Top Online Job Platforms for Nigerian Digital Nomads

Remote work as a concept of being able to work from any location, at any time, is gradually turning into a reality for millions of workers globally, this is attributed to digital nomad jobs. More working-class individuals are embracing the flexibility and freedom that coincides with working from home in Nigeria. While earlier it was only a typical Western-style lifestyle, the idea of freelancing and being a digital nomad is gradually catching up with many Nigerian workers who are striving for freedom from the daily 9-5 jobs.

However, getting the first digital nomad job can be quite a challenge if you are not familiar with the ways of working from home. For example, where to look for reliable Internet sources, what sort of skills employers seek, and many other things. Yet, the goal of becoming a digital nomad in Nigeria is even more easily possible with the right approach. In this blog post, we’ll take you through how you can get your first digital nomad job in Nigeria as well as the strategies you can use to create a fulfilling remote work lifestyle.

 

The Growing Trend of Digital Nomadism in Nigeria

Freelancing and digital entrepreneurship in Nigeria are growing at a very fast rate. This is because the advancement in technology through the provision of cheap and efficient internet connectivity coupled with the enhanced use of virtual office environments to conduct business makes it possible for the Nigerian to work remotely for any client all over the world.

As it is, freelancers in Nigeria have been poised to gain from demand in skills such as software development, digital marketing, content creation and graphic designing. For anyone willing to be part of this movement or for anyone who has been considering the option of roaming and working from different locations, there is no better time than now to become a digital nomad in Nigeria.

 

1. Identify Your Skills and Strengths

Marketable skills must be determined before you jump into the world of digital nomad jobs. What are your strengths and how can you apply these strengths when working in an online setting? Every individual who writes designs websites or graphics, codes websites or offers virtual assistance services will find the offer of their service online in high demand.

To know which of the skills is more relevant, find out the freelance markets in Nigeria and other countries such as Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, and more. This way you will realize which fields are popular and which ones could be good for you; secondly you will realize whether you need to gain more knowledge. By accessing online courses you will be able to acquire new knowledge which will enable you to compete in the international markets.

 

2. Create an Online Portfolio

Your portfolio is your golden pass to your first job as a digital nomad. Clients and potential clients would like to see what you can do, therefore you need a good web presence. As a graphic designer, you should post your work on a website such as Behance or Dribbble. If you operate in the writing niche, then you might want to create your blog or host your posts on Medium. For web developers or coders, the platform is ideal to showcase their projects.

Your portfolio should therefore only contain your best work and should also illustrate versatility. Make sure it is well-located and has an appealing and simple design. Most of the remote work platforms enable freelancers to provide contacts to their portfolio hence easy for clients to determine your expertise as a freelancer.

 

3. Leverage Freelance Platforms in Nigeria

There is always a freelance platform in Nigeria or worldwide that one can associate with clients. Some of the top platforms include:

- Upwork: Considered one of the world’s biggest freelance marketplaces, Upwork provides projects for numerous abilities. There are thousands of job openings at any one time ranging from software developers to copywriters.

- Fiverr: Most suitable for people who wish to sell services at different levels of range. Fiverr enables you to create your gigs and attract freelance buyers with easily understandable value propositions.

- Freelancer: An easily navigable website where you can place bids for different projects from all around the globe, from the construction of websites to the writing of content.

- Toptal: A marketplace for high-calibre talents to get their work done, it specializes in freelance programmers, graphic designers and financial specialists. While Toptal is more selective, there are better-paid jobs for people who succeed in qualifying.

Besides such international and global platforms, there are local platforms that target Nigerian digital nomads. There are like Asuqu and Findworka that assist independent Nigerians in finding both local and global clients; where your skills are better suited for the African market.

 

4. Network with Other Digital Nomads

It is highly recommended to network when it comes to landing your first job as a digital nomad. Connect with other Nigerian digital nomads using online platforms such as; Social media platforms or groups, online forums, Discussion forums and groups. Companies have joined these platforms to post available job vacancies, share experiences and ask questions about working from home on platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter.

Apart from networking online, you should visit digital or entrepreneurial meetings that are held in your region. Lagos, for instance, has a vibrant technology and start-up scene where you can interface with other freelance business people and potential clients. There are also such prospects as the possibility of finding like-minded people for cooperation in co-working spaces in major Nigerian cities.

 

5. Tailor Your Applications and Pitches

A mistake that new digital nomads make is that they either apply or send a proposal that’s generic to numerous jobs. For instance, if you want to be unique, you have to differentiate your applications. Demonstrate that you know their pain and then exactly how you can alleviate their pain. Attach samples of your portfolio work that are closest to the job, and stress other positions you held.

Set your rates fairly and reasonably cheap when it comes to your services. Do not become too overconfident and set a very low price but at your initial level of operating do not price yourself too high. Since you are still developing your profile and the majority of the jobs available through virtual platforms are fixed at a lower price, you are free to raise them as you get more experienced.

 

6. Stay Organized and Manage Your Time Wisely

One of its biggest benefits is independence which is a part of the digital nomad lifestyle but it is very demanding. Personal time and project management are essential when helping to avoid distractions and completing work efficiently and with accuracy.

For planning, write your tasks on Trello or Asana so that you can monitor the various deadlines. The company operations should establish working hours and adhere to them despite working remotely or whilst on business trips. To achieve this, it is essential to create a schedule of how the day is to be managed to avoid the client getting frustrated or the consultant getting bored with the practice.

 

7. Continue Learning and Adapting

In a world of constantly changing technology, it is vital to design what is wanted today and might not be wanted tomorrow. It is crucial to learn as a Nigerian digital nomad to keep up with the competition and do the following. There are online classes from various platforms to contain a lot of information that can be taken online such as Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning.

The more you practice and update yourself with the latest trends in sound engineering, the higher your chances of getting better paid and more/promoted gigs. The freedom of the digital nomad work culture empowers the occupants who are willing to learn as the place of work is flexible.

 

Conclusion

Being a digital nomad is an incredible opportunity to live freely and work whenever and wherever you want to. It makes you understand that anyone from Nigeria wishing to make a good career is not strictly bound by the location.

However, getting the first digital nomad job is more about factors than simply, technical ones. That means you need a benchmark or a robust portfolio, contacts, and time management. Just by signing up on freelance platforms in Nigeria, you should be able to build a strong online portfolio to attract clients from any part of the world.

When entering the world of freelancing in Nigeria understanding that patience and persistence play a pivotal role, is advisable. It is not a secret that the life of a digital nomad requires time to establish completely, yet it is completely worth it since it delivers flexibility and freedom. As with any change, career security is an ongoing process, but always persevere, keep learning, and receive the opportunities that digitalization brings.

If you have been waiting for the perfect moment to take charge of your career and consider becoming a digital nomad, then the time is now. In the event you work at a co-working office in Lagos or in a café in Abuja, you are connected to the digital world and the available options are limitless.