What You Need To Know To Choose The Method Best For You To Make Money Online

Welcome to the digital age where your phone, laptop or even the local cyber café can become your new office. Get Started: How To Choose The Best Method Right For You To Make Money Online is your roadmap to navigating the many money-making opportunities on the internet, especially tailored for Nigerians and Africans. The online world is full of noise. Every other day, someone is talking about drop-shipping, affiliate marketing, freelancing, or some “easy” scheme to rake in millions overnight. But here’s the truth, not all hustles are created equal, and not all of them are for you. Your lifestyle, skills, mindset, and goals all play a huge role in determining which method suits you best.

This article will unpack two broad online money-making paths i.e online jobs and online businesses. We’ll explore what each involves, the pros and cons, and help you decide which one aligns with your journey. Whether you’re a fresh graduate, a student on a tight budget, or a 9–5 worker looking for extra income, there’s something here for you.

Online Jobs

Online jobs are digital roles where you work for someone else either as a freelancer or a remote employee. It’s like having a regular job, but instead of going to an office, you work from your phone or laptop. These jobs are typically skill-based, and many require minimal capital to get started.

Examples of Online Jobs

• Freelancing: Offer services like content writing, graphic design, voice-over work, programming, or social media management. You can find jobs on platforms like Upwork, FiverrandPeoplePerHour.
• Remote Work: Some international companies hire Nigerians for remote roles such as virtual assistants, data entry clerks, customer support reps, or appointment setters.
• Online Tutoring: If you’re good in English, math, science, or even your native language, you can teach students across Africa or abroad through platforms like Preply or Cambly.

Benefits of Online Jobs

• Quick to start, especially freelancing. All you need is a skill and access to the internet.
• Steady income i.e if you land recurring clients or long-term remote gigs.
• Low risk compared to starting a business you don’t need to buy inventory or run ads.

Drawbacks of Online Jobs

• Time = Money. You only earn when you work.
• Rates can be low initially, particularly on freelance platforms where competition is high.

Tips to Succeed

• Focus on one skill and become excellent at it.
• Build an online portfolio (even using free tools like Canva or Google Sites).
• Be consistent and don’t ghost clients as reliability pays.
• Apply to multiple gigs and pitch yourself well, even if you’re still a beginner.

Online Businesses

Online businesses involve building a system or brand that can earn you money but sometimes passively. Unlike online jobs, you’re the boss here. This path usually involves more time or money up front, but the long-term rewards can be much higher.

Examples of Online Businesses

• E-commerce: Selling physical products through platforms like Jumia, Konga, Shopify or even Instagram. Some people import goods or dropship from suppliers.
• Digital Products: Selling ebooks, templates, online courses, or paid newsletters. If you’re good at something, package your knowledge and monetize it.
• Service-based Businesses: Turn your skill into a consultancy e.g., marketing, coaching, or virtual assistance and run it like a proper company.

Benefits of Online Businesses

• Scalable income: Your earnings aren’t limited by your time alone.
• Brand control: You decide your direction, pricing, and audience.
• You can earn passively: especially with digital products or automated stores.

Drawbacks of Online Businesses

• Takes time to build traction. Don’t expect overnight success.
• Needs upfront investment, whether it’s in time, tools, ads, or mentorship.
• Risk of burnout if you try to do everything at once without a strategy.

Tips to Succeed

• Start lean. Validate your idea before spending too much money.
• Focus on a niche you understand, don’t try to sell everything to everyone.
• Use free tools (Google Docs, Canva, WhatsApp Business, etc.) to manage and market.
• Build your audience slowly through content and value, not just ads.

Online Investments

In today’s digital economy, putting your money to work is just as important as working hard for your money. If you’re someone who prefers to play smart rather than play hard, online investments might just be your perfect fit.

Types of Online Investment Opportunities for Africans

1. Stocks and Shares: You don’t need to be on Wall Street to invest in stocks. Through platforms like Trove, Bamboo, or Risevest, Nigerians can now buy shares in global companies like Apple, Google, or even Tesla right from their smartphones.

2. Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins have opened up a new frontier of wealth creation. Although volatile, many Africans have jumped on this train, trading or investing long-term through platforms like Binance, Quidax, and Paxful.

3. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending: This involves lending money directly to individuals or businesses via platforms like FairMoney or Fint. In return, you earn interest over time. It’s a digital alternative to the traditional cooperative model, but with structured returns.

 

 Benefits of Online Investments

• Passive income potential where your money earns while you sleep.
• Global access i.e you’re not limited to Nigerian markets alone.
• Low entry barrier i.e with as little as ₦1,000, you can start investing.

