Winnie Muriuki – A freelance full-stack developer and a content writer

Continuing with our series of featured Freelancers, today we are proudly presenting to you Winnie Muriuki, one of our popular freelancers. Her full-stack developing, content writing, and SEO services have made her a top freelancer. Since 2018, she has been an active participant at Truelancer and many clients have praised her dedication and hardworking attitude. Now, let’s take a look at her freelance career and see how she used her skills to land the best projects.

When did you start freelancing, and what inspired you?

I started freelancing in 2017. I had just completed my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science when one of my friends recommended me to a client. The client lived abroad, and I wasn’t ready to leave my country for a short-term project. So, working remotely was the only option if our collaboration was to succeed. That project was the first of the many freelancing jobs that I would take later.

This first-time experience inspired me to opt for this working setup. For instance, I didn’t have to commute to and from work every day. I was at liberty to choose when to work. Additionally, I would take a break whenever necessary, improving my productivity. I wanted this working life, and that’s how I gave freelancing a shot

How long have you been a freelancer?

It has been over 5 years since I became a freelancer. I thought that my first experience was excellent, but it kept getting even better as days went by. Things got even better as I got used to coping with people from all walks of life, dealing with different time zones, and horning my skills. It became one better experience after another. I am also glad that I became a freelancer because of the freedom that comes with it

What do you like the most about Freelancing, especially the skills you are providing?

The freedom, flexibility, and versatility that come with freelancing make me love and appreciate it. My skills set also helps me work most of the time independently, making me love freelancing even more. As a full-stack developer, content writer, and SEO expert, I tend not to rely much on other professionals when working on a project. I will make the website, blog, or system myself. After that, I will do the content writing as well. While at it, I will apply both on-page and technical SEO techniques, thus making optimization easy. So, I don’t have to deal with inconveniences from other team players, which could have been common without all the 3 skills.

What are the most important skills required as a freelance Full-stack developer?

Commitment to deadlines and paying attention to every detail are the two main things that make a freelance full-stack developer successful. The projects are often large hence the need for commitment. Additionally, as you work to meet the client’s requirements, every details matter. These skills will help you deliver what your client wants and when they want it. If you do so, rest assured that they will remember you once they need a similar project or recommend you to their friends and acquaintances. You stand a high chance of becoming a successful full-stack developer if that happens.

What challenges have you come across in your freelancing career?

The biggest challenge ever experienced as a freelancer was managing several clients simultaneously. On one side, you don’t want to say no to your regular client because they most likely only prefer working with you. On the other hand, you don’t want to commit to too much work only to disappoint the clients. It is something you can’t afford to do as a freelance because you may never gain their trust again. Besides, one bad review can hurt your freelancing career.

Fortunately, managing several clients at a go is a skill you master over time. Every client has their schedule, and all you have to do is understand and respect it. Declining new tasks if you have a huge workload can also help. There is also making sacrifices to ensure that all your clients are happy.

What, according to you, does it take to be a successful Full-Stack developer and SEO freelancer?

If you have been following, I believe you have the answer to this question. However, I don’t mind reiterating since it is important to keep these in mind. If you want to be a successful full-stack developer and SEO freelancer, you should be disciplined. Always deliver what the client requested and ensure that you deliver on if not before time. Justice delayed is justice denied, and that’s something that you have to remember as a freelancer.

The client may not want to see your work once the stipulated time lapses. So, it won’t matter whether you did a good job or not at the end of the day. All your efforts will go to waste, and that’s far from being successful. If you have to say no, so be it. The bottom line is not making a promise that you can’t keep.

What suggestions do you want to give to the budding freelancers? 

If you are planning to start freelancing, start now. The sooner you start your freelance job, the better since you begin creating your profile. Don’t let people with great profiles make you shy away from giving it a shot. After all, they also started somewhere. There was a time when they had no client or rating. If you give your best, it could be you tomorrow, next week, month or year. So, just get started.

How did you get to know about freelancing, and what is your experience using Truelancer? 

As mentioned earlier, I learned about freelancing by chance. I never thought I would work remotely until I got a gig that demanded the same. However, I realized how hard it was to manage several clients via emails. I needed a platform to help with the management.

After my search, I settled for Truelancer. It ensured that I only started working on a project after the client deposited the money. That security can be encouraging for sure. The money would also be released as soon as the client was satisfied with the job. Who wouldn’t fall in love with such a freelancers’ website? My experience using Truelancer is amazing, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Its commission rate is also fair and reasonable. It has a huge base of clients and puts many jobs at your disposal.