Today’s Nigerian economy is tough with a high unemployment rate and limited job opportunities, especially for young graduates. So many talented Individuals find themselves stuck and struggling to land stable jobs despite having the right skills. In the middle of all these, freelancing has been the saving grace for millions of Nigerians.
Freelancing starts with the word ‘free’ because it offers you a lot of freedom. Unlike the typical 9 – 5, you get more flexibility and autonomy over your work. The no-brainer about it is that there are numerous niches you can pick from, whether you are a software developer, customer support specialist, graphic designer, 3D animator, or video editor.
The market always has something for you if you know how to look for the right opportunities. Freelancing provides you with the potential for substantial income, and if you have been battling with the question “How do I become a freelancer?,” you have come to the right place. Writing from my experience, this guide provides a step-by-step approach to launching and thriving in your freelance career.
Understanding freelancing in 2025
Freelancing has come a long way and has evolved into a mainstream career choice. For millions out there, it is the gig economy or nothing. It has now changed for the better; now freelancers have full control over their work hours and location. There is a wide pool of global clients, projects to explore, and independence from traditional office environments. People always think freelancing is a bed of roses, but yes, it is (Although it has its own challenges here and there). Freelancers in Nigeria and most African countries must battle with setting up to meet industry standards, manage income instability, lack of benefits, etc. Freelancers must also learn to plan and adapt online to different environments and work conditions.
Identifying your niche and skills
The first thing one should always consider is finding a niche and identifying core competence and skills that can be monetized. To stand out in the competitive freelance market, assess your strengths, ask yourself, “What am I good at and enjoy doing?” Once you have figured out, research the market, see where the demand is, and check industries seeking freelance talent. You can identify your niche and land a gig, but fail to keep it, because continuous learning is an essential ingredient in freelancing. You must stay updated with trends and tools and always seek to enhance your skill set. For instance, Jacqueline DeStefano-Tangorra transitioned from a financial advisor to an iconic freelance business owner by leveraging her data analysis skills and embracing new technology.
Building a strong online presence
If people can’t see what you are doing, it will be hard to land a gig. Social media allows you to build an online presence that serves as your digital storefront. Maximize your presence online by showcasing your portfolio, services, and testimonials. Fine-tune your social media profiles, use platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to network and share your thoughts about the industry. Having a compelling online presence not only attracts clients but also builds credibility in your niche and positions you as an authority.
Navigating freelance platforms
The freelancing world depends heavily on some platforms to connect with clients. For now, I will list some top freelance platforms and what they are best for. In a different guide, I will go into the details of these sites. However, this small breakdown should allow you to discover which platform best suits your freelancing expectations and needs.
- Upwork: Offers a wide range of job categories and global clients.
- Fiverr: Ideal for offering specific services at various price points.
- Freelancer.com: Features competitive bidding for projects.
Setting up your freelance business
Most successful freelancers don’t treat their jobs as a passing fancy; rather, they embrace them as a career or business. As an aspiring freelancer, you must consider the following:
- Legal Structure: Decide between operating as a sole proprietor or establishing a limited company.
- Brand Identity: Develop a unique brand that reflects your values and services.
- Contracts and Agreements: Use clear contracts to outline project scope, timelines, and payment terms.
Having a proper legal structure, a solid brand identity, and clear and succinct contracts and agreements will save you a lot of stress in the long run.
Find a reliable payment method to use
Most new freelancers make the mistake of starting before trying to set up a payment method. As the market has evolved to include global clients, finding a reliable way to get paid and convert your payments to a desired currency has become difficult. Most available platforms either charge high fees or have slow service times. However, CherryPay has come up with a helpful solution by allowing you to create accounts in USD, GBP, and Euro. These accounts can be used to accept payments from your preferred freelance platforms or clients worldwide. You can also use the app to accept crypto and change to Naira with zero fees! Click here to learn more about Cherry and everything it offers.
Mastering client acquisition and retention
Building good client relationships is crucial; it pays to be loyal to a long-term client, but it is always good to have a wide network across the freelancing industries, as most jobs are contract or mostly short-term when you are starting. Here are the sharpest arrows an aspiring freelancer can add to his or her quiver:
- Networking: Attend industry events and join online communities.
- Proposals: Craft personalized proposals that address client needs.
- Communication: Maintain clear and timely communication throughout projects.
By building a good network, crafting proposals that resonate with the clients and maintaining communication in a clear and timely manner, you maximize your chances of retaining already existing clients and building room to accommodate more clients, that’s if you have the bandwidth and capability to take more than one client without compromising quality and timely delivery.
Financial Management for Freelancers
A fact we cannot deny as freelancers is that sometimes you can be out of work, not because you aren’t good at what you do, but because market demand shifts and you cannot do much about that unless you’re equipped with more than one skill. Effective financial practices, such as budgeting and managing cash flows, are necessary for aspiring freelancers who want to remain relevant and ready regardless of market conditions. It is proper to use professional invoicing tools to ensure timely payment, and don’t forget to sort out your taxes, so set aside funds for that as well.
Staying competitive and evolving
The freelancing industry is very competitive – you get to compete with your fellow freelancers and also AI machines. However, you can stay relevant by continuously learning and updating your skills to match the industry’s demand as it changes. Develop the habit of seeking feedback from clients to improve the quality of your service. Adaptability should be your biggest asset; learning new technologies would put you ahead of the curve and ensure your long-term success.
The Wrap Up
Becoming a freelancer in 2025 offers flexibility and breaks you out of the typical 9- 5 zone. It allows you to take charge of your work time and location. If you are looking forward to starting your freelancing career, the guide above does justice to all you need to understand. Applying those tips not only helps you secure your first gig but also helps you remain relevant in the competitive freelancing industry.