Drawbacks of Online Investments

• Risk of loss especially in volatile markets like crypto.
• Scams and Ponzi schemes are everywhere. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Requires financial literacy and don’t invest in what you don’t understand.

Tips to Succeed in Online Investments

• Start small and scale as you learn the ropes.
• Always DYOR (Do Your Own Research).
• Diversify and don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
• Use platforms regulated or reviewed for Nigerian investors.
• Learn basic finance terms know what “APY”, “volatility”, or “dividends” mean.

Online Partnerships

Not everyone wants to go it alone and that’s perfectly fine. If you’re more of a “teamwork makes the dream work” type of person, online partnerships are a strategic way to earn online without doing everything yourself.

Types of Online Partnerships

1. Affiliate Marketing: You promote other people’s products or services and earn a commission for every sale. It’s big business and affiliate programs like Expertnaire, Learnoflix, Amazon Associates and Jumia KOL are readily open to Nigerians.

2. Business Collaborations: You might partner with a graphic designer to create branding for your e-commerce store, or collaborate with a developer to launch a mobile app. These types of partnerships reduce your workload and leverage other people’s strengths.

Benefits of Online Partnership

• Shared workload and risk you’re not in it alone.
• Faster execution i.e where two heads (and skillsets) are often better than one.
• Access to new audiences and you tap into your partner’s network.

Drawbacks of Online Partnership

• Trust issues i.e not everyone will deliver on their word.
• Unequal effort where one person might feel they’re doing more.
• Revenue sharing i.e profits have to be split.

Tips for Succeeding in Online Partnerships

• Choose partners based on values and vision, not just vibes.
• Draft a simple agreement outlining roles and profit-sharing.
• Use tools like Trello, Slack, or Google Docs to collaborate smoothly.
• Keep communication open especially when there are misunderstandings.

Online Games

Yes, you read that right. For the gamer in the room or the one glued to their phone playing Candy Crush or Dream League then the game just got real. Online gaming isn’t just for fun anymore. It can pay your bills too.

Ways to Make Money from Online Games

1. Play-to-Earn (P2E) Games: These are blockchain-based games that reward players with crypto or NFTs. Examples include Axie Infinity, Gods Unchained or The Sandbox. Some Nigerians have earned hundreds of dollars playing these games.

2. Sell or Create Games: Got design skills or coding chops? Develop your own game and upload it to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. You earn from downloads, ads, or in-app purchases.

3. eSports and Game Streaming: Platforms like Twitch or YouTube Gaming let you stream your gameplay and earn from views, tips, and ads.

 

Benefits of Online Games as a Source of Online Money

• Earn while doing what you enjoy.
• New market where very few Africans are exploring this space yet.
• Community driven i.e connect with players globally.

Drawbacks of Online Games as a Source of Online Money

• Needs fast internet and good devices which is not ideal for everyone.
• High learning curve, most profitable games take time to master.
• Volatility in crypto games where earnings can rise and fall with the market.

Tips to Succeed in Online Gaming

• Focus on games with verified payout history.
• Join online groups to stay updated on profitable trends.
• Treat it like work and set hours and targets.
• Start streaming or uploading videos to grow your audience and income.

Online Competition

In this digital era, your talent is no longer limited to your street or city. Whether you’re a wordsmith, a design genius, or a coding ninja, there are thousands of online competitions where you can showcase your skills and earn money or recognition doing it.

Types of Online Competition Opportunities

1. Freelance Competitions: Platforms like 99Designs, Freelancer or Toptal host real-time competitions where designers, writers, developers, and marketers battle it out to win client projects. The reward? Money, portfolio credibility, and repeat clients.

2. Online Contests and Giveaways: You can also enter writing competitions (e.g., Commonwealth Short Story Prize), tech hackathons, or even social media challenges where the best entry wins cash, gadgets, or online exposure. Local brands and influencers also host giveaways and some legit, some not so much.

 

Benefits of Online Competition

• Great for building experience and a portfolio.
• Low barrier to entry as there are no upfront investment needed.
• Potential to win big rewards in a short time.

Drawbacks of Online Competition

• Highly competitive and many entrants, one winner.
• No guaranteed income.
• Some contests are time-wasters or poorly organized.

Tips for Winning at Online Competitions

• Specialize your focus on contests that match your strongest skills.
• Follow instructions to the letter and judges hate careless errors.
• Don’t ignore the small contests with fewer entries, better odds.
• Join communities on WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook that share legit competitions.
• Use every loss as a learning curve, not a defeat.

Online Volunteerism

You might be wondering, “Volunteering online? How does that put food on the table?” But hear me out. Sometimes, giving your skills freely opens doors that money can’t buy from global connections to real job offers.

