If you're looking to earn a good income online, one of the most important things you can do is develop high-value skills that are in demand. While basic writing and graphic design skills may be useful, they are also quite common and won't necessarily set you apart from the competition. Instead, consider investing your time and energy into developing skills with higher earning potential.

One area where there is always demand is coding and web development. Online platforms like Codecademy, Udemy and Coursera offer comprehensive courses that can help you learn the skills you need to build and design websites, as well as work on other programming projects. Whether you're interested in front-end development, back-end development, or full-stack development, there is always a need for skilled developers.

Another area where you can specialize is marketing. By learning about search engine optimization (SEO), social media advertising, or email marketing, you can help businesses reach their target audiences and grow their customer base. Marketing is a constantly evolving field, so it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques.

Finally, consider developing skills in data analysis. Companies today have access to more data than ever before, but they often need help making sense of it all. If you have experience with Excel and other data analysis tools, you can start by using these skills to help companies make better decisions. But if you really want to stand out, consider learning more advanced tools like Python, which can help you analyze data in new and innovative ways. With the right skills and experience, you can become a valuable asset to any company looking to make data-driven decisions.

As a freelancer, staying ahead of the game is essential by tapping into untapped and less competitive platforms. While global freelance marketplaces are overcrowded, several opportunities are available locally that you can take advantage of. One such opportunity is Local Affiliate Marketing. With this platform, you can promote products and services from Nigerian companies like Jumia, Konga, Stakecut, Expertnaire, and travel booking sites and earn commissions on sales generated through your unique referral links.

Another lucrative option is Online Tutoring, where you can leverage your expertise in a niche subject to teach students globally. For instance, you can teach English to students in Asia or offer specialized knowledge in subjects like programming, design, or marketing. Several platforms focus on global clientele, allowing you to connect with students worldwide and earn a decent income from the comfort of your home.

If you are a freelancer, you might be familiar with the concept of trading time for money. However, it's important to consider building your own income streams to scale up your business and increase your income. There are several business models that you can adopt to achieve this goal.

One such model is selling knowledge products. You can package your expertise into eBooks, courses, or webinars and sell them to your audience. This way, you can leverage your skills and knowledge to create passive income streams that generate revenue even when you're not working. You can use platforms like Selar and Teachable to create and sell your knowledge products. These platforms are Nigerian-friendly options that provide you with all the necessary tools and resources to create and market your products.

Another model that you can adopt is dropshipping. However, to succeed in dropshipping, it's not just about having "no inventory." Instead, you need to focus on smart inventory management. You can find reliable local suppliers or niche products to reduce shipping headaches and ensure the timely delivery of products to your customers. By effectively managing your inventory, you can create a profitable dropshipping business that generates passive income for you.

I would advise you to read more about dropshipping.

If you want to make money online in Nigeria, then you need to develop a success mindset that is different from what is required in a traditional job. One of the most important traits you need to have is patience and consistency. Making money online is not a sprint, but a marathon. It requires consistent effort and hard work to build your skills and income gradually over time. 

Another crucial aspect is adaptability. You need to be prepared for power cuts and payment processing issues that are common in Nigeria. However, instead of making excuses, successful people find workarounds to overcome these challenges. They are resilient, resourceful, and adaptable to any situation that comes their way.

Lastly, community plays a significant role in your success. Collaborating with other Nigerians who are on the same journey as you can be invaluable. Sharing knowledge, resources, and experiences can help you navigate the challenges of making money online in Nigeria. So, try to build a network of like-minded individuals who can support you along the way.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when exploring the 'make money online' space is to never lose money. Unfortunately, there are many scams out there that can trick you into handing over your hard-earned cash. To protect yourself from falling victim to such scams, it is important to be vigilant and keep an eye out for red flags. For instance, if you come across income claims that seem too good to be true, it's best to be skeptical. More often than not, such claims are indeed too good to be true and are a warning sign that the offer may not be legitimate.

Another key step you can take to protect yourself is to do your homework. This means taking the time to research any courses, programs, or "opportunities" that catch your eye before you invest any money in them. Reviews and testimonials from other people who have tried the same product or service can be particularly helpful in giving you a sense of what to expect. By being diligent and careful in your approach, you can greatly reduce your chances of getting scammed and increase your chances of finding legitimate ways to make money online.