When conversations around freelancing platforms come up, most Nigerians immediately think of global names like Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, or even Toptal. What many Nigerians are unaware of is that Nigeria also has its own homegrown freelancing marketplace designed to serve African talent and businesses.
That Nigerian freelance platform is TERAWORK, a digital marketplace launched by young Nigerian entrepreneurs to bridge the gap between skilled professionals and businesses in need of services.
The inspiration for the platform came from a personal experience of its CEO, Femi Taiwo, in 2015.
At the time, he urgently needed to outsource a project and hired a company he found online, which failed to deliver. As a result, he lost a lot of money.
That prompted him to research the online marketplace space in Africa. He observed that platforms such as Konga and Jumia were primarily focused on physical products. The worst part is that there was no reliable platform dedicated to connecting people with trusted service providers and freelancers.
“So I decided we need to fix this problem; a lot of people will benefit from it,” Femi explained in an interview.
This idea eventually evolved into TERAWORK, which officially launched in 2017 as a platform where individuals and businesses can hire professionals for remote and freelance services.
Today, the platform hosts thousands of freelancers, agencies, and small businesses offering services across different industries. It has also helped many African freelancers secure projects and earn income from clients both locally and internationally.
How Is TERAWORK Different?
If you aren’t new to freelancing, you’ve probably realized that not every platform truly works well for freelancers. Over the years, many freelance marketplaces have appeared with big promises, only to disappear because they failed to build systems that freelancers and clients could genuinely trust. Some platforms lacked important features, while others made communication, payments, and project management far more stressful than they needed to be.
This is one area where TERAWORK has tried to position itself differently.
The platform was designed with both freelancers and clients in mind, aiming to make collaboration smoother, more secure, and easier to manage. Rather than offering only the basic features, TERAWORK includes many of the tools you would expect from a modern and global freelance platform.
Users benefit from real-time messaging that makes communication seamless between freelancers and clients, alongside secure escrow payment systems that protect both sides throughout a transaction. The platform also includes reliable wallet and payment management tools, as well as built-in gig and project tracking features that simplify workflow management. In addition, users can showcase their work through portfolio sections, while review and rating systems help build credibility and trust within the platform.
In addition, TERAWORK also includes a built-in search system that makes it easier for clients to discover freelancers based on their skills and services.
Another feature that you will find interesting on TERAWORK is its support for multiple currencies. The platform currently supports transactions in several currencies, making it easier for you to work with international clients without facing unnecessary payment limitations.
Just like other freelancing platforms, TERAWORK charges commission rates between 7% and 13%, depending on the type and size of the project. Compared to big platforms that charge significantly higher commissions, you will agree that this is relatively fair and more manageable.
Now that you’ve seen the difference, let’s get started!
Getting Started on TERAWORK
One thing you’ll appreciate about TERAWORK is how straightforward the platform is, especially if you are a beginner. You can register as either a freelancer or for full-time job placement, but our focus here is on the freelancing aspect.
To get started, the first step is visiting the official TERAWORK website and beginning the registration process. During signup, you’ll be asked to choose your role. As a freelancer, you should click on the ‘Join as a Professional’ option.
Then, you either choose to work as a ‘Talent for Freelance Jobs’ or ‘Talent for Full-Time Placements’. However, if you are interested only in remote jobs, you should click on the former.
Before you start registering, you’ll need to read through the platform’s terms, policies, and freelancer guidelines before proceeding. Taking a few minutes to understand these guidelines can help you avoid unnecessary issues later on. So don’t just scroll down, try to at least skim through it.
When you’re done, click on ‘Yes, I agree…’ Then proceed to the next section, where you will provide a few personal details, which includes your area of interest.
After signing up, you’ll be required to verify your email through the code sent to you.
Now, the most important stage begins—the onboarding process.
Onboarding Process
On TERAWORK, you will go through an onboarding process. You should be redirected to the onboarding page after verifying your email. If not, locate it by clicking on your display name at the right corner of the screen.
Now, let’s start the journey!
Seller Account
As a freelancer, you are regarded as a seller, while the clients are called buyers. So, you’ll be creating a seller account. Don’t forget to watch the onboarding video, it will help you as you move on. Though, you can still watch it later.
