Get Prepared: How To Properly Prepare To Start Making Money Online

Proper Preparation for Online Success: How to Make Money Online

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The online space is filled with opportunities but it’s also littered with stories of people who started with high hopes and ended up disappointed. Many Africans dive headfirst into “how to make money online” without stopping to ask the most important question “Am I truly prepared?”

This article, “Get Prepared: How To Properly Prepare To Start Making Money Online,” is your roadmap to doing things the smart way. You’ll learn why preparation is not optional, what it really means in the digital economy, and how to set yourself up for success even if you’re starting with little to no capital. Before you click on that “start freelancing” video or sign up for another affiliate link, remember: Don’t rush in unprepared. In this digital hustle, preparation isn’t just half the battle but it’s the foundation.

The Cost of Skipping Preparation

Imagine a soldier going into battle with no gun, no plan, and no armor or think of a farmer showing up at the farm with no cutlass, no seeds, and no knowledge of the soil. That’s exactly what many people are doing when they jump into online business without preparing. They hear about someone who made ₦500k in a month from drop-shipping and immediately open a store with no research. Or they sign up for a freelancing platform without learning how to write a proper proposal. Within weeks, reality hits and it hits hard.

What happens next?

Frustration creeps in when results don’t come as expected.
Burnout sets in because you’re working hard, but not smart.
Self-doubt begins to whisper, “Maybe this online thing isn’t for me.”
Some even fall into debt, chasing after shiny objects without clarity.

Skipping preparation can cost you more than money and it can drain your energy, kill your confidence, and delay your success. And in a place like Nigeria where opportunities are already limited, that’s a price too high to pay.

What “Getting Prepared” Really Means

What does getting prepared actually mean when it comes to making money online? It’s more than buying a course or opening a laptop. Preparation in the online business context means equipping yourself with the right mindset, the right tools, and the right strategy. Think of it as packing your bag before a long journey and you don’t want to realize halfway that you forgot your charger or don’t know your destination.

Mindset: This is where it all begins. You must be ready to learn, fail, adapt, and stay consistent. Online money doesn’t fall from the sky; it rewards persistence and resilience.
Tools: Depending on your path, you might need a decent smartphone, laptop, Canva, Grammarly, CapCut, or internet data. You don’t have to have everything, just the basics that fit your chosen method.
Strategy: Preparation includes knowing what you want to do, why you want to do it, and how you plan to start. Are you blogging to make money from ads? Are you selling on Instagram to build a brand? Have a direction.

Note: Not all methods need deep preparation. For instance, social media management may not require coding, but it still needs digital skills, consistency, and client management.

Understand Your Starting Point

Before you go chasing strategies that worked for someone in South Africa or the US, pause and look inward. What do you have right now?

Self-assessment Questions

Do I have any digital skills (e.g., writing, editing, design)?
What tools do I currently have is it smartphone, laptop, stable internet?
How much time can I realistically invest per day?
Do I have ₦0, ₦5,000, or ₦50,000 to start?

Know your strengths and weaknesses.

Maybe you’re great at speaking but poor at typing then consider starting a podcast or a YouTube channel. Maybe you’re not tech-savvy yet, but you’re disciplined then you can start learning at your own pace using free YouTube tutorials. Don’t compare your Day 1 to someone’s Year 3.

Build around what you have.

Have just a phone? Start with WhatsApp marketing, voiceovers, or TikTok content creation.
Have no money? Learn freelancing or affiliate marketing using free tools.
Have data and time? Take free courses from Coursera, YouTube, or Skillshare.

Your starting point is valid. The goal is to leverage your current position to create momentum.

Choose the Right Online Money-Making Method

When it comes to making money online, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach. The digital world is like a massive open market from freelancing to affiliate marketing, everyone is selling something. The key is to find what fits you, your lifestyle, your skills, and your starting capital.

