Freelance jobs are incredibly popular in this time and age. In fact, there are over 1.1 billion people who engage in freelance work across the globe. As generous as this figure may seem, getting into the freelance world is not a walk in the park. Not only are there many people jostling for freelance openings, thus raising the competition, there are also certain skills you ought to have.
In addition to this, you also have to apply caution when searching for freelance jobs as there are quite a few web pages that market themselves as portals that curate openings for freelance jobs.
In this article, you would learn about freelancing – how to go about landing the best 100 websites for freelance jobs and the most sought after freelance skills in 2024.
In general, a freelancer is a person who works for themselves as opposed to being in the formal employment of an organization. A freelance worker may belong to an agency, get work from word-of-mouth recommendations or join a job website to source jobs.
The most common fields that freelancers work in include writing, web and graphic design, software development, film and media production, translation and so on.
Since the internet is the largest avenue freelancers use to score gigs, this article would focus on the best freelance websites according to your skills and location; the most in-demand skills for freelance jobs in 2024 among others.
Find all remote jobs in Nigeria here.
While there are some sites that list free jobs irrespective of the category they fall, there are some that explicitly post certain job fields and there are others that post primarily on others. Whatever skill set you have or the career field you are in, one (or more) of the following 100 best websites to get freelance jobs in 2024.
1 Indeed
Indeed is the largest job site in the world. The site records over 250 million visitors a month. It is the perfect place to look up and place freelance jobs.
2. Freelancer
With over 48 million users signed up, Freelancer is one of the largest directories for freelancers, web developers, graphic designers and so on. Freelancer’s key market strategy is affordability. So, if your services are more catered to a premium clientele, freelancers may not be the best fit for you. Do not worry, though. We have 99 other websites to go through.
3. Upwork
Upwork is more encompassing than Freelancer. The website caters to a wide range of freelancers. All you need to do is sign up for a category that you are best suited for and if you are a business owner, you can easily look up any freelancer you want to render their services to you.
Upwork also allows secure financial transactions between freelancers and customers, thus significantly improving business transactions.
4. Flex Jobs
As the name implies flexibility is the founding principle of flex jobs. With over 50 career categories, there is about something for everyone. The freelance job openings a curated from a large pool and as such, you would almost always find something to apply for.
5. Fiverr
A post on freelancing would not be complete without any mention of Fiverr. The website takes inclusiveness to a new level by incorporating different price points. This means you can find freelancers that would provide services for your budget. The procurement process is also fast-paced and payment is secure.
6. Guru
Another top freelancing website is Guru. With many categories and subcategories, the website has a wide range of services and freelancers willing to offer them. It also provides payment calculations services as well as safe payment options.
7. Toptal
One thing Toptal offers in addition to the wide range of freelancers availability, payment management and so on is exclusivity. With industry experts recruited by Toptal, as a freelancer, your request will be hand-selected by them to ensure optimal service.
8. Simply Hired/
Simply hired is a platform for freelancers that offers tailored job search, salary estimation and so on. If you are a freelancer that signed up on it, you would be applying on a platform that caters extensively for your skills.
Of all the freelance websites, it most likely has the most self-explanatory name. The website is easy-to-use with a work history section that gives those hiring an idea of your skills, work rate and dependability.
10. LinkedIn
No list about jib websites (of any kind) would be complete without LinkedIn. LinkedIn allows you to search for job openings, build relationships, expand your network, stay in contact with colleagues, read up career and world news, and share industry trends and information. There is an abundance of freelance jobs on LinkedIn. Create a befitting profile and optimize it to increase your chances of being hired.
11. Remotive
Remotive houses freelance professionals in the following categories: education, engineering, HR, marketing, sales, product, and customer support.
Once you register and are verified as a freelancer, you will be notified of openings in fields you are qualified for.
12. Twine
Twine is a freelance job board where freelancers are matched with clients seeking their help for projects in exchange for a fee.
