This guide will help you discover the best platforms for freelance writers in Nigeria. It is useful for both experienced writers and those just starting out. Knowing about these platforms can help you earn money and grow in your writing career.
Why Choose Freelance Writing?
Freelance writing offers numerous advantages:
- Flexibility: Work from home or anywhere you choose.
- Diverse Opportunities: Write for various niches and clients.
- Income Potential: Control your earnings based on your skills and effort.
11 Best Platforms for Freelance Writers in Nigeria
1. Upwork
Upwork is a popular website where freelance writers can find work. It helps writers connect with people who need different types of writing, like articles, advertisements, technical documents, and stories. Here’s what you should know about using Upwork to grow your freelance writing career.
Opportunities for Writers
Upwork is a great place for writers in Nigeria to find different writing jobs from all over the world. There are many opportunities available, including:
- Freelance Writing Jobs: You can look through more than 3,600 writing jobs and apply for the ones that match your skills.
- Content Writing Jobs: There are over 2,500 jobs for content writing in different areas you might be interested in.
- Creative Writing Jobs: You can find lots of creative writing jobs where you can show off your storytelling talents.
- Article and Blog Writing Jobs: There are special sections just for jobs that involve writing articles and blogs, each with its own requirements.
Getting Started on Upwork
To begin your journey on Upwork:
- Register and Verify Your Account: Create a profile that highlights your skills and experience.
- Submit a Writing Sample: Provide a short sample to demonstrate your writing ability.
- Receive an Initial Author Rating: Based on your sample, you’ll receive a rating that influences your payment rates.
- Complete Your Profile: Fill out all sections of your profile to attract potential clients.
Important Features of Upwork
- Payment Protection: Upwork has a program that keeps your money safe and gives you peace of mind.
- 24/7 Support: There is a team ready to help you anytime, day or night, with any questions you have.
- Training Opportunities: You can join online training sessions to learn about the latest trends and improve your skills.
User Experiences
Writers like Upwork because it’s easy to sign up and has a fair way to rate people. Many users say the platform helps them find great projects and offers chances to get better at their work.
2. Fiverr
Fiverr is a website where freelancers can sell their services, starting at just $5. Writers can make “gigs” for different kinds of writing, which is great for beginners who want to show off their work. Here’s an easy guide on how to use Fiverr for freelance writing jobs.
Opportunities for Writers
On Fiverr, freelance writers can provide many different services, such as:
- Content Creation: Writing articles, blog posts, and website content.
- Copywriting: Creating product descriptions, marketing materials, and ads.
- Technical Writing: Writing manuals and guides for technical products.
Writers can choose their own prices, starting at just $5 for basic services. As they gain experience and build a good reputation, many writers charge much more.
Success Stories
Many freelance writers have found success on Fiverr:
- Rafael Meneses: started copywriting on Fiverr in 2019. By April 2021, he was making more money than his university job by offering unlimited revisions and a money-back guarantee.
- Georgia Austin: left her full-time job and used professional photos and smart keywords to get noticed on Fiverr. She earned up to $27,000 a month!
- Gaurav Shrishrimal: made $20,000 by working just two hours a day writing Amazon product descriptions.
These stories show that you can earn a lot of money if you use Fiverr well.
Getting Started on Fiverr
To do well on Fiverr as a freelance writer:
- Create Great Profile: Show off your skills and include examples of your work.
- Set Fair Prices: Start with lower prices to attract clients and get good reviews.
- Focus on Having Happy Customers: Deliver high-quality work to earn positive feedback and keep clients coming back.
Challenges of Using Fiverr
While many people succeed on Fiverr, there are some challenges:
- High Fees: Fiverr takes a 20% cut from every sale, which can lower your earnings.
- Lots of Competition: The writing category can be crowded, so it’s important to stand out from other freelancers.
By knowing the good and bad things about the platform, writers can better prepare themselves to do well in the freelance market.
3. Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com is a big website that helps businesses find skilled freelancers from all over the world. It works like Upwork, giving writers a place to look for different writing jobs.
Opportunities for Writers
Freelancer.com has many writing jobs for freelancers to choose from. Here are some important things to know:
- Different Types of Projects: Writers can find jobs in areas like creating content, technical writing, and copywriting.
- Bidding Process: Freelancers can send in their proposals for the jobs they like. This way, clients can look at different bids before picking someone for the job.
Getting Started on Freelancer.com
To begin your journey as a freelance writer on Freelancer.com:
- Make a Great Profile: Sign up for free and make a profile that has a nice photo, an interesting headline, and examples of your work.
- Start Bidding on Projects: Look at the projects you can work on and send in proposals that show your skills and experiences.
- Build Your Reputation: At first, try to take smaller projects to get experience and earn good reviews from clients.
