Quick Start Guide

Get up and running on Opengates in 10 minutes. Fast-track action steps for Freelancer, Client, and Organization accounts to start being productive immediately.

Get Productive in 10 Minutes

This guide is designed to get you up and running on Opengates as fast as possible. Instead of reading through every detail (you can always do that later), follow the action steps below for your specific account type and you will be ready to start working, hiring, or managing your team in about ten minutes.

Find your account type below and follow the numbered steps. Each step includes a brief explanation of what you are doing and why it matters.

If You Are a Freelancer

You are here to offer your skills, find clients, and earn money. Here is your fast track:

Step 1: Complete Your Profile (3 minutes)

Your profile is how clients evaluate you before reaching out. Do these right now:

  1. Upload a professional headshot — Go to your profile settings and add a clear, well-lit photo of your face. Profiles with photos get significantly more attention than those without.
  2. Write your bio — In 2-3 sentences, state what you do, your experience level, and what makes you a great hire. Example: "I am a UI/UX designer with 4 years of experience creating intuitive mobile app interfaces. I have worked with startups and enterprises across fintech, healthtech, and e-commerce."
  3. Add your skills — Select 5-10 skills from the platform's list that best represent your expertise. Be specific — "React Native Development" is better than just "Development."
  4. Set your hourly rate — Enter a competitive rate based on your experience and the market. This gives clients a quick sense of your pricing.
  5. Set your location — Add your city and country so clients know your time zone.

Step 2: Create Your First Service Listing (4 minutes)

Services are how clients find and hire you directly. Create at least one:

  1. Go to your services dashboard and click "Create Service" (or equivalent).
  2. Write a clear title — Describe exactly what you offer. "Professional Logo Design for Startups" is better than "Design Work."
  3. Write a compelling description — Explain what the client will get, your process, and what makes your service valuable.
  4. Set your three pricing tiers:
    • Basic — Your entry-level package. Keep the scope small and the price accessible. Example: "1 logo concept, 2 revisions, PNG file — $50."
    • Standard — Your mid-range package. Add more value. Example: "3 logo concepts, 5 revisions, PNG + SVG files, brand color palette — $120."
    • Premium — Your comprehensive package. Go all out. Example: "5 logo concepts, unlimited revisions, all file formats, brand style guide, social media kit — $250."
  5. Add portfolio samples — Upload 2-3 examples of work related to this service. Clients want to see proof of quality.
  6. Set a delivery time for each tier and publish your service.

Step 3: Browse the Task Board (2 minutes)

Tasks are jobs posted by clients. Applying to tasks is a great way to find work:

  1. Go to the task board and browse available tasks.
  2. Filter by your skills to find relevant opportunities.
  3. Read task descriptions carefully before applying — gate keys are required to apply, so be strategic.
  4. Submit a tailored proposal — Do not copy and paste the same text for every application. Address the client's specific needs and explain why you are the right fit.
  5. Monitor your gate key balance — You need gate keys to apply, so use them wisely on tasks where you are a strong match.

Step 4: Set Up Security (1 minute)

Protect your account and earnings:

  1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) — Go to your security settings and turn on 2FA. Use an authenticator app or set up a passkey via WebAuthn.
  2. This extra layer of protection ensures that even if someone learns your password, they cannot access your account.

You Are Ready!

As a freelancer, your next priorities are:

  • Create additional service listings for your other skills
  • Check the task board regularly for new opportunities
  • Respond to messages promptly — fast response times impress clients
  • Deliver excellent work to earn positive reviews and build your reputation
  • Try chatting with OLA, the AI assistant, if you need help with proposals or navigation

If You Are a Client

You are here to find talented freelancers and get work done. Here is your fast track:

Step 1: Complete Your Profile (2 minutes)

A professional profile helps freelancers trust you and take your projects seriously:

  1. Upload a profile photo — A clear headshot or your company logo. Freelancers are more likely to apply to tasks from clients with complete profiles.
  2. Write a brief bio — Describe your business or the types of projects you need help with. Example: "I run a digital marketing agency focused on e-commerce brands. I regularly need graphic designers, copywriters, and web developers for client projects."
  3. Set your location — This helps freelancers understand your time zone for scheduling.

Step 2: Browse the Services Marketplace (3 minutes)

The fastest way to get work done is to order a service directly:

  1. Go to the services marketplace and browse or search for the type of service you need.
  2. Review freelancer profiles — Check their portfolios, read their reviews and ratings, and compare their pricing tiers.
  3. Compare pricing tiers — Each service has Basic, Standard, and Premium options. Choose the tier that matches your budget and requirements.
  4. Place an order — Select the tier you want, provide any details the freelancer needs (project brief, brand guidelines, reference files), and complete the order.
  5. Fund the escrow — When you place an order, your payment is held in escrow via Paystack. The freelancer gets paid only after you approve the delivered work. Your money is protected.

Step 3: Post Your First Task (3 minutes)

If you want freelancers to come to you, post a task:

  1. Go to the task board and click "Post a Task" (or equivalent).
  2. Write a clear title — "Need a React Developer for E-Commerce Website" is much better than "Need a developer."
  3. Write a detailed description — Include:
    • Exactly what needs to be done
    • Technical requirements or specifications
    • Any reference materials or examples of what you want
    • Your timeline and deadlines
  4. Set your budget — Be realistic. Research what similar tasks typically cost. A fair budget attracts better applicants.
  5. Specify required skills — List the skills needed so the right freelancers can find your task.
  6. Publish the task — Once live, freelancers will start applying. You will receive notifications as applications come in.

