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What is Digital Entrepreneurship?

Digital entrepreneurship means using the internet and digital tools to start or grow a business. You don’t need a shop, office, or big capital. All you need is a phone or laptop, internet, and a skill or product.

You can make money by offering services, selling digital or physical products, or creating content (like blogs, videos, or podcasts).

.Why Digital Entrepreneurship is Growing in Nigeria

Nigeria has over 122 million internet users. Most young people now use smartphones and spend hours online daily. That’s a huge opportunity!

Here’s why more Nigerians are starting online businesses:

• Unemployment is high (many youths can’t find jobs)

• Internet is cheaper than before

• People want to work from home

• Businesses are going digital (social media, websites, etc.)

• You can get international clients or buyers

Even students and market women are now selling online or offering services via WhatsApp.

.Benefits of Becoming a Digital Entrepreneur

.Common Myths About Making Money Online

Let’s clear some lies people believe:

• ❌ “You need to be rich to start” – Wrong! You can start free.

• ❌ “It’s only for tech bros” – Wrong! Anyone can do it.

• ❌ “You get rich fast” – No. It takes time and consistency.

• ❌ “Only foreigners succeed online” – No. Thousands of Nigerians are making real money already.

.How to Start Digital Entrepreneurship (Step-by-Step)

Here is a simple 7-step plan to begin:

Step 1: Pick a Skill or Product

Start with what you know or like. It could be writing, design, teaching, or selling clothes.

Step 2: Choose a Business Model

Will you offer a service, sell products, or create content?

Step 3: Learn Online Tools

Learn how to use WhatsApp Business, Canva, Selar, Paystack, or WordPress.

Step 4: Create Something Small

Design a flyer, write a blog, record a video, or list your product online.

Step 5: Share with People

Use Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, or YouTube to share your work.

Step 6: Find Customers or Viewers

Offer to help someone for free first, then charge small. Build trust.

Step 7: Grow Slowly

As you earn, invest in better tools or ads. Keep learning.

.Top 10 Ways to Make Money with Digital Entrepreneurship

Let’s go deeper into each method. All are tested and working for Nigerians today.

Freelancing (Offer Your Skills)

What is it?
Freelancing means offering your service (like writing, design, marketing, or editing) to clients and getting paid per job.

Popular freelance skills:

• Article writing

• Graphic design

• Video editing

• Web development

• Data entry

• Virtual assistant

Where to find work:

• Fiverr, Upwork, PeoplePerHour

• LinkedIn

• Facebook groups

• WhatsApp referrals

Example:
Chinedu, a student in Lagos, writes blogs for clients in the UK. He earns over ₦70,000/month.

Affiliate Marketing

What is it?
You promote someone’s product. When people buy through your link, you earn a commission.

How to start:

• Join an affiliate platform (like Expertnaire, Selar, Jumia)

• Get your unique link

• Share the link on WhatsApp, TikTok, or blog

• When someone buys, you earn!

Hot affiliate niches:

• Digital courses

• Weight loss or beauty

• Phones and gadgets

Example:
Zainab promoted a ₦40,000 digital course and made ₦15,000 per sale.

Blogging and Content Writing

What is it?
Write helpful articles, grow traffic, and earn money through ads or selling products.

How to start:

• Use Blogger.com or WordPress.com

• Pick a topic you love (e.g. education, fashion, tech)

• Write helpful blog posts weekly

• Apply for Google AdSense

• Add affiliate links or sell an eBook

Example:
A student blogger writing JAMB tips made ₦120,000 from AdSense and affiliate links.

YouTube and Video Content

What is it?
Create videos and earn from ads, brand deals, or affiliate links.

Popular YouTube topics:

• Comedy skits

• Study tips

• Tech reviews

• Day-in-the-life vlogs

• Cooking or makeup

What you need:

• A phone with camera

• Free editing app (CapCut, InShot)

• YouTube account

Tip:
Be consistent. You need 1,000 subscribers + 4,000 hours watch time to start earning.

Selling Digital Products

What is it?
Create something once and sell it online many times.