With over 350,000 freelancers, Twine runs a veritable hiring system that includes payment protection and quality assurance.
13. Solidgigs
Solidgigs is one of the leading freelance websites. This is due to their hand-picked freelance gigs that are updated daily. Their operation model is to put forward the best 1% of freelance openings carefully searched by the solidgigs teams.
14. Golance
goLance is a primarily freelance job board. To use the website, you will upload your project on it and a list of freelancers that match your description will be provided. As a freelancer, you can personalize your search by sifting through categories and using keywords that would make you noticeable.
15. Genuinejobs
Genuine Jobs is an international job platform that offers both full-time and part-time jobs as well as remote on-site ones. It especially lists many freelance openings frequently.
If you are interested in skill-specific freelance websites, below is an extensive list of them.
Freelance Jobs For Software Developers
16. Valily
Valily is a platform primarily for the software industry. A wide range of IT professionals provide services ranging from graphic designing, software engineering, CSS, project management, open-source software, social media and so on.
17. StackOverflow
Stack Overflow is a meeting place for developers. It is not surprising that there are various developer job openings, from data engineering to C# Senior Developers (both full and part-time).
All you need do is register, upload your portfolio and enter your desired keywords ( to boost your chances). Since it is a standard job board, the openings tend to follow suit.
18. Codepen
CodePen is a platform aimed at matching front-end developers and designers that to organizations recruiting professionals for their services in both remote and location-based jobs.
19. Krop
If you have been paying close attention, you would notice that a large number of freelance websites provide for tech talents. Krop is one of them. Here, you can access many website templates, creative portfolios, and tech jobs such as software development, graphic designing, data analysis, data mining and so on.
20. Dice
The Dice team sums up their about thus ‘ Dice is the leading career destination for tech experts at every stage of their careers.’ Dice offers personalized job openings in tech by tailoring the openings to your skillset, location and pay rate. In addition, it also offers a free Dice profile that gives an insight into career trends and suggests ways to add to your skillset.
21. Gun.io
Gun.io is a job portal for ‘world-class technical talent’, as the website puts it. They help connect well-vetted software developers with employers, carrying out extensive quality control that involves withdrawing payments until service has been confirmed.
22. Authentic Jobs
Authentic jobs are one of the most used websites for designers, developers, and creative pros. The site offers full-time, part-time, internship and freelance jobs.
23. Gigster
His gayer offers a roaster of tech talents and professionals who work with major companies in technological fields.
24. Hirable
With the motto “Your Job is our Job”, Hirable focuses on matching freelancers with well-vetted employers for free. Web development is the primary focus and the openings are not just limited to freelance jobs.
25. The Muse
26. Behance
A quick glance at the Behance website opens you to a world of quirky media. The website is a platform for graphic designers and enthusiasts and those in need of their services.
27. Dribbble
Dribbble is a multiple purpose job portal. In addition to providing graphic design job openings, it also serves as a platform for graphic designers to build career networks. Yes, a networking tool of sorts. So, you get the opportunity to secure freelance gigs and extend your professional circle. Sounds cool, right?.
28. 99 Designs
This is an independent site where designers can discover everything about their specialization.
Here you can look for employment in the web, business, craftsmanship, or book design area.
29. Coroflot
Like Behance, Coroflot allows users to look up graphic designing job postings as well as astounding technological projects and concepts on this website. Creativity is the core of the website. So, if you are a graphic designer with a vivid imagination, this is for you.
College students are not left out in the search for freelance jobs, too. The popularity of College Recruiter gives credence to this. The website posits itself as a tool for helping college students and graduates find job openings. If you are just starting out your freelance career, it is advisable you list your services on College Recruiters as it provides resources for career advancement.
31. Crowdspring
Crowd spring is a platform for graphic designers including logo designers, website designers, product designers and others to be connected to employers and individuals seeking their services at a fixed commission rate.
