Online writing in Kenya is increasingly becoming a major business opportunity, with people ready to learn and discover new ideas day by day and creating more opportunities. But most of the interested people find it hard to know how and where to start or even the right organization or professionals to take them through the fundamentals of online writing. This guide will help you as a beginner to know how to get started with online writing in Kenya and the key considerations in online writing.
What is online writing?
Online writing, also referred to as digital writing, refers to the text that is created using electronic gadgets such as smartphones, computers, laptops, or other forms of digital devices. The advantage of online writing is that your audience has a chance of reaching a massive number of people and it is flexible in terms of location and time making it accessible by freelance writers and businesses.
Types of online writing.
There are many different types of Freelance writing depending on the purpose to be served and type of audience.
They include
1. Articles and blog writing
It is a form of written communication aimed at reaching a broad audience through various media forms such as newspapers and journals. Unlike ads, articles are more informative. It is a good starting point for beginners because it is flexible and high in demand. Writers typically cover a wide range of topics like technology, health and finance. Articles can be published in
- Blogs.
- Magazines and newspapers.
- Online platforms likeLinkedIn.
- Company website.
2. Email Marketing.
It is a way in which businesses use emails to communicate, connect, and interact with their customers and this type of online writing in Kenya is of high significance to communication.
3. Academic writing.
Academic writing is mostly used in universities and targets readers who attend or work in schools, colleges, universities, and research institutions, such as students, professors, and researchers. It entails helping students or researchers with essays, reports and other scholarly work. This type of online writing is popular because of high demand from international students. Academic writing can be time-consuming depending on the assignment given.
4. Social media writing.
Social media writing involves developing content aimed at capturing attention and driving engagement on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The main aimof this type of online writing is to grow followers, encourage user interaction, create and build brand awareness. it is best suited for people who are creative,trend-savvy and who understand how the social media platforms work.
5. Technical writing.
This type of involves professionals explaining complex technical information more clearly to a specific audience. Examples include IT and software documentation, medical and scientific reports. It is best suited for individuals with a good background in technology or science and requires one to have the ability to break complex information into simple and easy-to-understand content.
6. Copywriting.
This type of online writing involves writing compelling text that effectively markets a product or takes a specific action. Examples include social media ads, Google ads, email campaigns, taglines and slogans. Good copywriters have a better understanding of branding, and psycology which is very crucial in technical writing.
7. Content writing.
The process of creation and publication of materials for digital and physical platforms aimed to inform, educate, and persuade readers. It is aimed at encouraging people to take action like buying a product, signing up for a service or even clicking on a link. This can include blog posts, articles, scripts, etc.
8. SEO writing.
Search engine optimization focuses on crafting engaging content that will rank high in search engines like google and bing. Writers use keywords, headers and formatting to improve their site’s visibility online. It requires a better understanding of search algorithms, keywords and SEO metrics.
9. Ghost writing
This is a type of online writing in Kenya where writers craft content on behalf of someone else who takes credit for the work.ghost writiers dont ussualy get public reecognition but they are well paid. This role requires one to adapt the ability to match another person’s tone. Content writen by ghostwriters may include blogs, business articles, books or even speeches.
10. Creative writing
This type of writing covers poetry, script writing, storytelling and fiction it is best suited for writers with a high level of imagination and who like using imagination in their work.many creative writers publsh e-books, attend or participate in contests, or write for online platforms.
11. Resume and LinkedIn Profile Writing
This type of writng involves writing linkedln nbios, professional cv’s and cover letters that help those seeking jobs to stand out. it requires a high understanding of hirng trends, job markets and how to present the candidates stregnth effectively.
