𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗥𝗲𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗠𝘆 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿

Discover how I started earning online through Instagram, overcame painful rejections, and found my path to success on Fiverr and Upwork — including the lessons I learned after losing a high-paying US-based client.

When I first stepped into the world of online work, I never imagined how emotionally intense — and rewarding — the journey would be. From promoting small brands on Instagram to facing crushing rejections on freelancing platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, my path has been filled with lessons, setbacks, and growth. If you've ever been rejected by a client, doubted your skills, or lost a seemingly “sure thing,” you're not alone. This is my honest story — and what I learned from every painful “no” along the way.

A young social media manager working on her phone and laptop simultaneously — switching between Instagram and Upwork

In today's digital economy, making money online has become more accessible than ever — but it's far from easy. Behind every freelance win is a trail of late nights, painful rejections, and hard-earned lessons. I know this firsthand because I've lived it.

My journey into online work began on Instagram, managing accounts for small businesses. Eventually, I expanded to platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. Along the way, I made costly mistakes — including losing a promising contract with a Nigerian client based in the US, simply because I wasn't available to reply quickly. That single experience changed how I approached freelancing forever.

If you're just starting your journey as a freelancer or a social media manager — especially from Nigeria or any other developing country — my story will show you what's really involved, what to avoid, and how to bounce back stronger.

Starting Out on Instagram: The First Step Toward Online Income

Back in 2020, Instagram wasn't just a social app for me — it became my first income platform. I began by offering social media management to small business owners, most of them in my local community. My services included creating content calendars, posting engaging visuals, and managing DMs.

What I lacked in experience, I made up for in consistency. I studied Instagram algorithms, practiced with Canva and CapCut, and researched content trends. Slowly, people began to trust my skills. I even managed Instagram accounts for upcoming fashion brands and small online boutiques. It felt great, but it wasn't enough.

Here's why:

• Many clients didn't want to pay well, especially since we were all based in Nigeria.

• Payments were inconsistent and sometimes delayed.

• I wanted to earn in dollars , not just Naira.

That's when I knew I had to expand beyond Instagram and explore global freelance platforms.

Discovering Fiverr and Upwork: The Gateway to a Global Market

I had always heard about platforms like Fiverr and Upwork , but they seemed intimidating. The idea of ​​competing with thousands of skilled professionals worldwide made me hesitate. Still, I knew I had to try.

I started with Fiverr. Creating gigs was straightforward, but getting noticed wasn't. I had to learn SEO for Fiverr — using keywords in my gig titles and descriptions, uploading quality samples, and responding quickly to buyer requests. I got a few small jobs, but nothing consistent.

Upwork was even harder. Writing proposals, tailoring my profile, and building a portfolio from scratch felt overwhelming. I was rejected again and again. Every rejection message stung — not because of the client, but because I doubted myself.

The Pain of Rejection and Losing a Life-Changing Client

One of the most painful lessons came when I almost landed a major contract.

A Nigerian woman based in the US had discovered my work on Instagram. She reached out via WhatsApp and was impressed by my portfolio. We had a great conversation, and she was ready to hire me to manage her brand's Instagram account. It was supposed to be my biggest client yet — one that could finally give me steady income in dollars.

But I made a mistake.

I had a habit of switching off my mobile data to save battery or reduce distractions. That day, she sent me materials to get started, but I wasn't online. Two hours later, when I replied, she was furious. She said, "A real social media manager would have their data on 24/7. I can't trust you with my brand."

I tried to explain — even lied that I had been driving — but the damage was done. She cut ties immediately.

It hurts. Badly.

But that moment became a turning point.

Learned: Turning Rejection Into Growth

Here's what I took away from that experience:

1. Always be available : As a freelancer, responsiveness builds trust. I learned to leave my data on or at least check in hourly during work hours. You don't need to be online 24/7 — just professional about your availability.

2. Create systems for communication : Using tools like Slack , email notifications, and even automation tools helped me stay responsive without draining my phone.

3. Be honest and proactive : Clients value transparency. If you're unavailable for a few hours, inform them ahead of time.

4. Failure is feedback : Every rejection revealed something I could improve — my profile, my tone in proposals, my availability, or even my technical skills.

Adapting My Profile to Match Job Descriptions

Another reason I was often rejected on Upwork was because my profile didn't match the jobs I applied for.

For example, I once applied for a Pinterest marketing job, but my profile said nothing about Pinterest. Of course, I didn't get the gig.

After that, I began customizing my profile regularly. I studied top-rated freelancers in my niche, borrowed their structure, added new skills like hashtag research, analytics tracking, and even short-form video editing. I updated my profile to reflect real client needs — not just what I thought sounded good.

This small change increased my chances of getting interviews.

