African FreelancersStephen Fadayomi has been on the freelancing scene for several years, honing his craft as a writer, content marketer, course creator, and digital marketing professional. With nearly a decade of experience under his belt, Stephen has transformed his passion for writing into a successful career, helping businesses grow through strategic content and digital marketing.
As a certified content marketer, digital marketing expert, and dedicated course creator, Stephen excels in his craft and mentors the next generation of freelancers through his thriving community. In this interview with African Freelancers, Stephen shares his journey, challenges, and insights, offering valuable advice for those looking to make their mark in the world of freelancing.
African Freelancers: Who is Stephen Fadayomi?
Stephen Fadayomi: I am a freelance writer, certified content marketer, digital marketing professional, and course creator with nearly 10 years of experience. I am passionate about helping businesses grow through strategic content. Additionally, I run a freelancing community for writers, where I mentor aspiring freelance writers and help them navigate the world of freelancing.
African Freelancers: Can you tell us how you started freelancing? What motivated you to become a freelancer?
Stephen Fadayomi: I began freelancing in 2015 purely out of passion. At the time, it wasn’t about the money—I simply enjoyed writing. However, everything changed when I got paid for my first ghostwriting job. I was surprised that people were willing to pay writers for their work. By 2017, I transitioned into online writing and freelancing. My first breakthrough came from a cold pitch I sent in 2018, which landed me a gig that changed everything. That experience fueled my passion for freelancing, and I’ve never looked back since, regardless of the highs and lows.
African Freelancers: Tell us about your niche and how you chose it.
Stephen Fadayomi: I specialize in ghostwriting, SaaS content writing, freelance writing coaching, and digital marketing. Initially, I experimented with different niches before realizing that SaaS writing aligned best with my skills and interests. I chose it because it’s a high-paying niche with consistent demand. However, I still write in other niches as well.
African Freelancers: What were some of your biggest challenges when starting your freelancing career?
Stephen Fadayomi: Some of the biggest challenges I faced included:
- Getting clients: I didn’t know how to pitch effectively.
- Self-doubt: I wasn’t sure if I was good enough.
- Low pay: My first gigs paid very little.
I overcame these challenges by improving my pitching skills, networking, and continuously learning.
African Freelancers: How do you find and secure clients as a freelancer?
Stephen Fadayomi: I use a mix of cold emailing, LinkedIn networking, and Twitter/X to attract clients. Cold pitching has been my most effective method—I personalize my emails and focus on how I can help potential clients rather than just selling my services.
African Freelancers: Can you share a specific project or client experience that was particularly rewarding for you?
Stephen Fadayomi: One of my most rewarding experiences was working with a SaaS brand that needed content to boost its SEO rankings. Within a few months, my content significantly improved their visibility, leading them to extend my contract. It was fulfilling to see my work have a tangible impact. I have also worked on other rewarding projects, including landing a retainer contract in late 2024.
African Freelancers: How do you balance multiple projects and ensure that you meet deadlines?
Stephen Fadayomi: I use a structured approach to manage my workload:
- Prioritization: I break down projects into manageable tasks.
- Time blocking: I allocate specific hours for each client’s work.
- Project management tools: I use Notion and Trello a lot to stay organized.
African Freelancers: What role does networking play in your freelancing career, and how do you build your network?
Stephen Fadayomi: Networking is essential in freelancing. I actively connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn, engage with fellow writers on Twitter/X, and join relevant online communities. By participating in discussions and providing value, I build trust and meaningful relationships.
African Freelancers: How do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments in your field?
Stephen Fadayomi: I stay updated by following industry blogs, taking online courses, and continuously testing new strategies. Learning never stops in freelancing.
African Freelancers: How do you set your rates and handle negotiations with clients?
Stephen Fadayomi: I set my rates based on industry standards, my experience, and the value I provide. During negotiations, I focus on ROI—helping clients see the benefits of investing in high-quality content.
African Freelancers: How do you handle demanding clients or challenging situations in your freelancing work?
Stephen Fadayomi: I maintain professionalism and set clear boundaries. If a client is too demanding, I communicate my expectations clearly. If necessary, I politely part ways while maintaining professionalism.
African Freelancers: How did you transition from being a freelancer to leading a freelancing community?
Stephen Fadayomi: I started sharing my experiences on social media, and aspiring freelancers began reaching out for guidance. That inspired me to create a community where I could mentor others and help them succeed.
African Freelancers: Can you share any tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance as a freelancer?
Stephen Fadayomi: Some tips that have helped me include:
- Set work hours: Don’t be available 24/7.
- Take breaks: Avoid burnout.
- Create a dedicated workspace: Helps separate work from personal life.
African Freelancers: How do you see the future of freelancing in Africa, and what opportunities do you think it holds?
Stephen Fadayomi: Freelancing in Africa is growing rapidly. With the rise of remote work, African freelancers now have more opportunities to work with global clients. The key to success is developing high-income skills and leveraging digital platforms.
African Freelancers: What advice would you give to someone just starting as a freelancer in writing and digital marketing?
Stephen Fadayomi: Here are a few things you should do as a freelancer:
- Focus on learning first: Build your skills before chasing money.
- Be patient: Success takes time.
- Market yourself: Social media is your best friend, use it to your advantage but do not get carried away with it.
- Don’t fear rejection: Keep pitching and improving.
Contact Stephen Fadayomi on Twitter via @Extrastiv and his website – fadayomistephen.com, where he shares tips for freelancers. Read our blog for more African Freelancer features and helpful freelancing tips.
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