2026 — What You Must Know Before Accepting a Copywriting Project in Nigeria
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2026 — What You Must Know Before Accepting a Copywriting Project in Nigeria
Step-by-step guide for freelance copywriters, agency owners, and entrepreneurs
Before you accept a copywriting job in Nigeria in 2026, read this step-by-step guide: pricing, taxes, IP, payment methods, client screening, and how to get free exposure via 7hubent. Includes FAQs and contact links.
Quick overview — Why this matters
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Accepting the wrong job costs time and money.
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Getting paid on time, protecting your rights, and pricing fairly are the fundamentals that keep your business running.
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Use the checklist below before you say “yes.”
Step 1 — Clarify the project scope (Do this first)
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Ask for a written brief: objectives, audience, deliverables, word counts, tone, brand assets, and examples.
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Define revisions: how many rounds, what counts as a revision vs. new work.
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Set deadlines and milestones (draft, review, final).
Why: Clear scope prevents scope creep and unpaid extra work.
Step 2 — Price the job the smart way (pricing methods + tips)
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Per-project (flat fee): Best for landing pages, sales emails, packages. Set a clear deliverable list.
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Per-word: Useful for long-form articles. Typical global midrange: $0.05–$0.80/word depending on experience; local Nigerian rates vary widely—position yourself by value (portfolio + outcomes). (Elna Cain)
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Hourly: Use for discovery, consulting, or when scope is vague. Track time and share logs.
Pricing tips
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Add rush fees for short deadlines.
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Add a “research” or “strategy” fee for projects that need brand deep-dives.
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Quote in stable currency (USD/GBP/EUR) if the client is international; specify who covers transfer fees.
Why: Proper pricing ensures sustainability and lets you scale beyond one-off gigs.
Step 3 — Payment terms & methods (how you actually get paid)
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Require an upfront deposit (20–50%) before starting.
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State payment terms: Net 7 / Net 14 / Net 30 and late fee (e.g., 5% after due date).
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Recommended Nigerian-friendly payment options: Payoneer, Paystack, Flutterwave, bank transfers and international tools like Payoneer/PayPal (where available). Use escrow for new or high-value clients. (Creative Money)
Why: Reduces risk of late/non-payment and covers your time during the work.
Step 4 — Protect intellectual property & rights
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Decide license vs. transfer: Are you selling unlimited rights (buyout) or licensing the copy? Put it in the contract.
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Register important creative works where needed. Nigeria’s Copyright Commission provides registration and guidance. Keep records (drafts, timestamps, emails). (copyright.gov.ng)
Why: Protects future use and prevents clients from re-selling or misusing your work without proper payment.
Step 5 — Taxes & legal basics (what to declare)
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Register for tax if your income reaches thresholds and keep records of earnings. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) outlines personal income tax requirements. (FIRS)
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Keep business accounts, invoices, and receipts. Consider simple bookkeeping from day one.
Why: Avoid penalties, maintain credibility, and build the foundation to scale.
Step 6 — Vet clients fast (red flags & green flags)
Green flags
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Clear brief, references, or active website.
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Willingness to sign a short contract.
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Prompt on initial communications and happy to pay deposit.
Red flags
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Vague brief, “pay later” promises, requests to start before deposit, refusal to sign anything, or pressure to undercut market rates.
Why: Saves time and prevents disputes.
Step 7 — Deliver like a pro (workflow & quality checks)
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Use a template: client brief, contract, invoice, delivery checklist.
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Provide two file formats: editable doc and print/pdf.
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Include usage notes: where copy performs best (email subject line suggestions, CTA placement).
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Ask for a testimonial and permission to showcase the work after payment.
Why: Professional delivery increases client satisfaction and referrals.
Step 8 — Use platforms & communities to get clients (free and paid)
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Share case studies and results on LinkedIn, Telegram, and WhatsApp business groups. Communities like 7hubent give free exposure across active business WhatsApp groups and can drive local discovery — contact 7hubent for free business promotion on WhatsApp via +2349077131487, join their Telegram at t.me/hubent1, and see the Nigeria Active Business WhatsApp Group Links resource. (Lagos Wiki)
Why: Targeted local channels often convert faster than unknown marketplaces.
Step 9 — Scale smartly
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Package recurring services (monthly email sequences, content calendars).
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Outsource editing or research to freelancers and keep final copy control.
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Create a referral program for clients and partners.
Why: Packages increase lifetime value and make income predictable.
SEO & publishing checklist (so your article ranks)
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Primary keyword: “2026 copywriting Nigeria” (use in title, H1, first 100 words, and meta).
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Secondary keywords: “freelance copywriter Nigeria 2026”, “7hubent free business advertising”, “Nigeria copywriting rates 2026”.
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Use internal links (your site), external authoritative links (FIRS, NCC), and structured data (FAQ schema).
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Publish a clear CTA: contact, WhatsApp, or join Telegram.
Citations for important facts used above: Nigerian Copyright Commission, FIRS tax guidance, payment gateway guides, copywriting rate trends, and 7hubent details. (copyright.gov.ng)
5 FAQs — quick answers to common questions
1) How much should I charge a Nigerian small business for a landing page in 2026?
Answer: Prices vary by experience and results. Junior writers may quote Naira-equivalent lower rates, but experienced writers who deliver conversion-focused copy should charge a premium or a performance component. Use flat fees plus revision limits; consider quoting in USD for international clients. (Elna Cain)
2) Do I need to register my copy with a government body?
Answer: You don’t have to register to have copyright, but registering with the Nigerian Copyright Commission makes enforcement easier and creates an official record. (copyright.gov.ng)
3) What payment method is fastest for international clients paying Nigerian freelancers?
Answer: Payoneer and specialized gateways (Flutterwave, Paystack for local businesses) are common. For international clients, direct bank transfer or Payoneer usually wins for reliability. Escrow services give extra protection. (Creative Money)
4) How much tax will I pay on freelance income in Nigeria?
Answer: Tax rules and brackets change; declare your income and follow FIRS guidance for personal income tax. Keep records and invoices. (FIRS)
5) How can 7hubent help me get clients?
Answer: 7hubent offers free advertising via active business WhatsApp groups and Telegram; it connects small businesses and freelancers to a large daily audience and lists WhatsApp group links for niche outreach. Contact them on WhatsApp +2349077131487 or join t.me/hubent1. (Lagos Wiki)
Final checklist before you accept any job (copy and paste)
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Clear written brief received
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Price & deposit agreed in writing
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Payment method and terms set (include late fee)
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Contract signed (scope, revisions, IP/licence)
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Client vetted (references/website)
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Tax/recordkeeping plan in place
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Delivery & testimonial plan ready
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