Skills needed for one to succeed in online writing in Kenya
Having the right skills in online writing is important. Client will opt to go for high-quality and engaging content. Here is a summary of these skills.
a) Good grammar and language skills
Be good in crafting content that is grammatically correct,well punctuated,has good sentence structure and correct choice of words. Poor grammar and language skills is a red flags and leads to rejection and clients may rate your work as low and unprofessional.
b) Research skills
This requires you to find credible sources of information on the assignment, extracting relevant information and paraphrase information effectively. This makes your content valuable and useful.
c) Fast and accurate in typing
Time is money in online writing. The more fast and accurate you are in typing the less time you will take to completing assignment hence low work pressure. A typing speed of about 40-60 words in a minute is ideal for a beginner.
d) Time management
Managing your time well is crucial in online writing. You will need to plan your day-to-day activities wisely for you to be able to meet client’s deadlines. Clients value puntuality and reliability. Missing deadlines hurts your reputation and this may scare away potential clients. For individuals pursing online writing in an organisation with multiple projects, time management is a key factor to keenly observe.
e) Basic SEO knowledge
Learn about search engine optimization metrics like keywords, organic trafic,meta title, meta description and internal linking to rank yourself higher in search engines like google.
f) Adaptability and a mindset to learn
Online writing jobs in Kenya vary in tone, format and topic. Being ready to learn quickly and being flexible will help to to stand out in online writing. Remember to stay updated on online trends and tools used in online writing.
g) Pay attention to details
Make sure you proofread your work after writing to eliminate small mistakes writing mistakes like formatting, sentence structure and consistency, which may make you look unprofessional. Online writing requires one to be carefull when editing and provide a better end product for publication.
How to start online writing in Kenya
There are a few steps that guide you on how to start an online writing course, and they include,
i) Training.
To be a well-decorated online writer, you need a professional expert who will take you through a complete online writing course step-by-step in a physical or online class.
ii) Specialize in a niche.
A niche is an area of specialization in which a writer wishes to concentrate. There are different categories of online writing niches availabl and you should choose according to what type of writing you find more enjoyable, your educational background, your work experience, and interests you are passionate about.
iii) Choose an account.
Online writing accounts can provide consistent and reliable opportunities. There are two main types of online writing accounts: take accounts and bid accounts, which are further divided into some accounts.
iv) Join platforms.
After learning and choosing an account, you should choose a platform where you are going to write, present your work, and get paid. You should choose a platform that best suits your specialized niche so as to spot targeted opportunities and many other advantages that come with it. There are various platforms suited for online writing in Kenya.
Ways for beginners to practice writing?
As a beginner, here’s how you can practice writing effectively.
- Make writing your daily routine.
- Do more free writing and journaling.
- Seek feedback.
- Read widely to build your vocabulary and gain more ideas .
- Utilise the available online resources
- Set realistic goals and be patient with your progress.
Best online writing accounts.
When choosing an online writing account in Kenya, there are some key factors that you should consider. Some include your niche and skills, pay rates and payment terms, level of competition, job volume and consistency, etc. These are just some of the main considerations. Some of the best online writing accounts for online writing in Kenya include,
1. Fiverr.
This account is best suited for writers who prefer offering specific writing services.
2. Upwork.
This is a digital marketplace where you can offer your skills and services to businesses all over the world. Those services include online writing, marketing, and many others.
3. ProBlogger Job Board.
This is where one is paid to write blogs and content. The blogger is paid after publishing a post, which are mostly 1000+ words
4. Guru.
This digital marketplace connects writers with their potential clients for different writing needs for commissioned work.
5. nDash.
This is a freelance platform where writers showcase their skills and expertise, giving them an opportunity to connect with brands for content creation services.
6. Contena.
This is a paid membership site that offers curated job listings, resources, and tools to writers for career growth and possible job opportunities.
7. UvoCorp.
UvoCorp is a freelance academic writing agency that gives writers an opportunity to bid on and complete a given assignment for clients or students.
8. Textbroker.
This is a website that connects online writers with potential clients in need of custom-written content.
9. iWriter.
A platform that connects businesses with online writers in need of written online content for their websites or other uses.
10. Flexjob.
A freelance writing platform that offers writers a flexible work schedule and project selection, often offering higher-paying opportunities.