- Use Helpful Tools: Take advantage of Freelancer.com’s resources, like the Freelancer Academy, which has free courses on different topics to help you do well.
Writers can have successful freelance careers by making a great profile, placing good bids on projects, and doing high-quality work in this marketplace.
Tips for Success
- Talk Clearly: Make sure to talk clearly with your clients so you understand what they need for the project.
- Do Great Work: Always try to do your best work and finish it on time. This will help you build a good reputation.
- Keep Learning: Always learn new things and stay updated on what’s happening in your field so you can stay ahead in the freelance world.
4. Scribesbay
Scribesbay is a special website for freelance writers in Nigeria. It helps people who want to start writing for money. This platform makes it easy for them to find writing jobs and earn a regular income.
How Scribesbay Works
- Registration and Evaluation: Writers begin by registering on the platform and completing an evaluation assignment. Successful candidates gain access to a variety of writing assignments.
- Assignment Access: Once accepted, writers can take on as many assignments as they can handle. The platform emphasizes the importance of producing unique, plagiarism-free content across various topics, including lifestyle, business, and health.
- Payment Structure: Writers are compensated at a rate of N500 for every 500-word article they complete. Payments are made weekly, directly to the writer’s bank account, typically on Fridays, once they meet the minimum payout requirement.
Writer Experience
Freelancers on Scribesbay report positive experiences, highlighting the platform’s supportive environment and the opportunity for skill development. For instance, Boluwatife Timothy, a successful writer on Scribesbay, noted that he improved his writing skills significantly during his time with the platform. He emphasized the importance of research and the use of tools like Grammarly to enhance his work quality.
Benefits of Using Scribesbay
- Local Focus: As a Nigerian-based platform, Scribesbay caters specifically to local writers, making it easier to navigate payment systems without dealing with international transfer issues.
- Weekly Payments: The promise of regular payments helps writers maintain financial stability while pursuing their freelance careers.
- Skill Development: Writers have opportunities to learn and grow through feedback and experience gained from various assignments.
Scribesbay is a great choice for Nigerian writers who want to start working as freelancers. It has an easy sign-up process, pays writers every week, and encourages creating original content. This makes it a fantastic platform for both new and experienced writers.
5. iWriter
iWriter is a popular freelance writing platform that connects writers with businesses and blogs looking for content. It offers various opportunities for writers to earn money by creating articles, blog posts, eBooks, and more.
How iWriter Works
Registration: Writers who want to join iWriter needs to send in a writing sample. Once their sample is approved, they will start at the Standard level. They can move up to higher levels if they do well.
Writing Levels: There are four levels of writers on iWriter:
- Standard: Entry-level writers with lower pay rates.
- Premium: Offers better pay than Standard.
- Elite: Higher pay rates for experienced writers.
- Elite Plus: The top tier with the highest earnings potential.
Earnings Structure: Writers earn a percentage of the article price based on their level. For example:
- Standard writers earn approximately $3.30 for a 500-word article.
- Premium writers earn around $6.
- Elite writers earn about $11.
- Elite Plus writers can earn significantly more, with rates reaching up to $39 for the same article length.
Payment Schedule
Payments are made every week on Tuesday. You need to earn at least $20 before you can take your money out. Writers get paid through PayPal, but there is usually a one-week wait to receive money for articles that are finished.
Advantages of Using iWriter
- Flexibility: This job is great for people who want to work part-time or earn extra money because writers can choose their own hours and work at their own pace.
- Diverse Opportunities: There are many writing jobs available on the platform, covering all sorts of topics. This gives writers lots of chances to find work that matches their interests and skills.
- Public Rating System: Writers get rated based on feedback from clients. This helps ensure that the work is high-quality and helps clients find reliable writers.
Challenges
Competition: To move up to higher levels, writers need to keep sending in great work because there are many people trying for those top spots.
Lower Pay at Entry Levels: New writers starting at the Standard level might notice that the pay is lower than on other platforms.
With iWriter’s skills in writing, you can earn money based on how much you write and how well you do. It’s a great option for those who want to improve their writing skills while getting paid!
6. HireWriters
HireWriters is an online platform that connects customers with freelance writers for different writing needs. It helps businesses find writers easily and gives writers a chance to earn money.
How HireWriters Works
Registration: Writers can Sign up for free and create a profile that shows their skills and experience. After signing up, they can start applying for writing jobs.
Job Types: There are many types of writing jobs available, such as:
- Articles
- Blog posts
- Search engine optimized content
- Creative writing
3. Payment Structure: Writers get paid based on their experience level:
- – Beginners earn $5.50 for every 1,000 words.
- – Experienced writers earn $11 for every 1,000 words.
- – Expert writers earn $30 for every 1,000 words.
Writers are paid through PayPal once a week, as long as they have made at least $10.
Benefits of Using HireWriters
- Regular Work: Writers can find a steady stream of job opportunities on the platform.