Rebuilding Confidence After Rejection

Freelancing can make you question your worth. Rejection emails, silent inboxes, and ignored proposals can really mess with your mind. There were days I wanted to give up. Days I felt I wasn't good enough.

But here's what helped me keep going:

• I joined freelance support communities on Facebook and Telegram where people share their struggles and wins.

• I started tracking my rejections and wins in a simple Google Sheet. This gave me perspective.

• I began treating freelancing as a business, not a side hustle. That meant investing in tools, training, and mindset shifts.

Resources That Helped Me Grow

If you're just getting started, here are some tools and platforms that helped me learn and earn better:

• HubSpot Academy : Free courses on digital marketing, social media, and client communication.

• Canva Pro : Helped me create stunning visuals and pitch decks.

• Clockify : Time-tracking tool I used to monitor productivity.

• Grammarly : Improved my proposal writing and communication with clients.

Advice: What Every Aspiring Online Freelancer Should Know

If I could go back and advise myself when I started, here's what I would say:

1. Treat Every Client Like a CEO

Whether the client is paying $5 or $500, show up professionally. Be consistent, deliver quality, and communicate clearly.

2. Never Rely on One Platform

Instagram gave me visibility, but Fiverr and Upwork gave me structure. Build your presence across platforms. You never know which one will take off.

3. Build a Personal Brand

People hire people — not just services. Use your social media to show your face, tell your story, and share your process. Personal branding builds trust.

4. Be Patient But Persistent

Some clients won't reply. Some gigs won't work out. But if you stay consistent, improve your skills, and learn from mistakes, you'll grow.

5. Rejections Are Redirections

Every “no” pushed me toward something better. The contract I lost taught me more than the ones I kept. Don’t take it personally — take it seriously. 

Why Losing a Client Taught Me More Than Any Online Course

There’s a quote I came across that stuck with me:
"The worst thing that happens to you might be the best thing for your growth — if you learn from it."

Losing that US-based client stung, but it forced me to do something most freelancers avoid: audit myself.

I asked hard questions:

• Why didn’t I set clear communication expectations?

• Why wasn’t I using automation tools or notifications?

• Why wasn’t I treating this like a proper business?

These questions led to better habits, such as setting working hours, using email autoresponders, and scheduling check-in times — even when I was working solo.

Creating My Own Client Communication System

To avoid future misunderstandings, I created a simple system:

1. Client Onboarding Sheet (Google Form): When a client says yes, I send them a form to fill in project goals, preferred communication methods, and response time expectations.

2. Welcome Email Template: I created a professional welcome email (with ChatGPT’s help) that explains my working hours, what to expect, and how we’ll communicate.

3. Status Updates via Google Docs: I share a weekly progress doc with the client so they can check updates without always needing to message me.

These small things created a big difference. Clients started trusting me more, and I felt more organized — even when managing multiple jobs.

Niching Down Was a Game Changer

In the beginning, I tried to offer everything: content creation, scheduling, hashtags, email marketing, website tweaks — whatever the client asked for.

But I learned the hard way:
"If you try to be everything to everyone, you’ll become nothing to no one."

So I chose a focus: Instagram marketing for small businesses.
Then I later expanded into short-form video editing and Instagram Reels strategy — because they were high in demand.

Niching down allowed me to:

• Write better proposals tailored to one niche.

• Build a strong portfolio that spoke to a specific audience.

• Charge more because I wasn’t “just another freelancer” — I became a specialist.

Lessons from the First $1,000 I Earned Online

That first $1,000 wasn’t just money — it was validation. But it didn’t come from one big client. It came from small wins stacked on each other:

• $40 from a Fiverr gig designing Instagram highlights.

• $75 from a local bakery for managing their stories.

• $300 from an Upwork job editing Reels.

• $25 here, $50 there — it all added up.

Those wins taught me:

• Track everything — I used Notion to monitor who paid me, when, and what I delivered.

• Keep screenshots and testimonials — Even small reviews helped me gain bigger clients later.

• Celebrate small wins — Every payment, every reply, every client that said “yes” was worth celebrating.

Building a Portfolio Without Big Clients

One question many new freelancers ask is:
“How do I get work if no one has hired me yet?”

Here’s what I did:

• I offered free work with conditions — I told three small businesses, “I’ll manage your Instagram for free for two weeks in exchange for a testimonial and permission to showcase the work.”

• I used Canva to design fake Instagram profiles (for fictional brands) to demonstrate my design and strategy skills.

• I created short video tutorials on Instagram trends and posted them on my feed to show I knew my stuff.

Soon, people started seeing me as someone who knew social media, even though I hadn’t landed any big-name clients yet.