Examples:

• Ebooks

• Online courses

• CV templates

• Canva design packs

• Exam past questions

Where to sell:

• Selar.co (easy for Nigerians)

• Gumroad

• Paystack Storefront

Example:
Bola created a ₦2,500 JAMB eBook. She sold 100 copies = ₦250,000!

E-commerce (Sell Online)

What is it?
Sell physical products online.

What to sell:

• Clothes

• Perfumes

• Food/snacks

• Hair/wigs

• Phones

Where to sell:

• WhatsApp Business

• Instagram and Facebook Shop

• Jumia, Konga

• Your own Shopify site

Tip:
Post clear photos, use hashtags, reply fast to customers.

Online Coaching or Tutoring

What is it?
Teach people what you know through Zoom, Google Meet, or Telegram.

What you can teach:

• WAEC/JAMB subjects

• Language (Yoruba, French, Hausa)

• Business skills (e.g. Facebook Ads)

• How to start a blog

How to charge:

• Per hour (₦1,000–₦5,000)

• Per course (₦10,000+)

Tools needed:

• Canva for slides

• Zoom or Telegram

• Payment link (Paystack, Flutterwave)

Podcasting

What is it?
Audio show people listen to on apps like Spotify or Google Podcasts.

Steps:

• Pick a topic (e.g. life lessons, tech, business)

• Record with your phone

• Upload to Anchor.fm (free)

• Share on social media

Ways to make money:

• Sponsorships

• Promote your business

• Paid membership

WhatsApp TV and Facebook Monetization

What is it?
Grow a large audience on WhatsApp or Facebook and get paid to promote businesses.

How it works:

• Post daily content (funny, inspirational, educational)

• Grow your contacts

• Businesses will pay you to promote their product

Monetization:

• ₦1,000–₦5,000 per advert

• Sell your own products

• Affiliate links

Dropshipping

What is it?
You sell products you don’t keep in stock. When someone buys, your supplier ships it directly to the customer.

Steps:

• Create a store (Paystack, Flutterwave)

• List products (get from Alibaba, MiniImportation)

• Use WhatsApp or IG to get buyers

• Order only when someone pays you

Benefit:
No need to buy goods upfront = less risk.

.Tools and Platforms for Digital Entrepreneurs

.Pros and Cons of Digital Entrepreneurship

.Real-Life Success Stories in Nigeria

• Michael, a student in Jos, started a YouTube channel about tech. In 8 months, he earns $300/month from AdSense.

• Aisha, a single mum in Abuja, sells digital beauty guides on Selar and makes ₦150,000/month.

• David, a full-time worker in Ibadan, does part-time writing on Fiverr and earns $500/month.

.Summary Table: Best Online Business Models

.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I start digital entrepreneurship with no money?
Yes! You can start with your phone and internet. Many platforms are free.

2. How long does it take to make money?
It depends. Some people earn in 1 month, others after 3–6 months.

3. Which is the best digital business for students?
Freelancing, affiliate marketing, and tutoring are best for students.

4. Is digital entrepreneurship legal in Nigeria?
Yes, but always follow NITDA rules and avoid scams.

5. Can I make money online with just my phone?
Yes. Many people are making money using only their phones.

6. What are the most profitable online businesses in Nigeria?
Affiliate marketing, content creation (YouTube/blog), and selling digital products.

7. Where can I learn these skills?
YouTube, free online courses, or Nigerian platforms like Selar Academy.

8. How do I collect payments?
Use Paystack, Flutterwave, or direct bank transfer.

9. Is it safe to sell online in Nigeria?
Yes, but avoid scammers and always confirm payments.

10. What is the easiest digital business to start?
Affiliate marketing or freelancing (writing/design) is the easiest for beginners.

.Final Thoughts & Conclusion

Digital entrepreneurship is changing lives in Nigeria. It gives you the power to work online, earn from anywhere, and build your own business—even as a student or worker.

Start small, stay consistent, and keep learning. You don’t need to be perfect, just begin.

If others can do it, so can you.