Getting into freelancing is one of the popular ways to make money online, but getting freelancing jobs in Nigeria is not an easy task due to a rise in the number of freelancers out there and to stand out, you need to develop a skill, build a portfolio and pitch to potential clients hoping to get hired. In this guide, we will consider the 10 Effective Ways To Get Freelancing Jobs in Nigeria.

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1.Join Freelancing platforms

This is a well known strategy to getting hired as a freelancer, there are many websites that are dedicated to helping freelancers get gigs from from individuals and organizations, some of them include :

• Upwork
• Fiverr
• Freelancer
• People per hour
• Toptal
• 99 Designs
• Behance
• Dribbble

While these platforms are fantastic places to get get started, know that there other thousands of freelancers just like you and that means stiff competition for the available jobs.

2. Build your own website

Your own website gives you the opportunity to promote your services without being worried about the cut throat competition from freelancing platforms. You can use WordPress to build a professional website to showcase your portfolio, impress potential clients and get hired.

To build a website, you need to register a domain, Namecheap offers affordable, custom domain services, you also need web hosting in order for your site to be visible online. See Affordable Web hosting for Small business

Then install WordPress and and take your business online.

3. Position yourself on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a social media website for professionals, many freelancers in Nigeria use it get both local and foreign clients, but you need to stand out with a complete professional profile and also sharing quality content to educate your audience and get attention for your services

4. Use Blogging

Blogging can be an effective way to find freelancing jobs in Nigeria. Creating and maintaining a blog as a freelancer can help establish your credibility and authority in your niche, as well as showcase your expertise and skills to potential clients. You can increase your chances of being hired for freelance work by consistently publishing high-quality and valuable content that relates to what potential clients may be searching for.

To differentiate your blog from others, it’s essential to create unique, valuable content that solves your readers’ problems. This will position you as an authority and build a loyal audience and you’ll also be more likely to attract potential clients who may be searching for freelancers with your type of skills.

Ensure that your content is well optimized for search engines in order to reach a wider audience, you can use keyword research tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, or Ubersuggest to discover keywords and phrases that potential clients are searching for in your niche. Make sure these target keywords are included in your content, headers, meta title, description, URL, and image alt text, which will improve your chances of ranking higher on Google and driving organic traffic to your blog.

5. Cold Pitching to Businesses

Cold pitching is still an effective strategy for getting not just freelancing jobs and this is true especially if you’re just starting out or trying to expand to get more clients. To achieve success with your cold pitch, ensure you personalize your message and demonstrate your expertise in a way that resonates with your potential client.

Before you send a cold pitch email, take out time to do a research about the company you’re contacting, This will let you understand their industry, their competitors, and the exact issues they may be having. By showing that you’ve taken the time to research their business and understand their needs, you’re more likely to get a good response.

In your your cold pitch email, avoid jargons and instead be clear, concise, and persuasive. Start with an introduction and your experience, tell them how your skills and expertise can help their business. Be specific about about your services and also include examples of how you’ve helped similar or other clients in the past.

Don’t be selfish, focus more on the benefits they stand to gain when working with you and doing this will likely persuade them to hire you.

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6. Reach out to Past Clients

It is possible to convince your previous clients to offer you more jobs and this will likely happen if you delivered on your promise the last time you worked with them. If they have no jobs, they can refer you to their colleagues if they are satisfied with your service

7. Paid Advertising

Setting up paid advertising campaigns is not just effective but remains the fastest way to get freelancing jobs in Nigeria, instead of relying on organic marketing to promote your services which usually takes time and requires patience, use Google and Facebook ads to constantly reach a wider audience who may be interested in your freelance services.

You don’t have to break the bank simply because you want to run paid ads, with as low as $5, you can reach up to 1,000 people daily on Facebook and get 5 clicks daily with Google PPC ad campaign.

8. Use Email Marketing

You can never go wrong if you used email marketing effectively as part of your strategy for getting freelancing jobs in Nigeria. By building an email list and sending targeted messages, you build relationships with potential clients, and eventually land new freelance gig. Here are some tested and trusted strategies for using email marketing as a freelancer:

Build an email list: It is important you build an email list of potential clients, you can do this by creating a lead magnet (such as a free guide or resource) in exchange for their email addresses, also include a newsletter opt-in form on your web pages and posts to encourage your site visitors to sign up for your email list.

Segment your list: Ensure you segment your email list according to the interests and needs of your subscribers. This is to let you to send targeted messages that are more likely to resonate with each individual subscriber.

Create valuable content: Focus on creating valuable content that addresses your subscribers’ pain point to keep them glued toy your list. Relevant and engaging email content will make them to like and trust you, which also helps to establish you as an expert in your field.

Use a clear call-to-action (CTA): Always include a clear and concise Call to Action when sending emails to your subscribers, this tell them what to do next. This could be to book a consultation, sign up for your services, or simply reply to your email.

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9. Collaborate with other Freelancers

Attend industry events and meet-ups this is a perfect chance to learn, share ideas and build relationship with other freelancers. This will also offer you the opportunity to network with top freelancers within your niche who are busy with too many clients projects and may be willing to send some of those jobs to you.

10. Use Forums and Niche Based Groups

Forums and niche-based groups can be excellent places to find freelancing clients in Nigeria. Nairaland, one of Nigeria’s most popular forums, has a large community of users who discuss a wide range of topics. Aside from Nairaland, there are numerous niche-based groups on social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Reddit that are focused on specific industries or niches.

Start by joining forums and groups that are relevant to your niche or industry, share valuable content that demonstrates your expertise and knowledge in your niche, engage with other members and also Network with potential clients.

And lastly, be respectful and professional, avoid spamming and self promotion.