When you are done click on ‘let’s go!’ and move to creating your account.
After the basic info, the next step is choosing the account type. Don’t just click anyone, because each of them has their peculiarities.
Think about your freelance career short and long term plan to know which account fits you best.
Work Settings
At this stage, you are required to input your working conditions. You should clearly set your availability so clients understand when you are open to work. It is also important to define your work cancellation terms and specify the number of jobs you can handle concurrently.
If you haven’t watched the onboarding video, you can watch it now. Thereafter, click on ‘Let’s Go!’.
As you move through the next pages, ensure you read the instructions well before inputting your preferences.
Personal Details
Think of everything you provide here as your personal website used to promote yourself. Since first impressions matter, it’s important to present yourself in a way that immediately captures attention.
Aim to be original and as genuine as possible while allowing your personality and strengths to come through clearly. And don’t hold back from highlighting your achievements, because trying to be modest can sometimes work against you.
Selling Profile
It’s time to create your first selling profile, which should be treated as your personal storefront designed to attract clients and showcase your services effectively. Make sure it stands out from the competition, as it plays a major role in your success on TERAWORK and acts as your silent sales representative.
When building this section, you should carefully consider three key elements. First, clearly describe your expertise by outlining the services you offer and the skills that set you apart. Then highlight your approach to working with clients, whether through efficiency, creativity, or problem-solving, and conclude by explaining the impact and results clients can expect when they collaborate with you.
Build a Portfolio That Creates Confidence
Your portfolio plays a key role in building trust, as most clients prefer to see proof of your abilities before committing to a project. A strong portfolio helps them quickly evaluate your skill level, professionalism, creativity, and overall quality of work, making it an essential part of your freelancing profile.
Depending on your field, your portfolio can include completed projects, writing samples, design work, case studies, mock-ups, or before-and-after examples, and even beginners should include sample work instead of leaving it empty. When uploading items, adding short explanations about each project—such as the problem solved or results achieved—helps build confidence and shows that you are not only skilled but also organized and reliable.
How to Write Proposals That Help You Win More Jobs on TERAWORK
Getting noticed as a freelancer is becoming more competitive every day. As more professionals join platforms like TERAWORK, clients now have far more options to choose from when hiring. This means that having the right skills alone is no longer enough to stand out.
In many cases, your proposal is what determines whether a client responds to you or moves on to another freelancer. A strong proposal can open the door to interviews, conversations, repeat projects, and long-term working relationships, while a weak one may be ignored within seconds.
Start with a genuine introduction
The beginning of your proposal matters because it is usually the first thing a client reads. So, instead of jumping straight into a long list of skills or achievements, start with a short introduction that feels natural and professional.
Briefly introduce yourself, mention your area of expertise, and explain why the project interests you. This immediately creates a stronger first impression and helps the client feel like there is a real person behind the proposal.
Understand what the client really wants
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is sending the same proposal to every job posting. Most clients can immediately recognize copy-and-paste proposals, and this often reduces your chances of receiving a response.
Before writing your proposal, take time to carefully study the job description. Pay attention to the client’s specific needs, project goals, preferred skills, and any instructions included in the post. Some clients even include hidden instructions to test whether freelancers actually read the details properly.
When clients feel understood, they are naturally more likely to trust you with their project.
Customize every proposal
Personalized proposals almost always perform better than generic ones. If the client’s name is visible, mention it naturally in your response. You can also refer to the project title or highlight a specific detail from the job description to show that you genuinely paid attention.
Small details like these make your proposal feel more thoughtful and professional.
You should also clearly explain why you are a good fit for the project, how your experience relates to the client’s needs, and how you intend to help them achieve their goal. Clients appreciate freelancers who speak directly to their problems instead of sending broad and impersonal responses.
Focus on relevant skills and experience
Your proposal should clearly communicate why you are qualified for the job. Instead of listing every skill you have ever learned, focus only on the skills and experiences that are directly relevant to the project.
Mention similar projects you have completed, certifications you may have earned, or specific results you achieved for previous clients. Whenever possible, include examples that demonstrate your ability to solve problems and deliver quality work.
