12 Ideas For Starting An Online Business That Pays Daily​ In Nigeria

The Nigerian economy isn’t what it used to be, and now, more than ever, we need that daily bread rolling in. Things are tighter than sardines in a tin, and the traditional nine-to-five isn’t cutting it for many people. 

From transport costs that double faster than NEPA light flashes, to the ever-climbing prices of food and essentials, we need something that offers flexibility, a quick return, and a steady income flow. This is where online businesses come in.

The beauty of the internet is that you don’t need a degree or millions of naira to get started. With a smartphone, data, and the right idea, you can set up an online business that pays daily. That’s the dream, right? A business that not only supplements your income but can also grow to become your primary source of revenue.

Starting an online business in Nigeria isn’t just a nice idea; it’s almost essential. Beyond the cash flow, you get to develop skills that are in demand globally, and, well, who knows? You might be the next big boss in the tech or e-commerce world.

Alright, enough flattery, let’s dive into these ideas:

12 Online Businesses That Can Pay You Daily

1. Freelancing

Before you roll your eyes at the obvious, freelancing isn’t going anywhere! If you have a knack for words, designs, coding or any other “freelancable” skills, you can make a lot of money working for businesses on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer and local job boards accessible in Nigeria.

Away from international websites, you can also freelance for local businesses around you. There is always demand for content, design, programming and customer support deliverables from local businesses looking to outsource these jobs. You can set your rate per word, per hour, or project, and once a job is completed, payment is made instantly!

• Pros:
  • Flexibility to work from anywhere.
  • Consistent demand for writers.
  • Relatively low startup cost (just a device and data).
• Cons:
  • High competition for certain niches.
  • Requires consistent skill improvement.
  • You’re paid per job, so if you don’t hustle, you don’t eat. 

2. Social Media Management

Brands are hungry for social media presence, and if you can offer that, you’ll be cashing out regularly. Social media managers help companies with daily posts, audience engagement, and analytics. Since posts and campaigns happen every day, you could charge daily, weekly, or monthly fees depending on the arrangement.

• Pros:
  • Daily work means daily pay.
  • Builds valuable digital marketing skills.
  • High demand in Nigeria and worldwide.
• Cons:
  • Needs constant online presence.
  • Results might take time to show.

3. Affiliate Marketing

This one is a big one but it does take time to make it work.

With affiliate marketing, you earn a commission every time someone buys a product through your unique link. Nigerian affiliate programs, especially with online stores like Jumia, and Konga, and foreign ones like Amazon, make it possible to earn a cut from each sale. You can use your social media accounts or blog to promote affiliate products and earn daily as people make purchases through your links.

• Pros:
  • Passive income potential.
  • No need to create or stock products.
  • Can be done alongside other work.
• Cons:
  • Earnings may fluctuate.
  • Requires a large audience for significant income.
  • It takes time to build traffic and to see real results.

4. Drop Servicing

Drop servicing is like a “middleman hustle” but online. Instead of providing the service yourself, you outsource it. Let’s say you get a job to create a website. Instead of doing it yourself, you hire a developer and pocket the difference. Many Nigerians are already running this business with design, content writing, and even video editing.

You can go bigger with it by creating a skill outsourcing business servicing businesses locally and internationally.

• Pros:
  • Requires less personal skill.
  • Minimal time investment.
  • High profit potential.
• Cons:
  • Quality control issues.
  • Requires good coordination.

5. YouTube Content Creation

If you’re not camera-shy, YouTube is a fantastic way to earn daily and in dollars! 

Nigerian YouTubers create content on everything from lifestyle and comedy to tutorials and food. You can start earning as soon as you build a solid following and monetize your channel, allowing you to earn from ads, sponsorships, and fan support.

• Pros:
  • Long-term passive income.
  • A great creative outlet.
  • High earning potential with consistency.
• Cons:
  • Needs time to build up subscribers.
  • High competition in popular niches.

6. Selling Digital Products

Digital products like e-books, templates, or online courses sell like wildfire in Nigeria as people are constantly looking to upskill to get better or earn more money. It’s a brilliant way to earn daily income. 

Nigerians love “how-to” guides, so if you have expertise in a field (cooking, fitness, personal finance), you can create a digital product and sell it on platforms like Gumroad or Selar.

• Pros:
  • Passive income.
  • Unlimited scalability.
  • No need for physical inventory.
• Cons:
  • Requires initial effort to create.
  • Needs marketing to reach buyers.

7. Graphic Design Services

If you have a design talent, turning it into cash is as simple as setting up a profile on freelancing sites. There’s a constant demand for logos, social media graphics, and flyers. Clients often need design updates daily, which means a steady flow of work and payment.

• Pros:
  • Daily jobs mean daily income.
  • Growing demand for quality designers.
  • High earning potential with experience.
• Cons:
  • Requires creativity and design tools.
  • Time-intensive for big projects.

8. E-commerce (Dropshipping)

Like affiliate marketing, dropshipping is yet another online business that can make you millions. For real. 

Dropshipping lets you run an online store on platforms like Shoify without holding inventory. All you need to do is set up a storefront, link to suppliers, and market your products. Each sale puts money in your pocket, and suppliers handle the shipping. 

Usually, you find suppliers from China and sell to first-world countries like the United States, UK, Canada, etc. You can also drop ship to Nigeria if your customers are willing to pay before delivery.

