Complete Guide: Getting Started on TaskLada as a Freelancer

Last Updated: January 2026 | Reading Time: 15 minutes

Welcome to TaskLada, Nigeria's premier freelance marketplace! Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your freelance journey, this comprehensive guide will help you maximize your success on our platform.

🎯 What You'll Learn

• How to create a profile that attracts clients
• Strategies for finding and winning projects
• Best practices for professional communication
• Understanding payments and platform security
• Building your reputation and growing your income

Module 1: Welcome to TaskLada

About TaskLada

TaskLada connects talented Nigerian freelancers with clients who value quality work. We've built a platform that prioritizes:

• Fair compensation - You keep 90% of your earnings (only 10% platform fee)
• Secure payments - All funds held in escrow until work is completed
• Quality opportunities - Vetted clients and meaningful projects
• Community support - Resources to help you succeed

Your First 90 Days

Success on TaskLada follows a predictable pattern:

Days 1-30: Foundation

• Complete your profile to 100%
• Submit 10-15 quality proposals
• Win and complete your first 2-3 projects
• Maintain fast response times

Days 31-60: Growth

• Complete 5+ projects successfully
• Earn your first 5-star reviews
• Update portfolio with new work
• Build repeat client relationships

Days 61-90: Momentum

• Achieve 4.5+ star rating
• Earn ₦150,000+ in total income
• Start receiving direct invitations
• Unlock your Rising Star badge

Module 2: Building Your Winning Profile

Your profile is your digital storefront. According to our data, profiles with professional photos and complete portfolios receive 5x more project invitations.

1. Professional Photo

Your photo is the first thing clients see. Make it count:

✅ Do:

• Use a clear, recent headshot
• Ensure good lighting (natural light works best)
• Wear professional attire
• Smile warmly and genuinely
• Use a neutral or clean background

❌ Don't:

• Use group photos or selfies
• Include filters or heavy editing
• Use logos or brand images
• Wear sunglasses or hats

2. Compelling Headline

Your headline should be specific and benefit-focused.

Weak Examples:

• "Graphic Designer"
• "Content Writer"
• "Web Developer"

Strong Examples:

• "Brand Identity Designer | Helped 50+ Nigerian Startups Stand Out"
• "SEO Content Writer | Doubled Traffic for 20+ E-commerce Businesses"
• "Full-Stack Developer | Building Scalable Solutions for Fintech Startups"

Formula: [Your Specialty] | [Your Impact/Achievement]

3. Your Bio: The STAR Method

Structure your bio using this proven framework:

S - Skills: What you do best

• List your top 3-5 skills
• Be specific (e.g., "React and Node.js" not just "web development")

T - Track Record: Your experience

• Years in the field
• Number of clients served
• Notable projects or companies

A - Approach: How you work

• Your process or methodology
• What makes your approach unique
• Your work values (reliability, communication, etc.)

R - Results: What clients can expect

• Tangible outcomes you deliver
• Client satisfaction rates
• Turnaround times

Example Bio:

"I'm a UI/UX designer specializing in mobile-first experiences for African markets. Over the past 4 years, I've designed apps for 30+ startups across fintech, e-commerce, and healthtech.

My approach combines user research with rapid prototyping, ensuring designs that are both beautiful and functional. I believe in clear communication and delivering ahead of deadlines.

Clients can expect: Figma files with detailed annotations, responsive designs tested on multiple devices, and 2 rounds of revisions included. Average project completion: 7-10 days."

4. Portfolio Samples

Minimum: 3 samplesRecommended: 6-8 samples

For each portfolio piece, include:

• Project title - Clear and descriptive
• Client industry - E.g., "Fintech Startup" (keep it anonymous if needed)
• Your role - What specifically did you do?
• Challenge - What problem were you solving?
• Solution - How did you approach it?
• Results - What was the outcome? (metrics if possible)

Pro Tip: Show diversity in your portfolio - different styles, industries, or project types demonstrate versatility.

5. Skills & Certifications

• Add 5-10 relevant skills
• Prioritize your strongest skills
• Include any relevant certifications
• Take TaskLada skill assessments to boost credibility

Module 3: Finding and Winning Projects

Two Ways to Get Work on TaskLada

1. Browse Projects

• Check the marketplace daily
• Use filters to match your skills
• Set up email/push notifications
• Apply to 2-5 projects per day

2. Direct Invitations

• Clients invite you based on your profile
• Higher conversion rate (40-60% vs 10-20% for applications)
• Earned through profile completeness and good ratings
• Always respond within 24 hours

Crafting Winning Proposals

A great proposal follows this structure:

1. Personalized Greeting (1-2 sentences)

Hi [Client Name],

I read your brief for [project name] and I'm excited about the opportunity to help you [specific goal they mentioned].

