How to start a side hustle in Nigeria

Are you tired of living pay cheque to pay cheque? Do you dream of having more financial freedom and flexibility in your life? Well, you’re not alone. Many Nigerians are looking for ways to supplement their income and achieve their financial goals. And one of the best ways to do that is to start a side hustle.

A side hustle is a business or job that you do in addition to your full-time job. It can be anything from freelancing to driving for a ride-sharing service to selling products online. Side hustles can be a great way to earn extra money, learn new skills, and even build a business that can one day support you full-time.

If you’re thinking about starting a side hustle in Nigeria, you’re in luck! There are more opportunities than ever before to make money online and offline. In this blog post, we’re going to walk you through the process of starting a side hustle in Nigeria, from identifying your skills and interests to choosing the right side hustle for you to getting your business up and running.

Also read: Successful Business Ideas That You Can Start with Little Money

So, whether you’re looking for a few extra bucks to make ends meet or you’re dreaming of quitting your job and becoming your own boss, this blog post is for you.

Here’s what we’re going to cover:

• The benefits of starting a side hustle
• How to identify your skills and interests
• Choosing the right side hustle for you
• Getting your business up and running
• Tips for success

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

How to start a side hustle in Nigeria

1. Identify Your Skills and Interests

The first step to embarking on your side hustle journey is to identify your skills and interests. What are you naturally good at? What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Consider your hobbies, talents, and areas of expertise. This will help you narrow down potential side hustle ideas that align with your strengths and passions.

2. Explore Lucrative Side Hustle Options

Nigeria offers a plethora of side hustle opportunities, catering to diverse skills and interests. Here are some popular and profitable side hustles to consider:

• Freelance Writing: If you have a knack for words, freelance writing can be a rewarding side hustle. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Guru connect freelance writers with clients seeking content creation services.
• Social Media Management: Businesses are increasingly relying on social media to engage with their audience. If you’re social media-savvy, offer your services as a social media manager, handling tasks like content creation, scheduling, and community management.
• Online Tutoring: Share your knowledge and expertise by becoming an online tutor. Platforms like VIPKid and TutorMe connect tutors with students worldwide.
• Graphic Design: If you have a creative eye and design skills, offer freelance graphic design services. Businesses need logos, branding materials, social media graphics, and other design elements.
• Event Planning: If you’re organised and enjoy planning events, consider offering your services as an event planner. This could involve organising corporate events, parties, or private gatherings.

3. Conduct Thorough Research

Once you’ve identified potential side hustle options, conduct thorough research to understand the market demand, competition, and required skills for each. Research online, attend workshops, and network with industry professionals to gain insights.

4. Develop Your Skills

If you’re new to a particular side hustle area, consider taking courses, workshops, or online tutorials to enhance your skills and knowledge. This will make you more competitive and equip you to deliver high-quality services.

5. Build a Strong Online Presence

Create a professional online presence to showcase your skills and experience. Build a website or portfolio site, and actively engage on social media platforms relevant to your side hustle.

6. Network and Market Yourself

Networking is crucial for success in any side hustle. Attend industry events, connect with potential clients on LinkedIn, and actively seek out opportunities to promote your services.

7. Start Small and Scale Gradually

Begin by offering your services at a competitive rate to attract initial clients. As you gain experience and build a positive reputation, you can gradually increase your rates and expand your client base.

8. Embrace Technology

Leverage technology to streamline your side hustle operations. Utilise online tools for project management, communication, and payment processing.

9. Manage Your Time Effectively

Juggling a side hustle with other commitments requires effective time management skills. Create a schedule, prioritise tasks, and avoid distractions to ensure you meet deadlines and maintain productivity.

10. Stay Motivated and Adaptable

Building a successful side hustle requires dedication, perseverance, and adaptability. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and stay motivated by focusing on the long-term benefits.

Top 10 Best Side Hustles In Nigeria 2024

1. Freelance writing

If you have good writing skills, freelance writing can be a great way to earn extra money. There are many websites that connect freelance writers with clients, so you can find work that fits your interests and skills.

2. Online tutoring

If you have expertise in a particular subject, you can offer online tutoring services. There are many platforms that connect tutors with students, so you can find students who need help with the subjects you teach.

3. Social media management

If you’re social media savvy, you can offer social media management services to businesses. This involves creating and publishing content, engaging with followers, and running social media ads.

4. Graphic design

If you have graphic design skills, you can offer your services to businesses and individuals. This could involve creating logos, brochures, websites, and other marketing materials.

5. Web development

If you have web development skills, you can offer your services to businesses to create and maintain websites. This is a high-demand skill, so you can earn good money if you’re good at it.

