If someone told me a year ago that I’d make half a million naira writing an article from my laptop—with nothing but an internet connection and a digital bank—I would’ve laughed and gone back to watching YouTube tutorials about any video YouTube recommends to me.
But here we are.
This is the full story of how I earned ₦500,000 in just two months as a freelance writer in Nigeria. I’ll walk you through my rates, where I found clients, how I managed my money using a digital bank, and the exact tools I used to stay organized and get paid fast. If you’re looking for freelance writing jobs, figuring out how much to charge, or wondering whether you can really earn money online, this one’s for you.
The Starting Point: Writing in Nigeria Ain’t Easy
Let’s be real—freelance writing in Nigeria is both a blessing and a hustle. Sure, the opportunities are there. But so are the struggles.
- Clients ghosting after delivery.
- Late or failed bank transfers.
- Fighting for jobs with ridiculous rates like “₦500 for 1,000 words.”
Sound familiar?
I started out the same way: no connections, just a LinkedIn profile, a few writing samples, and a dream to make enough money without relying on a 9–5. At first, I was earning crumbs, ₦5,000 per article, if I was lucky. But the game changed when I figured out how to charge smarter and started using the right digital banking tools.
How Much Should You Charge as a Freelance Writer in Nigeria?
Pricing is one of the biggest questions out there, so let’s break it down with real numbers.
How much do writers charge per word in Nigeria?
- Entry-level writers: ₦2–₦5 per word
- Intermediate: ₦10–₦20 per word
- Pro writers: ₦25–₦50 per word (Yes, really.)
How much should a freelance writer charge per 1000 words?
If you’re charging ₦10/word, that’s ₦10,000 for 1,000 words.
At ₦25/word, it’s ₦25,000 per article.
I, personally, moved from ₦5,000 to ₦15,000 per article in a few months by improving my writing, focusing on niches (like tech and finance), and targeting foreign clients. By the time I hit ₦500K, I was charging an average of ₦25,000–₦40,000 per piece.
🔑 Pro Tip: Charge based on value, not just word count. A 700-word landing page could pay more than a 2,000-word blog post.
So, how did I earn ₦500K in 2 months?
Let’s do some simple math.
- Average article rate: ₦30,000
- Articles per week: 2–3
- Total for 8 weeks: ₦500K+
That’s not even counting small gigs like editing or one-off consultations. I didn’t grind 12 hours a day either—I worked around 20 hours per week, which puts my freelance writer salary per hour at around ₦6,250.
If we look at that monthly, I made about ₦250,000/month. That’s a freelance writer salary per month many people dream of, and it’s totally achievable with the right setup.
The Game-Changer: Why a Digital Bank Was Key
Here’s something most Nigerian freelancers overlook: your banking setup can make or break your hustle attempt to make a living.
Before switching to a digital bank, I was losing money and time.
- Delays from clients abroad
- Failed dollar transactions
- Zero financial tracking
Entering digital banks like Payoneer, Grey, and even Wise (formerly TransferWise) changed everything. Here’s how they saved my hustle:
Benefits of Using a Digital Bank as a Freelancer:
- Instant USD and GBP accounts
- Better exchange rates
- Fast withdrawals to Nigerian banks
- Easier invoicing
- 24/7 mobile access
Imagine writing a piece for a client in the UK, invoicing them in GBP, and getting the funds in your naira account within 24 hours—clean and smooth. No crying at the ATM or waiting days for wire transfers.
Where I Found My Best-Paying Freelance Writing Jobs
Getting paid well means finding clients who respect your work—and your rates. Here’s where I landed mine:
Top Platforms That Actually Work:
- LinkedIn (game-changer if optimized right)
- Upwork (requires persistence but worth it)
- Fiverr (great for niche services like blog posts)
- ProBlogger Job Board (solid remote gigs)
- WhatsApp Groups (yes, serious clients live here too!)
And here’s a twist: your own content can be a lead magnet. I got a client who paid ₦40K/article just from reading my blog post on Medium. Build your presence. Share value. People will notice.
Tools That Kept Me Sane and Productive
Productivity isn’t just about writing faster—it’s about writing better, staying organized, and getting paid on time.
Writing Tools:
- Grammarly—for quick grammar fixes
- Hemingway Editor—for punchier, clear writing
- Notion—to organize tasks and draft content
Money & Time Tools:
- Toggl—track hours spent per project
- Payoneer—receive international payments
- Wise/Grey—convert and withdraw in Naira
Lessons I Learned the Hard Way (So You Don’t Have To)
- Don’t undercharge. Clients respect you more when you charge what you’re worth.
- Avoid shady deals. If a Nigerian client insists on “paying after delivery,” run.
- Track everything. Know how much time you’re spending per job.
- Invest in your skills. Take writing and SEO courses—even free ones on YouTube.
Your ₦500K Freelance Writing Starter Kit
You want to hit that ₦500K mark too? Here’s what I recommend:
- Pick a niche. (e.g., tech, finance, health)
- Create 3–5 solid samples. Use Medium or a personal blog.
- Optimize your LinkedIn. Make it client-facing.
- Sign up for Payoneer or Grey.
- Set your rates and stick to them.
- Apply to 3 jobs daily for 30 days.
- Track earnings weekly. You’ll be shocked how it adds up.
Bonus idea: Create a pricing template and keep updating it based on what clients are willing to pay.
FAQs: What You Really Want to Know
Q: How much does a freelance writer make per article in Nigeria?
A: Anywhere from ₦5,000 to ₦50,000+. It depends on your niche, experience, and the client’s budget.
Q: Is freelance writing still profitable in 2025?
A: 100% yes. Content demand is booming, especially with AI not fully replacing human creativity.
Q: Can I earn money online as a writer with no experience?
A: Yes! Start with small gigs, build samples, and improve as you go. Everyone starts somewhere.
Q: What’s the best digital bank for freelancers in Nigeria?
A: Payoneer for USD jobs, Grey or Wise for GBP/EUR clients. Test a few and pick what works best for you.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Magic—It’s Strategy
Listen, earning ₦500K as a writer isn’t about being the best wordsmith in Nigeria. It’s about charging the right rates, finding the right clients, and using the right tools—like digital banks—to support your workflow.
I didn’t have any insider help, fancy degree, or startup capital. Just Wi-Fi, a laptop, and a lot of trial and error.
So, if you’ve been sleeping on your writing skills, maybe it’s time to wake them up and put them to work.
Let me ask you—what’s stopping you from hitting your first ₦500K as a writer? Let’s talk in the comments.
By Benjamin Dugunji -Freelance Writer
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