32. Folyo
Folyo is another tech freelance website. It helps connect employers with web designers, illustrators, logo designers, and more. If you are looking to hire designers, all you need do is post your project, then Folyo will send a shortlist of qualified freelancers.
33. Crowdsite
Crowd site provides affordable graphic designing services. So, if you are in need of a quick graphic designing project, sign up and get recommended suitable professionals to make your choice from.
34. Angel list
Angel list is a tech-based job portal. Its main base is connecting freelancers with tech startups both directly and privately. In fact, you can connect to as many as 130,000 tech startups and be alerted upfront about the remuneration package.
35. Working Nomads
On Working Nomads, you can look for a rundown of the best digital freelance gigs or post your own work. Find freelance openings in designing, development, branding, project management, framework organization, and so on on the website.
36. Contena
Content is one of the most highly rated websites for writers. This is because many freelance gigs are uploaded there and the professionals on the team are well remunerated for their services. The platform also houses both full-time (remote) and freelance jobs and is easy to use.
37. Scripted
Another tool dedicated to writers is Scripted. So, if you are a content writer, fiction writer etc. you would find an abundance of jobs here. The most listed jobs are usually blog writing, copywriting, social media management, and so on.
38. Pro Blogger
Pro Blogger is a platform for content writers and bloggers alike. Here you can offer your services as a skilled content writer, tech blogger, content manager, digital communication expert and more.
39. Contently
As the name reflects, Contently is concerned with content marketing. The platform hosts more than 100,000 writers, journalists, photographers, cinematographers, editors, videographers, and other creatives.
40. Textbroker
Text broker is a haven for writers. They curate great writing talents that help employers and individuals create content on a wide range of topics in multiple languages and at flexible rates.
41. CrowdSource
The jib platform’s about reads: “We manage a crowd of qualified writers, editors and moderators to solve large-scale content creation or data problems quickly and efficiently”. One thing that sets Crowd Source apart from the crowd is quality control.
42. Bunny Studio
With over 28,000 professionals covering 50 languages on the platform, Bunny Studio (formerly known as Bunny Inc) is a fun, upbeat platform for content writers, graphic designers, language translators and many others.
The company is self-explanatory. This site is basically a well-curated job board that’s updated Monday to Friday with the hottest new cl\ients willing to pay you actual money to write things.
44. Journalism Jobs
If you have Dan Rather dreams, don’t let them die! Check out this job board that curates journalism jobs from around the web – along with other typical writing and editing gigs thrown in.
This is an easy one to sign up for, then you get an email every day with the latest and greatest freelance writing jobs. Totally free, and a great way to jumpstart your search.
Freelance Websites For Virtual Assistant Jobs
46. Croogster
Croogster serves as a meeting point for virtual assistants, social media managers, graphic designers, content writers, digital marketers, web developers, video designers etc. and their employees.
47. Truelancer
On Truelancer, if you are seeking to hire a freelancer, all you need do is to inform the team and they’ll subsequently match you with freelancers that fit your description. If you are seeking a virtual assistant gig, this website is highly recommended.
48. Damongo
Damongo is a platform that houses micro-jobs. The website description gives a beautiful summary of what they do “The #1 Website For Micro Jobs Online! Perfect for Freelance Workers and Contractors Looking to Make Money and Get Paid For Their Skill Sets and Talents”
49. Free Up
Free up bridges the gap between freelancers and clients. Although it caters to many freelancers, it is especially useful for virtual assistants and digital communication professionals.
To use FreeUp, “New Freelancer Request” form, you would be asked some questions regarding your project and the kind of freelancer you want. The platform then matches you with the most suitable professional.
50. Mefi Jobs
MefiJobs is a freelance website that allows you view jobs on a map and find freelance jobs that are close to you.
51. Peer Hustle
Peer hustle caters to professionals in these fields E-Commerce, Virtual Assistants, Internet, Marketplace, Mobile.
52. iFreelance
53. Accountemps
Accountemps is a freelance job platform for professionals in the accounting and financial fields. To get started, you will upload a resume and enrol in a lot of online courses to help support your skillset to make you more marketable on the platform.