6. Virtual assistance

Virtual assistants provide administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely. This could involve tasks such as managing email, scheduling appointments, or creating presentations.

7. Blogging

If you have a passion for writing and want to share your thoughts with the world, you can start a blog. Once you have a built-up audience, you can monetise your blog through advertising, affiliate marketing, or selling your own products or services.

8. E-commerce

You can sell products online through your own e-commerce store or through platforms like Amazon or eBay. This is a great way to reach a wide audience and sell products to people all over the world.

9. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a type of retail fulfilment where the seller doesn’t keep the products they sell in stock. Instead, when a customer places an order, the seller purchases the item from a third-party supplier and has it shipped directly to the customer. This is a great way to start an e-commerce business without having to invest in inventory.

10. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a type of marketing where you earn commissions for promoting other people’s products or services. This can be a great way to earn money with your blog, website, or social media channels.

Top 10 Side Hustles in Nigeria 2024

1. Freelance Writing

If you have good writing skills, you can earn money by freelancing for online publications or businesses. There are many websites that connect freelancers with clients, such as Upwork and Fiverr.

2. Online Tutoring

If you have expertise in a particular subject, you can earn money by tutoring students online. There are many websites that connect tutors with students, such as Skooli and Chegg Tutors.

3. Social Media Marketing

If you are good at using social media, you can earn money by helping businesses manage their social media accounts. There are many social media marketing agencies that hire freelancers.

4. Graphic Design

If you have graphic design skills, you can earn money by creating logos, brochures, and other marketing materials for businesses. There are many websites that connect freelance graphic designers with clients, such as 99designs and DesignCrowd.

5. Web Development

If you have web development skills, you can earn money by creating websites for businesses. There are many websites that connect freelance web developers with clients, such as Toptal and Freelancer.com.

6. App Development

If you have app development skills, you can earn money by creating apps for smartphones and tablets. There are many app stores that you can sell your apps on, such as the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

7. Personal Training

If you are a certified personal trainer, you can earn money by training clients at the gym or in their homes.

8. Virtual Assistant

If you are organised and have good administrative skills, you can earn money by working as a virtual assistant for businesses. Virtual assistants typically provide a variety of administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments, managing email, and creating documents.

9. Social Media Influencer

If you have a large following on social media, you can earn money by promoting products or services to your followers. Social media influencers typically earn money through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and selling their own products or services.

10. Affiliate Marketing

If you have a website or blog, you can earn money by promoting products or services to your audience. Affiliate marketing typically involves earning a commission for each sale that is generated through your unique affiliate link.

25 Side Hustles: Ideas for Making Money in Your Spare Time (2024)

1. Print-On-Demand Business:

Unleash your creativity and start a print-on-demand business. With platforms like Printify and Shopify, you can design and sell custom-printed products like T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and more. No need to invest in inventory or manage shipping – these platforms handle the printing and fulfilment for you.

2. Virtual Bookkeeping:

If you have a knack for numbers and organisation, consider becoming a virtual bookkeeper. Businesses of all sizes are looking for remote bookkeepers to manage their finances, track expenses, and prepare financial reports. You can work from home and set your own hours, making it a flexible and lucrative side hustle.

3. Social Media Management:

In today’s digital age, social media is an essential tool for businesses to connect with their customers. If you’re social media savvy and have a knack for creating engaging content, become a social media manager. Help businesses grow their online presence, manage their social media accounts, and create engaging content that resonates with their target audience.

4. Content Writing:

With the rise of digital content, businesses are always in need of high-quality writers to create blog posts, articles, website content, and social media posts. If you have strong writing skills and a passion for storytelling, consider offering your services as a freelance content writer.

5. Online Tutoring:

Share your knowledge and expertise by becoming an online tutor. With platforms like VIPKid and TutorMe, you can connect with students worldwide and provide personalised tutoring in various subjects. Set your own rates and schedule, and earn extra money while helping others learn.

6. Freelance Graphic Design:

If you have a creative eye and proficiency in graphic design software, offer your services as a freelance graphic designer. Create logos, brochures, flyers, social media graphics, and other visual materials for businesses and individuals. You can work from anywhere and set your own rates.

7. Virtual Assistant:

Provide administrative, technical, or creative assistance to businesses and individuals as a virtual assistant. Manage emails, schedule appointments, handle social media, create presentations, and provide other support tasks remotely.

8. Web Development:

With the growing demand for websites and online applications, web development is a lucrative side hustle. Learn web development skills, build websites for businesses, and earn a decent income from your programming expertise.

9. YouTube Channel:

Monetise your passion by creating a YouTube channel. Share your knowledge, skills, or hobbies through engaging videos and earn money from ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

10. Online Courses:

Share your expertise and teach others by creating and selling online courses. Platforms like Udemy and Teachable make it easy to create and sell courses on virtually any topic.

