I was tired of trekking from Yaba to Lagos Island for a ₦5,000 job. I wanted to find another way to earn money, and my phone was the main tool I had. In January, I decided to explore online work and focus on building skills I could use from home.
In this article, I share three online work options I explored, how they operate, and what beginners should know before trying them. Your results may differ depending on your skills, available opportunities, and consistency.
1. Lodpost Writing: Publishing Articles Online
One option I explored was writing articles on Lodpost. I started with topics I understood, including relationships and everyday experiences, and worked on making my articles helpful and interesting to readers.
Lodpost authors should check the platform's current monetisation rules to understand how views, eligibility, and earnings are calculated. Views do not guarantee a particular payment, and earnings can vary from article to article.
My tip: Start with topics you know well. Use clear headings, write original content, and choose titles that accurately describe your articles. Keep improving your writing instead of focusing only on the number of views.
2. CapCut Templates: Exploring Video Creation
Another option is creating short videos and templates with CapCut. You can experiment with transitions, music, text effects, and creative ideas that suit your audience.
For example, you could create dance edits that combine Nigerian cultural elements with popular music trends, provided you follow the platform's rules and respect copyright requirements.
However, creating templates does not automatically mean CapCut will pay you. Creator programmes, eligibility requirements, and monetisation opportunities vary by region and may change. Check the official programme terms before expecting income.
3. Upwork: Offering Transcription Services
Transcription is another online skill worth exploring. It involves listening to audio and converting spoken words into written text. If you understand Yoruba and English well, you could investigate transcription, translation, or subtitling projects that require those language skills.
Platforms such as Upwork connect freelancers with clients, but getting hired takes time. Beginners need to build a strong profile, submit relevant proposals, and demonstrate their abilities.
Before accepting a job, confirm the client's requirements, payment terms, and expected workload. Rates depend on the project, language pair, audio quality, and experience. A rate quoted per audio hour is different from a rate per hour of working time.
What You Need to Start Working Online
You may be able to begin learning certain digital skills with a smartphone, an internet connection, and a quiet place to work. A laptop can become useful as your workload grows, but you can start by exploring opportunities that support mobile devices.
- Choose one skill you can practise consistently.
- Set aside time for learning and completing tasks.
- Keep track of your expenses, including data and electricity.
- Build a portfolio of writing samples or creative projects.
- Verify payment rules before investing significant time or money.
Can You Really Make $100 in 12 Days?
Some people earn money online quickly, while others spend weeks or months finding their first paying client. Earning $100 in 12 days is possible in some circumstances, but it should not be presented as a typical or guaranteed result.
For example, earning $1, $2, or $3 a day can add up over time, but income depends on actual paid work, approved views, available tasks, and withdrawal conditions. Remember to calculate your net earnings after expenses and any applicable fees.
Also, check the supported withdrawal methods for each platform. Do not assume that a particular payment service or minimum withdrawal amount is available to every user.
Final Advice for Beginners in Lagos
Whether you live in Yaba, Mushin, Ikorodu, or another part of Nigeria, your phone can help you learn useful skills and explore online work. But success takes practice, patience, and careful decisions.
Start with one realistic goal. Write useful articles, improve your video-editing skills, or practise transcription. Track what you earn and spend, and be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed income or asking for suspicious upfront payments.
Which online skill would you like to learn first: article writing, video editing, or transcription? Share your thoughts in the comments and help other beginners learn from your experience.
Disclaimer: Earnings mentioned in personal stories are not guarantees. Platform monetisation rules, availability, and payment options can change. Verify current terms before relying on any online earning opportunity.
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