How to Become a Freelancer in 2021: 7 Easy Steps are explained in this article. Freelancing is now the happening thing, though not new. This will guide you through.
How to Become a Freelancer for beginners
How to Become a Freelancer with no Experience:
- Don’t Be Afraid To Start
- Acquire Your Work Tools to Freelancer in Nigeria
- Join a Freelancing Platform
- Register and update your profile to Freelancer in Nigeria
- Take and pass tests to Freelancer in Nigeria
- Create a niche for Freelancer in Nigeria
- Know The Market Trends
But what is freelancing by the way?
Freelancing is a mode of self-employment in which an individual offers service to an employer without being committed to a long-term contract.
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Hence a freelancer, otherwise called an independent contractor, works for an employer on a contract basis.
A freelancer is free to pursue his profession without making a long-term commitment to any one employer.
Freelancers get to choose who to work for and at their convenient time. Freelancing works both offline and online.
However, advances in information and communication technology have increased the population of online freelancers.
In this article, we will be dealing exclusively with online-based freelancing. You can read the contractor’s manual of some of those freelance sites to be acquainted more with the work styles, method of payments, and other necessary things.
Once you become successful on those platforms, you can replicate your success on any other platform and attract Nigerian clients as well.
In the 21st century economy, there is a raising need for freelancers. It is possible to earn a handsome income as a freelancer. It is even possible to employ others to work for you.
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How to Become a Freelancer:
1. Don’t Be Afraid To Start
Most Nigerian freelancers were initially scared of launching out. Do not let the fear of the unknown swallow your aspirations. If you do not begin the journey, you will not get anywhere.
Keep applying for many jobs and you will certainly land your first job. You might need to charge low initially until you gain more experience and expertise to bill your clients higher.
2. Acquire Your Work Tools to Freelancer in Nigeria
These include an ICT device, preferably a laptop computer system. Make sure you have healthy internet connectivity.
Freelancing is internet-based. The need for a constant online presence cannot be underscored.
3. Join a Freelancing Platform
This brings you to the same room with potential clients. It also gives you the privilege of meeting seasoned freelancers who could mentor you. The most popular freelancing sites are Fiverr and Upwork.
4. Register and update your profile to Freelancer in Nigeria
Because a profile is what tells people who you are and what you do, it is advised that you be very creative about it. It should showcase your skills and areas of expertise as well as experience.
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5. Take and pass tests to Freelancer in Nigeria
When you take and pass tests in your areas of expertise to verify the skills and competence you claim to have, you are certified and able to prove to prospective clients that you are capable of delivering their jobs. The certificates you obtain are there on your profile to endorse you.
6. Create a niche for Freelancer in Nigeria
What areas of expertise are you specializing in? Are you into web design, copywriting, graphics design, editing, programming, database management, translating, content creation, business management, architectural designing, human resource management, engineering design and drawing, project management, animation, or general consulting? Whatever area you choose to focus on, work hard to be recognized in it.
7. Know The Market Trends
Before you launch out and start sourcing for jobs, study the market. What is the current trend in your chosen niche or generally on your preferred freelance site?
What are the requirements?
What are the offers? What are the rewards? Get familiar with what clients are in high demand. Ensure that you have what it takes to deliver a particular job before you apply for it.
1. Make payment arrangements
Because most of the online clients and indeed the high-paying ones are foreign-based and use foreign currencies, you will need a payment plan different from your regular Nigerian banking system.
Previously, the most challenging issue for a Nigerian freelancer was how to get paid as most financial platforms do not trust Nigerians enough to allow them on their platforms.
However, presently, there is quite a list of payment solutions online. Register with one of them, in a payment plan that suits you and you are good to go. Some platforms even allow their clients to withdraw from their accounts in their local currency.
2. Determine To Work Hard
The freelance market is highly competitive. Your survival and thriving in the industry depend largely on you. You will have to work hard and work smart as well. Always try to meet up deadlines.
The more hardworking and reliable you are the more positive reviews your profile gets. This in turn raises your worth per hour and ultimately the amount clients are ready to pay to have you do their work. Your client base will equally improve.
