For the past several years, online freelancing has become very popular in Nigeria. With more internet access, affordable smartphones, and digitalization, especially in young people, freelancing in Nigeria has become very high. People are looking for alternative revenue sources due to the high rate of unemployment, and the establishment of online platforms such as Fever, upwork, freelances, and topitles have opened doors for many Nigerian freelancers worldwide.
In this article, I will discuss the rapid increase of online freelancing in Nigeria and provide step -by -step instructions about the method of starting as a sustainable online freelance.
Why online freelancing is gaining popularity in Nigeria
Online freelancing is steadily increasing. With digitalization, the world is now a global market, and Nigeria is taking advantage of this opportunity. There are several reasons for being so popular online freelancing. Let’s check out some of the most important:
- High rate of unemployment: The unemployment rate in Nigeria is quite high. Most people do not have a beneficial job, and life costs are much higher than the average salary expectation. Because of this, Nigeria has searched for other sources of money, and online freelancing has emerged as a great option.
- A global market: Companies around the world have turned to freelancing as it saves their costs by accessing the global talent pool. It has greatly increased the freelance market space.
- Young population: Nigeria has the youngest population in the world, with an average age of 18. The majority of Nigeria have grown up with access to phone and Internet, or at least with knowledge. Being a young and highly digitalized population, being able to make money online is quite profitable.
- Stories of success: Many young Nigeria has made it in the free world, and information about them is being broadcast daily. This has led to more interest in the general public.
How to start as online freelances in Nigeria
It is not easy to start, but to break the process in pieces so it is manageable. Let’s move forward this phased process on how you can start as a freelance status in Nigeria:
Step 1: Learn a skill
If you currently have sales skills, you have taken an essential step in the preparation of freelancing. You can know your skills against popular people who fits your skills and fits well with your competitive edge.
If you do not have the skills, then choose the skill that is interested in you, sales and profitable. Finally, you want to choose skills that can make you money, and if you choose the skills only for the money you will not be able to last long.
Once you choose a skill you want to learn, find a reliable source to learn from it. The most popular is the provider such as Open Online Course (MOC) Corshara and Admi. As an alternative, you can find free resources on YouTube, Google, and social media platforms. You should find a coach or tutorial that may be online or offline, though they are usually more expensive.
Step 2: Create qualification and a portfolio
Clients want to see the evidence that you can provide results. It doesn’t matter how good you are or how much you have. The important thing is that if your clients can recognize your abilities and be willing to rely on your plans. Of course, you should have the skills to back your claims, because even if you lie on your experience list, the work you provide will expose you.
You can create qualifications with a diligent exercise. Get small projects that may not be paid to you initially, so that you can experience. Once you have collected a lot of knowledge, skills and experiences, you can start looking for a job. But before that, you should take your time again to produce experienced and portfolio.
Your best works should contain portfolio. The authors can present several articles. Graphic designers can take design samples. Developers can publish the manufactured website or apps. Departments to make tools include WordPress, Wox, Bahans (for designers), Gut Hub (for developers), and others.
Your experience list should include all your relevant experiences, education and skills you have received. It should be written clearly and briefly.
Step 3: Choose the right freelance platform
Today there are many freelance platforms that meet audiences around the world. Many of these platforms are available for Nigeria, even the most popular. Freelancing websites to find work in Nigeria are included FeverFor, for, for,. UpworkFor, for, for,. Freelance.comFor, for, for,. toptalFor, for, for,. People HourEtc.
Step 4: Create a professional profile
Your profile represents you, your work and your brand. A non -professional profile will damage your work prospects. Everything in your profile should be professional and your value should be communicated.
- Profile Photo: Add a clear, pleasant look of yourself that offers professionalism.
- Bio/Description: Explain in some keywords of your skills, experiences, and services you offer to the clients.
- Portfolio samples: Upload relevant examples of your work.
- Certification: Create all the certification list you available that prove your ability.
Step 5: The cost of your services
In the beginning, pricing is difficult. Start competitively, but not less to reduce yourself. When you start construction of reviews and start building your reputation, prices begin slowly, but not two to three times a year.
Pricing indicators:
- See what others receive.
- Calculate how long it will take, what skills you have, and how complex the project is.
- Do not charge at the beginning per hour. Project pricing is often improved for early people.
Step 6: Apply for jobs and market your services
Apply for daily jobs. If possible, customize each application. Never send a copy paste suggestion. Use LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook groups and Twitter to showcase your work and attract clients.
Challenges faces that Nigeria’s freelancers are facing
When you decide to become a freelance in Nigeria, you will face many obstacles. They may look annoying, but they should not give up your goals. They include:
- Payment obstacles: Although the majority of the international platform uses PayPal to ease payment, Nigerian residents have banned access to PayPal. You can only send payment to PayPal in Nigeria, but not receive. It extends your powers to a great extent as a freelance. However, there are more options, even if they are not so popular. They include PayoneerFor, for, for,. GeniusAnd the other.
- Internet reliability: Inadequate stability in the Internet can cause delays. Many network providers (modem backup holders) give an alternative way to deal with power outages.
- Competition: The fact is that it is freelancing makes it extremely competitive. Different levels of skill and excellent communication can be used to stand with customer service, to stand.
- Trust issues: Many clients are careful to work with freelancers from Nigeria, considering Nigeria as stereotypes with bad behavior such as cheating. This bias can be easily eliminated by creating a professional profile, transparency, and providing excellent services.
Points for success in freelancing
Creating a successful freelance career requires time and effort, especially as a Nigeria. There are many challenges along the way, but with the right strategy, there is a great deal of success.
- Customs: The more specific you are, such as the “e -commerce website designer” instead of the “web designer”, the more profitable the client.
- Talk well: Talk to your actions and expectations for the project. Make a great effort to understand the needs and needs of your clients.
- More than: Go to the extra mail and provide much more than your client’s expectation. It will come like a pleasant surprise and will open more opportunities for mutual cooperation in the future, and possibly a recommendation.
- Be fresh: Online world changes rapidly. You should keep upgrading your abilities.
- Ask for reviews: Positive reviews of clients increase your reputation. If you do a great job, your client will be willing to take a positive review for you.
Conclusion
Online freelancing is not just a side stir, but a potential, durable carrier. It can be the door to freedom, opportunities all over the world, and the door to the ability to fulfill itself through right skills, strategies and flexibility.
If you are thinking about starting, now is the right time to start. Digital economies are spreading, and the world is your market.