As long as you’re alive, you always have the chance to start again.
How it started, making money online? is it even possible?
Well, this all began with a desire to make money from home when I was still working for Zahir Internasional as a frontend developer. I didn’t know if it was truly possible, but I kept coming across stories of people who claimed they were doing exactly that—making money from the comfort of their homes.
Curious and motivated, I began exploring different ways people were earning online. I stumbled upon affiliate marketing, blogging, and selling digital products. Despite the abundance of information, none of these paths felt like the right fit for me. I wasn’t particularly passionate about those areas, so I kept searching.
Some people were making money by selling physical products, but that didn’t align with my vision. I just wanted to be a software engineer, dealing with those painful code, a tons of abstraction and making something done online
Eventually, I discovered freelance marketplaces where people could offer their skills for hire. It was like a lightbulb moment—I realized that creating websites was in high demand.
At that point, I already had some experience building simple websites with back-end functionality and databases. I thought, "Why not turn this skill into a source of income?" Excited by the idea, I created profiles on three platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.
From there, I dove into learning everything I could about freelancing. I read guides on how to succeed on these platforms, watched tutorials, and made sure my profiles were complete and professional. When my confidence finally reached a high point, I started sending out proposals. I thought it would only take a few attempts to land my first gig.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
My First Gig with Zero Impressions on Fiverr
Starting on Fiverr was like stepping into a crowded marketplace where every seller was shouting for attention. I had high hopes when I created my profile, but little did I know how tough the journey would be. I poured hours into setting up my gigs, crafting descriptions, and designing thumbnails that I thought would catch a buyer’s eye. I was optimistic—surely, someone would notice my skills and give me a chance. But days turned into weeks, and not a single impression or click showed up on my analytics.
I didn’t give up, though. I believed that perseverance was key, so I kept improving. I created three different gigs, each targeting a unique service I thought would be in demand. From website development to bug fixes, I tried everything within my skill set.
But still—nothing. No clicks, no messages, no inquiries. It was frustrating, and I started questioning my abilities. Was my work not good enough? Were my gigs not appealing?
What I Learned
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Buyers Care About Results, Not Your Tech Stack
Most buyers don’t focus on what tools or frameworks you use. What matters most is showing them proof that you’ve built similar features or solved similar problems before. -
Your Gig Reflects You
Your gig is a direct representation of your skills and professionalism. Spend time perfecting it—clear descriptions, quality visuals, and relevant examples can make all the difference. -
Don’t Undervalue Your Work
Setting a very low price doesn’t guarantee success. Buyers often associate price with quality. Charge what your work is worth and focus on delivering value. -
Be Confident and Make a Great Impression
Even if it’s your first project, don’t hesitate to say "yes" and show confidence in your abilities. Buyers appreciate enthusiasm and a can-do attitude. -
Buyers Value Certainty
Clients want to know when the project will be delivered. Be clear about deadlines and maintain good communication to reassure them throughout the process.
Finally, My First Job!
After countless attempts and learning from every failure, I finally landed my first freelance job from a client in India. They needed an application built using Next.js, and I was determined to deliver.
I approached the project with focus and gave it my all—ensuring everything was completed on time and with precision. The client was happy with the results, and their satisfaction made all the struggles worth it.
Not only did I gain valuable experience, but I also earned my first $120 from freelancing. It was a proud moment and the start of a journey I had dreamed about for years.