How to Land Your First Gig as a Nigerian Freelancer
Feb 6, 2026 · 5 min read
Landing your first freelance gig can feel intimidating. You have the skills, but no reviews yet. No portfolio on the platform. No track record. Here\'s how to break through that barrier on PBridge.
1. Build a Strong Profile
Your profile is your first impression. Make it count:
Professional photo: A clear headshot builds trust instantly. No sunglasses, no group photos.
Compelling bio: Don\'t just list skills — explain what you do and who you help. Example: "I help small businesses in Lagos build modern, mobile-friendly websites that convert visitors into customers."
Skills tags: Add every relevant skill. Clients search by skills, so this helps you appear in results.
2. Write Proposals That Stand Out
Most freelancers send generic proposals. Don\'t be one of them. For every gig:
Address the client\'s specific need. Reference something from their gig description to show you actually read it.
Explain your approach. Briefly outline how you\'d tackle the project. This shows competence.
Be realistic on price. For your first few gigs, consider competitive pricing to build your reputation. Once you have reviews, you can charge more.
3. Deliver Outstanding Work
Your first gig is your most important one. It sets the foundation for your entire reputation on the platform.
Deliver on time or early. Nothing impresses a client more than punctuality.
Over-deliver slightly. If they asked for 3 logo concepts, give them 4. Small extras create loyal clients.
Communicate proactively. Send progress updates. Don\'t disappear for days.
4. Get That First Review
After delivering great work, politely ask the client to leave a review. A single 5-star review makes your next proposal 10x more likely to be accepted.
5. Build Momentum
After your first gig, apply to more. Each completed project builds your reputation, improves your ranking, and attracts more clients. The hardest part is the first one — after that, it gets easier.