Top 17 Free Online Business that Pays in Nigeria

One of the best ways to live comfortably in Nigeria is to have an online business that pays.

This free online business that pays offers a flexible schedule, the ability to work from home, and the potential to earn a decent income.

Additionally, passive income provides security and convenience for those looking to make money online.

There are plenty of legit online business that pays in Nigeria whether you are looking for a traditional job, freelance work, or a side hustle.

In this article, we will explore some of the best online businesses that pay and also show you how to get started. Let’s get started.

Also read – 20 Most Trusted Online Daily Earning Websites Without Investment in 2024

Top 17 Online Businesses that pays in Nigeria

Here is list of online businesses that pay in Nigeria and how to get started as a beginner in any of them.

  • 1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
  • 2. Start a podcast
  • 3. Forex Trading
  • 4. Content Writing
  • 5. Social Media Marketing
  • 6. Affiliate Marketing
  • 7. E-commerce Business
  • 8. Mobile App Development
  • 9. Video Editing
  • 10. Graphic Design
  • 11. Online Tutoring
  • 12. Content Creation
  • 13. Virtual Assistant
  • 14. Digital Marketing
  • 15. Blogging
  • 16. Dropshipping
  • 17. Start a YouTube Channel

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO text wallpaper

One of the best online businesses that pays is Search engine optimization, which is optimizing websites and their pages for search engines like Google.

This can make businesses ready to pay for such services since it helps attract more organic traffic and, in turn, generates more sales.

SEO specialists’ pay varies greatly depending on experience, location, and services provided.

How to Get Started:

  • Learn the basics
  • Conduct a website audit: 
  • Optimize your website: 
  • Build quality backlinks

2. Start a podcast

The latest online business that pays is starting a podcast. The number of podcasts has radically increased within the past three years as more people embrace pre-recorded-style interviews and talk sessions as ways of sourcing information.

You can have your podcasts in audio or video and start anywhere with your phone, internet connection, and a budget lav mic.

Research a niche first, then build some exciting content around it.

Practice, record and distribute to the big streaming platforms like Spotify.

3. Forex Trading

Another real online business that pays is Forex trading. This involves the buying and selling of currencies to realize gains.

Though forex trading is a very risky business, it can also be a very legit online business that pays in Nigeria when one is knowledgeable and experienced in the market.

Getting Started:

  • To start Forex trading, you must 
  • Educate yourself on the market 
  • Develop trading Strategies
  • Register with a Forex broker 
  • Deposit some money into your trading account.

4. Content Writing

person completing a content writing task on a laptop

Content writing is the act of writing written content for websites, blogs, and social media.

If you have a flair for writing, you can start an online content-writing business that pays by offering your services to businesses and individuals.

Content writing is one of the best online businesses that pay in Nigeria.

How to Get Started:

  • Develop your writing skills
  • Build a portfolio
  • Construct a website that has your services listed in it
  • Network on Social Media
  • Find clients on freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr

5. Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing involves using social media platforms to promote products and services.

With the increasing numbers of businesses moving online, a social media manager’s role will be vital to acquiring prospective customers.

You can set up an online social media marketing business that pays in Nigeria and, therefore, offers your services to businesses and people.

How to Get Started:

  • Develop your social media marketing skills 
  • Create a portfolio of your work
  • Register on freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to find clients.

Also read – Revealing Tunde Ednut’s Biography & Networth: Inside the Life of One of Africa’s Most Respected Blogger

6. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is another free online business that pays in Nigeria. It means selling other people’s products for some commission on each sale.

You may promote the product through blogging, social media platforms, or email marketing.

As mentioned, companies like Jumia, Konga, and Amazon have affiliate programs that pay their customers upon order execution.

How to Get Started:

  • Choose a niche
  • Find affiliate programs
  • Sign up as an affiliate to promote products 

7. E-commerce Business

E-commerce is also a great online business that pays daily in Nigeria.

