Freelancing has become a popular option for Nigerians looking to make money online. Thanks to platforms like Fiverr, everyone’s doing it — from tech bros to creatives. But can you learn how to make money on Fiverr like everyone else?

You can make money on Fiverr by creating and setting up a free account to sell your services online. These services can be popular gigs like copywriting, website development and even translation. However, almost any service will do — provided the work is legal, and there’s a paying client.

In this article, we’ll explore what Fiverr is and how it works. We’ll also browse through some gig ideas you can try to make money on the platform.

What is Fiverr?

You’ve probably heard that freelancing is one of the best ways to make money in Nigeria — especially if you have high-income skills. But, as with everything else, you have to know how to begin.

One of the first steps to take is choosing a platform and learning how it works. Fiverr is such a platform. But what exactly is it? 

Fiverr is an online marketplace that connects freelance service providers with buyers — allowing both parties to work together on various projects. These buyers can be individuals or businesses, and these service providers (sellers) can be based anywhere in the world.

What makes Fiverr so popular is the low barrier to entry — anyone can sign up and sell their services for as low as $5, as long as they can land a client.

How does Fiverr work?

Fiverr is basically a marketplace. It’s strictly internet-based and built to simplify the interactions between buyers and sellers. Therefore, all the services on the platform are digital and include everything from copywriting and data analysis to AI services and programming.

Here’s how Fiverr works:

1. Sellers sign up on the platform and create a gig. These “gigs” are helpful services or skills buyers need, and you set the prices per task or project.
2. Sellers get orders and deliver work. Your clients (or buyers) can be from anywhere in the world. The most important thing is for sellers to provide high-quality results.
3. Sellers get paid and withdraw their money. As with most freelancing platforms, Fiverr simplifies the payment process. You don’t need to worry about late payments or clients disappearing after you deliver.

These steps describe how Fiverr works, and the system applies to everyone in precisely the same way. Therefore, using Fiverr is the same — whether you’re a freelancer living and working in Nigeria or the Congo.

But how exactly can you get on the platform and become a seller? 

How to sell on Fiverr

Now that we’ve explained how Fiverr works, let’s dive into how to make money on Fiverr.

Setting up a Fiverr account is pretty straightforward. In fact, you can get started right now if you have an internet-enabled smartphone or computer.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to selling on Fiverr in Nigeria:

1. Visit the Fiverr website with your smartphone or computer and sign up for free. You can also download and use the mobile app. Just follow the prompts to become a seller.
2. Create a seller profile. Fiverr will send a confirmation link to your email after you sign up to become a seller. You can use this link to create and optimise your profile to land high-quality buyers.
3. Create your first gig on Fiverr. Gigs on Fiverr are job descriptions and should include essential information about the services you intend to offer on the platform. Note that you can only create gigs using a computer.
4. Market your gigs to get orders. You can market your gigs on Fiverr by responding to buyer requests or using social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter.
5. Process orders and deliver. Fiverr will send you a notification when you get an order. Using the platform’s in-built message system, you can work out the fine details of the order and communicate with the buyer throughout the project.
6. Receive payments for completed orders. Fiverr allows you to withdraw your money whenever you want. However, the platform charges all sellers a 20% fee on all orders.

It’s that easy!

You might feel slightly overwhelmed if you’re using Fiverr for the first time. But that’s okay. Fiverr has an extensive FAQ for sellers that you can consult if you need help.

How to make money on Fiverr in Nigeria: 10 great ideas

Your ability to make money on Fiverr largely depends on many factors, including what you’re selling, who you’re selling to and the quality of your services. Still, picking an excellent service to offer will help make your freelancing journey enjoyable.

Here are ten gig ideas to try if you’re looking for how to make money on Fiverr in Nigeria:

1. Writing
2. Graphics and design
3. Consulting
4. Web and app development
5. Content creation
6. Social media management
7. Online tutoring
8. Animation 
9. Video production and editing
10. Web research

This list isn’t exhaustive, of course. In fact, you’d be surprised how much money you can make from a skill you might consider small — even if you’re still a student.