54. YunoJuno
To get started on Yunojomo, you need to create an amazing profile to turn into a sought after freelancer on this website. It also offers payment options on the site; thus keeping virtually everything in-house.
55. Onsite
Much like iFreelance, On-site also does not charge its users' commission fees nor does it offer them any contracts to sign. You can either post gigs and get matched by the system or search the website manually for your preferred candidate.
56. We Work Remotely
Remote, freelance, side gig – there is an abundance of openings in these fields on the website. A great thing about this website is that it is not discriminatory. That is, you can work from anywhere in the world. All that is needed is for you to fulfil your tasks.
Mashable Job Board is described as a community of leading digital talents’. With digital and tech jobs, marketing and PR, Advertisement as leading categories, you can join the Mashable growing platform.
58. WeGrowth
WeGrowth is a freelance website strictly for marketers. Their message reads: “Fail no more! Hire top marketers and achieve your KPIs faster.” WeGrowth promises clients beautifully crafted marketing projects courtesy off their carefully screened freelancers.
59. CloudPeeps
When you register on Cloud Peeps for free, you can round out your profile and trust that businesses will discover you. What you can't do is begin applying for ventures, that is accessible for the membership represent $9 per month (5 proposition in particular) which is lamentable in case you're a fledgling.
Working Not Working is a freelance platform for creative design and marketing jobs so that’s what type of projects you’ll find there (sorry, sales folks!). To start your freelance journey on there, your profile will be approved, after which you’ll be matched with employers.
61. Aquent
Aquent is one of the largest freelance platforms in the United States. With a focus on creative, digital, marketing and project management industries, Aquent is a great place to score freelance gigs.
62. Traction
Search for various ventures on this site with a multi-channel showcasing group. You can apply for an freelance opening or start your own project as an employer.
63. Creative Group
This site will help you find the project that suits you most. Designers, writers, and photographers can find a full-time, part-time, or freelance position.
64. Local Solo
Local Solo is thorough with its curation of local and international freelance professionals on its website., albeit registration being free.
65. Localancers
The website name is a portmanteau of the ‘local’ and ‘freelancers’. They provide location-specific freelance jobs. Their about tells it all “Freelance / digital nomad directory (no commissions , just listings & contacts ) organised by location, accessible via all type of devices. Designed with time zones that are pleasure to work in and people who speak your language in mind. A place both for local cooperation and international outsourcing”.
66. Joomlancers
Joomlancer is a fun, marketplace for freelancer. Employers and individuals log on there to find and bid for freelancers that catch their fancy with their skill set.
Photography Jobs Central is a freelance photography marketplace. It connects photographers (both experienced professionals and amateurs) to their clients. If you are seeking to hire a photographer, you would pay a fixed sum to be connected to one that is most suited for your project.
Virtual Vocations is a fully remote company established with the mission to connect remote and freelance workers to those in need of their services efficiently. The website has many customer support jobs listed. So, if this is your field, opening an account here is highly recommended.
69. Support Driven
With over 5,000 registered professionals, Support Driven is one of the most reputable support-focused job portals on the internet. To join, create an account and upload your resume for free.
70. Workana
Workana is a hub for creatives seeking work in non-traditional capacities i.e remote, freelance and so on. The website is known for it’s selective choice professionals. To use their services, give a clear description of the project, specify the skills needed and you’ll be recommended professionals at no cost.
71. Up In Sales
Up In Sales is a website that connects sales representatives, importers, distributors etc with companies and individuals in need of their services. Once your application is verified
72. Craigslist
Craigslist is not only an e-commerce website, but it also serves as a platform to search for freelance jobs. Not only is it reputable, it’s low fees also attracts many employers and individuals; thus making the employment pool large.
73. ZipRecruiter
Although not exclusive to any job category, Zip Recruiter has a large pool of skilled sales representatives and their clientele is filled with established companies and brands. Another thing that makes them a popular choice for freelance sales professionals in addition to its popularity is the reasonable commission fees.