- Flexible Earnings: Writers can increase their income by taking on more jobs and getting tips from happy clients.
- Easy to Use: The platform is designed to be simple for both writers and clients.
Challenges
Competition: There are many writers on the platform, so it can be tough to get higher-paying jobs.
Quality Concerns: Some users have raised concerns about the quality of writing from less experienced writers, which could affect customer satisfaction.
If you’re a writer looking to connect with clients and earn money from different writing jobs, HireWriters is a fantastic tool. By understanding how and when you get paid and using the site often, you can build a successful freelance writing career.
7. Guru
Guru is a popular website where people can find different services, like writing, from freelancers. It gives writers a chance to work on projects, find jobs, and get paid safely, all in a flexible environment.
How Guru Works
Creating a Profile: Freelancers create a profile to show off their skills and the services they offer. This helps clients find them when they need someone with special knowledge.
Job Opportunities: Writers can search for and apply to many different writing jobs that employers have posted. The platform supports different types of contracts, like jobs that pay by the task, by the hour, for a set price, or on a regular basis.
Work Room Feature: Once freelancers are hired, they can use the Work Room to manage their tasks easily. This feature helps them work together, keep track of tasks, share files, and communicate with clients.
Payment Structure
- SafePay System: To keep transactions safe, Guru uses a service called SafePay. This means that clients pay for the work before it starts, and freelancers get their money only after the job is done and the client is happy with it.
- Service Fees: Guru charges freelancers a fee based on their membership level.
- Free Membership: Freelancers pay a fee of 9% of their earnings.
- Paid Memberships: Depending on the plan they choose, the fees can be between 5% and 8.95%.
Advantages of Using Guru
- Many Ways to Get Paid: Freelancers can choose how they want to be paid, either by the hour or for a whole project.
- Flexible Work Setup: Freelancers can set their own prices and choose when they want to work.
- Worldwide Opportunities: By working with clients from all over the world, writers can find more chances to get hired.
Challenges
Commission Fees: These are costs that can affect how much money you make, especially for projects that don’t pay very well.
Competition: On many freelance websites, there can be a lot of competition. This means that writers need to keep submitting great work and stay active to be noticed.
Guru is a great place for freelance writers to find jobs and keep track of their work. Many independent writers like it because it has a safe way to get paid and offers many different job opportunities. It’s a good choice for those who want to start or grow their writing careers.
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8. PeoplePerHour
Another popular website where freelancers can find writing jobs is PeoplePerHour. You get to choose how much you want to charge for your work, whether it’s a project fee or an hourly rate. This site helps businesses connect with skilled freelancers, giving them the freedom to find different types of services.
How PeoplePerHour Works
Clients can fill out a simple form to share their projects: providing enough details to attract skilled freelancers. The platform uses smart AI technology to match clients with qualified independent workers who send personalized offers.
Clients can search through many independent contractors based on location, skills, or hourly rates. This helps them find experts who fit their specific needs.
For project management, the platform has a special area where clients can share content, give feedback, and communicate. This makes it easy for clients to manage their projects and keep track of progress.
For payments, the platform uses a secure escrow system. This means that clients put money into a safe account, and once the project is finished and the client is happy, the money is given to the independent contractors.
Fee Structure
PeoplePerHour has a tiered fee structure for freelancers:
- 20% fee on earnings up to £250.
- 7.5% fee on earnings between £250 and £5,000.
- 3.5% fee for lifetime earnings over £5,000 with the same client.
This system is made to reward people who stay loyal and to encourage freelancers and clients to work together again.
The Benefits of PeoplePerHour
Working with Good Clients: The platform checks its clients first, so independent contractors can work with trustworthy companies.
Freedom to Choose: Independent contractors can pick jobs that match their skills and set their own working hours.
No Bidding Battles: PeoplePerHour uses an AI system to connect freelancers with clients, so there’s no need for bidding against others like on some other platforms.
Challenges
- Fees: The fees are reasonable when you compare them to other websites like Fiverr and Upwork, but they could still reduce the money freelancers make, especially if they offer cheaper services.
- Reliance on Clients: If freelancers don’t have regular jobs, they might rely too much on the site for work, which can limit their options.
For writers looking to manage their projects and establish connections with clients, PeoplePerHour is an excellent platform. It is a well-liked option for independent contractors hoping to launch lucrative professions due to its user-friendliness and secure payment processing.
9. Toptal
Toptal is a popular website that connects businesses with the best 3% of freelancers in different fields like project management, software development, design, and finance. It was started in 2010 and works hard to provide its clients with top-quality experts who have gone through a tough selection process.
How Toptal Works
- Understanding Client Needs: When clients tell Toptal what skills and experience they need, Toptal’s team helps them find the right people for the job.
