Content writing has become an essential part of the digital, business, and personal environment in Nigeria, with companies and individuals seeking high-quality content to engage their audiences and build their brands. For instance, Nigerian companies like GTBank and MTN rely on content writers to create engaging blog posts, social media content, and website copy. Similarly, online publications like The Guardian Nigeria and Naij.com require skilled writers to produce informative and entertaining articles.
Before we go into all you need to know about making money as a content writer in Nigeria, first, let’s answer some foundational questions.
Is content writing still in demand?
Content writing is still in high demand in Nigeria. The rise of digital marketing and online publishing has created a surge in demand for quality content. Many businesses, websites, and publications need engaging and informative content to attract and retain their audience. The demand for content writing in Nigeria has been high for the past five years and is expected to continue to be in high demand in the next years, most businesses in Nigeria need content writers who are skilled in Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
For example, Nigerian companies like Jumia and Konga require content writers to create product descriptions, blog posts, and social media content to drive sales and brand awareness. Additionally, online publications like The Punch and Vanguard need skilled writers to produce news articles, features, and opinion pieces. The demand for content writers is expected to continue growing as more businesses shift their focus to online marketing and digital media.
Is content writing a good career to make money?
Content writing can be a fulfilling and lucrative career in Nigeria. It offers flexible opportunities and the potential for high earnings. Content writers can work as freelancers, choosing their projects and clients, or as full-time employees for companies and publications. As an experienced content writer, you can earn up to ₦500,000 per month or more, depending on your expertise and the type of content you produce. For instance, as a seasoned copywriter, you can earn up to ₦1 million per month creating advertising campaigns for top brands. Content writing also provides an opportunity to work on diverse projects, from blog posts to technical writing, and to develop a portfolio that showcases one’s skills and expertise.
Is content writing an easy job?
Content writing is an easy job but demanding. It requires strong research, writing, and editing skills, as well as the ability to meet deadlines and adapt to different styles and formats. As a Content writer, you should be able to understand your audience and create engaging content that resonates with them. You should be able to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and deliver high-quality content when required. For example, a news writer for a daily newspaper must be able to write accurate and informative articles on tight deadlines, while as a copywriter for an advertising agency, you must be able to create persuasive and creative copy that drives sales. Content writing requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for learning and improvement.
How much time does it take to earn from content writing?
The time it takes to earn from content writing in Nigeria varies, but with your dedication and hard work, it’s possible to start earning a steady income within a few months to a year, depending on your experience, skill level, and the type of writing you specialize in. For instance, as a beginner freelance writer, you can start earning ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 per month within the first few months of starting your business, while an experienced content writer can earn up to ₦500,000 per month or more. It’s important to note that building a successful content writing career takes time, effort, and perseverance. With consistent practice, learning, and marketing, content writers you can increase your earnings and build a successful and sustainable career.
How to become a content writer without experience
Breaking into the content writing industry in Nigeria can be challenging, especially for those without experience. However, with the right approach, it is possible to build a successful career in content writing even without prior experience. For instance, many Nigerian content writers started their careers by interning with online publications or partnering with experienced writers on projects.
Becoming a content writer without experience requires creativity, hard work, and a willingness to learn. One way to start is by taking up an internship role with a publication or company that offers content writing opportunities. Although some internships may not offer a stipend, they provide valuable experience and a chance to build a portfolio. For example, The Guardian Nigeria and other online publications offer internship programs for aspiring content writers.
Partnering with other writers is another way to gain experience and build a portfolio. By offering to assist experienced writers with their projects for a small fee, you can gain hands-on experience and learn from their expertise. Joining online communities and groups dedicated to content writing is also a great way to find job opportunities and get feedback on your work. Preparing a portfolio by giving yourself writing tasks and taking content writing courses can also help you build a strong foundation in content writing.
Steps to make money as a content writer in Nigeria
To make money as a content writer in Nigeria, you must take deliberate steps to build a successful career. The steps to make in making money as a content writer in Nigeria are identifying your niche and strengths, building a portfolio, establishing an online presence, leveraging freelancing platforms and job boards, diversifying your income streams, continuously improving your skills, building client relationships, and scaling your business.
Firstly, identifying your niche and strengths is the foundation of a successful content writing career. This involves assessing your skills and choosing a niche that matches your interests and expertise. For example, if you have a background in healthcare, you may choose to specialize in health and wellness writing. By focusing on a specific niche, you can build expertise and attract clients who are willing to pay for your services.
Moreover, building a portfolio is essential to showcasing your skills and attracting clients. This can be done by creating samples, starting a blog, and writing guest posts for established blogs and websites in your niche. A portfolio provides evidence of your writing abilities and helps potential clients make informed decisions about working with you without you sometimes applying for them.
In addition, establishing an online presence is crucial in today’s digital age. This involves creating a professional website, utilizing social media platforms, and networking with other writers and potential clients. A website provides a central location for your portfolio, services offered, and contact information, making it easy for clients to find and hire you. Put more effort into your social media pages on Facebook, X, and Instagram to enable people to know what you do.
Furthermore, freelancing platforms and job boards offer opportunities to find work and build your client base. Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, and ProBlogger are popular platforms that connect writers with clients. Creating a detailed profile and submitting proposals tailored to each opportunity can help you land jobs and grow your business.
Additionally, diversifying your income streams is essential to building a sustainable business. This can be done by offering various services such as content writing, copywriting, technical writing, ghostwriting, self-publishing, and course creation. By offering multiple services, you can attract a range of clients and increase your earning potential.
Next, continuous improvement is necessary to stay competitive in the content writing industry. Seeking feedback, taking writing courses, attending workshops, and reading extensively can help you hone your skills and stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.
