’re starting from scratch)
The turning point that made me leave freelance platforms for my own website
How to attract premium clients that pay top dollar
Table of Contents
My Early Struggles in Freelancing
How I Got My First Client
The Exact Steps I Used to Make $1,000 in 30 Days
The Turning Point: Leaving Platforms for My Own Website
Lessons You Can Apply Today
FAQs
Conclusion & Next Steps
1. My Early Struggles in Freelancing
Ah, freelancing! The sweet dream of working from anywhere, sipping fresh palm wine while money rains into your account. Lies. 😭
Before I made my first dollar, I was hustling hard for clients. I signed up on Upwork and Fiverr, excited to land projects. But for weeks, my proposals got rejected faster than a Nigerian bank loan application.
The worst part? The few clients that responded wanted to pay $5-$20 for huge projects. Imagine writing a whole eBook for the price of suya and Pepsi. 😭
2. How I Got My First Client
At this point, I was ready to give up. But then I changed my strategy:
I optimized my profile – Instead of looking like “just another freelancer,” I positioned myself as an expert.
I improved my proposals – I stopped sending generic messages and customized each proposal to match what the client needed.
I offered something extra – To stand out, I started giving free insights or samples before getting hired.
And boom! A client finally hired me to write a blog post for $20. Not much, but it was a start!
3. The Exact Steps I Used to Make $1,000 in 30 Days
Once I landed my first gig, I used these 3 strategies to scale up quickly:
Built relationships with existing clients – I made sure every client loved my work so they could hire me again (repeat clients are gold!).
Raised my rates gradually – After a few projects, I stopped charging $20 and increased my rate to $50, then $100 per post.
Applied for better projects – I stopped wasting time on cheap jobs and targeted high-value clients.
In 30 days, I had multiple clients and crossed $1,000! 🎉
4. The Turning Point: Leaving Platforms for My Own Website
Freelancing platforms are great, but they take a percentage of your earnings and limit your control. So, after proving I could land clients, I launched my own freelance website (SimonZaku.com).
With my own website:
I had full control over my brand and pricing.
Clients came directly to me (no bidding wars!).
My first client on my website paid $1,200 upfront for SEO and content creation! 🚀
This was the moment I knew there’s more money outside freelancing platforms.
5. Lessons You Can Apply Today
If I could start from zero and make $1,000, you can too! Here’s what you should do:
Stop taking cheap jobs – Charge what you’re worth!
Optimize your profile – Make it clear how you solve client problems.
Be consistent – Success doesn’t happen overnight.
Consider launching your own website – Platforms take cuts; own your brand!
6. FAQs
How long does it take to get your first client?
It varies, but with the right profile and proposals, 1-2 weeks is realistic.
Should I use Upwork or Fiverr?
Both work, but Upwork has better-paying clients if you play your cards right.
Do I need a website as a freelancer?
Yes! It helps you attract premium clients and build authority.
How do I increase my rates?
Start low, get good reviews, then raise your prices as demand grows.
7. Conclusion & Next Steps
Freelancing changed my life. I went from struggling to land $5 gigs to making $1,000+ in 30 days—and eventually built my own brand that attracts premium clients. 🚀
If you’re serious about freelancing, take these steps today:
✅ Optimize your Upwork profile & proposals.
✅ Target high-value clients, not cheap ones.
✅ Consider building your own website for long-term success.
✅ Stay consistent—even when it feels like nothing is working.
Who knows? Your first $1,000 could be just 30 days away. 😉
Over to you—have you ever tried freelancing?
What was your first gig like? Drop a comment! 💬
Simon Taki Zaku
Founder, CEO, IbiFoundry Limited
For the IbiFoundry.com.ng E-magazine.
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