E-commerce is another excellent legit online business that pays in Nigeria.

It simply means buying and selling goods and services over the Internet.

Increased online shopping in Nigeria has made starting an e-commerce business a goldmine for entrepreneurs.

You can use your online store to sell physical or digital products, and you can use e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Jumia, and Konga.

How to Get Started:

  • identify a niche market
  • source products
  • create a website
  • register on an e-commerce platform like Jumia or Payporte  

8. Mobile App Development

Mobile app development is the latest online business that pays in Nigeria.

With mobile phone usage today, more and more businesses would want to develop mobile apps.

You could learn app development skills online or take a course in it.

You may use your services on freelance platforms or even start your own app development company.

How to get started:

  • Choose a platform
  • Learn the basics
  • Choose an app idea
  • Design the user interface and user experience of your app.
  • Develop your app using Java or Swift. 
  • Publish your app on the Apple or Google Store. 

9. Video Editing

Video editing is a skill that's in high demand in Nigeria.

Among the latest online business that pays in Nigeria is video editing.

You could offer video editing services to businesses and individuals on social media, YouTube, or corporate events.

You can find clients on freelance platforms or by contacting businesses directly. 

How to Get Started:

  • Learn the basics
  • Watch tutorials
  • Ensure you practice
  • Get feedback 
  • Create a portfolio 

10. Graphic Design

Another real online business that pays in Nigeria is graphic design.

It could be offered as a service to businesses or individual persons.

You can also elaborately design logos, brochures, flyers, social media posts, and a host of other marketing materials.

Clients can be found on freelance platforms or by approaching businesses directly. 

How to Get Started:

  • Learn the design skills and software programs needed in the occupation.
  • Build a portfolio of your work and expertise. Look for freelance opportunities at job online platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, or contact businesses/corporate entities or individuals directly.
  • Create a brand identity and promote your service through social media and networking events.

Also read – 17+ Best AI Apps for iPhone in Nigeria You Should Know in 2024

11. Online Tutoring

Online tutoring has gained a lot of popularity since learning from the comfort of one’s home is convenient.

Create online courses at Udemy and Coursera, which will pay for every student enrolled in the class.

You’ll also need some media writing and marketing skills, be comfortable writing and sending invoices, and use online payment software.

Lastly, tools like TutorCruncher’s Tutor Management Software can help you efficiently manage online tutoring lessons, materials, money transfers, and communication with students and parents.

How to Get Started:

  • Now, identify areas of expertise and the age group or grade level one wants to teach. 
  • Create a professional profile on Preply or other tutoring websites. One may even offer courses on Udemy. 
  • Now, set your rate per hour and availability.
  • Post on social media or advertise on tutoring websites to engage more students.

12. Content Creation

Content creation is one of the best online businesses that pay daily in Nigeria, thanks to its high demand.

Content creation simply involves developing written, visual, or audio content for websites, social media, or other digital platforms.

This has made content creation one of the best online businesses that pays in Nigeria due to the high demand for good-quality content by many businesses and individual entities to keep their audience engaged.

How to Get Started:

  • Identify your niche and target audience.
  • Decide what type of content you will produce, such as blog posts, social media posts, or video content.
  • Design a content creation plan by brainstorming ideas and developing a content calendar.
  • Track the content’s performance with tools like Google Analytics and social media insights and adjust the strategy accordingly.

13. Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant is someone who can offer a range of services for clients, from booking appointments or managing emails to executing social media campaigns.

Having good organizational and communication skills, a Virtual Assistant works in freelance opportunities from any work marketplace, such as Zirtual, Boldly, or Fancy Hands.

How to Get Started:

  • Identify your skills and niche
  • Set up your home office with the necessary equipment
  • Choose a virtual assistant platform
  • Create a professional profile and set your rates
  • Market your services to potential clients
  • Develop a contract or service agreement

Also read – Is Generative AI the New Favorite Tool for Developers?

14. Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is a broad field that includes SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, and many other online areas.

They increase the online presence of many businesses by reaching more customers, and they get paid every day.

How to Get Started:

  • Identify your niche
  • Learn from experts
  • Build a portfolio
  • Network with potential clients

15. Blogging

man sitting on chair using silver laptop

Blogging is the latest profitable online business. It involves developing and publishing consistent content on a theme or subject.

It can be similar to a personal diary, news outlet, or business platform, covering any imaginable topic, such as cooking, fashion, finance, technology, etc.

This platform offers bloggers a chance to share their thoughts, opinions, and knowledge with the global audience.

How to Get Started:

  • Choose a blogging platform, such as WordPress, Blogger, or Wix
  • Select a domain name and hosting service
  • Create relevant and engaging content for the target audience

16. Dropshipping

Dropshipping involves selling products online without keeping inventory.

You create an online store, and when a customer orders, you purchase the product from a third-party supplier who ships it directly to the customer. 

How to Get Started:

  • Choose a niche
  • Find a supplier on platforms like AliExpress, Oberlo, or SaleHoo 
  • Set up your online store on platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce 
  • Choose a domain name, select a theme, and customise your store.
  • Add products to your store
  • Market your store 
  • Fulfil orders of customers 
  • Monitor and optimise your store’s performance

17. Start a YouTube Channel

How To Make Money Online In Nigeria In 2024 By Start A Youtube Channel

One free online business that pays is creating a YouTube channel, where you can produce videos and earn money.

Those videos of your cat you randomly shoot, random scenes you captured on your phone, could rack up millions of views on YouTube.

If you can pass the 1,000 subscribers benchmark and get enough views, you can apply to the YouTube Partner Program, which makes you eligible to earn money from your videos.

Also read – Top 10 Most Profitable Businesses in Nigeria with Low Capital in 2024

Why Start an Online Business that pays in Nigeria

Here are some reasons why starting an online business that pays in Nigeria is a great idea:

  1. Low start-up costs: Starting an online business is much cheaper than opening a conventional shop. You can get by with at least a mobile phone and an Internet connection.
  2. Flexibility: Online businesses give independence to work from anywhere and at any time. One can work from the comfort of his home, co-working space, or even a beach resort.
  3. Passive income: Once your online platform is up and running, it can begin to generate income passively. This means that you are making money while you sleep.
  4. Scalability: Online businesses allow you to reach the global market. You can start small and slowly build up your business.

FAQs

What are some popular online businesses that pay in Nigeria?

Some free online businesses that pay well include freelancing, affiliate marketing, and e-commerce.

How can I receive payments from online businesses in Nigeria?

You can receive payments from online businesses in Nigeria through several methods like bank transfers, PayPal and Payoneer.

What online skills are in high demand in Nigeria for online business?

High-demand online skills include digital marketing, web and mobile development, and content creation.

Conclusion

Looking to start an online business that pays and best suits your scheduling? This well-researched article takes you through the list of online businesses that pay in Nigeria.

If you dream of making money as a Social Media influencer or desire a passive income like a YouTuber, this article is for you. 

References

List of 30 Best Legit Online Businesses That Pay

Top 30 Online Businesses that Pay

Top 10 Online Businesses that Pay in Dollars in Nigeria

Recommendations

20 Most Trusted Online Daily Earning Websites Without Investment in 2024

Revealing Tunde Ednut’s Biography & Networth: Inside the Life of One of Africa’s Most Respected Blogger

17+ Best AI Apps for iPhone in Nigeria You Should Know in 2024

Is Generative AI the New Favorite Tool for Developers?

Top 10 Most Profitable Businesses in Nigeria with Low Capital in 2024

Oluwatobi Olowe
Oluwatobi Olowe

Tobi Olowe has over 3 years of experience as a content writer specializing in Tech discoveries, site optimization, building content that rank well and boosting overall site performance.

Articles: 168