How to create a great working profile
A working profile will help you to stand out in online writing in Kenya.
i) Ensure you write a strong bio
Your bio is your first impression and it should be very clear and professional. Your bio should introduce who you are, what kind of writing niche you specialize in and how you will be of help to clients. Mention your work experience and and what sets your work apart. Keep it concise—2–4 sentences is enough for this.
ii) Put your focus in few niches
Choose a niche that will make you stand out in a crowded market. For online writing in Kenya, Focus on 1-3 areas where you can be an expert making it easier for clients to trust that you understand their specific needs.
iii) Add writing samples
Your samples justifies your ability to write effectively. For beginners, you should create mock samples to showcase your style and skills in writing. Make sure you present work that is error-free and does not have any grammatical errors or writing mistakes.
iv) Give a list relevant skills
Briefly list a number of skills that match your writing sevice.These can include SEO, proofreading and content strategy. Most freelance platforms allow you to tag your skills to boost your visibility in the SERP (Search Engine Result Page.)
v) Set reasonable rates
As a beginner in online writing in Kenya, start with a price that you are confortable with but don’t undervalue your work. Set competitive rates that will attract your first client and explain what is included in your pricing. It might be word count, delivery time, etc,.
Common challenges in online writing in Kenya and tips to overcome them
a) Writer’s Block
Many beginners struggle with a lack of ideas or fear of not writing perfectly.
Tips to overcome:
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Use writing prompts or start with freewriting (write anything without editing).
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Create a content outline before you start writing.
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Change your environment or writing tools.
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Read similar content to spark new ideas.
b) Inconsistent Income
Freelancing income can fluctuate, especially in the early stages as abeginner.
Tips to manage:
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Diversify income streams. Try combining article writing with copywriting or social media writing.
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Set up a budget and savings plan.
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Start part-time if possible while keeping another job or income stream.
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Build long-term client relationships for repeat work.
c) Client Rejection and Revisions
Getting your work rejected or returned for revisions by clients is common in online writing in Kenya.
How to handle it:
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Always ask for clear instructions and examples upfront.
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Accept constructive criticism positively, view it as a learning opportunity and correct your mistakes.
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Build a feedback loop. Ask “What could I improve for next time?” to avoid the same mistake again.
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Create a revision policy (e.g., 1–2 free revisions) once you’re established.
d) Not believing in your work
This is the feeling that you’re not good enough or don’t deserve success.
Ways to beat it:
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Remember even the best writers in online writing in Kenya started somewhere.
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Celebrate small wins like getting your first client or finishing your first blog.
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Track your progress. Save old work and compare it with your latest pieces to identify your progress.
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Join writer communities where you can learn and see others facing similar challenges.
Essential Tools for Online Writers
i) Writing Tools
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Google Docs: This tool offers real-time collaboration and autosaving.
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Microsoft Word: Offers professional formatting and editing tools like spell checker.
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Notion: Combines writing, note-taking and task management.
ii) Editing Tools
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Grammarly: Basic and premium grammar correction eliminating posible writing errors.
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Hemingway Editor: Checks readability, sentence structure and passive voice in your work .
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QuillBot: Useful for paraphrasing and summarizing content.
iii) Research Tools
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Google Scholar:This tool contains academic and research-based articles.
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JSTOR: This is a trusted source for academic journals.
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Statista: Great for data-driven content and statistics.
iv) SEO Tools
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Ubersuggest: Find keywords, analyze websites and track traffic.
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AnswerThePublic: Generates questions people ask around a keyword and can be usefull when crafting your content.
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Google Trends: Helps writers to see what is currently trending online.
v) Plagiarism Checkers
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Quetext: Free with premium options.
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PlagScan: Good for academic-level checking.
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Grammarly Premium: Offers advanced plagiarism detection.
vi) Time Tracking & Productivity
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Toggl Track: help in time management and productivity tracking.
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Clockify: Free, useful for freelancers working on hourly contracts.
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Pomofocus: A Pomodoro timer to boost focus and productivity in your work and output.
vii) Invoicing & Payments
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Wave: Offers free invoicing and accounting.
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PayPal Invoice: Create and send professional invoices to clients.
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Zoho Invoice: Automates billing and payment follow-up.