2. Demonstrate Understanding (2-3 sentences)Show you've actually read and understood their needs:

I understand you need a logo that appeals to young professionals in the Lagos fintech space, with a modern look that builds trust while standing out from traditional banks.

3. Relevant Experience (3-4 sentences)Share specific examples:

I recently completed similar work for three Nigerian fintech startups. For PayHaven, I designed their complete brand identity which helped them secure Series A funding. I've attached samples of fintech logos I've created.

4. Your Approach (3-4 sentences)Brief overview of your process:

My process includes:
- Initial brand discovery call (30 mins)
- Research into your target market and competitors
- 3 initial concept designs
- 2 rounds of revisions based on your feedback
- Final files in all formats (AI, PNG, SVG, PDF)

5. Timeline & Pricing (2-3 sentences)Be clear and specific:

Timeline: 7 business days from project start
Investment: ₦50,000 (includes logo, brand guide, and source files)
I can start immediately upon project award.

6. Call to Action (1 sentence)

I'd love to discuss your vision in more detail. Are you available for a brief call this week?

Proposal Red Flags to Avoid

❌ Generic templates ("Dear Sir/Madam, I am very interested in your project...") ❌ Focusing only on yourself, not the client's needs ❌ Vague pricing ("Negotiable" or "We can discuss") ❌ Unrealistic promises ("I can do this in 1 day" for a 2-week project) ❌ Spelling and grammar errors ❌ Copying and pasting the same proposal for every project ❌ Being too brief (under 100 words) or too long (over 500 words)

How to Stand Out

✅ Include 2-3 relevant portfolio samples directly in the proposal ✅ Ask intelligent questions that show you're thinking about their project ✅ Mention specific details from their brief ✅ Offer a small suggestion or insight (shows expertise) ✅ Be professional but personable (clients hire people, not robots)

Module 4: Professional Communication

The Golden Rule

Respond to all messages within 12 hours(Ideally within 2-4 hours during business hours: 9am-6pm WAT)

Response Time Impact

Communication Best Practices

1. Be Proactive

Don't wait for clients to ask for updates.

Bad: Client: "How's the project going?" (They had to ask)

Good: "Hi Sarah! Quick update: I've completed the wireframes and will send them over by 3pm today as promised. The next phase (visual design) will start tomorrow."

2. Set Clear Expectations

Always give specific timelines, not vague promises.

Bad: "I'll get this done soon"

Good: "I'll have the first draft to you by Thursday, January 16th at 3pm WAT"

3. Ask Clarifying Questions Upfront

It's better to ask questions at the beginning than deliver wrong work.

Example Questions:

• "For the color scheme, do you have any brand colors I should incorporate?"
• "What's your primary goal: conversions or brand awareness?"
• "Who is your target audience for this content?"

4. Use Professional Language

• Proper grammar and punctuation
• No text speak ("u" → "you", "plz" → "please")
• Avoid excessive emojis (1-2 per message max)
• No all caps (IT LOOKS LIKE SHOUTING)

5. Be Honest About Challenges

Life happens. Communicate early and proactively.

Bad: Missing deadline with no warning

Good: "Hi John, I wanted to give you a heads up - I've encountered an unexpected technical challenge with the integration. I'll need an additional 24 hours to resolve it properly. I apologize for the delay and will have everything ready by Friday noon instead of Thursday evening. Would that work for you?"

Handling Difficult Situations

Scenario 1: Client Asks for Work Outside Scope

Response:

"I'd be happy to help with that! The [additional request] falls outside our current project agreement, so I can provide a separate quote for this work. It would be approximately [cost] and take [timeline]. Would you like me to send over a formal quote?"

Scenario 2: Client is Unhappy with Deliverable

Response:

"I'm sorry this didn't meet your expectations. Your satisfaction is important to me. Could you help me understand specifically what needs to change? I'm committed to getting this right for you and will revise it until you're happy with the result."

Never:

• Get defensive
• Blame the client
• Argue about the brief
• Demand payment before fixing issues

Scenario 3: You Made a Mistake

Response:

"I apologize - I made an error in [specific area]. This is entirely my fault. I'm fixing it now at no additional cost and will have the corrected version to you by [specific time]. I've also implemented a checklist to prevent this in future projects."

Key: Own it, fix it, prevent it.

Module 5: Payment & Security

How TaskLada Payments Work

Step 1: Client Funds EscrowWhen a client accepts your proposal, they deposit the project payment into secure escrow. This money is held safely until the work is completed.

Step 2: You Complete the WorkDeliver according to the agreed requirements and timeline. Submit your deliverables through the platform.

