How to start a blog in Nigeria (2024) | Step by step

Starting a blog in Nigeria might be one of the best decisions you will make right now. This website you are on right now is a blog website, the best thing about blogging is you get to write about what you find interesting (niche) and earn from it. Not only that but you have freedom to work from anywhere unlike the regular 9 to 5 jobs plus your revenue is not limited like the regular salary or wages.

Now I am going to guide you step by step on how you can start a successful blog in Nigeria that can earn you from $1000 and above.

1. Choosing a Blog Niche

Choosing a topic or niche is  a crucial step to starting a successful blog. You can choose a topic you are passionate about, it can be football,fashion,gaming or finance.

After selecting your niche, you need to conduct market research to know if your niche is in demand (people are searching for it) because there is no need of blogging about it if other people are not interested. 

You can conduct these research by using keyword research tools for free like Ahref keyword generator and Google keyword planner. 

Analysing Competition – You need to visit other blogs that blog about the same topic you want to blog about, take inspiration and analyse their blogging approach and keywords. You should implement their strategy but add more value to stand out.

2. Setting Up Your Blog

To set up your blog you need to find a web hosting platform like hostinger which is the best and most affordable right now,  they provide free domain name and all the necessary things you need to get started with blogging.

1 year plan = $38.31

Hostinger can help you with domain name ideas,  just like the website you are in right now our domain name is hanismart.com. you can choose your own domain. My advice is that if you’re not sure of the domain name to choose, you should use your name as the domain name because you cannot change name after selecting one.

E.g if your name is Justin, you can use a domain name like this idea generated by chatgpt.

The idea behind this is that even when you decide to change a niche you can maintain your domain name without needing to change it. 

But if your domain name was football.com and you want to change your niche to basketball, your blog will not look professional because your domain name is football.com but you are talking about basketball. That is why it is best to use your name with a suffix as a domain name when starting a blog in nigeria.

Best CMS to use as a blogger is wordpress, Because wordpress hosts over 50% of the websites on the internet. And you can install in hostinger easily.

To install wordpress, on your dashboard. Go to website >> add website >> wordpress >> fill in your details and that is all. You have wordpress connected to your domain. 

3. Designing Your Blog

After logging in to your wordpress dashboard, Go to themes add select your desired theme.

Best themes in 2024 

i) Astra (very fast)

ii) Generatepress (lightweight)

iii) Oceanwp

Go to customise on your dashboard, here you can edit your website layout, font, style and more.

Essential plugins to install

i) Litespeed cache: A powerful caching plugin that speeds up your website

ii) Yoast SEO: Helps optimize your blog posts for search engines by guiding you through keyword usage, readability, and meta descriptions.

iii) Google site kit: Tracks your performance on search engine and shows you the region you are getting traffic from.

4. Creating Content 

After you’ve done with the technical aspect of creating your website now you can start making content.

 Firstly, you need to do some keyword research with tools like ahrefs, semrush and google keyword planner To find specific keywords you can write content about. You can use AI tools like right blogger to help you write blogpost and articles much faster. 

Rightblogger AI has all the tools you need to start blogging from keyword research, keyword cluster, article writing, article rewriter and more

Note: You need to optimise your article for search engines. This process is called SEO. You can learn more here.

5. How to promoting your blog

After writing a content you need to promote your blog to an audience across social media platforms. This will enable you to attract visitors across social media and also on Google much easier and faster that will make you money in a short period of time. 

Best platforms to promote your blog are Pinterest and Facebook.

6. How to monetise your blog in Nigeria

Now the best part of blogging is to make money online. There are several ways you can earn money with your blog and I’m going to discuss each step by step.

1. Affiliate Marketing

• How it works: You promote products or services related to your blog content. When your readers click on affiliate links and make a purchase, you earn a commission.
• How to get started: Sign up for affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or specific affiliate programs related to your niche. Place affiliate links naturally within your blog posts.

2. Display Advertising

• How it works: You earn money by displaying ads on your blog. Payment can be based on impressions (CPM) or clicks (CPC).
• How to get started: Use ad networks like Google AdSense, Media.net, or Ezoic. Ensure your blog has enough traffic to make this worthwhile.

3. Sponsored Posts

• How it works: Companies pay you to write about their products or services, often in the form of reviews or tutorials.
• How to get started: Reach out to brands directly, or join platforms like Cooperatize or Influencer.co to find opportunities.

4. Sell Digital Products

• How it works: Create and sell eBooks, online courses, printables, or software directly through your blog.
• How to get started: Identify your audience’s needs and create valuable products that solve their problems. Use platforms like Gumroad or Teachable to sell your products.

5. Offer Online Courses or Memberships

• How it works: Share your expertise through online courses or membership sites where subscribers pay for premium content.
• How to get started: Use platforms like Thinkific, Kajabi, or Patreon. Offer exclusive content, webinars, or community access to your members.

6. Freelance Services

• How it works: Use your blog to showcase your skills and attract clients for freelance work, such as writing, graphic design, or consulting.
• How to get started: Create a “Hire Me” page on your blog, outlining the services you offer and showcasing your portfolio.

7. Sell Physical Products

• How it works: You can sell physical products like branded merchandise, books, or handmade items.
• How to get started: Use platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Etsy to set up an online store. Integrate it with your blog to drive traffic and sales.

8. Email Marketing

• How it works: Build an email list and send newsletters with promotional content, affiliate links, or offers for your products/services.
• How to get started: Use email marketing platforms like Mailchimp or ConvertKit. Offer a freebie (e.g., an eBook) to encourage visitors to subscribe.

9. Donations

• How it works: Some readers may support your work by donating through platforms like PayPal or Buy Me a Coffee.
• How to get started: Set up a donation button on your blog and encourage readers to support your content.

10. Sponsorships and Collaborations

• How it works: Partner with brands for long-term sponsorships, where they pay you to promote their products or services over time.
• How to get started: Build relationships with brands in your niche. Create a media kit that outlines your blog’s reach and audience demographics.

11. Create a Paid Newsletter

• How it works: Offer a premium newsletter with exclusive content that your readers can subscribe to for a fee.
• How to get started: Use platforms like Substack to create and manage your paid newsletter.

12. Write and Sell eBooks

• How it works: If you have deep knowledge in your niche, write an eBook and sell it to your audience.
• How to get started: Write the eBook, design a cover, and publish it using platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Gumroad.

Tips for Success:

• Focus on Quality Content: High-quality content attracts more traffic and engagement, which is crucial for monetization.
• Understand Your Audience: Know what your audience wants and tailor your monetization strategies to meet their needs.
• Promote Your Content: Use SEO, social media, and email marketing to drive traffic to your blog.
• Be Patient: Monetization takes time. Consistently produce content and engage with your audience.

To wrap up

Starting a blog in Nigeria is an exciting journey that offers countless opportunities for personal expression, knowledge sharing, and potential income generation. By identifying your niche, creating meaningful content, and leveraging social media platforms to promote your blog, you can effectively engage with your audience and build a community around your ideas. Remember to stay consistent and embrace authenticity, as your unique voice is what will set you apart in the vast blogging landscape. As you navigate the challenges of starting and growing your blog, don’t hesitate to connect with fellow bloggers and seek out resources that can aid your progress. With determination and creativity, you will thrive as a Nigerian blogger and inspire others along the way.

If you have any questions please drop them in the comments below.