How to Make Money Writing Online in Nigeria

Today, I want to show you how to make money writing online in Nigeria with even if you have little or skill.

If you love writing and you have access to a smartphone or computer, you already have a tool that can make you money online.

Writing is one of the easiest and most scalable online skills you can monetize from Nigeria.

Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to help you start earning as a writer, even with zero experience.

The first important step in your journey is to choose the right writing path that resonates with your interests and skills.

That might sound like a lot, but here’s a breakdown of various writing niches you can explore:

STEP 1: Choose Your Writing Path

To make money through online writing, you must start by defining your niche as a writer. This is essential because it sharpens your focus and drives your career forward.

By choosing your target audience and how you want to serve them, you can tailor your content and marketing strategies effectively. This clarity will help you to build expertise, attract the right readers, and establish strong client relationships, ultimately boosting satisfaction and encouraging repeat business.

With a clear target, you differentiate yourself and enhance your visibility and value proposition.

Now, let me show you some profitable writing examples you can start with.

Writing Niche Examples:

1. Blog/SEO Writing

If you enjoy sharing knowledge and insights, blog writing will be your calling. This involves creating informative articles that engage readers while optimizing content for search engines.

Understanding SEO (Search Engine Optimization) will enhance your visibility and attract more traffic to your work.

Focus on topics you’re passionate about or knowledgeable in and aim to solve problems for your audience.

2. Copywriting

Copywriting is all about persuasion.

If you have a knack for writing catchy headlines and engaging content, this is your path. You’ll create copy for ads, landing pages, and social media posts that drive sales and conversions.

Study successful ads and practice writing your own. Focus on understanding what motivates your audience to take action.

3. Ghostwriting

For those who prefer to stay behind the scenes, ghostwriting offers a unique opportunity. I used this when I started.

You’ll write books, articles, or blog posts for others, often under their name. This is a rewarding avenue, especially if you enjoy helping others articulate their thoughts and ideas.

Build trust with your clients by maintaining confidentiality and delivering quality work consistently.

4. Technical Writing

If you have a background in technology or science, technical writing will work best for you. This involves creating

• manuals,
• guides, and
• product documentation that simplifies complex information for users.

Stay updated with the latest trends in your field to produce relevant and accurate documentation.

5. Creative Writing

For those with a vivid imagination, creative writing opens doors to storytelling. It could be anything from creating short stories, poems, or scripts.

This path will allow you to express your creativity and potentially get published.

Join writing communities or workshops to hone your craft and gain constructive feedback.

6. Academic Writing

If you excel in research and analysis, academic writing will be a viable option. It involves writing essays, research papers, and dissertations.

However, be mindful of ethical considerations, such as plagiarism and originality.

Familiarize yourself with academic standards and citation styles to enhance your credibility.

Finding Your Niche

Start with what comes naturally to you. If you love storytelling, dive into blog writing or creative writing. If you’re analytical, explore technical or academic writing.

STEP 2: Learn and Improve Your Writing Skills

You don’t need a degree in English to write well online. But you must commit to improving daily.

Free platforms to learn writing:

• Grammarly Blog
• ProWritingAid Resources
• Hemingway Editor
• Coursera: Search “Writing for the Web” and “SEO writing.”
• Medium and LinkedIn: Follow top writers and learn from their style.

• Facebook
• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

As a writer, reading should be your thing, so here are some books to read:

• “Everybody Writes” by Ann Handley
• “On Writing” by Stephen King
• “The Elements of Style” by Strunk & White

Practice tip: Write one 500-word piece every day on any topic of your choice.

STEP 3: Create a Writing Portfolio

Before people hire you, they want to see samples. They want to be convinced that you can bring them results.

And there is no better way to tell them than to show them your previous work. This is where your portfolio comes in.

Many people overcomplicate the topic of creating a portfolio, but not me.

STEP 4: Start Finding Writing Gigs and How to Do it:

Once you’ve chosen your writing path, have created your portfolio using the 3 simple steps above, the next step is to find gigs that align with your skills and interests.

In Nigeria’s, there are numerous platforms and strategies to help you secure writing opportunities.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Use Freelance Platforms

Freelance websites are a great starting point to find writing gigs. I will show you some popular options that cater to Nigerian writers:

Upwork: A global freelancing platform where you can create a profile, show your skills, and bid on writing jobs.

Fiverr: Ideal for offering specific writing services at various price points. Create attractive gig listings to attract clients.

Freelancer: Similar to Upwork, this platform allows you to compete for projects that match your expertise.

Nigerian Platforms: Websites like Jobberman and Jolancer (a Nigerian version of Fiverr) often post freelance writing opportunities tailored to local writers.

When you are done enlisting on any one of the above or more, then move to the next.

2. Join Writing Communities

Engaging with fellow writers was one of the things that opened the doors to gigs and collaborations for me.

So, consider joining some:

• Facebook Groups: Look for groups dedicated to freelance writing, content creation, or specific niches like blogging or copywriting.
• WhatsApp Groups: Many local writing communities have WhatsApp groups where opportunities are frequently shared.
• LinkedIn: Connect with professionals in your field, follow industry leaders, and actively participate in discussions to increase your visibility.

3. Network and Build Relationships

Networking is the key in the writing industry. Attend workshops, seminars, and literary events in Nigeria to meet potential clients and fellow writers.

