How to Make Money Online as a Student in Nigeria: 8 Easy Ways!

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Has anyone ever randomly told you “If you see me anywhere, abeg just squeeze money inside my hand”? That’s a saying that has become very popular lately, but even more popular amongst Nigerian students. It’s not that hard to see why; it’s getting harder to cope with the Nigerian economy and while some students may get allowances from their parents, it’s rarely enough anymore.

In this article, we’ll focus on how to make money online as a Nigerian student in 8 easy ways. While starting an online business might be the most popular, it might not be the cheapest option since you will need capital. If you’re a student and you’ve ever asked yourself how you can make money online, or what you can do to earn money as a student, this article is for you!

Related: 5 Easy Ways to Make Money Online in Nigeria in 2023

We’ll cover 8 easy, legitimate ways you can make money online as a student.

1. Start a dropshipping business.

2. Become a content creator.

3. Sell hand-made products.

4. Become an online tutor.

5. Become a freelance writer.

6. Earn money through microtask platforms.

7. Become a social media manager.

8. Become a social media influencer.

Before we delve into the 8 ways you can make money online as a student, it’s important to note that making money isn’t the only benefit you’d be getting as a student. Let’s look at some more.

1. Independence: You become self-reliant and less dependent on others for financial support.

2. Skill Development: Online work can help you polish various skills like communication, marketing, and problem-solving.

3. Resume Booster: Online work experience looks great on your resume and shows your ability to adapt to different work environments.

4. Global Opportunities: The internet opens up a world of possibilities, enabling you to work with clients or companies from anywhere.

5. Personal Growth: Online work can enhance your confidence, discipline, and time management skills.

6. Networking: You can connect with people from all over the world, expanding your professional network.

So should you start to find legitimate ways to make money online as a student?

The answer is yes! Check out 8 ways you can do that.

1. Start a dropshipping business.

As a student, starting a business with little to no investment is an option to consider, and that is where dropshipping comes in. Dropshipping is an entrepreneurship model that allows you to launch an e-commerce business without the need to invest in inventory upfront. Instead, you partner with suppliers who handle the inventory and shipping.

It doesn’t take so much to start a dropshipping business in Nigeria. To kick off:

1. Choose a niche you're passionate about or one in high demand.

2. Find reliable dropshipping suppliers in Nigeria.

3. Set up your online store using a user-friendly platform like Bumpa for easy customisation and integrated payment options.

4. Add products from your chosen suppliers, set competitive prices, and ensure your business website looks professional with compelling descriptions and optimised images.

5. Market your store using digital strategies like social media, content creation, influencers, and SEO to attract customers.

6. Provide excellent customer service by promptly addressing concerns and processing orders.

Related: 10 Small Business Ideas you can start with 20,000 in Nigeria

2. Become a content creator.

Thanks to the internet and the increase in consumption of content, there is a demand for more content creators who are creative, skilful and sometimes funny. This makes this content creation quite a lucrative option for students to make money online while showcasing their creativity and skills. And it’s easy to start, especially if you have a passion for the topics you want to create content for. Some great examples are fashion, travel, cooking, beauty, etc. Once you’ve figured that out, you should:

• Select your content format: Decide whether you want to create written articles, videos, podcasts, or visual content like infographics or photography.

• Create quality content: Develop well-researched, engaging, and valuable content that resonates with your target audience.

• Publish and promote: Share your content on platforms like a blog, YouTube, social media, or podcast hosting sites. Utilise SEO techniques and social media strategies to attract more viewers or readers.

Creating great content takes time and dedication, but with passion and consistency, you can turn your online presence into a profitable venture while honing your skills. It’s a great way to grow an online social media following, which can open doors to collaborations, partnerships, or even future job opportunities.

3. Sell hand-made products.

Selling handmade products online is a fantastic opportunity for creative students to showcase their talents and make money online. If you’re great at knitting, making handmade jewellery, artwork or crafts, you can capitalise on this. There are platforms available to help students market their creations effectively. One of those options is Bumpa, which provides you with a beautiful e-commerce website where you can upload and showcase your products, and sell with ease. Another popular option is Etsy, an online marketplace specifically designed for handmade and unique items.