1. Writing

This includes everything from web content writing to copywriting and is one of the best gigs to get started with on Fiverr. How much you make will depend on what kind of writing services you offer, your skill level and your clientele.

2. Graphics and design

You’ll find high demand for design skills on Fiverr — whether you’re a product designer, brand designer or graphics designer. The amount you make will depend on your prices and how quickly you work and attract buyers.

3. Consulting

Consulting is big business — whether you’re in finance, marketing or engineering. On Fiverr, you can charge companies and individuals a decent sum if you understand how a field works.

4. Web and app development

You can offer app and web development services on Fiverr if you have excellent coding skills. The nicest thing about app and web development is that you can land high-paying clients, especially if you have an extensive portfolio.

5. Content creation

Video form content creation is in high demand in Nigeria and abroad. You can make a healthy living on Fiverr by creating videos for buyers using just your phone. However, you might need to pick a niche — like creating product or event videos — if you want to excel.

6. Social media management

You’ll handle a brand or an individual’s social media pages as a freelance social media manager. The gig also involves being responsible for public interactions and handling tasks like uploading content.

7. Online tutoring

You can be an online tutor on Fiverr if you have excellent teaching skills and a solid understanding of video-conferencing platforms like Zoom. When creating a seller profile, you’ll need to decide whether you want to teach primary, secondary, or university students.

8. Animation 

Animation shares similarities with design, but it’s quite different. As an animator on Fiverr, you’ll create ads, short videos and even feature-length films for paying clients.

9. Video production and editing

Video production and editing services are in high demand on Fiverr, fetching as high as $1,000 per project. Landing high-paying clients is possible if your skills are top-notch.

10. Web research

The ability to find stuff on the web might not seem like much, but it’s a paying gig on Fiverr. The great thing about this gig is that you don’t need much experience to get started. In fact, you can land clients in no time if you have a solid understanding of how search tools like Google Search work.

Can you make good money on Fiverr?

Freelancing is only mainstream in Nigeria because it seems like a great way to get paid for your skills and make good money. But what’s the truth? Can you really make good money on Fiverr?

It is. You can make good money on Fiverr if you market your gigs to the right audience and consistently deliver high-quality work. However, the total amount you’ll make on the platform depends on how much work you put into your gigs.

Creating high-paying gigs is also a game-changer. You can make much more — and do less work — if your skills are in high demand.

For example, you could earn way more as a freelancer on Fiverr if you’re a software engineer, digital marketer or data analyst.

6 tips to get more buyers on Fiverr

Success on Fiverr isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for your friend might not work for you — even if you sell the same skills. Nonetheless, there are things you can do to get the most out of the platform.

The following tips are helpful if you want to get more buyers on Fiverr:

1. Create an impactful profile. Your profile is more or less your résumé on Fiverr, and creating one that stands can help you get more leads and conversions. Keep it professional by uploading professional headshots but include detailed information about your services so prospective buyers understand your offering.
2. Optimise your Fiverr profile and gigs for online visibility. Search Engine Optimisation is a small but powerful tool that can help more people find you on Fiverr. Keep your profile search-friendly by using relevant keywords to help buyers find you.
3. Create an online portfolio. A portfolio is another great way to market yourself to buyers on Fiverr since it shows how well you can do your job. Depending on what you sell, you can create one on Fiverr.
4. Ask buyers for referrals. Word-of-mouth marketing is one of the best ways to grow as a freelancer. Always ask your client to spread the word if they love your work — either by asking them directly or through incentives like discounts on future projects.
5. Earn 5-star ratings. Ratings in the gig economy can make or break you. Therefore, striving for high ratings from every Fiverr client is essential in attracting others.
6. Communicate with buyers. You can get the Fiverr mobile app to improve your communications with buyers. Excellent communication can improve the entire experience for many buyers on Fiverr, and they’ll be more willing to refer you or rate your services well.

These tips are sure to be a hit if you try them. But remember that it might take a while for you to see results.

Conclusion

Learning how to make money on Fiverr in Nigeria is easy if you follow the tips in this article. Note that some time investment will be necessary because the longer you use the platform, the better you’ll get at maximising its freelancing opportunities.