Building relationships can lead to referrals and long-term collaborations.

4. Pitch Your Services Directly

Many freelancers neglect this point, but trust me, it is one way to land real clients. Take your time, hand out on LinkedIn, interact with B2Bs, gather emails and don’t hesitate to reach out to businesses, blogs, or individuals who might need your writing services.

Create a compelling pitch that highlights your skills and how you can add value to their projects.

Tip:

Personalize your pitches to show genuine interest in their work and how you can help them achieve their goals.

5. Create a Strong Online Presence

Having a professional online presence is a sure way to attract clients. Here’s how to enhance your visibility:

• Portfolio Website: Build a simple website to showcase your writing samples, services, and testimonials. This acts as a central hub for potential clients to evaluate your work.
• Social Media: Use platforms like Twitter and Instagram to share your writing journey, tips, and snippets of your work. Engaging content can draw attention from potential clients.

five free tools you can use to build a simple portfolio website to showcase your writing samples, services, and testimonials:

1. WordPress.com
   • A popular platform that offers customizable templates and a user-friendly interface. You can create a professional-looking portfolio without any coding knowledge.
2. Wix
   • An intuitive website builder with drag-and-drop functionality. Wix provides various templates specifically designed for portfolios, making it easy to showcase your work visually.
3. Weebly
   • Another user-friendly website builder that allows you to create a portfolio with ease. Weebly offers customizable themes and a straightforward editor to help you get started quickly.
4. Google Sites
   • A simple and free tool that enables you to create a basic website. While it may lack advanced features, it’s perfect for a straightforward portfolio that highlights your writing samples.
5. GitHub Pages
   • Ideal for tech-savvy writers, GitHub Pages allows you to create a portfolio using HTML and Markdown. It’s a fantastic option if you want full control over your site’s design and functionality.

These tools can help you establish a professional online presence and attract potential clients effectively.

6. Utilize Job Boards

Keep an eye on job boards that frequently list writing gigs. Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and CarearPortal often feature remote writing positions suitable for Nigerian freelancers.

7. Stay Persistent and Adaptable

Finding writing gigs is not an easy task no matter how the gurus make it look, especially at the start.

But you must stay persistent and be open to different opportunities, even if they fall outside your initial focus. Each job will provide valuable experience and help you build a diverse portfolio.

Here’s where the money starts coming in.

Top places to find freelance clients:

• Upwork—Create a strong profile and apply for entry-level gigs.
• Fiverr—Create a writing gig (SEO blog posts, social media captions).
• PeoplePerHour
• Contentedly
• ProBlogger Job Board
• Twitter: Search keywords like “writer needed” and “ghostwriter Nigeria.”
• Facebook Groups: Join groups like “Freelance Writers Hub” and “Freelance Writing Jobs in Nigeria.”
• Toptal Africa

STEP 5: Understand Pricing and How to Get Paid

Pricing depends on

• Your experience
• Word count
• Complexity of the topic

Typical beginner rates:

• ₦3–₦10 per word for Nigerian clients
• $10–$50 per article for foreign clients (starting range)

How to receive freelance payment in Nigeria:

Learning all the important skill to become a freelancer in Nigeria sometimes is not the hardest part. The challenge some freelancers have is how to receive payments, especially when their clients are from outside Nigeria.

Navigating payment options as a freelancer in Nigeria can significantly impact your workflow and financial management.

So, I will show you some of the most effective methods to ensure you receive your payments seamlessly and efficiently:

1. Payoneer (Ideal for International Clients)

Open your Payoneer account to effortlessly receive payments from international clients. This platform simplifies cross-border transactions, allows you to withdraw funds directly to your local bank account or use your Payoneer card for purchases.

Don’t know how to use Payoneer? Go see this tutorial on How to Set Up Payoneer account

2. Grey.co (Multi-Currency Accounts)

Leverage Grey.co to manage your payments in USD and GBP. This service provides you with local bank details for international clients, ensuring quick and hassle-free transactions without the usual foreign exchange fees.

3. Domiciliary Bank Account

While this is considered the longest route to receive money for freelancing services, it still offers some value.

Establish a domiciliary bank account with a local bank if you have the time for it, to facilitate foreign currency transactions. This option allows you to receive payments in currencies like USD, GBP, or EUR, giving you flexibility and control over your funds.

My thoughts on receiving payment:

Choose the payment method that best suits your needs

TIPS:

Consider using Escrow service if the pay is huge

Bonus Tips to Succeed as a Nigerian Writer

• Niche down: Specialize in 1–2 topics (health, tech, finance).
• Read daily: Read articles from sites like HubSpot, The Guardian, and Techpoint.
• Use tools:
  • Grammarly: To catch grammar errors
  • Hemingway Editor: To make writing clear
  • Quillbot: For paraphrasing and rewriting
• Network: Follow writers on Twitter, join writing communities
• Pitch directly: Email blog owners or brands you admire — offer to write for them.

My Final Thoughts

Writing is one of the most profitable and flexible online skills in Nigeria. It doesn’t require expensive tools or years of study — just commitment and consistency.

If you’re willing to practice, learn, and market yourself, writing can become your ticket to financial independence.

Now, you are equipped with everything you need to know on how to make money writing online in Nigeria