Breaking into the Nigerian Freelance Job Market

Nicholas Idoko 14 min read

Last Updated on July 3, 2023

Introduction

Freelance job market in Nigeria has risen in importance recently. It’s a common option for many Nigerians who wish to be their own bosses and manage their time. Breaking into the market is more than just a financial gain but also a personal achievement.

With the increasing number of jobs moving from traditional office spaces to virtual platforms, the freelance market has become a haven for many professionals looking to work for themselves. Freelancers get to choose the kinds of jobs they work on, the clients they work with, and how much they work per day.

Furthermore, working as a freelancer offers flexibility, and individuals can choose when they work and for how long. Freelancing is also a good way to gain expertise and experience in diverse fields as it involves working on different projects.

Another reason why breaking into the Nigerian freelance job market is essential is that it doesn’t require much capital to start. You need a computer, internet access, and skills that you can offer.

Also, as you work on more projects, you build a portfolio, and clients can refer you to others, increasing your potential customer base. With the rise of technology and the online workspace, freelancing in Nigeria is a job market that has great potential, and breaking into it can be the step one needs to boost their career.

Research

Are you considering breaking into the Nigerian freelance job market? If yes, then you need to know that the market is growing exponentially.

According to a recent survey by Payoneer, Nigeria has the highest number of freelancers in Africa, with an estimated 35% of the workforce engaging in freelance work. This means that the competition may be stiff, but there are also lots of opportunities available.

Popular Freelance Job Categories in Nigeria

Writing and content creation: This includes article writing, copywriting, blogging, and social media content creation.
Graphic design: As the demand for digital content grows, so does the demand for graphic designers who can create engaging graphics for websites, social media, and e-commerce platforms.
Web development: With the increasing need for businesses to have online presence, web developers are highly sought after. Different programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP are in high demand.
Virtual assistance: This involves providing administrative support to clients remotely. The services could include email management, scheduling, social media management, and data entry.
Online tutoring: With the rise of e-learning, online tutoring, coaching, and training is also a profitable freelance niche in Nigeria.

Skills in Demand in the Nigerian Freelance Job Market

Technical Skills: Technical skills like coding, graphic design, and web development are highly sought after because of their relevance in the freelance job market.
Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills are highly valuable to clients. You must be able to communicate your ideas clearly, promptly, and professionally.
Time Management Skills: Freelancers must be able to manage their time effectively and meet deadlines. Time management is vital to staying productive and delivering quality work on time.
Adaptability: The Nigerian freelance job market is ever-changing and evolving, so freelancers need to be able to adapt to new trends and technologies.
Professionalism: Clients expect a professional attitude and approach to work. Freelancers must maintain a high level of professionalism in their dealings with clients.

Breaking into the Nigerian freelance job market requires effort, dedication, and determination. But with the increasing opportunities and the demand for various skills, this is an excellent time to start your freelance career.

Create a professional portfolio, identify areas where your skills align with the market, and promote yourself online through social media and online freelance directories.

It is also important to stay up-to-date with industry trends and continuously upgrade your skills to remain relevant and competitive in the market. Attend webinars, participate in online courses, and engage in networking with other freelancers to learn new skills, stay motivated, and find new clients.

The Nigerian freelance job market is growing rapidly, and there is ample opportunity for skilled and talented individuals to thrive.

However, hard work, determination, adaptability, and a professional attitude are required to succeed in this competitive market. Put in the effort, be persistent, and success will come your way.

Read: Exploring the Top Freelance Job Opportunities in Nigeria

Preparation

One of the keys to breaking into the Nigerian freelance job market is preparation. Having a strong portfolio to showcase your skills and talents is crucial. Without it, potential clients won’t know what you’re capable of.

But what makes a strong portfolio, you might ask? First and foremost, it should be tailored to the type of work you want to do. If you’re a writer, your portfolio should showcase your writing samples. If you’re a graphic designer, your portfolio should display your design work.

It’s important to have a variety of samples, including those that are specific to the Nigerian market. This shows that you understand the local audience and can provide relevant content. Additionally, include samples that showcase your versatility and range.

Building a Resume

Building a resume is another important part of preparation. While Nigerian clients may not require a traditional resume, it’s still a good idea to have one ready. It provides a quick overview of your skills, experience, and education, and helps clients understand your background.

When building your resume, focus on your accomplishments rather than just your job duties. Use metrics and numbers to quantify your achievements. This demonstrates your effectiveness and shows that you can deliver results.

Developing a personal brand is also important. This is how you present yourself online and offline, and it’s how potential clients will perceive you. Your personal brand should be consistent across all platforms, including social media, website, and email signature.

Decide on your unique selling proposition and highlight it in your personal brand. This could be a skill, experience, or personality trait that sets you apart from other freelancers. Emphasize it in your branding to attract clients who value that specific quality.

In addition to having a strong portfolio, resume, and personal brand, be sure to have a positive attitude. Freelancing can be challenging, but maintaining a can-do attitude and being adaptable can make all the difference.

Be willing to learn new skills and accept feedback from clients. This shows that you’re committed to improving and delivering high-quality work.

And don’t be afraid to ask for referrals or testimonials from satisfied clients. Word-of-mouth is a powerful marketing tool, and it can help you land more jobs in the future.