• Pros:
  • Low startup cost.
  • Passive income once set up.
  • No need for storage or delivery.
• Cons:
  • Reliant on supplier reliability.
  • Intense competition.

9. Virtual Assistance

Many businesses and busy professionals need help with tasks like scheduling, email management, and research. As a virtual assistant, you can charge per hour or day, making it one of the best daily-paying gigs.

• Pros:
  • High demand globally.
  • Flexible working hours.
  • Builds administrative skills.
• Cons:
  • Needs strong organizational skills.
  • Might be repetitive.

10. Online Reselling (Thrift Business)

The thrift (or “okrika”) business has become a hot online side hustle in Nigeria. People are turning to thrift shops for quality items at lower prices, and savvy sellers are taking this demand online. With online reselling, you can source used clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories (even electronics) and resell them for a profit on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.

• Pros:
  • Good profit margins with little to no inventory needed
  • You can sell most thrifts online: clothes, accessories, and gadgets.
• Cons:
  • Requires patience to build traffic.
  • Inventory management can be challenging
  • Competition is fierce in this space.

11. Online Tutoring

Are you a pro at math, languages, or coding? Nigerians and even international students are looking for online tutors. You can teach via video calls or sell video courses and charge daily or weekly.

• Pros:
  • High demand for quality tutors.
  • Flexible schedule.
  • Great for skilled individuals.
• Cons:
  • Requires knowledge of a subject.
  • Demands good communication skills.

12. Trading Cryptocurrencies

Crypto trading has become popular in Nigeria, and with good trading skills, you can make profits daily. By buying low and selling high, especially with stablecoins or popular cryptos like Bitcoin, you can build a daily income stream.

• Pros:
  • High potential for profits.
  • Can start with small capital.
  • Accessible from anywhere.
• Cons:
  •  High risk involved
  • Requires knowledge and discipline.
  • You can lose money as fast as you make it

There are many online businesses you can start in Nigeria, these 12 are the profit-proven ones. But how do you go about starting your online business?

Steps to Starting an Online Business in Nigeria

Starting an online business in Nigeria might sound like a big step, but it’s more achievable than you’d think. With these steps, you’ll be ready to turn your idea into a real money-making machine.

1. Identify Your Niche: Find a specific area or type of product/service you’re passionate about and where there’s high demand. Whether it’s fashion, tech, or digital services, choose something that people are actively looking for.
2. Research Your Market: Before jumping in, spend time understanding your potential customers. Find out their needs, preferences, and spending habits. You’ll also want to keep an eye on your competitors to see what they’re doing right (or wrong).
3. Set Up Your Online Presence: Decide where you’ll sell your products or services. Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook work wonders for Nigerian online businesses, or you can set up a website to look more professional.
4. Develop Your Brand: Your brand is what will set you apart from the rest. Create a unique name, logo, and voice that resonates with your audience. Be consistent with your visuals and messaging, so customers recognize your business at a glance.
5. Promote Your Business: Utilize social media to promote your brand, showcase your products or services, and engage with potential clients. Investing in ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram can help you reach more people and grow faster.
6. Set Up Payment Channels: Make it easy for people to pay you! Platforms like Paystack and Flutterwave allow Nigerians to receive online payments easily. You can also accept bank transfers to keep things simple.
7. Deliver Excellent Customer Service: Nigerians are particular about good service. Be quick to respond to inquiries, and deliver products or services on time. Building a good reputation can lead to repeat customers and referrals, which are like gold in the online business world.

Mistakes to Avoid When Starting an Online Business

Running an online business can be rewarding, but there are a few traps you’ll want to avoid to succeed and grow steadily.

1. Skipping Market Research: Diving in without researching your market is like driving with no destination. Many businesses fail because they don’t understand their target audience or their needs.
2. Underpricing Products or Services: While it might be tempting to offer low prices to attract customers, this can backfire. Price too low, and you might not cover your costs or be able to sustain your business.
3. Ignoring Branding: Branding goes beyond logos and colours. It’s the whole feel of your business. Without a solid brand, it’s harder to build trust and stand out in Nigeria’s crowded online marketplace.
4. Overlooking Quality: Consistency in product or service quality is crucial. Poor quality can ruin your reputation and lead to bad reviews, which can seriously hurt your growth.
5. Not Having a Marketing Plan: “Post and pray” isn’t a reliable strategy. Many business owners forget that marketing isn’t a one-time effort. Have a plan to consistently promote your business, build relationships, and drive traffic.
6. Neglecting Customer Service: Great customer service can make or break an online business. Always follow up, handle complaints professionally, and go the extra mile to satisfy your customers. Happy customers are your best marketers!
7. Lacking Patience: Many online businesses don’t become overnight successes. Consistency and patience are key. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see huge results right away. Stay committed, learn, and adjust as you go.

Final Words

Let me be clear; it’s normal to make mistakes when starting a new business. So you shouldn’t be afraid of starting. Follow these steps and avoid common mistakes as much as you can to significantly boost your chances of building a successful online business that brings in daily income in Nigeria.

You don’t have to do it alone too! If you want to grow faster as a business owner, join over 300 entrepreneurs just like you in our free WhatsApp Community where we offer help at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey.