HOW TO MAKE MONEY ONLINE IN NIGERIA
Want to earn money online? From free websites to TikTok, blogging, and work-from-home jobs start making money today without paying anything

We live in a digital world that has exposed our minds to different ways to make legit money online. The best thing is that you do not need a degree or certificate to generate passive income. You just need the right skill, your smartphone or desktop and a stable internet connection.
The internet has created endless opportunities for Nigerians to earn money without relying only on traditional jobs. Whether you are a student, a young professional, or a business owner. You can build income streams online without investment if you apply the right marketing strategies and remain consistent.
In this guide, we will explore different proven ways to make money online in Nigeria without paying anything.
Best Proven Ways to Earn Money from Home
Advertise Your Website

Building a website is just the first step. To truly make money online, you need to promote your website so people can see your products and services.
BareConnect website builder helps business owners in Nigeria use smart marketing strategies that drive traffic, build trust, and increase sales.
Start by creating a strong content strategy for your site. You can achieve this by creating rich SEO blog posts, titles, product descriptions, and customer-focused content. This will make your website rank high on Google Search and attract your target audience.
Learn step-by-step: How to create a website for your small business in Nigeria (2025 guide)
Next, use digital marketing to boost visibility. Whether it's Facebook Ads, Instagram promotions, or a Google campaign. Bareconnect helps you reach people who are most likely to buy. Paid ads give you a quick result, while organic growth through content marketing ensures long-term success.
We also integrate your social media accounts with your website to increase engagement. When your followers interact with your posts, they naturally click through your site, turning traffic into loyal customers.
Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the most popular ways to make money online in Nigeria. It allows you to earn a commission by promoting products or services created by other businesses. You do not need to handle inventory, shipping, or customer support. Your focus is on recommending useful products and driving sales through your unique affiliate link.
For beginners, check platforms like Amazon Associates, Impact, or Jumia Affiliate.
To start, choose a niche you understand. If you create content around digital marketing, web design, or online stores. You can promote tools, courses, or software that match your audience’s needs. This strategy makes your recommendations relevant and builds trust with readers.
The success of affiliate marketing depends on traffic. You need to advertise your website regularly and use SEO to rank your blog posts. You should share valuable content across your social media accounts. Consistency in your content strategy helps you reach more people and increases the chances of earning commissions.
Sell Photos

If you have a good camera or a smartphone with quality resolution. You can make money online in Nigeria by selling photos. Businesses, bloggers, and marketing agencies are always searching for original images. They use these images for their website, social media accounts, and digital marketing campaigns.
The process is simple. Take high-quality photos of landscapes, people, food, fashion, or everyday life in Nigeria. Upload them to stock photography platforms like Shutterstock, iStock, or Adobe Stock. Each time someone downloads your photo, you earn a commission.
This creates a passive income stream because your photos will generate income as long as they are still on the website. To increase your chances of making sales, focus on niches that drive demand. For example, photos of African culture, Nigerian cities, and lifestyle images are highly valuable. Use good lighting, clear composition, and creativity to make your photos stand out.
Offer Services Online
Freelancing is one of the fastest ways Nigerians are making money online. It includes offering services like writing, design, social media management, technical writing, transcription, translation, and virtual assistance. Businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups need help with daily tasks. The tasks can be managing emails, handling customer support, updating social media, and organizing schedules.
The first step is to identify your skills and package them as services. Create a professional profile on freelancing platforms like Upwork freelancing jobs, Fiverr freelance services, or Freelancer marketplace.
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer connect you with clients worldwide. To succeed, create a professional profile, submit clear proposals, and deliver consistently.
Beginner tip: Start with small jobs like data entry, blog posts, or simple social media tasks. Even a few positive reviews will help you land bigger projects.
Sell Products Online

