Jetjacky:


So, securing jobs is not your issue. The second one is, being paid well for it. Are you able to charge at least $0.03/word for it ($30/1000 words)


About the native speaking. That's another problem. Some Nigerians have native level mastery in either American or British. There are others who are also native speakers by birth, because English is their first and sometimes their only language, even though born and bred in Nigeria.

But I have noticed that some potential clients don't listen or count this variable when looking for Native Speakers.

U1:


The answer to the bold is "No," and sadly so. While I won't describe myself anywhere near the best in writing, I believe I should be earning way more.

It's the realisation that it doesn't seem like I can get more that's part of why I noted that I have been trying to cut writing time. I rarely bid these days - I have not used up the free Connects Upwork gave me almost a year ago.

The non-native discrimination is real, even though I believe I write better than some natives , let alone the ogas I see here in Nigeria. I have noticed some of those I worked with were actually "middlemen" who probably got jobs on the grounds of being a native speaker.

Strange thing is that non-natives are often able to earn more without complaints when they choose to fake their country. But I don't think I will ever go down that road or I would have long done so.

Jetjacky:


You are right about earning more with no complaints by faking current region. I wonder how this can be solved.

You mentioned cutting time writing. What do you mean? You no longer write?

Some on this thread have put up the idea that you can actually make good cash (eg, $30/hour) using your Nigerian location. It all depends on being able to convince the client with your proposal and profile. What do you think?

U1:


I meant I have actively been trying to reduce my involvement in writing - for the stated reasons. I don't think I have submitted a proposal in like 2-3 months.

I am not sure it's just about your ability to convince. I think it also depends on what type of writing you do.

I don't do copywriting, ad copy, and academic writing, for instance. It's possible you might earn more if you do any of those, coupled with your ability "to convince."

Olawrites:
Whether Nigeria profile or not, what will be will be.

I have 5 friends hitting it with naija flag right there on Upwork.

Jetjacky:
Well, I have the quality work covered real good, just need the assurance that working from NG location is a good call in regards to securing high paying gigs 24/7 (as needed).

About the Fiverr. I have tried my best. Can you spare few minutes of your time to review the account and two gigs I have up, maybe you will notice something I am doing wrong??

Thanks.

VictorBode:



Nigeria location is good.

Also your description needs a bit more work.

Checked out your profile. First off, change your profile picture.


Won't say more because I charge for profile reviews.

Jetjacky:


So, securing jobs is not your issue. The second one is, being paid well for it. Are you able to charge at least $0.03/word for it ($30/1000 words)


About the native speaking. That's another problem. Some Nigerians have native level mastery in either American or British. There are others who are also native speakers by birth, because English is their first and sometimes their only language, even though born and bred in Nigeria.

But I have noticed that some potential clients don't listen or count this variable when looking for Native Speakers.

Crbc:
This sums it all up for you.....

The discrimination is real, but if you know your drill ; getting jobs wouldn't be an issue.

News flash....... I've earned 40,000 USD(not naira), since early 2018..... And yes, as a Nigerian...

Thank you.

G12:


Hi, I'm having an issue with someone you vouched for in one thread for over 2 weeks now. He's been making my life miserable for 2 weeks after I sent him payment for UpWork training. I wouldn't want to disclose his moniker yet. Please, I need to talk to you. Maybe he'll listen to you since you trust him.

Thanks!

Comanche:


Sure, your nationality as a Nigerian might be an issue at first as a new freelancer, but I believe once you can show clients you are good at what you do, then you'd get great paying jobs. When I started out on Upwork, it was tough. But I kept researching on different ways to be better in terms of my proposals and In terms of my writing.

30 USD for 1000 words isnt something unattainable as a Nigerian. You know what's worse than being a Nigerian on Upwork? It is being one and wearing an hijab. So I could potentially be discriminated on 2 counts: being black and being a Muslim.

But here I am an ordinary article writer still securing 1000 words for 200 to 300 USD. So don't give up!

Comanche:


Sure, your nationality as a Nigerian might be an issue at first as a new freelancer, but I believe once you can show clients you are good at what you do, then you'd get great paying jobs. When I started out on Upwork, it was tough. But I kept researching on different ways to be better in terms of my proposals and In terms of my writing.

30 USD for 1000 words isnt something unattainable as a Nigerian. You know what's worse than being a Nigerian on Upwork? It is being one and wearing an hijab. So I could potentially be discriminated on 2 counts: being black and being a Muslim.

But here I am an ordinary article writer still securing 1000 words for 200 to 300 USD. So don't give up!

Crbc:
This sums it all up for you.....

The discrimination is real, but if you know your drill ; getting jobs wouldn't be an issue.

News flash....... I've earned 40,000 USD(not naira), since early 2018..... And yes, as a Nigerian...

Thank you.

Crbc:
This sums it all up for you.....

The discrimination is real, but if you know your drill ; getting jobs wouldn't be an issue.

News flash....... I've earned 40,000 USD(not naira), since early 2018..... And yes, as a Nigerian...

Thank you.

VictorBode:


All these descriptions is pointless. The reason they say this because of their poor experiences with Nigerians.

I once applies for a job that had a similar description: "No Nigerians allowed"


But guess what? The guy hired me out of others.

On upwork, finding a QUALITY freelancer is bigger issue than landing a job.

Most times when clients come to upwork, they're only HOPING for something good. They dont have high expectations but if you can show them you're good then they'll hire you.

As you can see from the screenshot, the reason why the client added that is because of poor grammar or writing ability and not necessarily because Nigerians are scammers.

If you can address his objection and show him/her that you deliver quality work, the least he can do is grant you an interview just in case.


2019 my friend earned $24,000. I personally earned about $15K.

