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Ten things you need to have as a freelance writer in Nigeria

Freelance writing has become the ideal career prospect for virtually every young mind in Nigeria due to its high profitability and the employment opportunities it offers. Freelance writing is one of the most accessible skills anyone can learn.

This is because every child who es through the primary education phase learns to read and write, arming them with the essential skills that can be further honed to become seasoned writers.

However, to become a freelance writer, a few things are a must-have to thrive in the freelance writing industry.


1. Skills
You can never truly master a trade without arming yourself with the necessary skill set. To become a top-notch freelance writer, you must, first of all, learn your trade!

This may sound quite simple, but the truth is that it isn’t what you think! Besides knowing how to come through with an engaging piece, you must also master the art of communication, time management, and client management altogether to become successful.


Writing falls deeper beyond the shallow depths, understanding writing tone, engagement, clarity, etc. Is key to writing an engaging piece that distinguishes you from just any Nigerian writer out there.


2. A PC or smartphone
To become a freelance writer, you will need a tool to help you compose your content, edit, as well as proofread. For this, you will need a personal computer(Note, this can be a desktop or a laptop) and depends solely on what you have lying around or a smartphone.

Unlike other skill set like graphic deg or web development, freelance writing doesn’t require a PC with cutting-edge specifications or quality. An average PC with an MS word program, access to power, and the internet is just okay.


3. A working space
I know you may be thinking you need to rent ample office space to become a freelance writer, well that isn’t always the case here. All you need is a small area in your apartment designated for your job; it doesn’t have to be spacious, a little space in your sitting room, perhaps on your couch, or a little area in your bedroom set aside for this purpose is just fine.

What this does is it lets you separate your regular life from your job knowing that the little space becomes your office when you’re ready to work.


4. Access to power
This is the problem most freelance writers in Nigeria are faced with. Let’s face it, becoming a full-time freelance writer will require steady access to power or at least for the duration of time you choose to work.

Owning a generator set or a power pack if you choose to utilize your smartphone for writing can solve this problem. Otherwise, living in an area that provides steady electricity will keep you at the top of your game and ensure you don’t miss those particular deadlines.


5. Editing and Proofreading tools
As a freelance writer, the responsibility of writing, editing, and Proofreading your content is solely yours; therefore, acquiring the essential tools to aid you in writing top-notch content is pivotal. To that end, owning a Grammarly proofreading tool will up your writing game by a considerable margin as it scans your content for Grammar errors and correctness.


6. Plagiarism checker
When people hire you to provide content for their websites, blogs, etc., they expect you to write 100% unique content. This means your content should not be copied from other already existing sites or shouldn’t be a replica of someone else’s work, which is where a plagiarism checking tool becomes your much-dreaded ally.

A plagiarism tool scans your content for similarities, resemblance, and likeness of any kind and highlights such similarities for you to work with. Tools like Copyscape are great for this.
Additionally, always go for paid tools whenever possible as this will do the perfect job while leaving no room for errors.

7. Online freelance writing job site hip
After putting together the tools you require to become a freelancer, the next step is gaining clients! A number of freelance sites enlist thousands of freelance writing job openings daily- sites like Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, etc., Are great places to start with.

All you need to do is create a freelancer , customize your profile and start sending proposals to listed jobs that meet your qualifications.


8. The perfect proposal
A proposal is a write-up that identifies challenges in a job description and specifies skills that the job seeker (freelance writer) possesses which the employer requires, most times detailing how you intend to tackle the challenges.

Most Nigerian freelance writers make the mistake of spelling out every detail when crafting a proposal for a potential client. Understanding the science behind writing the perfect proposal is key to winning several clients. Most times you don’t need to fill all the spaces trying to explain why they should hire you and all the skills you possess; most clients will easily slide down to the following proposal once they see a bunch of closely packed words.

To further add, always try to be specific when sending out proposals. If possible, integrate the particular requirements included in the job description to increase your chances of getting the gig. Furthermore, try to be concise and straightforward in your proposal; hit the nail on its head!


9. Writing samples
A freelance writing proposal is never complete without a writing sample(s). A client will require a sample or two to be convinced that you’re indeed a perfect match for the job. You can gather samples from your previous jobs in Doc files or links to your work which should be attached to your proposal when sending in your proposals.
Note, if you didn’t attach a sample of your work in your sample, a client may, in most cases, request a previously written sample(s) to weigh the quality of your work.


10. References, case studies, and testimonials
In addition, your proposal and written sample, including references (links to your work), case studies, and testimonials of previous satisfied clients will further boost your chances of getting hired by a considerable margin. There you have it, ten things you need to have as a freelance writer in Nigeria. Do you want more? I am a commission away to tutor you.

Source: https://www.notears.com.ng/2021/06/ten-things-you-need-to-have-as.html?m=1

Was this article helpful? Do leave a reply for us in the comment section below.


Lalasticlala, dominque, seun

Great list... what's up content writers

I have all except one

Did you know??

Tip: If you think somebody is giving you a fake number, read it back to them incorrectly. See if they correct you.

...

If you are a freelance writer and u dont know this website. U go write tire...

https://shortlyai.com?fp_ref=johnpaul-23

Thank me later

Issokay

I.T skills is the future, Argue with your Ancestors...