Step 3: Client ReviewsThe client has 3 business days to:

• Approve the work (releases payment immediately)
• Request revisions (you address feedback)
• Open a dispute (TaskLada support mediates)

Step 4: Funds ReleasedOnce approved, money transfers to your TaskLada wallet automatically.

Step 5: Withdraw to BankTransfer earnings to your Nigerian bank account anytime (instant to 2 hours).

Platform Fees & Earnings

What the fee covers:

• Secure escrow protection
• Payment processing
• Dispute resolution support
• Platform maintenance and improvements
• Marketing to bring clients to the platform

Withdrawal Information

• Minimum withdrawal: ₦5,000
• Processing time: Instant to 2 hours
• Withdrawal fee: ₦0 (Free!)
• Supported banks: All Nigerian banks
• Daily limit: ₦5,000,000

Security & Scam Prevention

🚨 NEVER Do These Things:

❌ Accept payment outside TaskLadaNever accept bank transfers, mobile money, crypto, or any payment method outside the platform. This is the #1 scam tactic.

❌ Share banking or financial informationTaskLada will never ask for your bank login, PIN, or OTP. Neither should clients.

❌ Start work before escrow is fundedAlways confirm the project shows "Funded" status before beginning work.

❌ Click suspicious linksScammers may send phishing links. Always verify URLs start with https://tasklada.com

❌ Move conversations off-platform prematurelyKeep all project communication on TaskLada until the project is awarded and funded.

✅ Safety Tips:

✓ All legitimate payments happen through TaskLada's secure system ✓ You'll never be asked to pay fees to receive your earnings ✓ TaskLada support will never ask for your password ✓ Report suspicious behavior immediately to support@tasklada.com ✓ Enable two-factor authentication on your account

Milestone Payments for Large Projects

For projects over ₦200,000, we recommend milestone-based payments:

Example: ₦500,000 Website Project

• Milestone 1 (30%): ₦150,000 - Design mockups
• Milestone 2 (40%): ₦200,000 - Development & functionality
• Milestone 3 (30%): ₦150,000 - Testing & launch

Benefits:

• Reduces risk for both parties
• Provides steady cash flow
• Clear progress checkpoints
• Easier to manage disputes

Module 6: Building Your Reputation

Why Reputation Matters

Your reputation determines:

• How high you appear in search results
• How many direct invitations you receive
• The rates you can charge
• Client trust and conversion rates

Data: Freelancers with 4.8+ ratings earn 3x more than those with 4.0-4.5 ratings.

The Rating System

TaskLada uses a 5-star rating system across multiple dimensions:

1. Quality of Work (40% weight)

• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Creativity and problem-solving
• Technical competence

2. Communication (25% weight)

• Response time
• Clarity and professionalism
• Proactive updates

3. Timeliness (20% weight)

• Meeting deadlines
• Delivering on time or early

4. Professionalism (15% weight)

• Attitude and demeanor
• Handling feedback
• Overall experience

Rating Benchmarks

Badges & Achievement Levels

As you complete projects and build your reputation, you'll unlock badges:

🎯 Rising Star (5 completed projects, 4.5+ rating)

• Displayed on your profile
• Priority in search results
• Access to Rising Star networking events

⚡ Fast Responder (Under 2-hour average response time)

• Shows commitment to communication
• Increases client confidence
• Displayed prominently on profile

💎 Top Rated (4.8+ rating, 20+ projects)

• Elite status
• Featured in weekly newsletter
• Priority support from TaskLada team

🏆 Elite Freelancer (50+ projects, 4.9+ rating, ₦5M+ earned)

• Highest achievement level
• Invitation to exclusive projects
• Speaking opportunities at TaskLada events
• Featured in marketing materials

📚 Expert Certified (Passed advanced skill tests)

• Category-specific expertise badge
• Higher position in search
• Access to premium projects

How to Maintain 5-Star Performance

Before the Project:

1. Under-promise, over-deliver - Add buffer time to your estimates
2. Set clear expectations - Make sure you and the client agree on scope
3. Ask questions - Clarify anything unclear before starting

During the Project:

1. Communicate proactively - Update client every 24-48 hours minimum
2. Meet your deadlines - Or communicate delays early
3. Be responsive - Reply within 2-4 hours during business hours
4. Show your process - Share work-in-progress to avoid surprises

After Delivery:

1. Request feedback - "Is there anything you'd like me to adjust?"
2. Make revisions cheerfully - Don't push back on reasonable requests
3. Deliver formatted properly - Follow agreed file formats and naming
4. Include documentation - Instructions, source files, etc.