74. CommissionCrowd
If you are a sales representative, Commission Crowd is where to be. The website is wholly dedicated to connecting sales professionals to companies and individuals interested in hiring their services for a short while. In a seemingly interesting contradiction to its name, professionals on Commission Crowd do not pay any fee; the clients pay instead.
75. Red Hat
Red Cap job platform matches sales representatives and other freelance professionals with organizations in need of their services. Red hat is quite selective in their confirmation of users as their clients tend to be large organizations.
76. Salesforce App Exchange Job Board
Salesforce App Exchange Job Board is one of most popular providers of CRM (customer relationship management) tools for organizations. They post an extensive amount of sales jobs in their board. So, if you are interested in them, a membership on there increases your chances significantly.
77. Skip the Drive
Skip the Drive prides itself in eliminating the gap between freelancers and clients. It provides a convenient avenue for both groups to connect and exchange services for a fee.
78. ProductionHUB
Production Hub’s mission statement explains its purpose clearly “To solve the biggest problem most productions face: finding and hiring qualified professionals by providing the tools and resources needed on our global network.”
The main focus of the website is connecting media production freelancers to clients in need of their services. Although it attracts a membership fee, its popularity makes it worth the try for any video editor seeking freelance gigs.
79. Videopixie
Video Pixie is the job platform for videographers, video editors, and animators. It’s huge membership of of video editing professionals are willing to provide services according to your budget on the website.
80. Mandy
Another platform for job postings and video production service is Mandy. It provides television and film resources foragencies and individuals seeking to hire. If you are a media production professional seeking a side hustle, Mandy is a place to be.
81. Viedit
Viedit houses video editing professionals on its portal. Although primarily freelance, you can also find a full-time and or on-site video editor by searching for an ‘an editor near you on the website”. And if you are a video editor, all you need do is sign up, then upload your portfolio on the website and you will be connected with clients whose demands you are capable of meeting.
82. Voice 123
Although Voice123 is primarily a platform for individuals in the voiceover industry, it also caters to video and sound editors. So, if you are looking to hire, submit your project and you would be matched with potential freelancer that meet your demands. Over 250,000 projects have been submitted on the website.
83. TutorMe
Tutor Me is an online educational platform that provides on-demand tutoring services and online courses. This website hosts teaching professionals including graduate students, exceptional students willing to offer tutoring services online in over 300 courses.
84. Tutor
Tutor is the best-rated teaching website on the internet. The qualified team of teachers, professors, adjuncts, PhD students, and industry professionals help coach clients that range from students in Kindergarten to adult learners.
85. Care
This is a website that connects students to tutors around them. It is not exclusively internet-based, as you can offer one-on-one teaching services. Hence, the insistence on matching tutors to students living in the same locality.
86. TeacherQKids
The website sums up its mission as “connecting 800,000+ Chinese young learners between 4 - 12 years old with you and thousands of other online teachers, tutors, educators, and so on.”
So, if you are bi or multilingual, this might serve as a good source of extra income as working hours are flexible and tutors can earn up to $20 per hour on this website.
87. ITutor
Like Teacher Q Kids, ITutor Group is a language tutorial platform. With tens of thousands of foreign students seeking language tutors, it is a huge opportunity for you if you speak more than o e language and are looking for an extra stream of income.
88. ByJus
Previously known as Tutor Vista, By Jus is an international tutoring service platform that houses school teachers retired professors and other professionals with Master's Degrees willing to teach students aged 4-18 years old.
89. SmartCrowd
Smart Crowd (formerly known as VirtualBee) is a platform that connects professionals to execute data entry projects for their clients on the website. To join the team, sign up on the website as a freelance data-entry service provider.
90. Smart Locating
This website also caters to data entry professionals. With an age limit of 18, you can sign up if you possess the skills and you will be connected to clients in need of your services.