Selling products online covers digital products. E.g. printables, eBooks, online courses, webinars, print-on-demand items, handmade crafts, e-commerce stores, and drop shipping. Nigerians are increasingly turning creativity into income through these channels.
For digital products, create items like templates, designs, music, worksheets, planners, calendars, or art designs. Platforms like BareConnect, Gumroad, Etsy, Udemy, or your website make selling simple. Promote your products on social media and with SEO-optimised descriptions to build steady sales.
Physical products include handmade crafts, drop shipping items, or print-on-demand goods like t-shirts, mugs, or tote bags. E-commerce stores allow you to sell directly to customers.
Platforms to try: BareConnect, Etsy, Udemy.
If you want to build your own branded online store:
- Move from Shopify to Bareconnect
- Set up Barepay to receive card & mobile money payments
- Accept payments with Paystack on Bareconnect
Focus on high-demand niches, clear product descriptions, quality photos, and reliable support. Marketing and social media promotion drive traffic and build trust.
Become an Influencer

Influencer marketing has become one of the fastest-growing opportunities for Nigerians to make money online. As an influencer, you build an audience on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X (Twitter). You can also earn by collaborating with brands that want to reach your followers.
The process starts with choosing a niche. Pick a niche, whether it is fashion, lifestyle, tech, or business. Focus on an area you are passionate about and can create consistent content around. Then create a clear content strategy that helps you grow faster and keeps your audience engaged.
Brands look for influencers who can build trust and drive traffic to their products or services. Even with a small but active audience, you can attract collaborations. You don't need millions of followers to become an influencer.
If you want to grow as an influencer, make sure you post consistently and engage your followers. Also, make use of digital marketing to grow and expand your audience.
First step: Post consistently and engage with your first 50–100 followers.
Blogging, YouTube & Podcasting

Content creation remains one of the strongest long-term strategies for online income.
- Blogging – Pick a niche you understand, write valuable content, and monetise through ads, affiliate marketing, or sponsored posts.
First step: Start a free blog on WordPress or Blogger and write one post per week on a topic you know. - YouTube – Share tutorials, entertainment, or storytelling. Grow your channel, attract subscribers, and earn from ads, affiliate links, or brand deals. Monetise with the YouTube Partner Program.
First step: Use your phone camera and free editing apps to record simple videos. Focus on clarity over production quality. - Podcasting – With just a microphone and software, you can build an audience and earn through sponsorships or premium content. Use Spotify for Podcasters or Anchor.
First step: Record short 10–15-minute episodes on your phone, upload to Anchor, and share on social media.
Moderate Online Communities

Online communities such as forums, Facebook groups, or apps need moderators to maintain rules and keep discussions safe. As a moderator, you monitor conversations, remove spam, and engage with members. Businesses pay for moderators on Reddit, Facebook Groups, or private apps like Discord. It is a flexible way to earn money while being part of online networks.
Other Online Gigs
Some smaller but growing ways to earn include:
- Online surveys – Earn money by answering simple questions. Nigerians already use trusted platforms like Swagbucks, ySense, TimeBucks.
- Web development – Build websites for businesses and individuals.
- App development – Create mobile apps that solve problems.
- Voice over gigs – Use your voice for ads, audiobooks, or animation videos.
- Data annotation – Help AI companies by labelling images, text, or audio.
Skills You Need to Succeed Online
- Consistency – Show up daily and deliver value.
- Digital literacy – Know how to use tools like emails, spreadsheets, and platforms.
- Time management – Balance side hustles with school or work.
- Communication – Respond politely and on time.
- Resilience – Stay open to learning as trends change.
Conclusion
Making money online in Nigeria is no longer a distant dream. From freelancing to e-commerce, content creation, and digital services, the opportunities are real for those who stay consistent.
The journey may be tough, but with focus and determination, you can build multiple income streams. Choose a path that matches your skills, start small, and keep learning as the digital space evolves.

At BareConnect, we believe in empowering Nigerians with the right knowledge and tools to thrive online. Whether you are just starting or scaling, your online journey can be the key to financial independence. The time to begin is now.
FAQ

- Do I need a laptop to start earning online?
- No. A laptop makes work easier, but you can still earn with just your phone by promoting skills on social media.
- How can I make money online using a phone?
- Learn simple skills like writing, content creation, or social media management. Promote them and start earning.
- Can I make $100 a day online?
- Yes, with skills, consistency, and patience, it’s possible over time.
- How can I earn money online without an investment?
- Freelancing, surveys, tutoring, or content creation are good starting points.
- Can a person with no skills earn online?
- Yes. Start with what you know. Even simple things like taking photos or editing videos can attract clients.
- What is the easiest way to build a website?
- BareConnect’s drag-and-drop tools let you build one in minutes.