As a freelance writer, earning money every day is challenging since you can not predict when you will get another client who will hire you to do some writing job for them.

And even if you earn $1,000 this month, the probability that you’ll make the same amount the following month is low. For many writers, getting clients regularly can be daunting.

But luckily, some platforms allow you to register, create a writing gig and connect to thousands of people looking for writers. Freelancing writing job sites can help you, especially when you need extra cash or you’re trying to meet a monthly income goal.

Why You Should Register on Freelance Writing Sites as a Nigerian Writer

Why is it essential for a freelance writer to consider using freelance sites to get paid to write?

There are only a few individuals or organizations that value content writers in Nigeria. Although expect this to change as the Nigerian economy embraces the full digital approach in solving their marketing puzzles.

However, one of the significant benefits of freelance writing sites is that there are thousands of jobs or writing projects you can pitch. These platforms simplify the client onboarding processes for you such that you do not need to gather email addresses of potential clients and cold-emailing. 

You do not need to create a content marketing strategy to bring in leads. All you need is to publish your gigs and allow clients to contact you or pitch them directly.

Freelance writing sites can make your search a lot easier and connect you to clients and earn income streams every month.

Freelance writing platforms, by many people, are a place where people turn to get the cheapest possible deal. Although this can be true, there is some writing on these platforms. If you specialize in a specific field like health and fitness, food and nutrition, or online retail stores, you can be sure to land big clients who are only looking for an experienced writer in their industry rather than an all niche writer.

Below are the top 10 freelance writing websites that you can join without paying a dime:

1. Freelance Writing

Freelance Writing job is a dedicated platform for content writers. They have advanced search and navigation options that make it easy for you to search for jobs in your niche.

Freelance writing is different because it combines the list of jobs on other listing sites like Indeed and LinkedIn on its platform. If you don’t want to go to other sites to apply for jobs, you can choose to filter out listings that aren’t on Freelance Writing.

2. Contena

Contena is a freelance writing job site that gathers the best gigs from all around the web saving you lots of time, especially if you don’t have much time to look for quality gigs to pitch.

They have an academy that teaches you how to get more writing clients, write quality and better pitches, get more referrals, and relate with your clients better. This is helpful for beginners and advanced writers who’re looking to simplify their writing process and get higher-quality clients.

Contena can be a one-stop platform for content writers but it’s pretty expensive; $497 for a one-year membership and $997 for a two-year membership. It comes with its benefit, but it can easily throw off the pros since you can get the same services at no cost on other job boards.

3. Contently

Contently is superb for content writers looking for jobs, but they don’t allow you to pitch your gig on their platform. Instead, they join writers with the big brand, international companies like Coca-Cola, GM, Walmart, and Google. And working with this set of global companies comes with lots of advantages. You earn more money and at the same time build credibility through your portfolio, which can bring in more clients in the future.

Contently has a dedicated talent scouts team that looks through writer’s portfolios and sees which writer fits best with which brand and then matches the writer with the company. If Contently finds your portfolio fitting the company’s requirement, they will contact you and ask you to negotiate a rate and then forward everything you need to get started.

If you’re a beginner in content writing, you might not get a freelance job easily because what Contently looks for is high-profile freelancers with an in-depth writing portfolio. But it’s worth trying once you’ve got a few gigs under your belt.

4. IWriter

Unlike Contently, iWriter is a convenient way for writers of all levels to make money online. The most important thing is the project deadline. Because that’s what defines your reputation and increases your chances of getting another client. Iwriter is about creating content that clients love and deliver it on or before the agreed-upon deadline.

Here, clients are allowed to specify what they want since they are required to determine details like keywords, layout, and special requests.

Another reason why your project deadline matters are, it can be a source of additional income since the platform allows clients to tip you if you’ve delivered excellent work. You can receive this money along with your usual rate via PayPal. And you have control over when to get paid or not. For example, once a week or twice a week.

5. ProBlogger

ProBlogger is a freelance writing job site that hosts remote gigs, which freelancers can pitch. ProBlogger is far better in quality than other job boards since employers must pay $75 to post a job. 

This makes the platform not have so much volume, and you may have to wait a few days between appointments before a new job pops up that you can apply for. But you can be sure of getting a high-paying job offer from serious clients if you write in a specific niche like casinos or health and fitness, cryptocurrency. 

