As a Nigerian freelancer, working with international clients can be rewarding, but there’s also the concern of facing bias or discrimination. While it’s disappointing, there are ways to overcome this and thrive in the global market. Here are some strategies to help you avoid discrimination, build trust, and grow your freelancing career.
1. Build a Strong Portfolio
Your portfolio is your most powerful tool. It showcases your skills, experience, and professionalism. Include samples of past projects, client testimonials, and certifications to show the quality of your work. A strong portfolio will make clients focus on your abilities rather than your nationality. Let your work speak for itself!
2. Use Professional Branding
Make sure your profiles on freelancing platforms (like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn) are well-crafted and professional. Avoid mentioning personal details like your nationality in your profile bio, unless it adds value to the client. If you’re concerned about being judged as a Nigerian, you can generally mention that you’re an African freelancer instead. Use a clear, professional photo, and focus on your skills, achievements, and experience.
3. Communicate Clearly and Professionally
Effective communication is key to winning international clients. Always respond promptly and professionally. Use proper grammar and avoid slang or overly casual language. Good communication builds trust and helps clients see you as a reliable freelancer, regardless of where you’re from.
4. Suggest Escrow Payments for Trust
Sometimes clients may hesitate to work with freelancers from certain regions due to trust issues. A great way to overcome this is to suggest using Fiverr’s payment system or another platform with escrow services, even if you’ve connected with the client on another platform. Escrow protects both you and the client, ensuring payment is secure, and this can give clients peace of mind.
5. Set Clear Terms and Expectations
Be very clear about your terms from the start—deadlines, payments, and project scope. This shows professionalism and reduces misunderstandings. When clients see that you’re organized and dependable, they’re more likely to trust you, regardless of your location.
6. Offer Competitive Rates
Set rates that reflect your skills and the industry standards, not based on your location. Research what freelancers with similar skills charge and offer competitive prices. Don’t undercharge just because you’re from Nigeria—charge what you’re worth while staying reasonable for the market. Offering fair, competitive rates helps build client confidence in your work.
7. Deliver High-Quality Work
Delivering excellent results is the best way to win clients over. When you provide high-quality work that exceeds expectations, clients will focus on your talent rather than your background. Consistently delivering great work will lead to positive reviews, repeat business, and word-of-mouth recommendations, helping you grow your client base.
8. Network and Build Relationships
The more you network and build relationships with clients, the more trust you’ll earn. Good relationships lead to positive reviews and referrals. Join freelance communities, attend virtual networking events, and engage in discussions to increase your visibility and build a reputation.
9. Don’t Take Rejection Personally
It’s important to understand that not every client will hire you, and sometimes, this may be due to bias. If a client doesn’t hire you due to a lack of trust or preconceived notions, don’t take it personally. Freelancing is competitive, and rejection happens to everyone. If a client can’t trust you despite your professionalism, it simply wasn’t meant to be. Focus on clients who value your skills and experience.
Conclusion
As a Nigerian freelancer, you can succeed globally by focusing on your skills, professionalism, and the quality of your work. Mentioning that you’re an African freelancer instead of specifically Nigerian can sometimes help avoid bias. Using platforms like Fiverr with escrow payment options can build trust with clients. Most importantly, don’t take rejection personally—keep improving, delivering excellent work, and building your reputation, and the right opportunities will come your way.