In short, preparing well is key to breaking into the Nigerian freelance job market. Have a strong portfolio, resume, and personal brand, and maintain a positive attitude. By doing so, you’ll set yourself up for success and attract clients who appreciate your skills and talents.

Read: Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment: A Nigerian Context

Networking

Networking is crucial when it comes to breaking into the Nigerian freelance job market.

Here are some effective ways to network as a freelancer in Nigeria:

Joining Freelance Job Platforms: One of the best ways to start freelancing in Nigeria is by joining freelance job platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr. These platforms offer a wide range of freelance job opportunities.
Leveraging Social Media: With the increasing use of social media in Nigeria, platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook can be used to reach out to potential clients. By building a strong social media presence, you can leverage your social media accounts to find freelance job opportunities.
Reaching Out to Potential Clients: Another way to network as a freelancer in Nigeria is to reach out to potential clients directly. You can identify potential clients by conducting online research, attending networking events, or by using your personal or professional network.

How to effectively network as a freelancer

Networking plays a significant role in building a successful freelance career in Nigeria. Here are some tips on how to effectively network as a freelancer:

Have a Strong Online Presence: Building a strong online presence is essential when it comes to freelancing in Nigeria. A professional-looking website, social media accounts, and a well-curated portfolio can help establish your credibility as a freelancer and attract potential clients.
Attend Networking Events: Attending networking events like conferences, seminars, and meetups can be an effective way to network with other professionals and potential clients. These events provide an opportunity to showcase your skills and build relationships with people who share similar interests.
Join Freelance Communities: Joining freelance communities like online forums and Facebook groups can be a great way to network with other freelancers and find job opportunities. These communities offer valuable resources and insights, which can help you excel in your freelance career.

Generally, networking is essential when breaking into the Nigerian freelance job market. By joining freelance job platforms, leveraging social media, and reaching out to potential clients, you can establish yourself as a professional freelancer.

Read: Developing a Niche as a Freelancer in Nigeria: Steps and Tips

Pricing

When it comes to pricing in the Nigerian freelance job market, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, it’s important to research and understand market rates in order to set your own rates competitively.

When clients approach you with a project, be prepared to negotiate on your rates based on the complexity and duration of the work. It’s important to strike a balance between pricing yourself too high and pricing yourself too low.

If you price yourself too high, clients may look elsewhere for cheaper options. On the other hand, if you price yourself too low, you may attract clients who don’t value your work or skills appropriately.

When setting your rates, consider your experience and expertise, as well as the value you bring to the project.
If you have a unique skill set or experience, be sure to highlight that to potential clients. Remember that your rates may vary depending on the type of project, deadline, and the amount of work involved.

Be flexible and willing to adjust your rates to fit the scope of the project, but also be firm in pricing your time and skills appropriately.

Pricing can be a tricky aspect of the freelance job market, but by researching and understanding market rates, setting your own rates competitively, and negotiating with clients effectively, you can find success in the Nigerian freelance job market.

Read: Freelancing in Nigeria: Dealing with Difficult Clients

Overcoming Challenges

Starting out as a freelancer in Nigeria can be a daunting task. From language barriers to managing finances, there are many challenges that can make it difficult to break into the Nigerian freelance job market.

Overcoming Language Barriers

Invest in language classes or courses to improve English proficiency
Practice speaking English with friends or family
Use online tools such as Grammarly to improve writing skills
Focus on providing clear and concise communication to clients
Avoid using slang or local languages in professional conversations

By taking steps to improve your language skills, you can build confidence in communicating effectively with potential clients and increase your chances of success in the freelance job market.

Managing Finances

Set clear financial goals and plan ahead
Invest in accounting and bookkeeping software to track expenses and income
Consider hiring a financial advisor for guidance on money management
Be disciplined in spending and avoid unnecessary expenses
Consider setting up a separate bank account for business transactions

By managing finances effectively, freelancers can ensure they are financially stable and can handle the ups and downs of the job market.

Dealing with Difficult Clients

Establish clear boundaries and expectations with clients from the beginning
Be professional and maintain a positive attitude, even in challenging situations
Communicate openly and honestly with clients about concerns or issues
Try to find common ground and work towards a mutually beneficial solution
Consider terminating a contract if the working relationship is consistently difficult or toxic

Dealing with difficult clients is an inevitable part of working as a freelancer. By setting clear expectations from the start and maintaining professionalism, freelancers can navigate challenging situations with positive outcomes.

The Nigerian freelance job market can be challenging, but by focusing on overcoming language barriers, managing finances effectively, and developing skills for dealing with difficult clients, freelancers can establish themselves as successful and in-demand professionals.

As the freelance industry continues to grow, it is an exciting time for freelancers in Nigeria to build their careers and establish themselves as leaders in their fields.

Conclusion

Breaking into the Nigerian freelance job market requires determination, patience, and hard work.

Key points to recap include the importance of having a strong portfolio, identifying specific skills in demand, networking, and leveraging social media platforms.

While it may be challenging to navigate the market, there are several opportunities available for those who are willing to put in the effort.

Do not be afraid to take the leap and pursue freelance work in Nigeria. With the right mindset and strategy, success can be achieved.

So, start developing your skills, build your portfolio, and network with potential clients and fellow freelancers. The Nigerian freelance job market is waiting for you!