So, you’ve learned a skill, set up your profile on Fiverr or Upwork, and you’re ready to start making money online. But there’s one problem—no clients are messaging you!
You keep refreshing your email, hoping for a job alert. Still nothing. 😭
The truth is, freelancing isn’t like Nigerian civil service jobs where you must know somebody that knows somebody to get in. If you use the right strategies, you can start landing freelance gigs—even as a complete beginner!
In this blog post, I’ll show you practical ways to find and secure freelance gigs, using real-life Nigerian examples. Let’s go!
1. Start with Freelance Websites (The “Jumia” of Remote Jobs)
Think of freelance websites like Jumia or Konga—you set up your profile (your “shop”), and clients come to buy your services.
Some of the best freelance platforms for Nigerians include:
- Upwork – Good for writers, designers, developers, and virtual assistants.
- Fiverr – Perfect for beginners. You create a gig and wait for clients to order.
- PeoplePerHour – Good for small tasks like logo design and content writing.
- Toptal – For advanced freelancers with high-level skills (programming, finance, design).
How to succeed on these platforms:
- Write a simple, clear profile (avoid big grammar that confuses clients).
- Set competitive prices (start small to get reviews, then increase your rate).
- Apply for jobs daily (don’t just open an account and sleep).
- Showcase past work (even if it’s a sample project you created).
Most Nigerian freelancers get their first gigs on these platforms. If they can, you can too!
2. Use Twitter and LinkedIn (Your Free Job Market)
If you think social media is only for gossip, memes, and dragging celebrities, you’re missing out on free money!
Twitter is full of job opportunities! Search for keywords like:
- “Looking for a graphic designer”
- “Need a freelance writer”
- “Hiring a social media manager”
Engage with these posts, introduce yourself, and drop your portfolio link. Many Nigerian freelancers have landed big international gigs just by replying to tweets!
LinkedIn is even better! Update your profile, add “Freelance [Your Skill]” in your bio, and connect with people in your industry. Post samples of your work, share valuable insights, and you’ll start attracting clients.
Pro Tip: DM business owners and startups offering your services. Many are looking for freelancers but don’t know where to find them!
3. Market Yourself Like a Lagos Street Vendor
Ever seen how Lagos street vendors hustle? They don’t just sit and hope for customers. They shout, advertise, and even chase after buses!
That’s how you should market yourself as a freelancer. If you sit quietly and expect clients to magically find you, you’ll wait forever.
Ways to promote yourself:
- Post your work on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp status.
- Join business groups on Facebook and Telegram (many business owners need freelancers).
- Tell friends and family what you do (you never know who might need your service).
- Offer a discount or free trial to get your first reviews.
The more people know what you do, the higher your chances of landing gigs.
4. Work with Nigerian Startups and Small Businesses
Many Nigerian startups and small business owners need help with writing, graphics, marketing, and web design—but they can’t afford big agencies. That’s where you come in!
To find opportunities:
- Visit startup directories like Techpoint Africa and Disrupt Africa.
- Follow Nigerian startups on Twitter and LinkedIn.
- Send cold emails offering your services (but make sure it’s professional).
Here’s a simple cold email template to send to business owners:
Subject: Helping [Business Name] with [Your Skill]
Hello [Client’s Name],
I love what [Business Name] is doing with [mention something specific]. I noticed you don’t have [service you offer], and I’d love to help.
I’m a freelance [your skill] who has worked on [mention any relevant experience]. Here’s a link to my work: [portfolio link].
I’d love to discuss how I can help. Let me know if we can chat.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Even if only 1 out of 10 people reply, that’s a potential client!
5. Network with Other Freelancers (Your Shortcut to Gigs)
You might think other freelancers are your competitors, but they can actually help you get jobs.
How? By referring clients they can’t handle.
For example:
- A web designer may need a content writer for a project.
- A graphic designer may need a social media manager.
- A freelancer who is too busy may pass jobs to you.
Join freelancer groups on WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook where people share job opportunities. Some good ones include:
- theGIGsystem WhatsApp Community
- Freelance Naija
- Upwork & Fiverr Nigeria
- Naija Writers Hub
When you connect with other freelancers, you’ll get job leads faster!
6. Work on Personal Projects (Clients Love to See Proof!)
If you’re struggling to get your first gig, create your own project and use it as proof of your skills.
For example:
- Writer? Start a blog on Medium and share your articles.
- Graphic designer? Design posters for imaginary brands.
- Web developer? Build a small website for a business idea.
Clients don’t care whether your past work was for a “real client” or not—they just want to see proof that you can do the job
7. Stay Consistent (Freelancing is NOT MMM!)
Freelancing is NOT a get-rich-quick scheme. Some people get their first gig in one week, others in three months. The key is to stay consistent.
- Apply for at least 5–10 jobs daily.
- Keep improving your skills (take any of our courses).
- Update your portfolio regularly.
If you stay consistent, your breakthrough will come.
Final Thoughts – Freelance Gigs Are Everywhere!
Finding freelance jobs in Nigeria is possible, but you must be intentional and proactive.
- Sign up on freelance websites.
- Use social media for job hunting.
- Network with other freelancers.
- Market yourself daily.
- Stay patient and keep pushing!
Your first gig might take time, but once you start getting clients, the money will start flowing.
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