11. Sell Digital Products:

Create and sell digital products like eBooks, stock photos, templates, music, or design assets. Reach a global audience through online marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon.

12. Translation Services:

If you’re multilingual, offer your translation services to businesses and individuals. Translate documents, websites, or other content from one language to another.

13. Freelance Photography:

Capture stunning images and sell them to stock photo agencies, businesses, or individuals. Offer your services as a freelance photographer for events, portraits, or product photography.

14. Freelance Video Editing:

If you have video editing skills, offer your services to businesses, filmmakers, or YouTubers. Edit videos, create trailers, or produce video content for various projects.

15. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking:

If you love animals, consider offering pet sitting or dog walking services. Take care of pets while their owners are away or provide regular dog walking services in your neighbourhood.

16. Delivery Services:

Sign up for delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub to deliver food or groceries in your spare time. Set your own hours and earn money while driving or cycling around your city.

17. House Cleaning or Organizing:

Offer your cleaning or organising services to busy individuals or families. Help them maintain a clean and organised home, and earn extra money while making their lives easier.

18. Errand Running:

Provide errand running services to help people with their busy schedules. Run errands like grocery shopping, picking up laundry, or delivering items, and earn money from your willingness to help.

Additional tips for success

25 Side Hustles: Ideas for Making Extra Money in Your Spare Time (2024)

1. Print-On-Demand Business:

Unleash your creativity and start a print-on-demand business. With platforms like Printify and Shopify, you can design and sell custom-printed products like T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and more. No need to invest in inventory or manage shipping – these platforms handle the printing and fulfilment for you.

As you build your print-on-demand business, consider creating designs that appeal to a specific niche or audience. This could be anything from funny cat memes to motivational quotes. You can also use your print-on-demand business to promote your own brand or message.

2. Virtual Bookkeeping:

If you have a knack for numbers and organisation, consider becoming a virtual bookkeeper. Businesses of all sizes are looking for remote bookkeepers to manage their finances, track expenses, and prepare financial reports. You can work from home and set your own hours, making it a flexible and lucrative side hustle.

To get started as a virtual bookkeeper, you’ll need to have a strong understanding of accounting principles and experience using bookkeeping software. You may also want to consider getting certified as a professional bookkeeper.

3. Social Media Management:

In today’s digital age, social media is an essential tool for businesses to connect with their customers. If you’re social media savvy and have a knack for creating engaging content, become a social media manager. Help businesses grow their online presence, manage their social media accounts, and create engaging content that resonates with their target audience.

When working as a social media manager, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest social media trends and platforms. You should also be able to analyse social media data to measure the success of your campaigns.

4. Content Writing:

With the rise of digital content, businesses are always in need of high-quality writers to create blog posts, articles, website content, and social media posts. If you have strong writing skills and a passion for storytelling, consider offering your services as a freelance content writer.

To succeed as a freelance content writer, you need to be able to write in a variety of styles and on a range of topics. You should also be able to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality work.

5. Online Tutoring:

Share your knowledge and expertise by becoming an online tutor. With platforms like VIPKid and TutorMe, you can connect with students worldwide and provide personalised tutoring in various subjects. Set your own rates and schedule, and earn extra money while helping others learn.

When working as an online tutor, it’s important to be patient and have a good understanding of the subject you’re teaching. You should also be able to create engaging and interactive lessons.

6. Freelance Graphic Design:

If you have a creative eye and proficiency in graphic design software, consider offering your services as a freelance graphic designer. This side hustle allows you to tap into your artistic talents and provide valuable design services to businesses and individuals in need. You can create logos, brochures, flyers, social media graphics, and other visual materials that enhance their brand identity and marketing efforts.

To thrive in this field, it’s crucial to develop a strong portfolio showcasing your design skills and versatility. Engage in personal projects or volunteer work to build your portfolio and demonstrate your capabilities to potential clients. Additionally, stay up-to-date with the latest design trends and techniques to deliver cutting-edge visuals that resonate with your clients’ target audience.

7. Web Design and Development:

If you possess web design and development expertise, you can monetise your skills by offering freelance web design and development services. This side hustle caters to businesses and individuals seeking to establish or revamp their online presence. You can create custom websites, design user interfaces, develop responsive web applications, and handle website maintenance tasks.

To excel in this realm, it’s essential to have a solid grasp of web design principles, programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and experience with popular website development frameworks like React or Angular. Showcase your web design and development prowess through a well-crafted portfolio and demonstrate your ability to translate client requirements into functional and aesthetically pleasing websites.