91. OneSpace
This website provides registered users with general freelance jobs but with a category for data entry jobs. So, if you meet the requirements, sign up to create a profile. You also get the opportunity to be paid daily for your approved work.
92. Xerox
Xerox connects data entry and verification agents with companies and individuals in need of them.
93. SigTrack
Sig Track is a date entry job recruitment platform notable for its thoroughness in selecting professionals to house on its platform. So, if you possess the right skills and are credible, this is the place for you.
94. TDEC
TDEC is a platform that also hires work at home data entry agents. You will need broadband Internet access and a reliable computer. Their statement reads “TDEC provides a stable environment for our employees. We are a dynamic and diverse company and are dedicated to providing the highest level of professional services to our Federal, State and commercial clients.”
95. Microworkers
Micro worker is a platform that matches data entry professionals to companies in need of them. The jobs are fully remote and range from part to full-time.
96. Clickworker
Click worker is an international crowdsourcing platform that offers freelance micro jobs in these categories: writing, translating, researching and data entry work.
Freelance jobs are in high demand in Nigeria. If you are interested in scoring them, there are websites to aid you in doing so.
While some of the freelance websites listed above are international, landing a gig on them is not very easy for Nigerians. Luckily, there are some Nigerian sites that offer similar services. Below are some of the top websites for freelance jobs In Nigeria.
97. MyJobMag
Although not fully a freelance website, there is a category dedicated to handpicked freelance jobs. The freelance openings cover an extensive career range and are open for all, provided you can meet up with the job description.
98. Jolancer
Jolancer is a Nigerian freelance platform. It’s most popular categories are: marketing, mobile development and social management.
99. Justfrom5k
This is a freelance website that connects professionals to clients in need of their services at an affordable rate.
100. Yokebay
Yokebay is a local freelance platform that matches clients with freelancers that can offer services required to execute a project.
If you have no experience in freelancing, here are a few things to go over before you venture into it.
Step 1: Consider whether freelancing is for you
The perks of freelancing sound exciting you get to work on your own time; there’s flexibility and you’re not signed to anyone or organization permanently. While these points (and others) sound great, there are also downsides to it. What if you go through a dry spell? What if you are more accustomed to on-site work and direct supervision? You should weigh both sides of the freelance scale to see if it is truly your thing.
Step 2: Find a platform
Not every freelance platform would cater to you or your skillset. Be thorough in researching what website would work best for you.
Step 3: Build your profile
Freelance jobs are increasingly popular and a direct effect of this is that there is more competition for openings. So, build a profile that stands out positively on the sites. Add keywords, use a professional headshot and so on.
Step 4: Build your portfolio
A well-built website is nothing without proof of your past works. Build your portfolio to a standard level that will draw clients to you and assure them of your efficiency.
Step 5: Determine your price
Although everyone should be willing to be flexible with their fees to an extent, it is advisable to have a standard rate card. It makes you appear professional and guides clients in negotiations (if you are open to it).
Step 6: Find work
Finding freelance gigs online by signing up on websites, building your profile and uploading your portfolio is key but the traditional recommendation model is not out-of-style, either. Explore both to improve your chances.
Step 7: Focus on client relationship
There’s nothing like having return customers. Not only does it help create a relatively steady source of income, it is also a proof of your skillfulness and professionalism. Not to add that these repeat clients would usually recommend you to others in need of your services. Be friendly, yet professional. Execute the projects you are assigned to efficiently and turn them in on time to build trust and relationships with them.
There are certain skills that are in high demand for freelance workers in 2024. They are:
If you have ever dreamt of making money online, then freelancing is the best way to make your dream a reality. Freelancing makes making money online a lot easier, all you have to do is:
The amazing thing about freelancing is that you can achieve everything just from the comfort of your home. Cool right?
In this section, we are going to look at two major things:
There are loads of freelancing websites to get jobs, we have even listed the best 100 freelance jobs websites in the beginning part of this article. It is one thing to find freelance websites, but it is most important to find the one that works best for you.
