How to Make Money Writing Articles Online in Nigeria

What Does “Writing Articles Online” Mean?

Writing articles online means creating written content for websites, blogs, magazines, news portals, or other online media. These articles might be:

• Blog posts about how to do something, reviews, guides.

• SEO articles: written to help websites rank on Google using keywords.

• News or current affairs articles for online publications.

• Editorial or opinion pieces: expressing a personal or expert view.

• Features or centered stories: interviews, profiles, long‑form content.

You write, submit the article to the client or platform, they pay you for your writing. Usually you work remote, using your computer or phone, with internet access.

Why Nigerians Can Make Money Writing Articles Online

There are many advantages in Nigeria to doing article writing:

• Demand is growing: More websites, blogs, e‑commerce, digital businesses need content.

• Low cost to start: You mostly need a computer or smartphone, internet, basic writing skills.

• Foreign currency income possible: Clients abroad pay in dollars, euros etc., which can be valuable when converted to Naira.

• Flexible schedule: You can write part‑time, after school, evenings, weekends.

• Skills improvement: Your writing, research, grammar improve, which can allow you to charge more.

• Multiple markets: Local Nigerian sites, international blogs, freelance platforms.

So writing provides a chance to earn extra income, even full time, depending on effort.

Key Skills You Must Learn to Write Articles Well

To succeed, you need certain skills. If you work on improving these, clients will like you, and you’ll get more jobs.

Good Grammar, Spelling & Clear English

• Use simple, correct sentences. Avoid too many big words.

• Proofread your work (check spelling, grammar). Tools like Grammarly or free options can help.

• Use proper punctuation; wrong commas, capitals make writing look unprofessional.

Research Skills

• You must be able to find reliable information online (books, research, articles).

• Check facts; avoid false information. Clients hate wrong facts.

Knowing SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

• Understand keyword usage: include main keywords but avoid stuffing.

• Know how to write headings (H1, H2, H3), meta descriptions.

• Use internal and external links if required.

Good Structure & Readability

• Write introduction (hook), body (sub‑headings), conclusion.

• Use short paragraphs. Use bullets or numbered lists.

• Make it easy to read: subheadings, spacing helps.

Meeting Deadlines & Following Instructions

• If client says “deliver in 2 days”, do so.

• Ask clarifying questions if instructions are unclear (word count, tone, style).

Adaptability & Learning

• Be ready to write in different styles (casual, formal, friendly, business).

• Learn from feedback. Be open to revise.

Where to Find Article Writing Jobs in Nigeria & Abroad

Finding the places that pay for articles is a key step. Here are platforms and websites you can use.

Local Nigerian Platforms

• Writers.ng — offers writing jobs in Nigeria; you write for local websites, blogs.

• ContentNaija — local content demands; people need writers for business blogs etc. Opera News Hub, Naija Online Biz, IdeaHub.Ng — local platforms that accept article contributions and pay in Naira.

Global Freelance Marketplaces

• Upwork — many jobs for writers worldwide. You create profile, apply to writing posts.

• Fiverr — you create gigs (like “I will write blog post of 1000 words”), then clients buy your gig.

• Truelancer — similar to Upwork; many Nigerians use this.

Digital Magazines & Newspapers

• Pitch article ideas to online magazines or newspapers in Nigeria and abroad. Many accept contributions from freelance writers.

• Example: Tech, business or culture magazines; they may pay per article. Also writing news, opinion pieces.

Content Mills & Micro Writing Platforms

• Websites that pay small amounts for many articles. Useful for beginners, though pay per word may be low.

• Careful: some micro platforms have low pay or exploit writers; always check terms.

How to Apply & Win Writing Jobs: Step‑by‑Step

Getting a job is not automatic. You have to apply smartly. Here are steps to help you land good opportunities.

Step 1 – Build a Portfolio

• Write 2‑5 sample articles even if unpaid. Choose topics you like.

• Use free blogging sites (Medium, Blogger, WordPress free) to host your samples.

