Freelancing is like running your own personal business—you are the CEO, marketer, customer service rep, and accountant all in one!
But before you dive in, you need to have the right skills to attract clients and make money from anywhere (whether from your parlor in Lagos or a roadside café in Enugu).
So, which skills are essential for freelancing? Let’s break it down.
1. A Marketable Skill (Your Main Hustle)
Before you start freelancing, you need a skill that people are willing to pay for. Your uncle may tell you, “You sabi gist well,” but unless you can turn that gist into content writing or public speaking, nobody will pay you.
Here are some high-demand freelancing skills:
- Writing & Content Creation – Blogging, copywriting, scriptwriting, etc.
- Graphic Design – Logos, social media flyers, branding.
- Video Editing – YouTube, TikTok, Instagram reels.
- Web Development – Building websites for businesses.
- Digital Marketing – Running Facebook/Google ads, SEO.
- Virtual Assistance – Managing emails, scheduling, data entry.
- Social Media Management – Handling Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn pages.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a skill yet, start learning one NOW! We have tutorials to get you started. Click here to check them out.
2. Communication Skills (How to Talk to Clients)
Freelancing is not like buying akara, where you just say, “Madam, give me two, abeg.” Clients want professional conversations. If you send a message like:
“Boss, I fit do am for you, just send money, make I run am.”
Wahala!
Instead, say something like:
“Hello [Client’s Name], I understand you need help with [service]. I have experience doing similar projects, and I’d love to work with you. Here’s a sample of my work [attach portfolio]. Looking forward to your response!”
See the difference? Be polite, professional, and confident.
3. Negotiation Skills (How to Charge Clients Without Fear)
If someone asks, “How much do you charge?” and you start sweating like NEPA just took light, you need to work on your pricing confidence!
- Mistake: “Anything you have, boss, I just want to work.”
- Better Approach: “For this service, my rate is $50 (or ₦50,000). I’ll ensure you get [mention the benefits]. Let me know how you’d like to proceed.”
Your price should reflect your skill level and the value you offer. Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth!
4. Time Management (No Dulling!)
Freelancing gives you freedom, but freedom without discipline = BROKENESS.
If you say, “I’ll start this project by 9 am,” but by 1 pm you’re still pressing phone and laughing at skits, you go lose clients!
To stay productive:
- Set deadlines for yourself.
- Use to-do lists (Google Keep, Notion, or even a notebook).
- Avoid distractions (put your phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’ when working).
5. Financial Management (Don’t Chop Your Freelance Money Anyhow!)
When your first client pays you $100 (around ₦160,000), don’t rush to flex at Chicken Republic or buy iPhone 15 Pro Max.
You need to:
- Save some money for data, subscriptions, and future investments.
- Budget wisely (separate personal money from business money).
- Use a reliable payment method (Payoneer, Grey, Chipper Cash).
Freelance money is not “salary money”—some months will be good, others may be slow. Plan ahead!
6. Marketing & Personal Branding (How Will People Find You?)
Freelancers who make the most money don’t just wait for clients—they position themselves for opportunities.
How?
- Create a strong portfolio – Showcase your work on a website or Google Drive.
- Be active on social media – Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram are great for freelancers.
- Join freelance websites – Fiverr, Upwork, Toptal, etc.
- Network with people – Sometimes, your first client is a friend or relative!
Pro Tip: If people don’t know what you do, they won’t hire you. Tell the world about your skills!
Final Thoughts: Learn & Start NOW!
Freelancing is a game-changer, but you must prepare yourself. Learn a skill, practice, market yourself, and manage your money well. With consistency, you’ll start earning in no time!
So tell me, which freelancing skill are you working on? Let’s gist in our Facebook Community.