Common Online Income Streams

Freelancing – Offer services like writing, design, video editing, or virtual assistance on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.
Affiliate Marketing – Promote products and earn a commission for each sale or lead. Platforms like Expertnaire, PartnerStack, or Amazon Associates are popular.
E-commerce – Sell physical or digital products via Shopify, Flutterwave Store, or even Instagram.
Blogging/Vlogging – Build an audience and monetize via ads, sponsorships, or products.
Online Tutoring – Teach academic or digital skills on platforms like Selar, Teachable, or WhatsApp.
Digital Products – Sell ebooks, Canva templates, printables, or courses.

Categorized by Difficulty, Capital & Time

Method	Capital Needed	Difficulty	Setup Time
Freelancing	Low	Medium	Fast (1 week)
Affiliate Marketing	Low-Medium	Medium	Fast (1–2 weeks)
E-commerce	Medium-High	High	Slow (1–2 months)
Blogging	Low	High	Slow (long-term)
Digital Products	Medium	Medium	Medium (3–4 weeks)
Tutoring	Very Low	Easy	Fast (immediate)

Tips for Beginners

Start with what you know. If you can write or edit, don’t jump straight into e-commerce.
Go for low-barrier methods first. Freelancing or affiliate marketing is a good launchpad.
Avoid shiny object syndrome. Don’t start five methods at once but pick one and stick to it.

Decide Your Commitment Level

Before you dive into anything, ask yourself: How much time and energy can I give to this online thing?

Full-Time vs. Side Hustle

Full-time online income means you’re replacing your 9–5 or traditional business with digital work. It requires full dedication, skill development, and systems to sustain income.
Side hustle means you’re doing this alongside a job, school, or another hustle. It’s flexible but comes with limited hours.

Implications of Your Decision

Commitment Type	Time Required	Income Expectation	Stress Level
Full-Time	6–10 hours/day	High (eventually)	High (initially)
Side Hustle	1–3 hours/day	Medium (gradual)	Manageable

Align Your Commitment with Your Goals

If your goal is quick cash, freelancing on weekends can help.
If you want long-term passive income, blogging or YouTube may suit you but you’ll need patience.
Don’t compare your journey with others. Focus on what works for your life now.

Preparation Essentials (The 7 Must-Haves)

Let’s talk gear and tools. Preparation isn’t complete without the right setup. You don’t need the most expensive devices but just the right combination of tools for your chosen method.

Get the Right Hardware

Depending on your goal, you’ll need one or more of the following:

Minimum Devices:

Smartphone (Android or iOS) – Needed for social media, affiliate marketing, and basic content creation.
Laptop/Desktop (2GB–8GB RAM) – Ideal for freelancing, video editing, blogging, and content-heavy tasks.

Recommended Add-Ons:

Webcam – For video calls, coaching, or content creation.
Microphone – Improves sound quality for YouTube, podcasts, or courses.

Backup Essentials:

Power Bank or UPS – NEPA won’t always cooperate.
External Drive/Cloud Storage – Store client files, backups, and digital products securely.
Router/MiFi – For better internet connection than your mobile hotspot.

Get the Right Software

You don’t need premium subscriptions from Day 1. Start with free tools — most are more than enough for beginners.

Free Must-Have Tools:

Canva – Graphics design, presentations, Instagram posts.
Google Docs/Sheets – For writing, client files, budgeting.
Grammarly – Editing and grammar check.
CapCut or VN Editor – Mobile video editing.
ChatGPT/AI tools – For brainstorming, outlines, copywriting.

Tools by Method:

Method	Essential Tools
Freelancing	Grammarly, Canva, Notion, Zoom
Affiliate Marketing	Bitly, Canva, Google Docs
E-commerce	Shopify, Flutterwave, Snapseed
Blogging	WordPress, Google Analytics, Yoast SEO
Tutoring	Zoom, Google Meet, WhatsApp, PDF converters
Digital Products	Canva, Selar, Paystack, ConvertKit

Paid Tools (Optional):

Adobe Suite, Final Cut Pro, Ahrefs, Jasper AI, Notion Pro — Only upgrade when income justifies it.