If you’re looking for a freelance writing job site that’s simple and easy, choose ProBlogger. 

The site’s pitching process for a writing job is very straightforward – no subscription, no disturbing ads, and credit card information requirements.

ProBlogger also runs a blog on its platform with a weekly email newsletter that provides:

• Helpful and in-depth tips and tutorials for writers on increasing blog traffic.
• Writing higher-quality posts.
• Turning writing passion into money.

6. Blogging Pro

Blogging Pro is a job board; it’s more than just content writing jobs on offer. People turn to Blogging Pro to look for services such as:

• News editing
• Copywriting
• And magazine writing.

Joining such a platform can significantly expand your knowledge beyond content writing into copywriting and news editing.

If you’re a freelance writer who gets lots of clients, then Blogging Pro is perfect for you. You have between 24 to 48 hours after you’ve applied to know if you’re approved or not.

The site has a blog where they post good quality articles (how-to, guides) regularly on how freelance writers can maximize the platform and get more clients. So if you’re looking for a freelance site where you can be sure of getting clients regularly, then Blogging Pro is an option to consider.

7. People Per Hour

People Per Hour offers thousands of jobs to different freelancers through its micro gig economy. Writing gigs are pretty popular on People Per Hour since most businesses need content to keep their audiences engaged. In addition to content writing, if you’re skilled in graphic designing, video editing, or voiceovers, then you can easily attract businesses looking for services in this area.

The process of getting jobs is also straightforward. Once you sign up on the website, search for the type of job you want, such as “freelance writing,” and pitch your services to whatever business needs your writing.

8. Upwork 

Upwork is a popular site, which provides a level “gig ground” for all types of freelancing jobs and experience levels. So, if you are starting, Upwork is a platform to get in and start pitching. Upwork saves you lots of time and money in that you don’t have to be building your website and promoting your services, but your focus will be just landing clients and getting paid.

Upwork has a monetization policy in terms of commissions. They charge 20% on your earnings until you’re able to make your first $500, and then it goes down to 10%. And then pay 5% commission once you’ve earned over $10,000. 

Upwork also has an advance payment protection fee should the client you’re dealing with refuses to pay after you’ve completed a project.

Upwork can be a one-stop platform for content writers, but I suggest you only stay on Upwork for as long as you need to since your freelance career can stagnate after a while. You can invest in inbound leads once you make some money. That way, you don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

9. Fiverr

Fiverr is a popular global online marketplace for all freelancing services ranging from content writing to SEO services, web designing and development, creative services such as graphics and video editing, and many more services. It’s a marketplace where buyers and sellers of various services come together and trade.

One biggest benefits of Fiverr is the volume of projects it receives in a day. Almost every company, individual use Fiverr to outsource freelancers.

To get started, sign up for an account and create a gig. You can create multiple gigs if you’re skilled in another area. Once a client finds your gig appealing and portfolio compelling, they’ll contact you and hire you to carry out the task.

10. FlexJobs

FlexJobs and remote.co are similar. They’re platforms where anyone looking to connect to companies for a full-time job but remote can get offers. They have established connections to industry experts and companies and help them connect to job seekers worldwide.

Flexjobs is an easy-to-use platform, and signing up and setting your profile only takes a few minutes. Over 60 categories and subcategories comprise different types of jobs like content writing, SEO editing, copywriting, digital marketing, and more.

FlexJobs has a system of matching freelancers, job seekers to jobs, and one way you can increase your chances as a content writer is to pass the platform tests that freelancers can take. If you pass, they’ll display your achievements to potential employers looking for a freelance writer.

Passing the test makes it easy for you to stand out amongst your peers.

Wrapping “Freelance Writing Sites for Nigeria Content Writers” up…

Freelancing gives you total control over your working days, unlike the 9 – 5 working hours where you’ll have to face the stress of commuting to work every day, and for places like Lagos, Nigeria, it’s a huge advantage.

But it also means your inputs and the number of clients you have will determine how much you earn at the end of the month. And this is unpredictable since you never know how much you’re going to make in any given month. However, by pitching your gigs on freelance writing job platforms regularly, you’ll bring more clients and earn a more predictable income working from home in Nigeria.