Content writing is one of the most accessible remote jobs if you can write decent English. Companies need blog posts, website copy, social media content, and more. The demand is real and growing.
What is Content Writing?
Content writers create written material for websites, blogs, and marketing. You’re not writing novels or poetry. You’re writing to inform, persuade, or sell.
Common types include:
- Blog posts and articles
- Website pages
- Product descriptions
- Social media posts
- Email newsletters
- Whitepapers and case studies
Each type has different requirements, but all need clear, engaging writing.
Skills You Need
Good English: Non-negotiable. If your grammar is weak, work on it first before seeking paid work.
Research Ability: You’ll write about topics you don’t know. Good writers research quickly and synthesize information clearly.
SEO Basics: Understanding keywords and how search engines work helps you get better-paying clients.
Meeting Deadlines: Clients care more about reliability than perfect prose. Deliver on time, every time.
Adaptability: Different clients want different styles. You need to match their voice and tone.
You don’t need a degree in English or journalism. Many successful content writers studied completely different subjects.
Getting Started
Step 1: Improve Your Writing
Read well-written content daily. Notice structure, flow, and how writers explain complex ideas simply. Practice writing 500-word articles on topics you know. Get feedback from others.
Step 2: Learn Content Writing Basics
Free resources include:
- Copyblogger blog
- HubSpot Academy courses
- YouTube tutorials on content writing
- Neil Patel’s blog
Spend 2-3 weeks learning fundamentals. Don’t get stuck in endless learning mode though.
Step 3: Choose Your Niche
Writing about everything makes you forgettable. Pick 2-3 topics you know or genuinely interest you. Examples:
- Technology and gadgets
- Personal finance
- Health and wellness
- E-commerce and retail
- Real estate
- Travel
Your niche affects your rates. Technical and financial writing typically pay more than general lifestyle content.
Step 4: Build a Portfolio
You need samples before clients will hire you. Create 3-5 strong pieces:
- Write them as if for real publications
- Choose topics in your niche
- Make them 800-1200 words each
- Proofread carefully
Publish them on Medium or your own blog. The goal is showing you can write, not getting readers.
Step 5: Set Your Rates
Starting rates for Nigerian writers:
- Beginners: 5-15 naira per word
- Intermediate: 15-30 naira per word
- Experienced: 30-100+ naira per word
For a 1000-word article, that’s 5,000 to 100,000 naira depending on experience and client type.
International clients pay in dollars:
- Entry: $0.01-0.03 per word
- Mid-level: $0.05-0.15 per word
- Expert: $0.20+ per word
Start lower to build your portfolio and reviews. Increase as you improve.
Where to Find Work
Freelance Platforms:
Upwork and Fiverr are most popular. Create profiles highlighting your niche and portfolio. Apply to jobs daily. Write custom proposals showing you understand their needs.
Content Mills:
Sites like Textbroker, iWriter, and ContentFly pay less but offer steady work for beginners. Rates are low (sometimes 2-5 naira per word) but it’s practice and income while building better clients.
Nigerian Platforms:
Asuqu and other local platforms. Lower competition but also smaller client base.
Direct Outreach:
Find businesses with weak blog content. Email them offering your services. Success rate is low but when it works, you build direct relationships without platform fees.
Job Boards:
ProBlogger, Contently, and Nigerian job sites post writing opportunities. Apply quickly when you see relevant postings.
LinkedIn:
Build a professional presence. Connect with content managers and marketing directors. Share writing tips. When they need writers, you’re visible.
Types of Clients
Agencies: Content agencies hire freelance writers regularly. Pay is moderate but work is steady. Good for building experience.
Direct Clients: Businesses hiring you directly. Better pay, more control, but harder to find initially.
Startups: Often pay in equity or low rates but can become great long-term clients if they succeed.
International Clients: Pay in dollars. Higher rates but more competitive. Your English needs to be excellent.
Nigerian Businesses: Growing market. Pay in naira. Understand local context better but rates can be lower.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Underpricing Severely: Don’t work for 2 naira per word unless absolutely desperate. It’s not sustainable and attracts bad clients.
Ignoring Briefs: Clients give instructions for a reason. Follow them even if you disagree. Save creativity for your own projects.
Missing Deadlines: This kills your reputation faster than anything. If you’ll be late, communicate early.
Plagiarism: Never copy content. Clients check. You’ll lose the client and your reputation. Research and rewrite in your own words.
Not Proofreading: Typos and grammar mistakes look unprofessional. Always proofread before submitting.
Building Long-Term Income
Get Retainer Clients: Monthly retainer agreements provide steady income. Aim for 2-3 retainer clients providing bulk of your income.
Raise Rates Gradually: Every 6 months, increase rates for new clients. Don’t stay at beginner rates for years.
Specialize: Writers who specialize in niches like SaaS, finance, or healthcare earn significantly more than general writers.
Build Relationships: Happy clients refer you to others. Deliver great work, communicate well, and you’ll get referrals.
Expand Services: Add content strategy, editing, or SEO services to increase your value and rates.
Realistic Income Timeline
Month 1-2: Learning and building portfolio. Maybe 10,000-30,000 naira if you land small gigs.
Month 3-6: 40,000-100,000 naira as you build regular clients and improve.
Month 6-12: 100,000-250,000 naira with established clients and better rates.
Year 2+: 200,000-500,000+ naira possible with specialization and strong client base.
Some people progress faster, many take longer. Consistency matters more than talent.
Tools You Need
Writing: Google Docs or Microsoft Word. Nothing fancy required.
Grammar Check: Grammarly free version catches most errors. Hemingway App helps with clarity.
Research: Google, obviously. Learn to evaluate sources quickly.
Plagiarism Check: Copyscape or free alternatives ensure your work is original.
Organization: Trello or Notion to track clients, deadlines, and invoices.
Most tools have free versions sufficient for getting started.
Is Content Writing Right for You?
This work suits you if you:
- Enjoy writing and research
- Can work independently
- Handle feedback without taking it personally
- Stay motivated without supervision
- Don’t mind revisions
It might not work if you:
- Struggle with written English
- Need constant structure and guidance
- Get bored easily with research
- Can’t handle repetitive topics
Final Thoughts
Content writing offers real income potential for Nigerians with good English and willingness to learn. The barrier to entry is low but becoming well-paid requires dedication.
Start by writing those 3-5 portfolio pieces this week. Then create profiles on Upwork and Fiverr. Apply to 5-10 jobs daily for the first month. Most won’t respond, but you only need a few yeses to start building momentum.
The first paying client is hardest to land. After that, with good work and professionalism, you can build a sustainable writing career from home.