Subscribe to Required Services

Nobody tells you this part upfront, but online income often depends on a few essential subscriptions. These aren’t luxury items but they’re investments in your growth.

What Services Should You Consider?

Internet plan – Reliable, fast data (MTN HyNet, Smile, Spectranet, etc.).
Hosting platform – For bloggers or website creators (e.g., Namecheap, Hostinger, GoDaddy).
Design tools – Canva Pro, Adobe Suite (for content creators).
Email marketing software – Mailchimp, GetResponse, or ConvertKit.
Payment processors – Paystack, Flutterwave, Wise (for global payouts).

How to Budget for Subscriptions

Start with a monthly breakdown: What do you need now vs. what can wait?
Prioritize based on your method: A freelancer may not need hosting, but needs Grammarly Premium.
Don’t oversubscribe but subscribe smart.

Cost-Saving Tips

Use free plans first – Most tools have free tiers that work just fine for beginners.
Stack free trials – Create and rotate accounts when testing tools.
Watch for deals – Look for Black Friday, AppSumo deals, or student discounts.

Build Your Online Presence

If the internet is a global village, your digital identity is your home address. People need to find you, trust you, and remember you.

Why Digital Identity Matters

Whether you’re a freelancer, affiliate marketer, or seller, your credibility starts with visibility. Having a random Gmail and zero digital footprint screams “not serious.”

Platforms to Prioritize:

Platform	Why It Matters
LinkedIn	Great for freelancers, coaches, B2B outreach
Instagram	Best for visual products, lifestyle, e-commerce
Medium	For writers, thought leaders, bloggers
Upwork/Fiverr	Client-based platforms to get paid gigs
Personal Website/Portfolio	Helps control your narrative

Branding Basics for Beginners:

Use a consistent name and photo across platforms.
Write a clear, benefit-driven bio (“I help small businesses grow through social media”).
Choose two brand colors, a clean font, and stick to them.
If you’re broke, design your logo on Canva. If you have money, pay a designer on Fiverr.

Set Your Mindset for Success

This one isn’t optional. You can have the best gadgets, the fastest internet, and even money in your account, but without the right mindset, you’ll burn out before your first breakthrough.

What Does the Right Mindset Look Like?

Entrepreneurial Thinking – Think solutions, not shortcuts. See problems as opportunities to create value.
Discipline – Show up even when you’re not feeling inspired. Consistency beats talent online.
Patience – Viral success is the exception, not the rule. You’re building a business, not a bet.
Adaptability – Trends change. Algorithms evolve. Be ready to tweak your approach without quitting.

Avoid the “Get Rich Quick” Mentality

That mindset will make you:

Chase every new hustle (from crypto today to KDP tomorrow)
Quit when things get hard
Spend money you don’t have on tools you don’t understand

The real sauce? Slow success that lasts > fast hype that crashes

Establish a Support System

Online success can be lonely especially when nobody around you “gets” what you’re building. That’s why your environment must feed your hustle.

Where to Find Your People

Facebook Groups: Join niche-specific communities (e.g., African Freelancers Hub).
Twitter/X: Follow creators in your niche. Engage. Learn.
WhatsApp/Telegram Communities: Local ones can give you real-time support.
Meetups/Webinars: Attend free trainings and virtual events to connect with like minds.

Accountability Works

Having a friend or group to check in with weekly can:

Keep you focused
Boost motivation
Help you troubleshoot challenges

“When you’re in a room where everyone is working, laziness becomes awkward.”

Learn Basic Advertising & Promotion

You can have the best product, blog, or skill in the world but if nobody sees it, you won’t earn a dime.

Why Traffic = Money

Traffic is the fuel for online income. No traffic = no clicks, no sales, no clients.