What I Did Differently After Every Setback

Every painful moment taught me something. And every time I got rejected, I changed one small thing. Here’s a list of what I adjusted after each failure:

• After the lost US client: I set clear online hours and installed Gmail and Upwork notifications so I’d never miss a message again.

• After zero Upwork responses: I rewrote my bio, added specific client outcomes (e.g., “grew Instagram by 120% in 3 months”), and used Loom videos in proposals.

• After Fiverr went cold: I rebranded my gig images using Canva and added clear pricing tiers.

• After confidence dropped: I started a “Wins” folder—where I saved every nice client message, 5-star review, and milestone.

Rejection is normal—but repeating the same mistakes isn’t.

Red Flags I Learned to Avoid With Clients

Not every client is a good fit. When you're new, it's tempting to accept every job, but I’ve learned to walk away from these red flags:

• Clients who want free samples before hiring.

• People who rush payments or say things like “this will lead to more work” as an excuse to underpay.

• Clients who disrespect boundaries, like calling on WhatsApp late at night.

• Those with vague project briefs who don’t know what they want—but will blame you when it doesn’t “look right.”

Learning to say “no” is part of growth. Your peace is worth protecting.

Why Nigerian Freelancers Have to Work 2x Harder

Let’s be real. As a Nigerian freelancer, the odds aren’t always in your favor:

• Our country has payment limitations (PayPal, Payoneer issues, etc.).

• We face prejudice or skepticism from international clients.

• Our internet and power supply isn’t always stable.

But here’s the truth: we are some of the most resourceful people on the planet.

If you’re freelancing from Nigeria and still showing up with Canva skills, data struggles, and pure grit — you’re not just working, you’re building something remarkable.

Soft Skills That Helped Me Grow

Beyond technical skills, here are soft skills that elevated my freelance career:

1. Empathy: I learned to listen deeply to client needs and frustrations.

2. Time Management: Using Google Calendar and reminders kept me from missing deadlines.

3. Emotional Resilience: I stopped taking rejections personally and started seeing them as redirections.

4. Curiosity: I always asked, “What can I learn from this?”

The better I got at these, the more clients trusted me—and stayed longer.

Investing in Myself Was the Best ROI

I used to think free tools were enough. But eventually, I started investing a little into myself—and it paid off:

• Bought Canva Pro to look more professional.

• Paid ₦5,000 for a mini-course on client communication.

• Upgraded to better data plans to stay consistent online.

• Paid for a power bank to avoid missing client calls during blackouts.

Each small investment made me feel more confident—and more in control.

Things I Wish I Knew Earlier

If you’re reading this and just getting started, here are a few things I wish someone told me when I was new:

• You don’t need to be perfect, just consistent. Most clients care more about reliability than flawless skills.

• Build a system, not just a hustle. Templates, routines, and documentation save time and build trust.

• Cheap clients cost more energy. Focus on clients who respect your work and pay what you deserve.

• Visibility is currency. Show your work, even when you feel small. Post it, share it, talk about it.

Encouragement for the Freelancer in a Tough Season

If you’re reading this while staring at an empty Fiverr inbox or watching your Upwork proposals get ignored — I’ve been there. Many of us have. Don’t stop.

You might be:

• One message away from your best-paying client.

• One video away from someone discovering your talent.

• One rejection away from your biggest lesson yet.

Stay sharp. Stay hopeful. Your breakthrough doesn’t always come in a big moment—it comes from not giving up.

It’s Your Turn Now

I’m not sharing this story to say I’ve “made it.” I’m still learning, still growing. But now, I’ve seen what’s possible—and I want you to believe in it too.

Whether you’re offering social media services, graphic design, writing, or virtual assistance:

• Start with what you have.

• Grow with intention.

• Learn from every misstep.

• And most importantly: keep showing up.

There’s space for you at the table. Just don’t quit before you get your seat.

Final Takeaway: You Can Start From Zero

You don’t need a degree, a fancy MacBook, or a ring light to start online.

I started with:

• A basic Android phone

• MTN data plans that I couldn’t always afford

• Canva Free and CapCut

• Rejected proposals, ignored messages, and slow growth

And yet, I made it work — because I refused to quit.

Your tools don’t define your value. Your persistence, creativity, and hunger to learn do.

Conclusion: From Struggles to Steady Success

Today, I'm not where I want to be yet — but I'm far from where I started.

I've built real relationships with international clients. I've learned to communicate better, position myself professionally, and offer services that solve real problems. I still face challenges, but now I see rejection as part of the process, not the end of the road.

If you're a social media manager, virtual assistant, or freelancer trying to earn online, know this: you will face rejection, you will make mistakes, and you might lose clients — but every mistake can become your breakthrough.

Believe in your craft. Stay visible. Learn from every "no."

Your success isn't about being perfect — it's about being persistent.