Closing the Project:

1. Confirm satisfaction - "Are you happy with the final result?"
2. Ask for review - "If you're satisfied, I'd appreciate a review"
3. Thank them - Express gratitude for the opportunity
4. Stay in touch - "I'd love to work with you again"

Dealing with Negative Reviews

If you receive less than 5 stars:

1. Don't Panic

• One bad review won't destroy your reputation
• Learn from it and move forward
• Focus on your next projects

2. Respond Professionally

• Thank them for feedback
• Acknowledge any mistakes
• Show how you'll improve
• Stay calm and professional

Example Response:

"Thank you for your feedback. I apologize that the project didn't fully meet your expectations. I've taken note of [specific issue] and have implemented changes to prevent this in future projects. I appreciate the opportunity to have worked with you and wish you the best with your business."

3. Request Review Reconsideration

• If the review is unfair or inaccurate
• Provide evidence to TaskLada support
• We'll mediate if appropriate

Growing Your Income

Months 1-3: Foundation (₦50,000-150,000/month)

• Focus on completing projects, not earnings
• Build your portfolio and reviews
• Accept smaller projects to build momentum
• Learn client management skills

Months 4-6: Growth (₦150,000-400,000/month)

• Increase your rates by 20-30%
• Focus on your niche or specialty
• Leverage repeat clients
• Develop systems and templates

Months 7-12: Scaling (₦400,000-800,000/month)

• Position yourself as an expert
• Take on larger, premium projects
• Build a personal brand
• Consider packages instead of hourly work

Year 2+: Mastery (₦800,000+/month)

• Command premium rates
• Work with tier-1 clients
• Mentor other freelancers
• Build passive income streams

Quick Reference Checklist

✅ Profile Completion

• [ ] Professional headshot uploaded
• [ ] Compelling headline written
• [ ] Bio completed using STAR method
• [ ] 6+ portfolio samples added
• [ ] Skills and certifications listed
• [ ] Skill assessments completed
• [ ] Profile is 100% complete

✅ Daily Habits

• [ ] Check for new projects (morning and evening)
• [ ] Respond to all messages within 4 hours
• [ ] Submit 2-3 quality proposals
• [ ] Update clients on active projects
• [ ] Review and update portfolio monthly

✅ Project Management

• [ ] Clarify requirements before starting
• [ ] Set realistic timelines with buffer
• [ ] Send progress updates every 24-48 hours
• [ ] Request feedback before final delivery
• [ ] Ask for review after completion
• [ ] Thank client and stay in touch

Common Questions

How long does it take to get my first project?

Most freelancers with complete profiles land their first project within 2-3 weeks. To speed this up:

• Complete your profile 100%
• Submit 5-10 proposals in your first week
• Apply to projects you're genuinely qualified for
• Respond to messages within minutes/hours

Can I work with international clients?

Currently, TaskLada focuses on Nigerian clients and freelancers. We may expand internationally in the future.

What if a client doesn't pay?

All projects use escrow, so payment is guaranteed once the client approves your work. If there's a dispute, our support team will mediate fairly.

Can I increase my rates?

Yes! Update your rates anytime in your profile settings. We recommend increasing by 20-30% once you have 10+ five-star reviews.

How do I handle scope creep?

Politely but firmly explain that additional requests fall outside the original agreement. Offer to provide a quote for the extra work separately.

What categories are available?

• Creative & Design
• Tech & Development
• Digital Marketing
• Writing & Content
• Virtual Assistance
• Business Services
• And more!

Support & Resources

Need Help?

• Email: support@tasklada.com
• Response time: Under 4 hours during business hours
• Help Center: help.tasklada.com
• Community Forum: community.tasklada.com

Learning Resources

• TaskLada Academy: Free courses on freelancing skills
• Webinars: Monthly sessions with successful freelancers
• Blog: Tips, case studies, and platform updates
• Newsletter: Weekly opportunities and insights

Your Next Steps

Now that you've completed this orientation, here's what to do next:

1. Complete your profile to 100% (if you haven't already)
2. Take 2-3 skill assessments in your areas of expertise
3. Browse the marketplace and identify 5-10 projects to apply for
4. Write your first 3 proposals using the templates above
5. Set up notifications so you don't miss opportunities
6. Join the TaskLada community forum to connect with other freelancers

Welcome to the TaskLada Family! 🎉

You're now equipped with everything you need to succeed as a freelancer on TaskLada. Remember:

• Quality over quantity - Focus on doing excellent work
• Communication is key - Fast, clear, professional
• Under-promise, over-deliver - Exceed expectations
• Build relationships - Think long-term, not transactional
• Never stop learning - Continuously improve your skills

We're excited to see you grow your freelance career with TaskLada. If you have questions, our support team is always here to help.

Ready to get started? Log in to your TaskLada account and start browsing projects now!

This guide is regularly updated. Last update: January 2026. For the latest information, visit tasklada.com/resources