Free vs. Paid Promotion

Free Methods:
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
- Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram)
- WhatsApp marketing
- Cold DMs/emails
- Collaborations/guest posts
Paid Methods:
- Facebook Ads – Great for ecommerce and local targeting
- Google Ads – Ideal for product search and landing page traffic
- Email Marketing – For nurturing leads
- Influencer Marketing – Use nano influencers (small audience, high trust)

Platforms to Learn and Master:

Meta Ads Library (study your competitors)
Google Skillshop (free Google Ads course)
HubSpot Academy (for email marketing)
Neil Patel Blog (SEO)

Advanced Preparation Steps to Making Money Online

Once you’ve sorted your basics tools, mindset and digital presence then the next phase is fine-tuning. The online world rewards those who think ahead, improve continuously, and adapt smartly. These advanced steps are the real secret sauce to sustaining your growth and earning consistently.

Upskill Yourself

Let’s be honest, talent alone is not enough. If you want to stay relevant and earn more online, you must keep sharpening your skills like a barber with a new clipper.

What Skills Should You Learn?

Writing (copywriting, blogging, SEO)
Design (Canva, Photoshop, UI/UX)
Digital Marketing (social media, email funnels, ads)
Coding (web dev, mobile apps, WordPress, Shopify)
Video Editing (CapCut, Premiere Pro, Final Cut)
Sales & Communication (for client jobs and negotiations)

Where to Learn (Free & Paid)

Free: YouTube, Coursera (free audits), Google Digital Skills for Africa, HubSpot Academy, Canva Design School.
Paid: Udemy, Selar courses by African creators, Skillshare, LinkedIn Learning.

Manage Your Time for Learning

Start with 30 minutes a day no excuses.
Use the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes study, 5 minutes break).
Block learning time into your routine like it’s a Zoom call you can’t miss.

“No skill is too small. The more you learn, the more you earn.”

Prepare Financially

Let’s be real, online business is not completely free. Even if you start with free tools, money will enter the picture soon then data, subscriptions, gadgets, ads, the list goes on.

Budget for Your Hustle

Create a basic monthly plan:
- Data plan: ₦5,000
- Canva Pro or Grammarly: ₦3,000–₦5,000
- Ads (if needed): ₦10,000–₦20,000 (optional, scale later)

Create a Mini Emergency Fund

Save for unexpected glitches: broken phones, NEPA wahala, data subscriptions.
Start small — even ₦5k a month helps in future dry spells.

Separate Personal & Business Money

Open a separate account or wallet for your online hustle. This helps you:

Track income and expenses
Avoid “chopping” your business money on suya and shawarma
Reinforce the mindset that this is a real business

Set Clear Goals

If you’re not tracking anything, you’re not growing. Set real, measurable goals — not vague hopes like “blow this month.”

Break It Down:

Daily – e.g., write 1 article, post 2 times, pitch 3 clients.
Weekly – e.g., finish 1 course module, publish a blog post, land 1 new gig.
Monthly – e.g., earn ₦50,000 from Upwork, grow email list by 200 subscribers.

Track What Matters

Track the metrics that match your method:

For bloggers: page views, bounce rate, email opt-ins.
For freelancers: proposals sent, responses received, client conversions.
For content creators: reach, engagement, leads generated.

Tools to Use:

Google Sheets
Notion or Trello
Metricool or Buffer (for content stats)

Create a Workspace

Your environment can make or break your productivity. Don’t underestimate the power of a clean, focused setup.

Physical Space

Find a quiet corner or table even if it’s your kitchen.
Get a basic chair that supports your back.
Light matters, face a window or add a small lamp.

Digital Space

Organize your folders and apps.
Use minimal desktop wallpaper.
Disable unnecessary notifications during work blocks.

Productivity Hacks

Use noise-canceling headphones or soft lo-fi music.
Install focus apps (like Forest or Focus Keeper).
Work in 90-minute bursts, then break.

Research the Market

You don’t enter a market blindly, that’s how you sell winter jackets in Kano. Know what people want, what’s trending, and what’s saturated.

How to Find a Profitable Niche or Service

Ask: What do people constantly complain about?
What are businesses willing to pay for?
What skill is in high demand but low supply?

