Category: Starting A Hustle

Boost Your Brand Visibility On These Social Media Platforms Today

You want to join the online money geng by putting your small business on a social media platform. You are excited and have been raving about boosting your brand visibility. Several businesses are making it online and you feel this is something you can also “crush”.

Just one small question- Have you thought of the best social media platform that can bring visibility to your business? Or do you just want to copy and paste what others are doing?

In order not to get frustrated or blame your village people; I will show you what social media platform to go to in order to gain visibility effortlessly no matter what your small business is.

There are various forms of social media that allow you to put yourself in front of your prospective client or customer.

Companies that use social media have the perfect tool for lead generation and conversion; so, you are on the right track thinking about social media. My only job today will be to guide you into ensuring you gain visibility. Let’s dive in!

The top 5 social media platforms for your business

There are many great social media platforms out there to choose from. Consider these parameters before deciding which social media platform is best for your local business.

First, You need to decide what you want to sell or the service you want to render and who will buy it from you (target audience). If you don’t know your target audience, pause now and do thorough research.

The next parameter I want to give you is golden advice; research your top competitors on all the social media platforms. check their pages, see the kind of content they post, check the engagement rates, etc.

Thirdly, pick the platform with the highest, or best results based on your research. Don’t ever pick a platform based on the one you like. You must go where your audience dwells.

Finally, find and choose a social media strategy that is easy to use and maintain; don’t start what you cannot finish then, create a template that is easy to navigate.

If you feel like it’s too much work, Send us an email, we have the ideal framework that suits your business.

Here are the five of the best social media platforms that can positively affect your business’s growth.

FACEBOOK

You can not name the most influential social media platforms in the world without naming Facebook. People use Facebook to grow relationships and keep in contact with (old) friends.

What this implies is that it could be difficult to build a new audience or get raving fans on Facebook. Remember, your posts have a limited reach-even within your own networks. Therefore, it should be used to build the loyalty of an already existing customer base and to gain prospects.

INSTAGRAM top social media platform for business

If your product is art, food, retail, beauty, or e-commerce, you want to use the visual content style of marketing. Instagram is your go-to social media platform for photos and video.

Instagram has no shortage of tools that you can use as a small business to promote your products and services. Use Instagram Live sessions, reels, and stories. You have them at your fingertips.

If your brand targets young people, Instagram is one of the best social media platforms for your local business. The age of most users of Instagram ranges between 18 and 24 years old. As you probably know, this age group has a really short attention span. To capture and keep their attention, your posts have to be captivating.

Try to use it to your advantage by using only visually appealing photos and videos to showcase your business.

Twitter

Twitter is a great social media platform for your business for engaging content. You are only allowed 280 characters per post, therefore, your content has to be concise, engaging, and useful all at once.

Why is Twitter one of the best social media platforms for small businesses? If you use Twitter correctly and create appealing content, you could reach a very wide audience and build brand awareness.

Most companies that use Twitter as a form of social media usually use it as a tool for public relations. Customers who are dissatisfied or elated about the company’s products or services are usually interacted with on Twitter.

Read more here

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is majorly a social media platform for professionals. It is the most professional among other social media platforms. It is a community of businesses, workers, and companies. This platform lets people connect and share on a professional level, a feature that is absent on other social media platforms.

LinkedIn is best suited for businesses that cater to other businesses, usually referred to as B2B. If your business is to serve older audiences ranging from 30-49, this social media platform is for your local business.

You can use LinkedIn to network and generate B2B leads for your small business. By publishing helpful blog posts and articles, you gain visibility including long-form content.

YouTube

YouTube is undoubtedly one of the biggest search engine platforms today with a staggering 2.3 billion users as of the last count. The juiciest part of YouTube is that you do not have to sign up to be able to view its content. Most YouTube searches are for “How To” videos.

If your small business is service-based, you can gain tremendous visibility by offering “How To” educational and lifestyle videos along with your business niche. Youtube is a powerful social media platform for small businesses. Moreover, video content typically drives more conversions than other types of content.

Why is Youtube one of the best social media platforms for small businesses? Videos go well with other marketing strategies that you probably have in place. Videos drive more conversions and create brand awareness.

Read more here.

How To Successfully Use Social Media Platforms For Your Small Business

  • Be consistent: Consistency helps your customers know what to expect from you. A schedule helps you avoid overwhelming your customers with too many posts.
  • Know Your Target Audience: Knowing your target audience gives you a heads up about what your target audience expects from you, and how to respond accordingly.
  • Be fun: Host a contest or live videos infused with exciting updates and gist to engage with your customers and generate leads.
  • Have A Social Media Marketing Strategy in Place: No online business can be successful without a social media strategy. Take your time and come up with one that works for your business.

If you own a small business in Africa, it is very important that your business has a digital presence. The best and surest way to do this is to run social media accounts.