As a Nigerian...

- Your profile must be legit and enticing.

- Make sure proposals are thoughtful and well written.

- Your portfolio should be your most quality samples.

Etc

Jetjacky:


Thanks bro.

Is there a guarantee I will get my first few gigs if you review my profile then?

What's the cost?

tensazangetsu20:
Op no one cares about your country on Upwork. I joined Upwork in January and I got my first job four days after.

Before this pandemic started, I was bidding for a job with a Spanish startup. I wrote some tests involving digital marketing which I passed and then did some interviews over Skype but the job was cancelled. At that moment, I also had other jobs I was bidding for but due to the pandemic they all stopped. The digital marketing niche isn't as hot as it was in January when I joined. Many companies are really struggling and aren't spending as much on marketing.

I have taken a break from it and I am presently learning to code. Would get back to it by the end of this year.

Upwork works very well. The key is to apply to a lot of Jobs. Write your proposals well. Tell the clients how you can solve their problems and the value you can provide to them. Don't start listing your accomplishments. No one cares. Also use the advanced search feature a lot of jobs are hidden there.

Once I am really comfortable with my coding skills I am going back to Upwork. The kind of programming jobs I see continuously trumps everything else.

Jetjacky:


Yea, it is good to up your skills. About no one caring that isn't really true. When running a Nigerian account, I have had some of my proposals declined for not meeting the client's criteria which happens to be location centered.

But I have seen lots of clients, so I know there is also truth in your claim.

Normally, I send out three proposals a day, and when I am in a roll, two out of the three gets a response. When not, one or none clicks.

However, when running a Nigerian account I had to send about 4 to 6 and sometimes one to two click. One of them was a very good one sha from a Singapore firm clicked with an acemome experience.

I have experimented from both sides just to be sure. But like I said, the data I got is conflicting and that's why I need your input, your experience.

I like to move higher now.

Jetjacky:
I'm glad you decided to contribute to this thread.

If this is remedied, then I am sure, I can help lots of other people too to change the narrative following the right channels.

Jetjacky:


Yea, it is good to up your skills. About no one caring that isn't really true. When running a Nigerian account, I have had some of my proposals declined for not meeting the client's criteria which happens to be location centered.

But I have seen lots of clients, so I know there is also truth in your claim.

Normally, I send out three proposals a day, and when I am in a roll, two out of the three gets a response. When not, one or none clicks.

However, when running a Nigerian account I had to send about 4 to 6 and sometimes one to two click. One of them was a very good one sha from a Singapore firm clicked with an acemome experience.

I have experimented from both sides just to be sure. But like I said, the data I got is conflicting and that's why I need your input, your experience.

I like to move higher now.

tensazangetsu20:

Well I haven't had that problem though. Initially I didn't get responses because my proposals were really shitty but as I learnt to write better proposals I got better responses.

Another thing I don't just apply to jobs. If the client has less than 70 percent hire rate I don't waste my connects. I also read the requirements because some people are really stupid and you can see it from the kind of job postings they make.

tensazangetsu20:
Op no one cares about your country on Upwork. I joined Upwork in January and I got my first job four days after.

Before this pandemic started, I was bidding for a job with a Spanish startup. I wrote some tests involving digital marketing which I passed and then did some interviews over Skype but the job was cancelled. At that moment, I also had other jobs I was bidding for but due to the pandemic they all stopped. The digital marketing niche isn't as hot as it was in January when I joined. Many companies are really struggling and aren't spending as much on marketing.

I have taken a break from it and I am presently learning to code. Would get back to it by the end of this year.

Upwork works very well. The key is to apply to a lot of Jobs. Write your proposals well. Tell the clients how you can solve their problems and the value you can provide to them. Don't start listing your accomplishments. No one cares. Also use the advanced search feature a lot of jobs are hidden there.

Once I am really comfortable with my coding skills I am going back to Upwork. The kind of programming jobs I see continuously trumps everything else.

Crbc:
At the bolded; you were scammed... There was no test job. That test you did on digital marketing was the real job. Sorry to say... Mostly Indians, Pakistanis etc

Crbc:
At the bolded; you were scammed... There was no test job. That test you did on digital marketing was the real job. Sorry to say... Mostly Indians, Pakistanis etc

VictorBode:


Yes... Landing a gig on fiverr is way easier than upwork.

Plus there's a guide I'll give you from a guy that has made $1,000,000 on fiverr

I got the book when I saw one of his most successful student make $1000 in 4 months.

My friend made N1,000,000 as well.

You wont make millions of naira as you start o..

But $100 - $200 is very possible on fiverr. If you put in more work, it can be $400 - $500.


To your question. It's N10k for a review plus the book I talked about. If you dont find it valuable, I'll refund you.

Anyways, as a copywriter you shouldn't spend all your time on freelance sites. Just use it to gain experience, update your portfolio and make some money for like 5 months then reduce the time you spend there.

There are companies that pay $2000, $ 5000 for just a single write up.

Crbc:
At the bolded; you were scammed... There was no test job. That test you did on digital marketing was the real job. Sorry to say... Mostly Indians, Pakistanis etc

VictorBode:


Anytime a location is brought up, you're a copywriter so address the objection in a smart, friendly and captivating way.

And do it in such a way that it's the first or second thing he reads.

naijacutee:
Caveat: I'm Nigerian and on Upwork, but I don't live in Nigeria so I don't know if my advice counts.

From my experience as a black person on Upwork, I get around 1 out of 4 jobs I bid for. So basically, if I want a job I bid for 4.

I charge $35 an hour (I jumped from $7/ hour to $35/ hour after I woke up and realised my worth) and clients have no issues paying me my fees. If they can't afford it then no problems.