Types of Online Volunteer Opportunities

1. Virtual Volunteering for Nonprofits: Organizations like UN Volunteers, Idealist.org, and Catchafire offer virtual roles ranging from writing, web development, research, to marketing all from your laptop, with global NGOs and causes.

2. Participating in Online Communities: Moderating Facebook groups, contributing to open-source projects, or answering questions on forums like Stack Overflow or Reddit can get you noticed by employers or collaborators especially if you show leadership and consistency.

 Benefits of Online Volunteerism

• Builds skills and work experience for your CV.
• Helps you connect with influential people and organizations.
• Makes you stand out when applying for paid roles later.

Drawbacks of Online Volunteerism

• No immediate monetary reward.
• Time-consuming, especially with no clear outcome.
• Some roles may be exploitative so know when to say no.

Tips for Succeeding as an Online Volunteer

• Choose roles that align with your career goals or passion.
• Be consistent even if it’s just 3 hours a week.
• Ask for recommendation letters or certificates when done.
• Use platforms that vet non-profits to avoid being taken advantage of.

Online Begging

We’ve all seen them. People dropping account numbers in comment sections, inboxing strangers, or starting donation campaigns for survival. It’s known as online begging and while it’s a sensitive topic, it’s important we address it with both compassion and clarity.

The Reality of Online Begging

Sometimes life hits hard, and the internet becomes the last hope. You’ll find GoFundMe pages for medical bills, rent, or school fees. You’ll see Twitter threads with #PleaseHelpMe hashtags. And truth be told, some of them are legit while others are outright scams.

Benefits of Online Begging

• In rare cases, strangers actually donate generously.
• Platforms like GoFundMe and Patreon offer structured support options.
• Tells your story to the world and sometimes touches hearts.

Drawbacks of Online Begging

• Unreliable and unsustainable as you can’t beg your way to a stable income.
• May lead to public shame or ridicule, especially in Nigerian social media spaces.
• Scammers have abused this path making people more skeptical than sympathetic.

Alternative Options for Those in Need

If you’re in a tough spot financially, there are better routes than begging:

• Start freelancing on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
• Learn quick digital skills like Canva design, typing or virtual assisting.
• Offer value-first services in communities, and let people pay what they can.
• Reach out to faith-based or community-based organizations that offer real help.
• Sell unused items online as it’s better to trade than beg.

Online Inheritance

In our fast-digitizing world, inheritance is no longer restricted to land, houses, or cash. Now, people are leaving behind digital footprints that hold real value from monetized YouTube channels to cryptocurrency wallets. For Nigerians and Africans catching the online wealth wave, this is a silent goldmine often ignored.

Inheriting Digital Assets

Imagine inheriting your uncle’s YouTube channel with 50k subscribers, a blog pulling in monthly affiliate income, or an e-commerce store with existing customers. These are digital assets and they’re just as valuable as physical properties if managed right. The trick is knowing how to maintain or transfer ownership of such assets and continue monetizing them.

Receiving Online Inheritances

With cryptocurrencies and PayPal accounts becoming popular, many people now pass down funds stored online. But be warned, without passwords or legal documentation, accessing them can be tough. In Nigeria, where estate planning isn’t yet mainstream, people are losing access to digital fortunes because of poor planning or secrecy.

To benefit from digital inheritance:

• Have honest family conversations about digital legacy.
• Learn how to manage online platforms or hire someone who can.
• Make it a habit to store passwords securely (use tools like LastPass).
• Encourage elders and tech-savvy relatives to plan their digital estate properly.

Online Dating/Marriage

It might sound offbeat, but yes, online dating and international marriage can be a gateway to both emotional fulfillment and improved economic conditions, especially for Nigerians and Africans seeking greener pastures. However, this path requires wisdom, not desperation.

Online Dating Platforms

Sites like Bumble, Badoo, Tinder, AfroIntroductions, and OkCupid have created spaces where people connect across borders. For some, these connections turn into long-term relationships and in some cases, marriage that leads to relocation or improved access to global opportunities. But there’s a thin line between genuine connection and being cat-fished or scammed.

International Marriage

Some Africans have found themselves in legitimate cross-border marriages, leading to visas, exposure, and even joint online businesses. But chasing marriage purely for economic gain can backfire. Cultural differences, visa complications, or fraudulent marriages can turn things sour quickly.

Tips for Navigating This Path Carefully

• Be honest about your intentions and identity.
• Learn about the platform’s safety rules and report suspicious accounts.
• Avoid sharing sensitive info or sending money to strangers.
• If a relationship grows, involve trusted family/friends early.

