I didn’t have connections. No rich uncle. Just data, discipline, and Google.
Here’s exactly how I went from “Please, I can do it sir” to “Here’s your invoice.”
Let’s go:
1. I picked a skill that solves real problems Freelancers struggle when they sell generic skills. I niched down into content writing — not just “writing,” but blogs that drive traffic and rank on Google.
Your skill must have market value. Examples:
SEO writing
UI/UX design
Web development
Email marketing
Virtual assistance Video editing
2. I created an irresistible portfolio No big grammar — just proof. I used Notion to create a clean page with:
3 high-quality samples
Short bio
Services & pricing
Contact info
Tip: Use fake company names if you don’t have real clients yet. Just show your skill.
3. I set up a professional online presence
Clean Twitter bio (with pinned value)
LinkedIn fully updated
Used Canva to design simple banners
Bio links to my portfolio Perception matters — even if you dey one-room apartment, look global online.
4. I applied like I was looking for fuel during scarcity
Sent cold emails DAILY (with custom pitches)
Applied on Upwork, Fiverr, Contra, Remote OK
Joined Facebook/Slack/Discord groups with client leads
Reached out to startup founders directly
I treated outreach like a 9–5. Na numbers game. 5. I positioned myself with value Instead of just begging for jobs, I posted:
Tips around my niche
Quick wins
Projects I worked on
Feedback from happy clients
People started noticing me. DMs started entering. That’s attraction marketing. 6. I overdelivered like my life depended on it
Met deadlines
Gave updates
Asked for feedback
Fixed issues fast This built trust. And guess what? Trust = referrals. Referrals = money.
7. I stayed consistent even when results were slow For the first 3 weeks, no reply. By week 4, my first client paid $120. By month 3, I had 4 repeat clients. Now I earn in dollars monthly — from my phone in Nigeria.
How I Landed Remote Clients As A Nigerian (And How You Can Too)