Clients are often less interested in long self-descriptions and more interested in whether you can produce the results they need. Showing proof of experience helps build trust much faster.
Explain your approach to the project
Clients usually feel more comfortable hiring freelancers who already appear organized and prepared. Rather than simply saying, “I can do the job,” briefly explain how you plan to handle the project.
You can mention your workflow, the steps you would take, your estimated timeline, your communication process, or how you ensure quality delivery throughout the project. This helps clients visualize what working with you would actually feel like.
It also shows professionalism and reassures the client that you take projects seriously.
Set rates that is fair and professional
Pricing is another important part of proposal writing. While it may be tempting to lower your rates significantly just to win projects, extremely cheap pricing can sometimes make clients question the quality of your work. At the same time, charging very high rates without strong proof of expertise may discourage clients from contacting you.
Before setting your rates, research what freelancers with similar experience levels charge for similar projects. Consider the complexity of the task, the time required, and the value you are providing.
Most importantly, be transparent and realistic about your pricing. Clients appreciate freelancers who communicate professionally and honestly about costs.
Always proofread before sending
Even a strong proposal can lose its impact if it contains spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or poor formatting. Before submitting your proposal, take a few extra minutes to review everything carefully.
Check for typing errors, remove unnecessary words, and make sure your message is easy to read and understand. A clean and polished proposal immediately feels more professional and increases the chances of receiving a positive response.
When your proposal reflects these qualities naturally, you improve your chances of getting hired.
Actionable Tips to Scale on TERAWORK
Freelancing often comes with periods of abundance and periods of uncertainty, but sustainable growth becomes possible when you approach it strategically. Success on TERAWORK is not just about landing projects—it is about building systems, improving your expertise, and positioning yourself for long-term opportunities.
Enhance Your Skills and Build Specialization
Long-term success requires more than experience alone. Continuously improving your skills through learning, mentorship, research, and client feedback helps you stay competitive, while specialization allows you to stand out as an expert within a niche. As your expertise deepens in a specific area, clients become more likely to seek you out directly. This often leads to better opportunities and higher-paying work.
Build Strong Client Relationships
Strong client relationships are one of the most reliable paths to repeat work and referrals. Clear communication, professionalism, regular updates, and respect for client preferences help build trust and make collaboration smoother. Over time, maintaining positive relationships with both current and past clients can create a steady source of long-term opportunities.
Improve Your Visibility and Personal Brand
Having strong skills is important, but clients also need to notice and trust you. Keeping your TERAWORK profile active, updating your portfolio regularly, collecting reviews, and promoting your work outside the platform can strengthen your visibility and professional reputation. As more people become familiar with your expertise, attracting opportunities becomes easier.
Develop a Consistent Client Acquisition System
Successful freelancers do not wait until projects end before searching for new work. Instead, they consistently network, engage in niche communities, and position themselves where ideal clients are already active. Building visibility within a specific industry increases your chances of attracting clients who genuinely need your expertise.
Price Your Services Competitively
Your pricing should reflect your skills, experience, and the value you provide while remaining competitive within the market. Although researching industry rates is important, avoid pricing yourself too low simply to win projects, as this can affect both client perception and long-term growth. Clients are often willing to pay more for freelancers who appear skilled, reliable, and professional.
Deliver Excellent Work and Meet Deadlines
Reliability is one of the strongest drivers of freelance growth. Consistently meeting deadlines, communicating well, and delivering quality work helps build trust and increases the likelihood of repeat business and referrals. Even small efforts to exceed expectations can leave lasting impressions that strengthen your reputation over time.
Finally…
As a Nigerian freelancer, TERAWORK is designed with the realities and challenges of the local freelance market in mind. While it may not be a large global platform, it can serve as a strong starting point for building experience.
That said, success still requires effort. You need to approach the onboarding process carefully, build a compelling profile, and develop strong proposal-writing skills to stand out. Freelancing may feel challenging at the beginning, but with patience, consistency, and the right strategy, it can gradually evolve from a side hustle into a stable and rewarding career.
If you’re ready to start your freelance journey—or grow an existing one—this is the right time to get started.