Will you keep shut, nothing works in this country

chatinent:


Source: https://www.notears.com.ng/2021/06/ten-things-you-need-to-have-as.html?m=1

Was this article helpful? Do leave a reply for us in the comment section below.


Lalasticlala, dominque, seun

Do u have a job for me bro, make I dm u for WhatsApp?

Ok

Yeah... i know someone making up to $1k per moment..
Dedication is one added advantage

Thank you, OP. This is insightful & helpful.

Ohoo... Not again.

11. Get sense ,writing ain't that easy

A laptop powerbank by your side too, makes you more productive.

Listen this life is meant for living the way you want. If you're happy working your 9-5, GREAT keep doing it!

If you're not happy at your 9-5 don't stay stuck. I was once in that position where I was working 6 days a week for someone else, just to make a living.

I decided to milk that job and started an emergency fund. I quit the job I hated and started building a new income from scratch with a dire mindset. There's no reason anyone should have to stay stuck for 40+ years.

other young Nigerians sharing, learning and growing on TELEGRAM channel USStockmarket&Crypto

It ain't rossy.. Writing is serious work

Does freelance writing really work in Nigeria or its just the name ���

Absolutely! This list is just decent.

We hire freelance writers at my workplace. From my experience dealing with Nigerian freelance writers, I can say most of them are just lazy. They think being a freelancer is being able to Google stuff and write in basic English. Many lack the skill, the exposure, important proofreading tools, etc. Some don't even have or wouldn't use PC: they type and research with their phones!

I think freelance writing is a professional discipline on its own. You need to acquire the requisite knowledge, skill, and tools that make-up the discipline.

Don't rush into it. Take your time, start by learning. Get online courses, read books, attend online classes (there are many now). When you become a true pro content writer, the rest becomes easier.

11. Good music selection and playlist. I don't mean kpako naija songs or dababy type music.
Better chillstep or classical playlist.

Soft music helps to keep ideas flowing

12. Very good ergonomic office chair. Since you spend most of your time sitting during the day, you need a good office chair to manage your posture and reduce the rate of getting illnesses associated with sedentary lifestyle

13. Good lighting. Most freelancers spend a lot of hours indoors. Getting a good lighting will help with eye health and reduce fatigue.

14. A water canteen to stay hydrated at all times

WiszyFraud:
Did you know??

Tip: If you think somebody is giving you a fake number, read it back to them incorrectly. See if they correct you.

chatinent:


No part of this post should be reproduced without written approval from the author.

Ten things you need to have as a freelance writer in Nigeria
Source: https://www.notears.com.ng/2021/06/ten-things-you-need-to-have-as.html?m=1

Nigerian bloggers go copy both the content and the copyright notice

You can have all the resources and talents, but if you can't sell yourself, you'll remain among these pitiable writers stuck in endless #2/PW.

In my years of ignorance, I have to write day and night for a month to even make #50,000.

I keep saying it, Nigerian clients will never help you succeed in this writing world, because they undervalue writers.

A Nigerian client paying you #2/PW feels he's overpaying you already, and demands a STELLA project or punish you by dumping tons and tons of requirements and headaches.

Never get stuck in the rat race, writing #2 or #3 per word, when there are bosses like myself earning $200 just to write a 1000 words article.

"It's not by who write , but who smart !" - Ibeleme Henry

prezee1:
Issokay

Just about everyone is now a content writer. And lots of them are so bad at it that they are giving Nigerian freelance writers bad images on freelancing platforms

.

Eleken:
Yeah... i know someone making up to $1k per moment..
Dedication is one added advantage

Is the person on Nairaland?

Freelancing??


Scam

chatinent:
No part of this post should be reproduced without written approval from the author.

Ten things you need to have as a freelance writer in Nigeria




Source: https://www.notears.com.ng/2021/06/ten-things-you-need-to-have-as.html?m=1

Was this article helpful? Do leave a reply for us in the comment section below.

How do you get paid for what you write? Can you explain the business side of it? Not just the technical side.


Lalasticlala, dominque, seun

Very Good OP.

In addition to what OP has said, you should also have:

A pen name
This could be just your name or any other name you've chosen to be known with. Mention this name as much as often and make sure it sinks into the minds of your followers while they know not.

A tribe:
By tribe, i mean fans, lovers and followers. This can't be over emphasized. These are the people who will propagate your brand for you. As a beginner, your family, friends and colleagues are your best bet.

A Niche
Don't be a jack of trades, master of none. You should learn the general basics but specialize in a field.

Social media presence
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram etc. Ensure you have an in all of these and post at least three contents in each of them. However, you should pick two that will be your major social media platform. That way, your energy will be focused and your followers will know where to find you.

A blog/website
WordPress has made it easy for even an otondo like me to create a website. Your blog is your home on the internet. Facebook can ban your , so also Twitter and any other platform. But your domain name is always yours even if hackers destroy your webhost.

Also, it serves as a portfolio where client's can see all your samples and services.

With as little as 10k now, you can purchase a domain name and webhosting plan for a year.

A schedule
Pick a time, place and number of words that you'll write everyday.

These tips have worked for me. I'm also a freelancer but not a writer. I won't mention my service so I don't blow my cover. I hope they work for you, too.