Step 2 – Craft Good Proposals or Pitches

• When applying to job listings, read the description carefully. Show you understand what they want.

• In your pitch, include a brief about who you are, a sample of similar work, why you are a good fit.

• Keep your proposals clear and avoid generic phrases: “I am hardworking, hire me.” Instead: “I have written 10 blog posts in health niche, here is my sample; I can follow your style and deliver in 2 days.”

Step 3 – Set Your Writing Rate & Terms

• Decide rate per word, per hour, or per project.

• Be transparent about what the client gets: word count, number of revisions, style, sources, delivery time.

Step 4 – Deliver Quality & On Time

• Meet deadlines. If you promise 2 days, do your best to deliver before or on time.

• Check your work: grammar, spelling, formatting.

Step 5 – Ask for Feedback & Build Reputation

• After delivery, politely ask client for feedback. Clients often forget to give review.

• Use good reviews to improve profile or portfolio.

Step 6 – Improve Over Time

• Learn from your mistakes: any feedback that points to weak grammar, weak structure, or unclear writing — fix that.

• Study blogs on writing, SEO, content marketing.

How to Price Your Writing Work & Charge Rates

Pricing is tricky but important. If you price too low, you under‑value yourself; too high and clients avoid you. Here is a guide to help.

Factors to Consider in Setting Price

• Word count (how long article is).

• Research required: some articles need more research, more quality.

• Client’s budget and market.

• Your experience level and past reviews.

Common Pricing Models

• Per word: e.g. USD $0.02 per word, or Naira equivalent. Good for SEO or small articles.

• Per article: fixed price for article (e.g. “500 words for ₦2,000”).

• Per hour: less common for articles, but used when revisions and communication are intensive.

Example Pricing Bands

Rates above vary a lot depending on niche (health, finance tend to pay more), urgency, and client.

How to Grow Your Rates Over Time

• Start lower to get reviews, then increase gradually.

• Pick more profitable niches (e.g. technology, finance, e‑commerce).

• Offer extras: faster delivery, extra revision, SEO optimization.

• Build relationships with repeat clients who pay well.

Tools & Resources to Help You Write Better & Faster

Using the right tools saves time, improves quality, and lets you take more jobs.

Grammar & Spelling Checkers

• Tools like Grammarly (free version).

• Free browser spell‑checkers.

Plagiarism Checkers

• Always ensure articles are original. Use free or low‑cost checkers.

SEO Tools & Keyword Research

• Google Keyword Planner (free).

• Ubersuggest or free parts of Ahrefs / Moz.

 Writing & Editing Tools

• Word processor: Google Docs or Microsoft Word.

• Note‑taking or research tools.

Time Management Tools

• To‑do lists, timers.

• Set blocks of writing time.

Online Courses & Learning Resources

• Free courses on writing, SEO, content marketing.

• Blogs, YouTube, podcasts about how to write for web.

Pros and Cons of Making Money Writing Articles Online

Everything has positives and negatives. Knowing both helps you decide and plan.

Pros

• Flexible work schedule.

• Begin with little cost.

• Remote work; can work from anywhere.

• Possibility of earning in foreign currency (USD, etc.).

• Improves your writing, research, discipline.

Cons

• Pay can be low at start.

• Sometimes rejection of articles even after working.

• Deadlines can be stressful.

• Clients may demand many revisions.

• Need continuous improvement; competition high.

How to Avoid Common Mistakes & Bad Clients

Some pitfalls will slow you down or hurt reputation. Here’s how to avoid them.

Mistake: Taking Low‑Paying Gigs That Waste Time

• Always check the pay vs time. If a 1,000‑word article pays ₦500 but takes hours, not worth it.

• Avoid clients who do not pay properly or ask for work before payment.

Mistake: Not Following Client Instructions

• Read instructions well. If client says “no fluff, direct to point”, do so.

• Ask for clarification if unsure.

Mistake: Missing Deadlines or Delivering Badly

• Always set realistic deadlines.

• If something delays you (internet, power), inform client.