Spy Ethically

Check competitors’ pricing, services, and client feedback.
Look at reviews on Fiverr, Upwork, Selar, or Amazon.
Follow people succeeding in your niche — study their posts, not just their flex.

Tools to Use

Google Trends – See what’s hot in your country.
Ubersuggest – Free keyword research and content ideas.
SEMrush – In-depth SEO and competitor research (freemium).
Exploding Topics – Spot early trends before they blow up.

Prepare a Schedule or Routine

Consistency makes the difference between casual interest and real income. You don’t need 10 hours a day but you need a repeatable rhythm.

Why Scheduling Matters

Avoids burnout
Keeps you accountable
Builds momentum, even in small steps

How to Schedule Your Activities

Divide your week: Learning vs. Creating vs. Promoting
Use time blocks:
- Morning: client work/content creation
- Afternoon: learning, editing
- Evening: engagement, promotion

Tools & Templates

Google Calendar or Notion templates
Time-blocking via apps like Clockify or Toggl
Sunday planning session: review the week, prep for the next

Test Your Setup

Before you go live or send that first client proposal, test your entire flow.

Do a Mock Launch

Try uploading your digital product privately.
Run a Facebook ad with a ₦1,000 budget just to observe.
Simulate a client pitch or record a practice video.

Get Feedback

Ask trusted friends to review your:
- Website/portfolio
- Sales page
- Social media bios

Fix the Gaps

Are your visuals blurry?
Is your page loading slowly?
Does your CTA make sense?
Are you giving value or just noise?

Better to fix it in practice than fail in public.

Common Mistakes of Poor Preparation

While everyone wants to make money online, not everyone prepares properly and that’s where things begin to fall apart. These final mistakes are the silent killers of digital dreams. Avoiding them isn’t optional but it’s essential.

Let’s break down the 3 big traps most Nigerians and Africans fall into when they jump in too fast.

Expecting Fast Results

In Nigeria, where the hustle is real and bills don’t wait, it’s tempting to believe the hype:
“Make $100/day online!”
“Earn ₦500k per month from your phone!”

But here’s the truth: online income takes time to build just like any other business.

Why the Delay?

Platforms like Fiverr or Upwork require profile reviews, bidding, and client trust.
Monetizing a blog or YouTube channel can take 3–6 months minimum before you earn a kobo.
Even affiliate marketing needs time to build an audience and trust.

How to Manage Expectations

Set realistic timelines: e.g., 30 days to set up, 90 days to earn your first ₦10,000.
Track progress not profits in your first few months.
See the beginning as your investment phase, not payday.

“Slow money that stays is better than fast money that fades.”

Information Overload

This one hits hard. With YouTube, Telegram channels, Twitter threads, WhatsApp broadcasts, and Instagram gurus saying different things every day, it’s easy to fall into learning mode paralysis.

What Happens?

You start 5 courses but finish none.
You know what to do but haven’t done anything.
You’re always watching others “blow” while you’re still “researching.”

It’s the equivalent of someone buying gym clothes, reading fitness blogs — but never working out.

The Cure? Implement Immediately

Learn → Do → Review → Adjust → Repeat.
After watching one tutorial, create something — even if it’s imperfect.
Don’t jump to the next strategy until you’ve tested the first one.

“The people cashing out online are the ones taking imperfect action — not perfect notes.”

Lack of Niche Focus

You’re writing blogs, trying to sell skincare, managing someone’s Instagram, editing videos, and running affiliate links for crypto? That’s not hustle that’s scattered energy.

The Danger of Being a “Jack of All Trades”

You confuse your audience (and yourself).
You don’t build credibility in any single space.
Your learning curve becomes too steep to manage.

The online market rewards specialists more than generalists especially in the early stages.

Why Niche Clarity Matters

It helps you market better.
It makes it easier to grow authority.
You know where to focus your learning and networking.

Examples

Don’t just be a “freelancer” → be a “blog writer for tech startups.”
Don’t just be an “affiliate marketer” → be a “digital product promoter for African entrepreneurs.”

That clarity will attract the right clients, courses, tools, and partnerships faster.

Final Word: Prepare and Don’t Gamble

This final section might not be “sexy,” but it’s probably the most important. Avoiding these common mistakes could save you months or even years of trial and error.

So, before you say, “I’m ready to make money online,” make sure you’ve:

Set realistic expectations,
Tamed your learning distractions,
Chosen a clear niche to master.

Because in the digital world, success belongs to the prepared and not the lucky.

Bonus Success Tips

You’ve laid the groundwork. You’ve got the tools, mindset, and goals. But success online isn’t just about starting but it’s about staying sharp, staying humble, and staying consistent. These bonus tips will keep your momentum strong and your direction clear.

Learn From Those Who Failed

You don’t always need to learn from your own mistakes but you can learn from other people’s scars too. Across Nigeria and Africa, countless people have rushed into online business without preparation. Some bought expensive courses and never finished them. Others started crypto, e-commerce, or freelancing without researching the space. The result? Frustration, debt, and giving up too soon.

A Few Lessons:

Don’t copy what’s trending without context.
Don’t skip the free learning phase for the paid one if your foundation is weak.
Preparation always saves more time and money than it costs.

“Wise people don’t just ask, ‘What’s working?’ they ask, ‘What went wrong for others?’”

Follow Those Who Are Succeeding

Success leaves clues and you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. In every niche, there are Africans killing it online. They’re not flexing on private jets but they’re building quietly, consistently, and sustainably.

What You Should Do

Study their setup: What tools do they use? How do they talk to their audience? What platforms are they active on?
Model their discipline: You don’t need to copy their personality or niche just their systems and structure.

Who to Follow (Examples for Nigerians/Africans)

Peace Itimi – Digital marketing educator
Salem King – Content creator and storyteller
Tomiwa Ademidun – Personal finance blogger
Fisayo Fosudo – Tech reviewer (for monetization models)
African freelancers on LinkedIn and Twitter sharing real results, not hype

Follow, don’t fan. Learn, don’t worship.

Audit Yourself Regularly

Think of preparation like a fitness routine, it needs check-ins and adjustments. What worked last month might not work next month.

How to Audit

Review your goals monthly: Are they still relevant?
Check your tools: Are you paying for subscriptions you’re not using?
Examine your skills: What do you need to improve for your next level?

Set a reminder: “Prep Audit Every 30 Days.”. The only way to grow is to evaluate and not just hustle blindly.

Stay Updated with Trends

The digital world moves like Lagos traffic fast, unpredictable, and full of sharp corners. If you’re not learning, you’re falling behind.

How to Stay in the Loop

Join email lists of thought leaders in your space.
Read African-focused tech or business blogs (e.g., Techpoint Africa, Zikoko Biz).
Attend free webinars and even if they’re not perfectly organized, you’ll always pick up something new.
Subscribe to YouTube channels or Twitter/X spaces discussing freelancing, content creation, AI tools, and global digital trends.

Celebrate Small Wins

It’s not just about hitting ₦500k months or going viral, success is built on the tiny victories that stack up quietly.

Celebrate

Your first blog post
Your first affiliate sale (even if it’s ₦1,500)
Sending your 10th client pitch
Completing a course
Building a portfolio or LinkedIn profile

Don’t wait for a “big break” to feel proud. Reward effort, not just outcome.

Online success is a marathon. If you don’t clap for yourself along the way, you’ll run out of fuel before the finish line.

Conclusion

Get Prepared: How To Properly Prepare To Start Making Money Online” isn’t just a catchy title. It’s the truth behind every sustainable online income journey. Whether you’re starting from a one-room apartment in Abeokuta or a dorm room in Nairobi, preparation is the edge that turns your hustle into a system.

So here’s the play:

Don’t rush blindly into any online model.
Understand your strengths, tools, and time.
Build gradually, but intentionally.
Stay curious. Stay grounded. Stay ready.

Take your first step with clarity not confusion.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to be prepared enough to begin.!!!