8. Virtual Assistant Services:

If you’re organised, efficient, and possess administrative skills, consider offering virtual assistant services. This side hustle allows you to provide administrative, technical, or creative support to businesses and individuals from the comfort of your own home. You can handle tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing email correspondence, conducting online research, creating presentations, or social media management.

To succeed as a virtual assistant, it’s important to be proficient in various administrative and technical tools, have strong communication and interpersonal skills, and be adaptable to different client needs. Highlight your organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in your virtual assistant portfolio.

9. Online Translation Services:

If you’re multilingual and have excellent command over multiple languages, you can offer online translation services. This side hustle allows you to provide translation services for businesses and individuals seeking to communicate effectively across different languages. You can translate documents, websites, marketing materials, or even provide real-time interpretation services.

9. Photography and Videography:

Capture stunning images and videos for businesses, events, and individuals. You can offer product photography, event photography, portrait photography, videography for commercials, and more.

10. Translation and Interpretation:

If you’re multilingual, offer translation and interpretation services to businesses or individuals. You can translate documents, websites, and marketing materials, or provide interpretation services for meetings, conferences, and international travel.

11. Transcription:

Convert audio or video recordings into written text. You can transcribe interviews, speeches, lectures, meetings, and more.

12. Data Entry:

Enter data into spreadsheets, databases, or other digital formats. Many businesses outsource their data entry tasks to freelancers.

13. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialist:

Help businesses improve their website’s ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs). Conduct keyword research, optimise website content, and build backlinks.

14. Social Media Marketing Specialist:

Develop and implement social media marketing strategies for businesses. Create engaging content, manage social media accounts, and track campaign results.

15. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising Specialist:

Manage PPC advertising campaigns for businesses on platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads. Set up campaigns, target the right audience, and track campaign performance.

16. Content Creator:

Share your knowledge, expertise, or passion with the world by creating content for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Build a following and monetise your content through advertising, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.

17. Online Course Instructor:

Create and sell online courses on platforms like Udemy and Teachable. Share your expertise in a variety of subjects, from cooking to coding to personal development.

18. E-book Author:

Write and publish e-books on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or other platforms. Share your knowledge, stories, or experiences with a global audience.

19. Dropshipping Business:

Sell products without managing inventory. Partner with a dropshipping supplier who will handle the fulfilment of orders, allowing you to focus on marketing and customer service.

20. Affiliate Marketing:

Promote products or services of other businesses and earn a commission for each sale you generate. You can promote products through your blog, social media, or email marketing.

9. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking:

Animal lovers rejoice! Pet sitting and dog walking offer a flexible and enjoyable way to earn extra cash while spending time with furry friends.

10. Freelance Photography:

Capture stunning images and sell them online or offer photography services for events, portraits, or product shoots.

11. Freelance Videography:

Create compelling videos for businesses, weddings, or events. Showcase your videography skills and capture memories that last a lifetime.

12. Online Teaching:

Share your knowledge and expertise with a global audience by teaching online courses on platforms like Udemy or Teachable.

16. Online Proofreading:

Ensure documents are free of errors and polished to perfection by offering online proofreading services.

18. E-commerce Store:

Set up an online store and sell products you’re passionate about, whether it’s handmade crafts, vintage finds, or curated collections.

19. Online Consulting:

Share your expertise and offer consulting services to businesses or individuals in your area of specialisation.

20. App Development:

Create mobile apps for businesses or individuals and bring their ideas to life.

21. Blogging:

Start a blog and share your thoughts, experiences, or knowledge with the world. Monetise your blog through advertising, affiliate marketing, or selling products or services.

22. YouTube Channel:

Create engaging and informative videos on YouTube and earn money through advertising, sponsorships, or merchandise sales.

23. Podcasting:

Share your voice and host a podcast on topics that interest you. Monetise your podcast through advertising, sponsorships, or selling merchandise.

24. Online Fitness Instructor:

Lead online fitness classes and help people achieve their health and fitness goals.

11. Online Yoga Instructor:

Share your love for yoga by becoming an online yoga instructor. Teach yoga classes virtually to individuals or groups, guiding them through poses and breathing techniques.

12. Online Fitness Coaching:

If you’re passionate about fitness, consider offering online fitness coaching services. Create personalised workout plans, provide nutrition guidance, and motivate clients to achieve their fitness goals.

13. Language Translation:

If you’re multilingual, consider offering language translation services. Translate documents, websites, or provide real-time interpretation for businesses or individuals.

15. Online Course Creator:

Share your expertise by creating and selling online courses on platforms like Udemy or Teachable. Teach skills related to your field of expertise, whether it’s programming, design, or personal development.