Online writing has become an increasingly popular career choice for many people around the world, and Kenya is no exception. With a rapidly growing population and a strong emphasis on education and technology, Kenya is a prime location for individuals looking to make a career out of writing. However, the question remains - does online writing pay in Kenya? This blog post aims to explore the state of the online writing industry in Kenya, examining the demand for online writing services, the earning potential for online writers, and the challenges faced by those looking to make a career out of online writing in Kenya. By the end of this post, readers will have a better understanding of whether or not online writing is a viable career option in Kenya.
Overview of Industries that Require Online Writing Services
The online writing industry in Kenya is driven by a variety of sectors, including technology, education, healthcare, and tourism. These industries require a wide range of content such as website copy, product descriptions, research papers, articles, and blog posts.
The technology sector is one of the biggest drivers of the demand for online writing services in Kenya. With the rapid growth of e-commerce and the increasing importance of digital marketing, businesses in the technology sector are in need of well-written content to promote their products and services online.
Also, the education sector also has a high demand for online writing services. From research papers to online course materials, the education sector requires a wide range of written content to support its operations.
Furthermore, the healthcare and tourism sectors also require online writing services to create informative and engaging content for their websites and social media platforms.
The chart above shows the number of freelancers in the United States from 2017 up until 2024. It was created using the information provided by the Statista Research Department.
Analysis of Freelance Opportunities Available
According to job search engines and freelance platforms, there is a steady demand for online writers in Kenya, with a growing number of job openings and freelance opportunities being advertised. As the country's economy continues to grow, more and more businesses are turning to digital marketing to reach new customers and generate leads. This has led to an increase in the number of job openings for online writers, particularly in the technology, education, healthcare, and tourism sectors. The rise of remote work and the gig economy has also led to an increase in the number of freelance opportunities for online writers in Kenya.
Types of Content in Demand
Blog posts, articles, social media content, and website copy are in high demand. The rise of e-commerce and the increasing importance of digital marketing have also led to a growing demand for product descriptions and other types of online content. Blog posts and articles are in high demand as they are used to provide valuable information to the target audience and to drive traffic to websites. Social media content is also in high demand as it is used to engage with customers and build a brand's online presence. Product descriptions and other types of online content are in high demand as they are used to promote products and services on e-commerce platforms.
The Earning Potential for Online Writers in Kenya
Comparing Kenya to other countries
The average earnings for online writers in Kenya are generally lower compared to those in developed countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. According to data from job search engines and freelance platforms, the average hourly rate for online writers in Kenya ranges from $5 to $15, while the average hourly rate for online writers in the United States ranges from $20 to $50.
However, it is important to note that the cost of living in Kenya is also lower compared to developed countries, and therefore, a lower income may still be sufficient to maintain a decent standard of living. Additionally, the demand for online writing services in Kenya is also increasing, which may result in an increase in earnings for online writers in the future.
Factors that affect earnings
The earning potential for online writers in Kenya is affected by several factors such as experience, skill level, and type of content. Generally, experienced writers with a high level of skill and expertise can command higher rates for their work compared to those who are just starting out. For example, a writer with 5 years of experience in a specific niche will be able to charge more than a writer with only 1 year of experience. Also, the type of content also affects earnings, with writers who specialize in creating high-quality, research-intensive content earning more compared to those who create basic content. For example, a writer creating a whitepaper for a company will earn more than a writer creating a product description for an e-commerce site.
Full-time vs freelancing
Full-time online writers in Kenya generally have a more stable income compared to freelancers, as they are able to negotiate a salary with their employer. Full-time online writers also have the advantage of receiving benefits such as health insurance and paid time off. However, freelancers have the advantage of being able to work with multiple clients and potentially earn more in the long run. They can set their own rates and have more control over their workload. However, freelance writers also have to put more effort to find clients, set their own rates, manage their finances, and handle their own benefits.
Challenges Faced by Online Writers in Kenya
Low pay rates and lack of consistent work
One of the main challenges faced by online writers in Kenya is low pay rates. Due to the high competition in the industry, many writers are willing to work for low rates, leading to a decrease in the overall pay for online writers. This is especially true for beginners who are not yet familiar with the market rates and are willing to work for low rates just to get started.
This creates a race to the bottom for prices, making it difficult for more experienced and skilled writers to charge fair rates for their work. Many online writers in Kenya struggle to find consistent work, which can make it difficult for them to rely on online writing as a steady source of income. This is partly due to the lack of awareness of the availability of online writing jobs and partly due to the lack of a centralized platform where clients and writers can connect.
Finding clients and building a reputation
Finding clients and building a professional reputation can also be a challenge for online writers in Kenya. With so many writers vying for the same clients, it can be difficult to stand out and secure consistent work. This is particularly true for new writers who are just starting out, as they may not have a portfolio of work to showcase to potential clients. Building a professional reputation can also be challenging, as online writers need to constantly create high-quality content and maintain a positive online presence in order to attract new clients. However, this can be difficult as many writers do not have the necessary skills or resources to create engaging and high-quality content.
Impact of these challenges
These challenges have an overall negative impact on the online writing industry in Kenya. Low pay rates and lack of consistent work can make it difficult for writers to rely on online writing as a steady source of income, which can lead to a decrease in the overall quality of content being produced. This is because writers who are not able to earn a decent income from their work may not be able to invest in their writing skills and equipment, which can result in lower-quality content. The challenges faced by online writers in terms of finding clients and building a professional reputation can lead to a decrease in the overall number of online writers in the industry, which can lead to a shortage of skilled writers, ultimately, affecting the quality of content being produced.
What Writers Must Know
For online writers looking to make a career in Kenya, it is important to be aware of the market rates and to be willing to negotiate fair pay for your work. This can be done by researching the market rates and understanding the value of your skills and experience and being prepared to walk away from low-paying projects.
Writers should focus on building a professional reputation by creating high-quality content and maintaining a positive online presence. This can be done by showcasing your best work in a portfolio, building a personal website, and creating a social media presence that reflects your writing skills and expertise.
Networking with other writers, joining professional organizations, and participating in writing competitions can also help to build your professional reputation and attract new clients. Furthermore, it is important for writers to be proactive in finding clients and building a portfolio of work to showcase to potential clients.
This can be done by looking for a job and freelance opportunities on platforms like Upwork, LinkedIn, and Freelancer, and by reaching out to businesses and organizations directly. It is also important to create a strong and professional resume, cover letter, and online profile, to make it easy for clients to find you and understand your value proposition.
The Best Platforms for Online Writers in Kenya
Upwork
Upwork is one of the most popular freelance platforms globally. It offers a wide range of online writing opportunities, including blog posts, articles, product descriptions, and website copy. It is ideal for Kenyan freelancers as it has a large user base and a wide range of clients looking for writers.
The platform also offers a range of tools to help freelancers manage their work and get paid. Upwork also offers a secure payment system, which is ideal for Kenyan freelancers looking to work with international clients.
Clients can pay using their local currency and the platform also provides a secure and reliable escrow system that ensures that payments are received in full and on time. This is a great way to ensure that Kenyan freelancers can get paid for their work without having to worry about potential payment issues.
It is also possible to track progress on projects and communicate with clients seamlessly. This makes it easy to keep clients informed and ensure that projects are completed according to the agreed timeline.
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that can be used to connect with clients and find online writing gigs. Many businesses and organizations use LinkedIn to post job listings and freelance opportunities. It is a great platform for Kenyan freelancers to build a professional reputation and expand their network. It also allows writers to showcase their work and skills, making it easier for potential clients to find them.
Freelancer
This is another popular freelance platform that offers a wide range of online writing opportunities. It has a large user base and a wide range of clients looking for writers. It's a great platform for Kenyan freelancers looking for a variety of writing projects and a platform that allows them to bid on projects. The platform also has many features that make it attractive to writers, such as a rating and feedback system, as well as a secure payment system. Additionally, the platform offers tutorials and support for new writers who need assistance. All of these features make it an ideal platform for Kenyan freelancers.
Fiverr
Fiverr is a platform that allows freelance writers to sell their services to clients. It's a good platform for both experienced and new writers to find gigs. Kenyan freelancers can create a profile, list their services, and start receiving orders from clients all over the world. It's a great platform for those who are just starting out, as it allows them to get started with minimal investment. The platform also has a wide range of categories, including writing and translation, which allows freelancers to find gigs that match their skills and interests.
IntaSend - Best Way For Freelancers to Get Paid
In the freelance industry, receiving payments from international clients can be a major challenge for Kenyan online writers. The use of traditional methods such as wire transfers and cheques can be slow, costly, and may not be supported by the clients' banks. This can lead to delays in receiving payments and may also result in additional transaction fees.
IntaSend offers a solution to these problems by providing a range of financial services that make it easy for Kenyan online writers to receive payments from their international clients. Through no-code payment links, an invoicing system, digital wallets, and other services, IntaSend allows writers to receive payments quickly, securely, and at a low cost.
The no-code payment link feature allows writers to create a unique link that can be sent to their clients for easy and efficient payment without the need for sharing personal bank information. The invoicing system helps writers keep track of payments and ensures they are paid on time. Digital wallets enable writers to receive payments in multiple currencies, eliminating the need for currency conversions and associated fees.
Conclusion
The future prospects for online writing in Kenya are positive, as the country's economy continues to grow, more and more businesses are turning to digital marketing to reach new customers and generate leads. This will result in an increase in the demand for online writing services and potentially lead to an increase in earnings for online writers.
This blog post has examined the state of the online writing industry in Kenya, looking at the demand for online writing services, the earning potential for online writers, and the challenges faced by those looking to make a career out of online writing in Kenya.
Cover Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
