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  Freelancing can be an exciting and rewarding career, but pricing is one of the biggest struggles most freelancers face. Set your price too low, and you undervalue your work; set it too high, and you risk losing clients. The trick? Set profitable prices.
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If you’ve ever had a client tell you, “I can get it cheaper elsewhere,” you’re not alone. I recently had a potential client approach me for a writing job. When I quoted my price, he complained that it was too expensive and mentioned other writers offering cheaper rates. I simply told him my prices were fixed based on my experience and skill set. Eventually, he returned and paid my rate. Imagine if I had given in to that pressure! If you are struggling to set profitable prices as a freelancer in Nigeria, I wrote this for you.

1. Understand Your Market and Industry Rates

One of the biggest mistakes freelancers make is guessing their rates without researching industry standards. Before setting your prices, research what other freelancers in your niche charge. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and even LinkedIn can give you an idea of market rates. In Nigeria, freelance writing, for instance, can range from ₦10 to ₦100 per word, depending on experience and niche. Similarly, graphic designers charge anywhere from ₦20,000 to ₦200,000 per project, depending on complexity and expertise. Knowing these benchmarks can help you position yourself competitively.

2. Calculate Your Costs and Desired Profit

Freelancing is a business, and every business needs to be profitable. You need to factor in your operating costs (internet, electricity, software subscriptions, workspace), time invested, and the profit margin you desire. Here’s a simple formula to help you determine your pricing: Pricing Formula: (Total Monthly Expenses + Desired Monthly Profit) ÷ Billable Hours Per Month = Hourly Rate For example, if your expenses total ₦100,000 monthly and you want to make ₦250,000 in profit while working 100 billable hours, your hourly rate should be: (100,000 + 250,000) ÷ 100 = ₦3,500 per hour. If your service is project-based, estimate how many hours each project will take and multiply by your hourly rate.

3. Consider Your Experience and Skill Set

Experience plays a huge role in pricing. A newbie content writer cannot charge the same as someone with five or ten years of experience. If you have advanced skills or unique expertise, factor this into your pricing.
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For example, a junior web developer in Nigeria might charge ₦150,000 per website, while a senior developer with experience in UI/UX design might charge up to ₦1,500,000+ per website. You need to understand that clients pay for expertise, not just the service.

4. Differentiate Yourself from Cheaper Alternatives

There will always be someone offering services cheaper than you. However, what sets you apart is quality, reliability, and results. If a client compares your prices with another freelancer’s, highlight what makes you different.
  • Do you offer better customer service?
  • Do you provide in-depth research?
  • Do you guarantee revisions?
  • Sell the value you bring, not just the service.

5. Offer Pricing Tiers

One smart strategy is offering different pricing packages to suit different budgets. For example:
  • Basic Package (₦50,000): 1000-word blog post, no revisions.
  • Standard Package (₦80,000): 1500-word blog post with two revisions.
  • Premium Package (₦120,000): 2000-word SEO-optimized blog post with unlimited revisions.
This way, clients can choose based on their needs, and you avoid under-pricing yourself.

6. Be Confident in Your Pricing

Many Nigerian freelancers struggle with self-doubt when quoting prices. If a client says, “Your price is too high,” respond confidently. You don’t need to beg for work—value yourself, and clients who truly appreciate quality will pay. Remember my story at the beginning? That client returned and paid my price because he realized I was offering value, not just a service.

7. Review and Adjust Regularly

Freelance pricing isn’t static. Inflation, cost of living, and increasing expertise all demand price adjustments. You’re losing money if you started freelancing two years ago and are still charging the same rates. Review your rates at least once a year and adjust accordingly.
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Concluding Thoughts

Setting profitable prices as a freelancer in Nigeria requires market research, cost calculations, confidence, and a value-driven approach. Never underprice yourself out of fear of losing clients. Instead, focus on attracting quality clients who understand and respect your worth. With the right pricing strategy, you can build a sustainable freelance career without working for peanuts.
Did you find this article useful? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com
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This article was first published on 27th March 2025
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victor-ifegwu-mbonu

Ifegwu-Mbonu Victor is a Personal Growth and Leadership Trainer who provides training and coaching to individuals and organizations.

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