Ethical Considerations in Online Writing
a) Academic Writing Boundaries
It’s okay to help with formatting, research support or proofreading, but writing full assignments for students is unethical and often illegal.
Why it matters:
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It encourages dishonesty.
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It can get you or your client in trouble with academic institutions such as universities.
b) Plagiarism
Always submit original work. Copying and pasting from the internet without giving credit is plagiarism as most work in the internet are protected by copyright regulations.
How to avoid:
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Rephrase using your own words.
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Use quotation marks when quoting.
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Always cite your sources in your work when necessary.
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Run your work through a plagiarism checker before submitting it.
c) Ghostwriting Ethics
Ghostwriting, as a type of online writing in Kenya is acceptable when done with consent, especially in business or branding contexts.
Tip to help you on this:
Have a written agreement clarifying ownership and confidentiality.
d) Fair Pricing services
Avoid undercutting or overpricing your services. Understand the current market rate, but also value your time and skills fairly.
Best payment methods for online writers
Choosing the right payment method is very important for writers to receive their earnings in a transparent, efficient, and secure way. Since most online writers work with domestic, local, and international clients, knowing various money transfer methods is crucial to ensure payment is made effectively. Some of the methods of payment platforms include
a) PayPal.
This is one of the most popular and widely accepted payment platforms globally and is user-friendly and offers protection for both buyer and seller. It enables online writers to send and receive money from over two hundred countries for both individuals and small and medium businesses. One of the advantages that comes with PayPal is that you can link your PayPal account to your M-Pesa or bank account and receive your money within a period of days. For online writing in Kenya, a writer may prefer this due to its advantages and flexibility.
b) Payoneer.
This is a payment platform (good for international writers) that gives writers an opportunity to get paid for services that they provide to their clients globally and withdraw money directly from their locally accessible banks. Payoneer supports multiple currencies.
c) Wise (formerly TransferWise).
This platform is known for its transparency in fee structures and real exchange rates, making it a quick and effective platform for money transfer. It also offers secure money transfer in multiple currencies.
d) Direct Bank Transfer (ACH/EFT).
This platform is secure for domestic payments. It involves the transfer of money between bank accounts directly. It is also important to note that international transfers can incur a significant amount of fees. For online writing in Kenya, this might be a favorable choice.
e) Skrill.
This is an online payment system with fast and instant payment options for online writers and offers a user-friendly interface. It also offers a low transaction fee. For security and safety matters, Skrill protects its account users from malicious acts like fraud through two-factor authentication and encryption procedures.
f) Stripe.
This is a powerful payment platform that accepts credit and debit card payments directly and also facilitates online and in-person payments. It also has a global acceptance due to its ability to support multiple currencies.
g) M-Pesa.
M-Pesa is a payment platform popularly known and used in Kenya to carry out mobile money transfers locally. This platform is widely used for payment in online writing in Kenya because it is a domestic platform.
If you’ve gone through this guide carefully, here’s what to do next:
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Choose a niche.
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Pick a platform.
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Build your profile.
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Apply or pitch.
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Keep improving.
FAQ
Can I start online writing with just a smartphone?
Yes. Many beginners use smartphones with apps like Google Docs and Grammarly, though a laptop improves workflow.
Do I need a degree to start online writing in Kenya?
No, clients care more about writing skills than academic qualifications.
How much is one paid for online writing in Kenya?
Between KES 200 to KES 500 per 250 words, depending on the niche, experience and client you are dealing with.
What are the 5 basics of writing?
Prewriting, research, drafting, revising, editing and proofreading.
How can I be a good online writer?
Be confident and know your readers; make writing a routine , not chase perfection, and embrace more reading.
Conclusion
Now that you have the steps of how to start online writing, it is important to embrace the process of learning and be patient with your progress. Most importantly, you should keep writing to gain more experience and keep learning new skills day by day. This will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and possible ways to deal with them. The demand for skilled online writers continues to grow globally, and this calls for online writers to invest in their skills. Every successful freelancer once started as a beginner. Be consistent, learn from your mistakes, and stay focused. With determination, your online writing journey in Kenya can become not only a side hustle but a full-time career.