Do you want to find out how you can succeed as a Freelancer in Nigeria?
Where you get to work with big brands? And get the fat paychecks?
In a short while, I would show you how.
The freelancing world isn’t an easy place to thrive, being a Nigerian only makes it harder. Many Nigerian freelancers are frustrated and stuck on freelancing platforms overworking themselves daily for peanuts.
I won’t say it is going to be easy, but it is definitely possible, and it is quite rewarding. Here are some tips that will help you succeed as a freelancer in Nigeria.
Thinking of how to succeed as a Freelancer in Nigeria? Then read this article as I guide you and show you how to become a successful Freelancer in Nigeria.
Follow me l slowly as I show you How to succeed as a Freelance in Nigeria with these five sure ways;
- Develop competency
- Branding – Take Your Business Seriously
- Build Credibility
- Network!
- Niche Down: Don’t be a Generalist!
Having listed these methods, its expedient that we dive into the mine and go get some gold for us, attentively follow me into the gold mine!
1. Develop Competency
I know you want the knowledge of how to succeed as a Freelancer in Nigeria. You have bought that course that promised you will become a great graphics designer, writer or data analyst in 2 weeks.
I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but it doesn’t work like that. It might get you some gigs on Fiverr, but it won’t get you the fat paycheck as a Freelancer in Nigeria.
To become competent in any field requires consistent and focused practice. You need to forget about earning for now and practice to master your craft, at least to a satisfactory level.
No big brand or business will be willing to spend big so that you can experiment or ‘learn work’ with their project. Even if you land a promising gig, your lack of expertise and competency will hamper the working relationship and cost you future projects.
Be patient, learn and practice! As a Freelancer in Nigeria, you need a high level of competency to succeed in the freelancing world.
2. Branding – Take Your Business Seriously
Freelancing is a serious business, if you are ready to succeed as a freelancer in Nigeria and earn big, you must take it as a serious and stop treating it as a side hustle or a hobby.
Get your business (name) registered and develop a process for your business. Having your business registered is proof of its legitimacy. It will add credibility to your business and make it stand out in the market.
Also, have a professional website and portfolio that potential clients can see your previous work/ sample and learn more about your business.
3. Build Credibility
If you are going to succeed as a freelancer in Nigeria you must have proof of a job well done from your previous clients.
Do not joke with this, ask every client (at least when you start out) for an honest review of your performance and list the brands you have worked for on your portfolio. This will add more credibility to you and increase your bargaining power.
Always make sure that you have their permission to use these testimonials and reviews on your portfolio.
As your reputation grows and you have developed a network base amidst your audiences, there won’t be a need for testimonials again. Your name will speak for itself.
This is essential to succeeding as a freelancer in Nigeria. You have to learn how to ask for testimonial or recommendation as a freelancer in Nigeria.
Here are 5 ways to promote yourself as a freelancer in Nigeria.
4. Network!
For you to succeed as a freelancer in Nigeria, you must know how to network. It is a must! You must learn how to create a meaningful relationship with people that can directly or indirectly get you access to the big freelancing gigs.
Network with fellow freelancers in your niche. You will gain valuable information in your niche from these people, and they might pass off jobs to you when they have their hands full.
Network with people that are in complementary niches. For example: as an SEO specialist network with writers, as a voice-over artist network with animator/video editor.
You might get to work on projects together, this will increase your chances of getting juicy gigs.
5. Niche Down: Don’t be a Generalist!
The generalists don’t make the big buck in this industry. The freelancing world is broad, you don’t want to become a generalist.
In your niche, carve out a sub-niche for yourself and dominate it. In the website designing niche, you can decide to specialize in designing websites for hotels. Dedicate your time to study the hotel industry and come up with a great website that will serve them.
As a freelance writer, you can decide to be a football commentary writer. Study the football industry and learn to write great football articles that your target audiences will love.
Niching down and dominating your sub-niche will position you as an expert in that, and you will be able to charge a premium price for your services.
Succeeding as a freelancer in Nigeria won’t be a walk in the park, but with commitment and dedication, you can do it.
Within a short time, you will start getting the fat check and working with the big brand. Which other tip do you think is necessary to succeed as a freelancer in Nigeria? Kindly drop it in the comment box below.
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