It is good to choose a freelance job website that works for you if you want to make money. Below are factors you have to consider when choosing a freelance website:
1. Security
When it comes to choosing a freelance job website, security is the major thing you should consider. When people talk about freelance job websites security, all they want to know is if they will get paid after doing the job. Of course, money is important.
Why should you take security seriously as a freelancer?
It is good to take security seriously as a freelancer because there are scammers everywhere. It is possible for a client to register on a platform, buy your gig or offer you a job, you finish the job, then the client closes its account on that platform just to avoid paying you.
To prevent this from happening, you have to make sure the freelance website have a secured system that will prevent this situation from happening.
Some websites set up something called escrow. With escrow, clients are required to pay the full money of the project into the escrow account of the freelancing website before the freelancer starts working on the project.
As soon as the project is complete, the freelancer will ask the client to approve the job then the freelancing website will send payment.
2. Trustworthiness
Another important factor to consider before choosing a freelancing website is the website’s reputation. You should consider picking a website that has built its credibility over the years.
It really makes sense to think that for a website to have built a positive reputation over the years, then they must be getting something right that others are not aware of or getting wrong.
3. Connection of clients and freelancers
Another important factor to consider before choosing a freelance website is the connection between clients and freelancers. Since you want to eventually get money, then you have to consider the volume of clients using the platform to hire freelancers.
So you have to consider how popular the website is among clients that hire freelancers online. You also have to consider how many freelancers are using the platform to get jobs. The truth is; if a freelance website is not popular among freelancers, then there must be something they are not doing right.
There are many freelance websites, but the goal of this section is to help you choose the one that works best for you as a Nigerian.
When it comes to making money online, freelancing is one of the surest ways to do that. Just like we said earlier, there are lots of factors you will have to consider if you want to make money, especially as a Nigerian freelancer.
If you are an aspiring Nigerian freelancer, then you would have to consider the following questions to choose the website that is right for you:
As a result of some “negative reputation” that Nigeria has especially internationally, you have to critically ask yourself some questions before registering on any freelance website. The questions above are some of the most asked questions among Nigerians online.
From the experience of my friends that are freelancers, research on online communities, and even from my own experience I have come up with this conclusion; “Every freelancer or aspiring freelancer simply needs a freelancing website that is perfect for them”.
I have worked, researched and been with people that have worked with a good number of the freelance websites that are listed above. From my experience, research and the experience of others I have come up with the best 2 freelance websites that work best for Nigerians.
In no particular order, these are the best 2 freelance websites that accept and pay Nigerians:
If you are looking for a freelance website that accepts everyone, then you need not look further. UpWork is one of the biggest freelance websites that accept everyone including Nigerians.
Upwork was formerly known as Elance-oDesk, then in 2015, the Elance-oDesk platform merger was rebranded as Upwork. A lot of Nigerian have been working on this platform both on a part-time and full-time basis.
a. There are several clients in need of different experiences
With over 1.5 million clients on Upwork, a freelancer is sure to meet with clients that will eventually need their skills. The fact that there are millions of clients also means that there are a variety of jobs posted every day. On average, a job is posted everyday second.
Upwork allows you to work on a variety of specialism depending on your skills. Upwork has a large pool of jobs and freelancers.
b. You have the freedom to set your rates
Unlike some other websites, Upwork allows freelancer to set their rate. Other websites allow freelancers to post their projects at a minimum rate per hour.
There are a variety of clients that ask for big projects on a little budget. Setting your rate automatically allows you to filter projects that are below your set rate. It allows a client to decide if they would like to work with you or another freelancer.
c. Strong Security system
Upwork is one freelance website that has one of the strongest cybersecurity systems. Upwork set up anti-spam and anti-crime as part of their security system. Upwork security system ensures that clients are interfacing with real freelancers and vice versa. This removes the possibility of working with a scammer.
d. It is easy to get paid
Receiving payments is one of the top challenges that Nigerian freelancers experience with other freelance platforms. With Upwork, this is different as payments are built into the system. You can make or receive payments with the ease of a click.
