As a young Nigerian well aware of the current state of the economy, you’ve probably toyed with the idea of exploring alternative options to earn more money.
The rise of internet-based business opportunities has transformed the traditional approach to work, allowing users to connect with service providers globally. However, the young Nigerian looking to make money online has to consider certain factors: What are the trusted online sites accessible from Nigeria? What are the opportunities for securing payment in foreign currencies with a Nigerian bank account?
Let’s explore some of the trusted money-making sites worth considering:
1. Upwork
Upwork is a favourite among individuals who seek out freelance opportunities. The website allows freelance writers, designers, translators, editors, and consultants (almost every category, really) to bid for jobs and land paying clients.
How to make money on Upwork
To get started as a freelancer, you would need to complete your profile and upon approval, the site goes ahead to highlight the ideal jobs for your skillset. What follows involves bidding for jobs (which have been posted by clients who require a service), interviewing, and eventual hiring.
All processes, including hiring, contract tracking, and payments are handled through the site, ensuring that freelancers are certain of due payment. Upwork currently charges between 5%- 20% service fee per successful contract.
How do you get paid?
Transactions on Upwork are typically done in US Dollars. Facilitating payment to your Nigerian bank account is relatively easy; users just need to input their bank details and required sort codes and receive the naira equivalent of the dollar payment via wire transfer.
Is Upwork legit?
Yes. The site was launched in 2015 after two major freelancing sites, oDesk and Elance, teamed up to rebrand. Upwork is currently one of the world’s largest freelancing platforms with over 18 million users.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Freelancers rarely have to bother about ensuring clients pay for service rendered as the site ensures that funds are confirmed in escrow before the job is done. It’s also fairly easy to get jobs on the platform and make money.
Con: The commission fees on every contract are a common complaint. At the end of the day, Upwork is still a business.
2. Skillshare
Skillshare offers creators the opportunity to teach an online class and get paid for it. Classes can range from subjects like film or fashion, UI/UX Design to entrepreneurship and photography. Teachers can then promote their classes and participate in related Skillshare forums.
How to make money on Skillshare
Teaching degrees are not required and when people take your class, you get paid a percentage. It also costs nothing to publish a class on Skillshare.
How do you get paid?
Payment is done via monthly royalties based on the number of minutes (usually between $0.05 to $0.10 per minute) watched in your classes plus a referral bonus for every student you refer to Skillshare. For users in Nigeria, payment is made via wire transfer, and funds are usually received after a day (or as determined by the bank).
Is Skillshare legit?
While there have been certain issues with usability for certain customers, teachers generally find the site easy to use. Skillshare is one of the largest websites in the e-learning space with over 27,000 classes.
Pros and Cons
Pros: There are no degrees required; anyone with the required knowledge can publish classes for free. It is also a good source of side income.
Con: It might be difficult to earn a lot of money as a beginner.
3. Fiverr
Fiverr is another website that connects freelancers with clients willing to pay for a service, commonly referred to as “gigs”. As the name suggests, gig pricing starts at $5.
How to make money on Fiverr
Upon profile completion, freelancers then list out the services (and pricing) offered. Services can range from writing, designing logos, creating online content, providing voice-overs, and many more. Fiverr gigs are typically quick and the freelancer (or seller) needs to include well-written descriptions that communicate the expected value.
How do you get paid?
Nigerians can withdraw their earnings from the platform using Payoneer; a payment platform that is open to use in Nigeria.
Is Fiverr legit?
Yes. Fiverr is a legitimate freelancing platform.
Pros and Cons
Pros: It is relatively easy to use and with the right skills, freelancers can quickly make money from the site.
Con: Due to the popularity of $5 gigs, many clients expect low rates, and competition can be stiff.
4. Jumia
Jumia is easily the most popular online marketplace in Nigeria and even if you’re not interested in selling directly on Jumia, you can still make money on the site.
How to make money on Jumia
Jumia offers affiliate partnership (also referred to as the Key Opinion Leaders program). This means that you can promote the products on Jumia and can get up to 11% commission on every successful order made using your affiliate link. This option works best if you have a social media presence or blog community; all you need to do is sign up for the affiliate program, find the products your community needs and encourage purchase.
How do you get paid?
Partners can track their earnings and commissions are usually paid at the end of the month, using a pre-selected mode of payment such as a bank transfer.
Is Jumia legit?
Yes. Jumia is a legitimate online marketplace, and this should build trust in your prospective customers.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Jumia has a trusted presence in Nigeria and with the affiliate program, partners do not need to buy any product and registration is completely free.
Cons: Payment is dependent on the frequency of successful orders and prospective partners will need to have considerable influence to make the most of the affiliate program.
5. Guru
Guru is another freelancing site that offers users the opportunity to turn their skills and expertise into lucrative businesses. Membership is free and the site caters to freelancers with a wide range of skills like finance, photography, web design, business consulting, etc.
How to make money on Guru
Similar to most freelancing sites, you can create a profile outlining your key skills and capabilities for free. After completing your profile, you can browse jobs online and can bid on jobs that you like. You can also set up notifications for new job postings.
Guru allows users to set a fixed price for jobs and ensures freelancers’ earnings are protected using Safepay protection.
How do you get paid?
Nigerian users can process payment using wire transfer to a Nigerian bank account or via Payoneer.
Is Guru legit?
Yes. While Guru might not be as well known as other similar websites, it is a trusted freelance site with millions of users.
Pros and Cons
Pros: The site offers free membership, secure payment and job listings customised to the user’s skills.
Con: There is the possibility of potential fake clients and users are advised to take caution.
Note: While these are all trusted sites for money-making online, prospective users are advised to do due diligence when interacting with clients and other users.
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