Top 10 Freelance Websites for Nigerians

Are you a Nigerian and looking for ways to supplement your income? Or earn outside of a full-time job or schooling? Read this article to the end. In today’s post, we will be looking at the top best freelancing websites for Nigerians.

Freelancing is a type of self-employment, in which instead of being employed by a company, one chooses to work for others but this time on his or her own terms while using freelancing platforms and websites as a bridge between clients and himself. Freelancing has become popular in Nigeria for some time now.

Especially because of the ease and financial freedom it gives to the freelancer to work at his or her time at a pace that seems perfect to him. It is also very financially liberating as most of these sites pay in dollars or Euros. Given the dollar/ naira exchange, this can be considered very lucrative.

Freelancers offer jobs from web designing, creative and content writing, technical writing, UI/UX design, Copywriting, data entry, analysis, etc. If this is within your skill set then freelancing might be just what you need for the extra cash. Freelancing platforms provide a place for skilled individuals to showcase their abilities and connect with clients from around the world

Top 10 Freelancing Websites for Nigerians

 This is a compiled list of the top 10 freelancing platforms accessible to Most Nigerians.

1. Upwork

Upwork is one of the most popular freelancing websites out there in Nigeria and worldwide. It has a vast array of jobs available across multiple fields including writing, web development, design, marketing, and more. However, Upwork charges a 20% fee on the first $500 earned from a client and a 10% fee for earnings between $500 and $10,000.

Upwork is one of the most used freelancing websites for Nigerians, due to its vast selection of jobs. On Upwork, workers are expected to send out proposals to clients, and when a proposal is accepted a contract will start.

As a beginner on Upwork is best to research how to write a good proposal as that is the first step into getting a good contract and thus making money from it

2. Fiverr

Fiverr is a platform that allows freelancers to offer their services in the form of “gigs”. Fiverr is known for its low-cost services and quick turnaround times. They take a 20% cut of the earnings made by freelancers on the platform. Fiverr is an ideal freelancing website for Nigerians who are just starting out and are trying to build a reputation or social media portfolio.

A lot of Nigerians spoke about how much easier it was to get “gigs” on this freelancing site as compared to others. On Fiverr, there are other kinds of non-technical jobs such as writing letters, singing, dancing, and making videos to be paid.

3. Freelancer

Freelancer is a global freelancing platform that allows freelancers in Nigeria to bid on jobs posted by clients. They offer a variety of jobs across different categories including programming, graphic design, writing, and more. Freelancer takes a 10% fee on earnings made by freelancers on the platform.

Though not as popular as Upwork or Fiverr, freelancer offers an extensive range of jobs to apply for.

4. Guru

Guru is a platform that caters to a wide range of industries, including IT, design, and finance. Freelancers can bid on jobs posted by clients or can be invited to work on projects. Guru charges a 5% fee on earnings made by freelancers. Guru is fully accessible to Nigerians and has fewer completions as compared to other freelancing websites that have been earlier mentioned.

5. PeoplePerHour

Peopleperhour is a UK-based platform that offers jobs across various categories including writing, design, marketing, and programming. Freelancers can set their own rates and can bid on jobs posted by clients. PeoplePerHour charges a 20% fee on earnings made by freelancers on the platform.

6. Toptal

Toptal is a more exclusive platform that caters to the top 3% of freelance talent in fields such as software engineering, design, and finance. They connect freelancers with high-paying clients and offer a more specialized experience. Toptal charges a commission fee based on the project scope.

7. 99designs

99designs might be the perfect freelancing website for you as a Nigerian. It specializes in graphic design projects and offers freelancers the chance to participate in design contests or work on one-on-one projects with clients. 99designs takes a 5% to 15% commission fee on the earnings made by freelancers.

If you are a good designer it is best to look into this as there is less competition on this website.

8. Simply Hired

Simply Hired is a job search engine that offers a freelancing website with a wide range of jobs across various categories including writing, design, and programming. They charge a fee of $0.99 per job application.

9. FlexJobs

Flexjob is another job search engine that focuses on remote and flexible jobs, including freelancing opportunities. They offer jobs across various categories including writing, editing, and marketing. FlexJobs charges a monthly subscription fee o

10. SolidGigs

SolidGigs is a freelancing platform that offers a curated list of jobs to freelancers every week. They offer jobs across various categories including writing, marketing, and design. SolidGigs charges a monthly subscription fee of $35 and $21 per month if you pay 12 months ahead. This might not be very suitable for beginners, it is best to go for the free websites first before looking into solid gigs.

Keep in mind, each platform has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your need,  set, and level of experience, either as a beginner, intermediate, or expert. You should also look into getting apps like Payoneer, PayPal, the Grey app, and other forms of receiving money as there are different limits placed on a Nigerian bank account.

Here are other tips that could make your freelancing journey easier.

Before you begin freelancing, it’s crucial to identify what services you can provide and what sets you apart from the competition. Determine your strengths and focus on a specific area, such as web development, writing, or graphic design.

A portfolio is a must-have for showcasing your skills and attracting potential clients. Create a website or social media page where you can showcase your work and provide examples of your previous projects.

It’s essential to set your rates based on your expertise level and the market standard. Research the rates of other freelancers in your field and adjust your rates accordingly.

Once you’ve established your portfolio and rates, it’s time to start marketing yourself. Utilize social media like LinkedIn Twitter and Facebook, online forums such as Quora, and freelancing platforms to connect with potential clients and showcase your skills.

As a freelancer in Nigeria, you will need to manage your own schedule and workload. Utilize tools like Google Calendars and task lists to stay organized and meet your deadlines.

Conclusion

In conclusion, freelancing is a viable way for Nigerians to supplement their income and achieve financial independence. With the different freelancing platforms available in Nigeria, it might not be effortless to find jobs in various fields and connect with clients from all over the world.

However, it’s crucial to approach freelancing with the right mindset and dedication and to take the time to build up your skills, reputation, and portfolio. With the right approach, freelancing can be a fulfilling and profitable experience that can help you achieve your financial goals.

Good luck with starting your freelancing journey, enjoying it, and making money from it.

Recommended:

• How to Become a Freelancer in Nigeria
• 21 Best Online Business Ideas for Students in Nigeria