The payment process on the platform is also easy for Nigerians. As a Nigerian, you can easily link your Nigerian bank account to Upwork and payments are automatically transferred into your account. It is that easy.
a. A bidding war takes place for every job posted
Upwork is oversaturated with many freelancers competing for the same job. This means that when a job is posted, the number of freelancers that can perform that task will have to bid for the job by sending in their proposals.
This system doesn’t favour freelancers because they will have to compete with other freelancers that are willing to take pennies for the same jobs. This might force you to take far less than what you deserve.
b. 20% cut on your earning is large
Too bad, Upwork takes up to 20% cut of your project earnings. This can be annoying because as a freelance you want to get your hard-earned money, I mean all of it.
Since a freelancer wants all of their money, this can lead to freelancers charging higher on their proposals to clients. Which can also mean less work for the freelancer.
c. It is difficult to find your first client
With the bidding war that happens on Upwork for every single job, it is quite difficult for a first-time freelancer to find their first client. Most people had to apply to about 50+ gigs several interviews before they landed their first client.
The truth is that once you can get your first client, it will be easier for you to get other ones. This is because the website displays a total of your billing and review of your previous works on your profile.
So should you use Upwork as a Nigerian freelancer?
My overall answer is yes. While there are some drawbacks in terms of the high rate of competition and fees, the flexibility of remote working and the ease of payment is quite commendable.
So if you are a new Nigerian freelancer, I strongly recommend you give Upwork a try.
If you are looking for a stress-free freelance platform, then Fiverr is the answer. Fiverr reduces clients stress by offering them services in form of gigs. With this system, all the client needs to do is to buy a gig that has already been created by a freelancer.
The system is quite easy. A client places an order for a gig, you deliver the gig, it gets approved and you get paid. As simple as A, B, C.
a. It is cost-effective for both buyers and sellers
Fiverr services start at 5$ for both buyers and sellers. Most times vendors tend to charge a lot for a small task, and beginners tend to be paid very little for huge projects. With Fiverr minimum charge, a beginner freelancer is sure to earn at least 5$ for a project as well as sellers can buy small gigs for 5$ too.
b. You don’t have to bid to get a gig on Fiverr
With Fiverr, you don’t have to compete or bid for jobs directly unlike Upwork. On Fiverr, you don’t have to go through the rigorous process of sending messages to clients or show them your entire portfolio. All you need to do is put up a gig and an interested client (seller) will contact you.
c. Fiverr has a user-friendly interface
Fiverr website interface is easy for even a first-time freelancer to navigate. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to know to navigate your way around the website. Fiverr makes it easy for you to start your work immediately after signing up. There is no need for you to wait for verification.
a. Fiverr cuts 20% commission
One of the greatest disadvantages of working on Fiverr is the tax they apply to every transaction. Fiverr takes 20% on each transaction which is a huge cut.
This means that as a beginner you can only get 4$ working on a project of 5$. 1$ will be deducted as a commission on Fiverr. This rate is quite high.
b. Fiverr is quite hectic for beginners
Fiverr tends to work better for people that have using it for a long time. Having your first gig on Fiverr can be hectic. Since all the sellers are available at the same price (whether you are a beginner or not). Sellers will not want to take the risk of trying a beginner as everyone looks for experts with loads of positive reviews.
Although, Fiverr may not favour first-timers. Notwithstanding Fiverr works hard to provide quality service to its users which you may not experience with other freelance websites. So if you are a new freelancer, then yes you can give Fiverr a try.
If you are a Nigerian, then these 2 freelance websites should be your first choice.
Finding work as a freelancer can be challenging. Check out our list of the best freelance websites to help you find suitable work quickly To get hired in the shortest time possible, apply for the that have opportunities for advancement along with excellent benefits.
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