Mistake: Plagiarism or Copying Other Works

• Always write original content. Copying or paraphrasing without credit is unethical and can get you banned.

Mistake: Poor Formatting or Spelling

• Proofread. Use spell check. Use good spacing, headings.

Mistake: Ignoring Payments or Withdrawal Fees

• Some platforms or payment methods take big fees; account for that when quoting.

How to Grow & Scale Your Article Writing Income

After you start earning, how do you make more?

Specialize in a Niche

• Pick one or two topics you are good at (e.g., tech, health, business, finance).

• Become known for those; clients trust you more if you are expert.

Build a Brand or Portfolio Website

• Show your articles on a blog or website.

• Use social media to share your articles.

Get Regular or Retainer Clients

• Some clients want weekly or monthly content; these bring stable income.

• Build relationships: deliver quality, meet deadlines, ask for more work.

Increase Rates & Offer Premium Services

• As your writing improves, charge more.

• Offer extras: SEO optimization, images, keyword research, faster delivery.

Outsource or Team Up

• If you have too much work, consider working with other writers, editing their content.

• You could become a content agency eventually: take in big clients and delegate.

Summary Table Before Conclusion

Here is a summary comparing different aspects of making money writing articles online in Nigeria.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are common questions Nigerians ask about writing articles online—with simple answers.

1. How much can I earn writing articles online in Nigeria?
   It depends on experience, niche, and platform. Beginners may earn ₦2,000‑₦10,000 per article. Intermediate writers may get ₦10,000‑₦30,000+. Advanced or specialized work (finance, SEO) can pay much more or in foreign currency.

2. Do I need a laptop or is a smartphone enough?
   A smartphone can work for simple writing, small articles, editing. But for bigger, longer articles, research, multiple tabs, a laptop or desktop is much easier and more efficient.

3. How long does it take to improve writing to make good money?
   Usually a few months of steady practice. Writing 2‑3 articles a week, learning feedback, improving grammar and style helps. After 3‑6 months many writers see significant improvements.

4. Is SEO important for article writing?
   Yes. Good SEO helps your content rank on Google. Clients often want SEO‑friendly articles. Knowing keywords, meta description, headings helps you get higher rates.

5. What are good niche topics that pay well?
   Some niches that often pay better: finance, technology, health & wellness, business, digital marketing, e‑commerce, cryptocurrencies. But you must understand the niche well.

6. How do I get clients from abroad?
   Use global freelance platforms (Upwork, Fiverr), build a strong portfolio, have professional profile, deliver good work, ask for reviews. Also pitch to international blogs, magazines.

7. How do I avoid writing scams or clients who don’t pay?
   Use trusted platforms with escrow; always ask for clarity; ask for partial upfront if project is large; avoid work outside platform until you trust client; read reviews of clients.

8. How to handle revisions and client feedback?
   Be patient. Ask what exactly they want changed. Do the change promptly. Be polite. Learn from feedback to avoid repetition of same error.

9. How many words should an article be?
   It depends on topic and client. Many small articles are 500‑800 words. SEO or in‑depth guides may be 1,000‑2,000+ words. Always follow word count specified by client.

10. How do I get paid easily in Nigeria?
    Use payment platforms like Payoneer, bank transfer, or platforms that pay in USD or convert fairly. Check fees and delays ahead of time.

11. Do I need certificates or degrees in writing?
    Not always. What matters is ability: good writing, samples, portfolio. However, if you have certificates or related studies, it may help with credibility.

12. Can I write full time?
    Yes, if you build a reputation, find enough clients, and manage time. Many writers begin part‑time and then shift to full time when income becomes steady.

Conclusion

Making money writing articles online in Nigeria is possible and realistic. With the right skills, tools, platforms, and mindset, you can start earning, grow, and even make writing a career. Key things to focus on:

• Improving your English, grammar, research, SEO.

• Building a good portfolio and profile.

• Finding good platforms and clients (both local and global).

• Pricing carefully and delivering quality work.

• Avoiding common mistakes (late delivery, ignoring feedback, poor formatting).