Choosing the Right Method to Make Money Online

At the heart of it all is the golden question: Which method is best for you? In Nigeria and across Africa, we often copy what others are doing online only to find out we’re barking up the wrong tree. Choosing the right online hustle isn’t about trends; it’s about personal fit.

Here’s a guide to choosing wisely:

1. Skills and Experience

What can you already do well? Are you a natural writer, speaker, designer, or problem-solver? It’s better to monetize what you know than to start from scratch especially if you need income quickly.

2. Interests and Passions

Money follows energy. What do you love doing, even when you’re not being paid? Passion helps you stay the course when the results are slow. Love creating content? Try YouTube or blogging. Love selling? Dive into e-commerce.

3. Time Commitment

How much time can you invest daily or weekly? Some hustles (like freelancing) require consistent client communication. Others (like digital products) need upfront effort but run passively later. Choose based on your lifestyle and current obligations.

4. Strengths and Weaknesses

Are you more technical or creative? Are you self-motivated or need external structure? Choose a hustle that plays to your strengths while not over-exposing your weaknesses or be ready to grow out of them.

5. Budget and Financial Goals

Do you have capital to invest, or are you starting from zero? Some hustles (like drop-shipping or crypto) require startup funds. Others (like freelancing or affiliate marketing) need more time than money. Match your hustle to your pocket.

6. Audience & Client Analysis

Who are your ideal clients or audience? What are their problems, passions, and habits? Your success hinges on solving a problem people care about. Study where your audience hangs out (Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter?) and what content or services attract them.

Tips for Making the Final Choice

• Don’t jump into what’s trending, pick what matches your season in life.
• Test two or three ideas, then focus deeply on one.
• Join communities tosee real-life examples of people doing what you’re considering.
• Revisit your decision every 6 months as your skills and life situation evolve.

Getting Started: From Dreaming to Doing

So you’ve identified a path whether it’s freelancing, affiliate marketing, selling digital products, or even online trading. The next hurdle is getting your feet wet without drowning. For many Nigerians and Africans, the gap between idea and execution is where the hustle often stalls. But the truth is, starting small and smart is better than not starting at all.

1. Research and Planning

Before you dive into any online method, spend time understanding how it works. Don’t just rely on WhatsApp broadcasts or one motivational tweet. Go deep:

• Watch YouTube tutorials made by people already doing it.
• Read blog articles, join forums, follow thought leaders in your niche.
• Study what works and what doesn’t for others in similar circumstances.

Let’s say you’re planning to start a mini-importation business from China. Without proper research on logistics, product sourcing, and naira-dollar exchange dynamics, you might end up stuck or scammed. A proper plan is your hustle’s blueprint without it, you’re building on sand.

2. Set Goals and Targets

Every solid hustle starts with clear direction. Ask yourself:

• What do I want to achieve in 3 months? 6 months? A year?
• How much am I hoping to earn?
• What skills must I learn to hit that goal?

Break big goals into manageable tasks. For example, if you’re starting as a freelance writer, your first 30-day goal could be:

• Create a portfolio
• Pitch 5 clients weekly
• Earn your first $50

Be realistic. Don’t say you want to make $1,000 in your first week online if you’ve never written an email pitch in your life. Start with reach goals, not fantasy goals.

3. Take Action and Be Consistent

Motivation is sweet, but it’s discipline and consistency that pay the bills. Many Nigerians begin online ventures full of ginger, but when data finishes or results are slow, they give up. Don’t fall into that trap. You must learn to show up even when the results haven’t come yet. Consistency builds credibility and results. Post regularly if you’re building a YouTube channel. Send out pitches weekly if you’re freelancing. Update your inventory if you’re running an online store. Show up like someone who means business. The internet rewards action-takers, not wishful thinkers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right path online is not a one-size-fits-all journey. What works for Seyi in Lagos might flop for Aisha in Kano or for Kwame in Accra. The key takeaways from “Get Started: How To Choose The Best Method Right For You To Make Money Online” are simple but powerful:

• There are many online income options like jobs, businesses, investments, partnerships, and even competitions.
• The best method for you depends on your skills, passions, time, budget, audience, and goals.
• Don’t rush in blindly. Research well. Plan well. Execute better.
• Consistency beats perfection. Even baby steps, if taken daily, lead to real success over time.

A Final Word for the African Hustler

The digital economy is not just for people in the abroad. With a smartphone, internet connection, and a pinch of resilience, you too can carve your niche online. Whether you’re a student, stay-at-home mum, job seeker, or 9–5 worker trying to escape the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle where there’s room for you. But remember, it starts with choosing the right method for you and not what’s trending, not what your friend is doing, not what promises quick cash. You deserve a hustle that’s aligned with your life and future.