Have you ever felt like working online was a dream reserved for people with expensive gadgets, perfect setups, and years of tech experience? It’s easy to think that way, especially when it feels like everything online screams “you need more to succeed.” But here’s the thing: you don’t need a fancy office, top-tier devices, or unlimited resources to get started. What you need is determination, creativity, and a plan—and that’s exactly what we’re diving into today.
When I started my journey into online work, I didn’t have everything figured out. I didn’t have the latest gadgets or endless resources. What I did have was the belief that I could make it work with what I had. And you know what? That belief—and a little resourcefulness—got me further than I ever imagined. If you’re here reading this, you already have the spark of ambition. Now, it’s time to match it with practical steps to help you begin.
This guide is more than just a list of tools—it’s a roadmap to help you start small, think smart, and build your online career without breaking the bank. From affordable devices to free software and reliable internet, I’ll walk you through everything you need to start working online. If I can do it, so can you. So, let’s break it down and get you on your way to building the life you’ve been dreaming of.
1. A Reliable Internet Connection
Your internet connection is the lifeline of your online career. Whether you’re freelancing, teaching online, selling digital products, or managing social media accounts, you need a reliable and stable internet connection to make it work.
What to Look For:
- Speed: A minimum speed of 10 Mbps is enough for tasks like Zoom calls, uploading files, and browsing multiple tabs. For video editing or live streaming, aim for faster speeds.
- Stability: Consistency is key. A slower but stable connection is better than a fast one that cuts out mid-meeting.
Budget-Friendly Options:
- Compare Providers: Look at options like Telkom, Rain, Vodacom, and MTN in South Africa. Check for deals on uncapped fibre or data bundles.
- Community Wi-Fi Hotspots: Libraries, co-working spaces, or even certain restaurants and cafes like Mcdonalds, Spur, Starbucks, and Mugg and Bean provide affordable or free internet access.
- Backup Plan: Always have mobile data as a backup, especially if you’re working with clients.
Pro Tip: When you’re budgeting, think of your internet connection as an investment. It’s the bridge between you and your clients, so prioritise reliability over speed if you’re choosing between the two. And if you can’t afford to make this investment just yet, make use of the wifi hotspots. Working 3 times a week in a cafe by buying one cup of coffee is better than not working at all because you can’t afford monthly payments on Wifi.
2. A Device That Fits Your Needs
You don’t need the latest MacBook or a high-end PC to start working online. What you need is a device that suits the type of work you’re doing.
Laptop or Smartphone?
- Laptop: Best for tasks like writing, graphic design, coding, and virtual assistance. Look for at least 4GB RAM and an Intel i3 processor or equivalent for basic tasks. For heavy-duty work, aim for 8GB RAM or more.
- Smartphone: Perfect for tasks like managing social media, selling products on apps like Redbubble, or handling customer inquiries. Look for good storage space and a reliable camera if visuals are part of your work.
Where to Get Affordable Devices:
- Second-Hand Markets: Check Gumtree, OLX, Facebook Marketplace, or Cash Crusaders for used laptops and phones.
- Refurbished Options: Retailers like Incredible Connection or Takealot often have refurbished devices with warranties.
- Financing Plans: Stores like Vodacom and MTN offer device financing options that allow you to pay in instalments.
Maintenance Tip: Whatever device you get, keep it running smoothly with regular updates, antivirus software, and basic cleaning. A well-maintained device can last years and save you money.
3. Secure and Reliable Payment Platforms
You can’t work online without a way to get paid. Thankfully, there are many secure payment platforms available that make it easy to receive money, whether you’re working with local or international clients.
Best Payment Platforms:
- PayPal: Perfect for international clients. Link it to your FNB account to withdraw in rands.
- Payoneer: Great for freelancers working with global platforms. Their Mastercard makes it easy to spend or withdraw funds.
- Wise (formerly TransferWise): Offers low currency conversion fees and deposits directly into your local account.
- Local Bank Transfers: Some clients may prefer direct payments into your Capitec, FNB, or Standard Bank account.
Pro Tip: Once you figure out the online path you want to take, look at their payment methods and then set up your payment platforms before starting work. This ensures there’s no delay when it’s time to get paid. Just as an example Etsy pays directly into your South African bank account so you won’t need an international payment processor, but Fiverr only pays via Paypal or Payoneer so you would need one of those set up.
4. Free or Affordable Software
You don’t need to spend a fortune on software to deliver high-quality work. There are plenty of free or budget-friendly tools to help you stay productive.