You can also leverage social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook to promote and sell your products directly to a wider audience. These platforms provide a convenient way to reach potential customers, showcase the quality and uniqueness of your handmade products, and ultimately turn your passion into a profitable online business. So, if you're a creative student, don't hesitate – start sharing your handmade creations with the world and let your talent shine!

4. Become an online tutor.

Becoming an online tutor is a fantastic way for students to leverage their academic strengths and help others succeed. If you excel in a particular subject, consider sharing your knowledge by becoming a tutor. By becoming an online tutor, you not only get the chance to earn money but also further solidify your understanding of the subject and enhance your communication and teaching skills.

Because this role is strictly online, it means you can do it from anywhere, and reach potential customers anywhere in the world. This makes it possible to even earn in other currencies and tutor people all over the world.

5. Become a freelance writer.

Online writing offers a world of opportunities for aspiring writers and freelancers. With the increasing demand for quality content, businesses and individuals are constantly seeking talented writers to create engaging articles, blog posts, copywriting, and more. To tap into this market as a student and earn some money online, you can work as a freelancer and find numerous writing opportunities online.

Platforms like Upwork and Freelancer connect writers with clients from across the globe, offering a wide range of projects and flexible working arrangements. These platforms allow freelancers to create profiles, showcase their skills, and bid on projects that align with their expertise. By leveraging online writing platforms, you can develop your writing skills, build your portfolio, and make some serious money. So, if you have a knack for words, you can capitalise on it and start making money online.

6. Earn money through microtask platforms.

Microtask platforms provide students with an excellent opportunity to earn money by completing small and simple tasks online. These platforms offer a wide range of tasks that can be done remotely, such as data entry, transcription, image labelling, and content moderation. One popular microtask platform is Clickworker. Clickworker offers similar microtasks along with opportunities for data research and web content creation.

These platforms provide students with flexibility, as they can choose tasks that fit their schedules and interests. By engaging in microtask platforms, you can earn money as a student while improving your skills, building your resume, and gaining valuable work experience. So, if you're looking to optimise your time and earn a few extra coins, give microtask platforms a try!

7. Become a social media manager.

With the increasing importance of social media in marketing, businesses are constantly in need of experts who can create engaging content, manage online presence, and interact with their audience. As social media managers, students can work remotely, allowing for flexibility to balance their studies. To get started, you can showcase your social media profiles as a portfolio, highlighting your creativity and knowledge of different platforms. You can also gain relevant skills through online courses or by staying updated on the latest trends and strategies. The benefits of being a social media manager include gaining experience in digital marketing, expanding your professional network, and even having the potential to start your social media agency in the future. And of course, there’s the important part of earning money online even while you’re still a student.

Related: Instagram Marketing: 10 Ways to Grow Your Small Business with Instagram!

8. Become a social media influencer.

Becoming a social media influencer is another exciting and lucrative opportunity for students to make money online while sharing their passions with the world. You can build a loyal following by creating valuable and engaging content across platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok. Brands are constantly seeking influencers to promote their products or services, opening doors for collaboration and sponsored content. Fun fact - you don’t even need to have a high follower count on any of these channels to become an influencer anymore. Say hi to the world of micro-influencer marketing!

Influencing allows you as a student to not only make money online but also receive free products, exclusive experiences, and even opportunities for brand partnerships.

Getting started as a social media influencer involves finding your niche, creating high-quality content, engaging with your audience, and building a personal brand. By consistently sharing your unique perspective and connecting with your followers, you can develop a loyal community that can lead to monetisation opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can students make money online in Nigeria without investment?

Students can make money online in Nigeria without investment by exploring options like freelance writing, online tutoring, completing microtasks, or participating in paid online surveys.

2. Are there any legitimate online jobs for students in Nigeria?

Absolutely! Legitimate online jobs for students in Nigeria include content writing, virtual assistance, graphic design, social media management, and online transcription. Websites like Fiverr and Freelancer provide opportunities to find such jobs.

3. How can students in Nigeria start their own online businesses?

Students in Nigeria can start their own online businesses by identifying their passions or skills, setting up a website or social media presence, sourcing products if applicable, marketing their offerings through social media or digital advertising, and delivering exceptional customer service. Once you’ve decided on what to sell, set up your website in minutes with Bumpa!

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