- Finding the Right Talent: Toptal uses smart methods to match clients with freelancers who can meet their project needs quickly, often in just a few days.
- Interviews and Starting Work: Before starting a project, clients can interview candidates to make sure they are a good match.
- Working Together: Toptal provides ongoing support during the project to help everyone communicate well and finish the work successfully.
Important Features
- Careful Selection Process: Toptal has a tough screening process that checks both technical skills and communication skills, letting only the top 3% of applicants join.
- Worldwide Talent: Toptal connects clients with freelancers from all over the world, offering different ideas and experiences.
- Trial Periods: Clients can try out freelancers during trial periods before deciding to work with them for a longer time.
- Flexible Work Options: The platform offers different ways to work together, including hourly pay and fixed-price projects.
Revenue Model
Toptal makes most of its money from commission fees, which are a part of the total cost of a project. The amount they charge depends on how complicated the job is and how experienced the freelancer is.
Customers like Toptal because they have great talent and high standards, which helps projects get done easily and with little help needed. Even though applying to work with Toptal can be tough because they are very picky, freelancers get to work with good clients and earn good pay.
10. Textbroker
Textbroker is a popular website where people can find writers to create different types of written content. It started in 2005 and makes it easy for writers and clients to connect. The site helps many different industries get the writing they need.
How Textbroker Works
How to Register
Writers can sign up easily by filling out a W9 form, sending in a writing sample, and providing some background information. Once they are accepted, they will get a quality grade from 1 to 5 based on how good their writing is.
Job Opportunities for Writers
On the open board, writers can choose from different jobs that clients have posted. There are a few types of jobs available:
- Open Orders: All writers can take these jobs based on their level.
- Direct Orders: Customers can send special requests to specific writers through email.
- Team Orders: These are group projects where several writers can work together.
Writers get paid based on how hard the project is and their quality rating. Pay starts at about 2.3 cents per word, and it goes up for bigger projects and more experienced writers.
PayPal pays writers every week, and there is a minimum amount they need to reach to get paid quickly. Textbroker also charges a $0.50 fee for each order.
11. Constant Content
Constant Content is also a good website where freelance writers can connect with companies that need good writing. It offers writers many opportunities to create and sell blog posts, articles, marketing materials, and more.
How Constant Content Works
Sign up for free by filling out a Registration form, taking a grammar test, and sending in a writing sample. If they are accepted, they can access the marketplace.
Types of Work
Writers can participate in two main ways:
- Selling Pre-written Articles: Writers can submit their original articles to the Constant Content database. Companies can buy these articles, and all approved pieces are available for sale.
- Custom Content Requests: Companies that need specific content can ask writers to create something just for them.
- Earnings: Writers set the prices for their articles. They earn 55% of the money from each sale, while Constant Content keeps 45%. Payments are made twice a month, on the first and fifteenth.
Many writers have shared their good experiences on Constant Content, showing that the platform can provide steady job opportunities and good pay. Many people also appreciate the editorial team for their helpful feedback, which helps improve writing skills over time.
Conclusion
Nigerian writers have many great choices in the freelance writing world, and the 11 Best Platforms for Freelance Writers in Nigeria can help you succeed. These websites offer everything from short jobs to long-term projects that pay well, and you can work whenever you want, no matter how much experience you have.
You can start a successful freelance writing business today! Take a chance, pick one (or even three!) of these Top Platforms for Nigerian Freelance Writers, and enjoy the rewards of your hard work.
FAQ
How do I get started as a freelance writer in Nigeria?
Start by making profiles on platforms that fit your skills and interests. Build a portfolio with your best work. Also, create a professional online presence and bid on entry-level projects. Consider taking online courses to boost your writing skills. Learning about different styles and niches can help too.
What type of writing pays the most?
Technical, copywriting, and niche content writing often pay more. This is because they require special knowledge. Fields like tech, finance, healthcare, and digital marketing usually offer higher rates for writers with the right expertise.
Can I work full-time as a freelance writer?
Yes, you can work full-time as a freelancer. Build a strong client base and diversify your services. Effective time management is key. It takes hard work, networking, and always improving your skills.
What equipment do I need to start freelance writing?
You’ll need a reliable computer, stable internet, and basic software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. A smartphone is useful for staying in touch and managing projects.
Invest in noise-canceling headphones and create a dedicated workspace. This can boost your productivity.
How do I determine my freelance writing rates?
Research market rates based on your niche and experience. Consider your skills, the project’s complexity, and the client’s budget. Start with competitive rates and increase them as you gain reputation and portfolio. Many writers charge by the word, hour, or project.
Are there legal considerations for freelance writers in Nigeria?
Yes, freelancers must understand tax obligations and keep detailed records. It’s wise to consult a tax professional to comply with Nigerian laws. This ensures you meet your legal responsibilities as a freelancer.