Freelancing is one of the fastest ways to start making money online, it is easy to start and also doesn’t require any monetary investment.
As a Nigerian and someone who is new to online entrepreneurship, Freelancing will be the perfect idea to invest your energy into, especially if you don’t have money to invest in other online business models.
Although you can start freelancing today and have a chance to make your first money within a week, it is still not the easiest online business model.
In order to succeed as a freelancer, the most important thing you need is patience and commitment to learning whatever you need to learn in order to succeed.
In this article, we’ll cover the essentials for getting started in freelancing, what you should learn to succeed, how to acquire the necessary skills, where to find clients, and the challenges you may encounter as a Nigerian freelancer working with international clients.
But before we jump into all that, let’s understand what is freelancing.
What is Freelancing?
Freelancing is a way of working where you, as an independent freelancer, provide your skills and services to different clients on a project-to-project basis.
Instead of having a fixed job with one company or person, you have the flexibility to work with various clients simultaneously.
As a freelancer, you’re essentially your own boss. You get to decide what services you want to offer, how many hours you want to work each day, and how much you want to charge for each project you take on.
It’s a form of self-employment that offers you the freedom to shape your own career.
Benefits of Freelancing
Freelancing offers several advantages over traditional full-time jobs or other online businesses. Here are some of the key benefits of freelancing:
- Earn More: Your income potential as a freelancer depends on the time you’re willing to invest, the services you offer, and your pricing. If you provide high-quality services, you can earn more money than any single company can afford to pay you, especially in Nigeria.
- Freedom: As a freelancer, you’re your own boss. You get to pick the projects you work on, choose your clients, and decide how many hours you want to work each day.
- Flexibility: You can work from anywhere in the world, whether it’s your bedroom, a café, or wherever you feel comfortable. You’re not tied to a specific office or dress code, and you won’t stress about being late to work.
- Easy Start: Freelancing doesn’t require any money investment or certificates. You can begin with the skills you already have, and there’s no need to be an expert in any particular field.
- Get Paid in Dollars: Being paid in US dollars can help protect your earnings from the economic challenges, like inflation, in Nigeria. This can provide more stability and value to your income.
What Do You Need to Start Freelancing?
The great news is that you don’t need a lot to begin freelancing. To get started, all you really need is a computer and an internet connection.
Considering you’re reading this article, I’m sure you already have internet access 😊. As for the computer, you don’t need a computer with some high capacity, all you need is the computer that you already have or the one you have access to.
When I started my freelancing journey, I purchased a used laptop for just #25,000. The computer can run only on Windows 8, and has an extremely low capacity in a way that if I open more than 2 tabs in a browser, it would slow down significantly.
I worked with that computer until I generated enough money to buy a better one.
So, use the computer you currently have until you can afford to upgrade to a better one!
What Skills Do You Need to Start Freelancing?
To start freelancing you need to learn at least a decent level of skills in a few areas. While you don’t have to be an absolute expert, you should have a good grasp of your chosen skills and tasks.
Here are the skills you need to start freelancing:
Freelancing Services
There are hundreds of services that you can choose from and start offering as a freelancer. So, choosing the actual skills that you are going to start offering as a freelancer is the very first step.
Some of the high-demand freelancing skills are:
- Video editing
- Vertical video editing
- Podcast Editing
- Social media management
- Logo design
- YouTube thumbnail design
- Data entry
- Transcription
- Social media graphic design
- Editing & Proofreading
- Content writing
- Online community manager
- Web design
The services you choose to offer as a freelancer are going to depend on many factors, such as your learning capability, your background, and computer capacity, etc.
Watch this video to learn The High Demand Freelancing Skills For Nigerians!
Watch the video and be clear about the services you should start offering as a freelancer.
Creating a Freelancer Portfolio
Your freelancer portfolio is going to be your personal showcase, it is your storefront, it is what your potential clients are going to look at to evaluate your skills, to determine whether they want to work with you or not.
In order to start freelancing you need to learn how to create an attractive portfolio.
Watch this tutorial to learn how you can create an effective and attractive portfolio as a complete beginner to freelancing:
Learn how to create a portfolio and put in the time to create the best one for yourself.
Write a Winning Proposal
A proposal is what you send to potential clients when they are looking to hire a freelancer. It is the first line of communication between you and the potential client.
A winning proposal will start a conversation between you and the potential client, which is one of the hardest parts of getting clients.
Watch this tutorial and learn how to create a winning proposal template for yourself:
Watch the tutorial and learn how you can create a template that you can reuse to apply for projects.
How to Find Freelance Clients
Finding clients is the most important part of being a freelancer, without clients you aren’t going to be a freelancer.
Finding clients is challenging, especially for a complete beginner with no previous experience, and zero client reviews.
Here are the steps you should in order to have a good chance of finding clients:
Freelancing Platforms
There are many places to find clients. Some people use freelancing Facebook groups, some people use social media content creation, some people rely on referrals, some people use blogging, etc.
The best way to find clients as a Nigerian and a complete beginner to freelancing is through freelancing platforms.
There are 3 major freelancing platforms, which are Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com
I personally recommend starting with Upwork, but you can try all 3 and find the one you like the most.
You can also watch this tutorial to learn how to create your freelancer account on Upwork:
When you create your freelancer profile, the next thing is…
Create a Portfolio
We have already talked about creating your freelancer portfolio, so make sure you create the best portfolio based on the services you are offering as a freelancer.
Learn How to Apply for Jobs The Right Way
Once you’ve set up your freelancer account and crafted your portfolio, it’s time to begin applying for freelancing opportunities.
To make the most of your efforts and prevent unnecessary wasted time and energy, consider the following tips:
- Target Beginner-Friendly Jobs: Initially, focus on job postings that specifically mention they are looking for beginners or entry-level freelancers. These opportunities are often more accessible and can help you build your freelance career.
- Match Job Requirements: Ensure that you meet all the job requirements listed in the job posting, including factors like location, language proficiency, and relevant experience. Applying for jobs where you’re a good fit increases your chances of success.
- Choose Experienced Clients: Look for clients who have a track record of hiring freelancers on the platform. This indicates that they are likely familiar with the freelancing process and are more inclined to hire reliable freelancers.
Watch this video to learn how to apply for jobs the right way on Upwork:
Final thought
A lot goes into starting freelancing and becoming a successful freelancer, Unlike many other “quick money” ideas, freelancing has a learning curve, but the bright side is that it offers greater long-term sustainability compared to most “quick money” schemes.
The most challenging part of achieving success in freelancing is your determination to persevere and invest the necessary time and effort. If you persist and refuse to give up, you will not only succeed but also discover that the financial freedom you attain is well worth the journey.
My final advice: Never give up, and your future self will look back with pride on your achievements!
Here is to your success 🎉