Step 4: Set Up Security (1 minute)

  1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) — Go to your security settings and add 2FA via an authenticator app or passkey.
  2. This protects your account and the funds you have in escrow.

Step 5: Review Applications (1 minute)

Once freelancers apply to your task:

  1. Review each application — Read the proposal, check the freelancer's profile, portfolio, and ratings.
  2. Message promising candidates — Use the built-in messaging system to ask questions or request more information.
  3. Accept the best fit — When you find the right freelancer, accept their application to create a contract and fund the escrow.

You Are Ready!

As a client, your next priorities are:

  • Respond to freelancer messages promptly
  • Provide clear, detailed project briefs when placing orders
  • Review deliverables carefully and provide constructive feedback
  • Approve completed work promptly to release payments
  • Leave honest reviews to help the freelancer community
  • Explore the premium subscription for reduced fees (7% instead of 12%)

If You Are an Organization

You are here to manage a team, coordinate projects, and build your group's presence on Opengates. Here is your fast track:

Step 1: Set Up Your Organizational Profile (3 minutes)

Your organization's profile represents your group on the platform:

  1. Upload your organization logo — Use your official logo in high resolution. This will appear on all organization-related activity.
  2. Enter your organization name — Use your official, recognizable name.
  3. Write your organization bio — Describe your mission, what your organization does, and why you are on Opengates. Keep it professional but personable.
  4. Select your organization type:
    • For-profit — Companies, agencies, startups, and businesses
    • Non-profit — Charities, NGOs, community organizations, and educational institutions
    • Government — Government agencies, departments, and public sector entities
  5. Set your location — Where your organization is headquartered.

Step 2: Affiliate Your Team Members (3 minutes)

Affiliations link individual Opengates users to your organization:

  1. Navigate to your affiliation management settings.
  2. Invite team members — Send affiliation invitations to users who are already on Opengates (or invite new ones to sign up).
  3. Set roles and permissions — Define what each affiliated user can do within the organization context.
  4. Wait for acceptance — Invited users need to accept the affiliation request to be linked to your organization.

Why affiliate users?

  • Affiliated freelancers can work under your organization's brand
  • Affiliated clients can post tasks on behalf of the organization
  • It creates a unified team identity on the platform
  • You can manage and coordinate group activity more effectively

Step 3: Post a Task or Order a Service (3 minutes)

Now that your organization is set up, get work moving:

To post a task:

  1. Create a new task from your organization dashboard
  2. Write a clear title and detailed description of the work needed
  3. Set the budget and deadline
  4. Specify required skills
  5. Publish — the task will be posted under your organization's name

To order a service:

  1. Browse the services marketplace
  2. Find a freelancer whose service matches your needs
  3. Review their profile, portfolio, and pricing tiers
  4. Place an order under your organization's name
  5. Fund the escrow through Paystack

Step 4: Set Up Security (1 minute)

  1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on your administrative account — Go to security settings and enable 2FA.
  2. Encourage all affiliated users to enable 2FA on their individual accounts as well.
  3. Consider using passkeys/WebAuthn for the most secure authentication option.

You Are Ready!

As an organization, your next priorities are:

  • Continue affiliating team members as your organization grows
  • Establish clear workflows for posting tasks and managing contracts
  • Use the messaging and calling features for team coordination
  • Monitor organizational activity and analytics
  • Set internal guidelines for how affiliated users represent the organization

Universal Tips for All Account Types

No matter which account type you chose, keep these tips in mind:

Communication

  • Respond quickly — Fast response times build trust and keep projects moving
  • Be clear and specific — Whether writing a proposal, a task description, or a message, clarity prevents misunderstandings
  • Use the built-in tools — Opengates messaging and calling (via Azure Communication Services) keep everything in one place and create a record of all communication

Security

  • Use a strong, unique password — Different from every other website you use
  • Enable 2FA — This is the single most impactful thing you can do to secure your account
  • Consider passkeys — WebAuthn-based passkeys are the most secure authentication method available

Payments and Fees

  • All prices are in USD — This is the standard currency across the platform
  • Payouts are in KES — Freelancers receive their earnings in Kenyan Shillings
  • Standard fee is 12% — This is deducted from transactions
  • Premium subscribers pay only 7% — If you transact frequently, the premium subscription can save you significant money

Mobile Access

  • Download the Opengates mobile app — Available on iOS and Android, the app lets you manage everything on the go
  • Stay synced — Your activity syncs between mobile and web, so you can switch devices seamlessly

Get Help

  • OLA AI Assistant — Use the Gemini-powered OLA assistant for quick answers and guidance
  • Help Center — You are reading it right now. Browse for detailed guides on every feature
  • Support Team — For issues you cannot resolve on your own, reach out to the support team

Language

  • Switch languages — Opengates supports English, French, Swahili, and Arabic. Change your language in settings if you prefer a different option.

Now that you are set up and ready to go, here are some resources to deepen your knowledge:

Still need help? Contact our support team and we'll be happy to assist you.