Also, building client relationships is critical to retaining clients and growing your business. Consistently delivering high-quality work, maintaining clear communication, and asking for referrals and testimonials can help you build a loyal client base.
Finally, scaling your business involves hiring assistants, expanding your services, and automating tasks to save time. By taking these steps, you can build a successful and sustainable content-writing business in Nigeria.
As you begin to follow the steps and start making money writing, it will not matter how much you earn as a content writer in Nigeria if you don’t have a system to save money and channel it toward your goals which could be getting a new car, renting a new apartment or just to give you that much needed financial peace of mind. The Sycamore NG Target Contribution app makes for an easy way to get this done. Set and automate your savings goal on the app and watch your money grow.
While writing this article, we fielded questions from content writers like you and we are going to provide answers to them below. We have categorized them into questions about writing content to earn money and charging for your creative work:
How do you start content writing to earn money?
Starting content writing to earn money requires a strategic approach. To begin, identify your niche and strengths, build a portfolio, and establish an online presence. You can start by offering your services to friends and family or by creating and selling digital products, such as eBooks or courses, on platforms like Gumroad or Udemy. For instance, you can create a course on “How to Start a Blog” and sell it on Udemy.
Which content writing pays the most?
Technical writing pays the most in content writing. Technical writers create user manuals, guides, and documentation for tech companies, and their services are in high demand. According to Glassdoor, technical writers in Nigeria earn an average salary of ₦1.3 million per year. For example, a tech company like Andela may hire a technical writer to create documentation for their software developers.
How do beginner writers make money?
Beginner writers can make money writing by starting small and building their portfolios. They can offer their services to clients on freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr or create and sell digital products on platforms like Gumroad or Etsy. For instance, a beginner writer can create a printable art journal on Etsy and sell it for ₦5,000.
How can I monetize my writing online?
You can monetize your writing online by creating and selling digital products, offering services on freelancing platforms, or building a blog or YouTube channel with a large audience. For example, you can create a blog on fashion and beauty and monetize it with advertising, affiliate marketing, or sponsored content.
What content should I create to make money?
You should create content that solves a problem or meets a need in your niche. For example, if you’re a fitness enthusiast, you can create a workout plan or a nutrition guide and sell it on your website. You can also create content around trending topics like cryptocurrency or personal finance.
What website pays you to write in Nigeria?
Websites like Medium, The Guardian Nigeria, and The Punch pay writers for their content in Nigeria. You can also create your own website and monetize it with advertising, affiliate marketing, or sponsored content.
How do I become a highly-paid content writer?
To become a highly paid content writer, you need to build a strong portfolio, establish a niche expertise, and develop a personal brand. You can also offer high-ticket services like content strategy consulting or copywriting and build a network of high-paying clients.
On Charging for Your Creative Work
How much do writers charge per word in Nigeria?
Writers in Nigeria charge various rates per word, depending on their expertise and the client’s requirements. On average, writers charge between N0.5 to N5 per word. Beginner writers may charge N0.5 to N1.5 per word, while intermediate writers charge N1.5 to N3 per word. Advanced writers may charge N3 to N5 per word or more, depending on the complexity and research required for the content. These rates may vary depending on the industry, content type, and client budget.
How much does a 1000-word article cost in Nigeria?
The cost of a 1,000-word article in Nigeria ranges from N1 to N50 per word, depending on your experience and whether you are writing for local or international clients. Here is a breakdown of the rates at which you can infer how much you can likely earn:
- Beginner: N2.5 – N3.9 per 1000-word
- Intermediate: N4.0 – N9.9 per 1000-word
- Advanced: N10.0 – N50.0 per 1000-word
How much does a 2000-word article cost?
The cost of a 2000-word article in Nigeria can vary based on the following factors as experience of the writer, the level of difficulty of the job, the client’s specific needs, whether the client is a blogger or an established company
Here are some typical rates for content writers in Nigeria:
- Beginner: N2.5 – N3.9 per 1000 words or $10 – $40 per 1000 words
- Intermediate: N4.0 – N9.9 per 1000 words or $50 – $100 per 1000 words
- Advanced: N10.0 – N50.0 per 1000 words or $100 – $2000 per 1000 words
How much does a 1500-word article cost?
The cost of a 1500-word article in Nigeria can vary based on the writer’s experience and the client’s requirements. Please note that these are rough estimates and the actual cost may vary depending on the complexity of the topic, the research required, and the writer’s expertise. Here are some estimates:
- Beginner: N3.75 – N5.85 (N2.5 – N3.9 per 1000 words) or $15 – $60
- Intermediate: N6 – N14.95 (N4 – N9.9 per 1000 words) or $75 – $150
- Advanced: N15 – N75 (N10 – N50 per 1000 words) or $150 – $3000
How much do freelance content writers charge?
Freelance content writers in Nigeria charge different rates based on their experience, the type of content, and the client’s requirements. Here are some typical rates:
- Beginner: N2.5 – N3.9 per 1000-word
- Intermediate: N4.0 – N9.9 per 1000-word
- Advanced: N10.0 – N50.0 per 1000-word
If you are looking forward to earning in dollars, you should understand that this can be a difficult journey but one that’s very rewarding. A lot of companies from countries like the U.S., U.K, Australia, Canada, Spain, Dubai, etc. need freelance content writers and copywriters also if they check and find you worthy for the gig, that could be some cool cash.
- Beginner: $10 – $40 per 1000-words
- Intermediate: $50 – $100 per 1000-words
- Advanced: $100 – $2000 per 1000-words.
In conclusion, making money as a content writer in Nigeria requires a deliberate approach that includes identifying your niche, building a portfolio, establishing an online presence, and continuously improving your skills.