Essential Tools for Beginners:
- Google Workspace: Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are free and perfect for creating and sharing documents.
- Communication Tools: Zoom, Skype, and WhatsApp are free for calls, messages, and file sharing.
- Design Tools: Canva’s free plan is excellent for creating graphics, resumes, or social media content.
- Project Management: Trello, Asana, or Notion offer free plans to help you stay organised.
Free Learning Resources:
- YouTube: I can’t stress this enough. YouTube should be one of your most used apps when you begin your journey, from complete tutorials on how to use platforms like Canva to the smallest tips on how to change the font within it, you’ll find answers to most of your questions there. For the deeper questions about your life and purpose, I’d recommend talking to Jesus 😉
5. A Comfortable Workspace
You don’t need a fancy home office to work online. A small, functional setup is enough to keep you productive.
How to Create a Workspace on a Budget:
- Repurpose Furniture: Use an old table or desk and add a cushion for comfort.
- Good Lighting: A desk lamp or sitting near a window can help you stay focused.
- Noise Control: Invest in affordable noise-canceling headphones or earplugs.
These will help you stay productive but in all honesty, none of this is actually needed. Working from your bed or the sofa in your lounge is enough. I still do that sometimes.
6. Platforms to Find Work
Now that you’re set up, it’s time to explore the platforms where you can start earning online. Whether you’re looking to freelance, sell products, or teach, there are plenty of opportunities waiting for you. In this post I’ll only mention the platforms that are free to get started on:
Freelancing Platforms
These platforms connect you with clients looking for specific skills:
- Upwork: Great for beginners and seasoned professionals alike, offering work in writing, design, development, and more.
- Fiverr: Create service “gigs” for tasks like graphic design, voiceovers, or writing. Clients browse and hire directly from your offerings.
Selling Products or Services
If freelancing isn’t your thing, you can sell products or services online:
- Redbubble: Sell your custom designs on print-on-demand products like T-shirts, mugs, and phone cases.
- Gumroad: Sell digital products like e-books, art, or software without needing a full online store.
Online Teaching and Tutoring Platforms
If you’re skilled at explaining concepts or teaching, these platforms can help you monetize your knowledge:
- Udemy: Teach almost anything and earn income by selling courses.
- Preply: A tutoring platform where you can teach languages or academic subjects.
- Outschool: Great for teaching niche skills to kids and teens, from art to coding.
- VIPKid: A popular option for teaching English to students around the world.
- Cambly: Teach conversational English to learners globally with a simple setup.
Remote Job Boards
If you’re looking for more traditional remote job roles:
- We Work Remotely: A job board for full-time, part-time, or freelance remote work opportunities.
- Remote.co: Focused on remote-friendly companies offering flexible jobs.
Social Media and Networking
Sometimes the best opportunities aren’t posted on formal platforms. Social media can be a powerful tool for finding work:
- LinkedIn: Use the “Open to Work” feature and network with professionals in your field. Join LinkedIn groups related to freelancing or remote work.
- Facebook Groups: Many niche groups exist for freelancers or specific industries (e.g., “Freelance Writers South Africa”).
Content Platforms
If you’re a creator, consider these platforms to showcase and monetize your work:
- YouTube: Create content and earn from ad revenue, sponsorships, and memberships.
Tiktok, Facebook, and Instagram have also started paying South Africans ad revenue from their content, so if you’ve dreamed of becoming a content creator and posting viral-worthy videos, now is the time.
Pro Tip:
Start with one or two platforms that align with your skills and goals. Focus on building a strong profile, delivering quality work, and collecting positive reviews. Once you’ve gained momentum, you can expand to other platforms to diversify your income streams. I started on Fiverr before I did any of this other stuff and the reviews on there really did give me the confidence to keep going.
Conclusion
Starting an online career might feel overwhelming, but it’s one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. Imagine waking up each day knowing that you’re building a career that fits your life and passions. The best part? You don’t need to have it all together to begin. Every expert you see today started with small steps, limited resources, and a determination to figure things out as they went.
You already have what it takes to make this work. The tools? You can find them on a budget. The skills? They’ll grow as you learn. The courage? You’ve already shown that by deciding to start. Remember, perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. Even with minimal resources, you can carve out a space for yourself in the online world.
So here’s your call to action: Start today. Take that first step, however small it may feel, and trust the process. The opportunities are out there, and they’re waiting for someone like you—someone ready to take a chance on themselves and build something extraordinary. Let today be the day you begin. You’ve got this!