One of the best ways anyone can use their skills to start making money in Nigeria is to become a freelancer.

As a freelancer, you get the opportunity to do the task for people while they pay you and each task can be done at your own pace.

Freelancing is the best route to take if you don't want to be stuck in the rat race of 9-5 jobs doing the same thing over and over again while a so-called boss takes the credit.

As a freelancer, you become your own boss and determine the type of task you want to handle and how much you want to earn.

As a freelancer, you can perform any task at any location of your choice as all you need it a laptop and internet connection with a steady light. Your home can serve as your office.

Thankfully in Nigeria today many youths have been exposed to this awesome venture and are using it to better their lives financially.

Instead of having to employ permanent staff to handle a particular project when the need arises, companies and individuals are turning to freelancers to help get the job done on part-time bases which makes it easy for freelancers to work with as many clients as they want and at any time.

Freelancers are beneficial to organizations as they help reduce the stress of hiring permanent staff and the cost of training them is reduced.

How Do I Start Freelancing?

There are a few things you need to put in a place for you to start freelancing and they include:

A Skill: This is what you will be selling to your clients so as to make money. This may include logo designs, web development, freelance writing, etc.

Freelance Website: This is where you will be able to connect with clients both local and international. You have got to sign up to these websites and set up a profile so people can hire you.

Most of the freelance website out there are restricted to some regions which makes it difficult for others to access them.

Who Can Sign Up To A Freelance Website

This freelance website accepts two kinds of people:

Sellers: These are for people who have a skill they want to offer to people and in return get paid. There are different skills you can offer which includes freelance writing, web development voice over, data entry, etc.

Buyers: These are for those who need people to do a particular job for them. If you need someone to do a logo for you, you can visit these freelance websites to hire a freelancer

In this article, I will be listing out 8 freelance websites that Nigerians can join to get freelance jobs. 

Fiverr

Fiverr is considered to be the biggest platform for freelancers as they offer a wide range of services (gigs) people can sell and make money. No matter the freelance job you want to be done you can always get it on Fiverr. This is why most companies and individuals looking for people to do a part-time job for them turn to Fiverr first before heading over to any other website. I personally love this platform as it was where I got my first writing job and made my first money on the internet before I started my blog.

Fiverr is free to join and is a favorite for most Nigerian freelancers. Depending on the skills you offer, you can make up to $100 a day using this platform.

Freelancer

Freelancer can be described as a crowdsourcing marketplace where millions of sellers and buyers converge from all over the world. On this platform, buyers post jobs and allow sellers (freelancers) bid for them and the one with the most reasonable price wins. No matter your skills you can sell it on freelancer.com. Whether you are a professional or a beginner you can join this platform to start getting freelance jobs. This website is free to join.

Upwork

When it comes to getting freelance jobs as a Nigerian, Upwork is one of the trusted websites to join. This platform allows for easy connection with both sellers and buyers so as to meet each other’s needs. On this platform, buyers can easily browse through the available services on the website so as to pick what they need.   Upwork is one of the most secure platforms for freelancers as they have a tool that helps fish out, fake sellers and buyers. This website is also free to join. 

Guru

Guru is a freelance website which makes it easy for buyers to quickly hire skilled and professional freelancers to carry out a task. Just like other freelance websites when buyers post a job, sellers will have to submit a bid to get the job. This platform allows buyers to quickly and easily get a freelancer or groups of freelancers to carry out a task using their comprehensive dashboard to streamline their activities.

99 Designs

99designs is a freelance platform that focuses on a particular style (designing), unlike every other freelance website. If you are skilled at designing logos, graphic designs, web design, etc. then this website is what you should consider join. This platform also gives freelancers the opportunity to participate in designing contest and when you win, you get paid. You can also enhance your skills by using the numerous tips and materials the platform offer to grow your business.

Asuqu

Asuqu is the place to go when it comes to hiring freelancers from Nigeria. Just like other freelance websites, Asuqu is a marketplace to buy and sell professional services in Nigeria. This website not only helps freelances but is a place for SME’s and startups can get more information and increase their knowledge base.

Yokebay

Yokebay is one of Nigerians biggest freelance platforms where freelancers in Nigeria can join to get jobs. This website offers a lot of categories to fit all types of freelance job you offer. Irrespective of whether you are a professional or beginner you can always get something to do on yokebay. You are able to set your own price for any service you offer.

Toptal

Toptal is a freelance website that is solely created, professionals. You must be well-grounded in the skills you offer to be able to get jobs on Toptal. This website is opened to skilled professionals in developing, designing and financial experts can sign up to this website. 

There are various things that Total looks before accepting a freelancer to sign up which includes: fluent in English, have technical knowledge of your field etc. as a buyer, all you have to do is notify Toptal team of the services you are looking for and they will help you find the right person for the job.