One thing you should never do is assume that you have the same goals as your competitor. For instance, you might b on the search for more sales while they only want to improve brand recognition. Sometimes, other businesses may be looking to improve the rapport between them and their existing and potential clients.

In conclusion, get all the knowledge you need and come up with a strategic plan, even if you have to recruit help for that. The goal is to use social media platforms to achieve brilliant success in your small business.

Fortunately, this is why we are here to help you build and grow your digital presence via every platform available, including social media and the web. Contact us on Instagram, or send us an email

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6 Simple Ways To Raise Money For Your Business Without Borrowing

Often, great ideas remain mere wishes when we don’t act on them. While it’s great to have business ideas, the problem arises when it’s time to execute them. But there are many reasons for this. Some are just afraid of starting while some have no startup capital. But what those in the latter group don’t know is that there’s a way out. What they usually dread is starting on loans. Good news! You’re just about to learn how to raise money for a business without a loan in a bit.

According to author Nolan Bushnell, “the critical ingredient is getting off your butt and doing something. It’s as simple as that. A lot of people have ideas, but few decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today. The true entrepreneur is a doer, not a dreamer.” So, you shouldn’t allow a lack of funds to delay you. And this is why we put this together for you.

There’s usually much fuss on the result of a project. While this is good, the question is how about starting up? What of how to start a business without a loan? And these are questions that demand answers. The beginning is as important as the end. Conceiving a business idea is a thing but raising the needed money to run it is another task.

Raising Money For A Business With A Loan Is Not An Easy Feat

The criteria for obtaining a loan in this part of the world from banks are discouraging. The norm is for you to have evidence of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Apart from that, you’ll need collateral to obtain the loan. These are criteria that most startups do not have the financial aid to provide. Although, there are non-bank money lenders too. These do not request for collateral.  But the snag is that their interest rates can be off the roof.

How then do small business owners fund their business ideas? And for the ideas not to go to waste, there must be a way out. These are people who are not waiting on the government for everything. They are honest people trying to hustle nobly. So, how best can they raise money for a business without a loan?

Raising Money For A Business Without A Loan

There are many ways to fund a business. And these ways vary from one factor to another. It could be the function of the business size, level of determination or even access to funds. While borrowing money to start a business may be cool, the repayment terms may not be so ideal for a new business. This is why we’re looking at how to raise money for a business without a loan.

  1. Start Small
  2. Start With Zero Capital
  3. Convert Resources At Your Disposal To Money
  4. Through Partnership
  5. Seek Help From Family & Friends
  6. Let Your Job Fund Your Business

Start Small

How to raise money for a business without a loan

Rome was not built in a day. And it’s better to climb your way up the ladder than jump and fall. One common mistake most startups make is not starting small. Where you are is just good enough to start. Patience is a virtue everyone needs to imbibe but more is needed by business owners.

Businesses don’t grow in a day. And there’s also a process to follow. Those with huge capital shouldn’t expect their business to rank among the most successful businesses in Nigeria in a jiffy. Let alone one with little or no capital. It doesn’t happen overnight. The “Get Rich Quick” mentality is just a mirage.

So, to raise money for a business without a loan, start small. And in the words of Aliko Dangote, “to build a successful business, you must start small and dream big.” This means you should start with the little cash you have. Whatever personal savings you have, run with it. Take one step at a time. It also entails making use of all resources at your disposal to birth your dreams. This might seem hard but let your ultimate goal of being a business owner drive you. As you grow, you expand the business.

Start With Zero Capital

How about starting a business that doesn’t require a capital? These days, there are ways of starting a business without money. As you trade day in day out, you get better at it. And not only this, you start saving up from the profits you make therein.

Some startups are a bedrock for the larger picture. The kind of business you run without money may not be your dream business. But have it in mind that it’s just for a while. It’s for you to gather enough capital to fund your main business idea. And who knows maybe you could just grow beyond your expectations in the interim business venture.

Convert Resources At Your Disposal To Money

In most cases, the money we need to start a business will be used to buy equipment. And since the money isn’t available yet, you can seek help from those that have these resources to aid your production. The idea is yours but you’ll be using their machinery to operate. This will make perfect sense if they’re people you can trust. Also, they should be people who have your interest at heart. As you grow, you get your machines.

Also, you can use resources within your power to raise money for a business instead of obtaining loans. For instance, if you want to go into ride-sharing business and you have a personal car, start with it.

You Can Raise Money For Your Business Through Partnership

How to raise money for a business without a loan

Another way to fund a business is to look for a like-minded person to partner with. This should be someone that embraces your dream. Not someone who just have some loose cash to spare. Since such a person embraces the idea and is a partner, passion will be evident in running the business.

So, if you bring your 40% capital to the table and the other brings 60%, you’re good to go. And the ratio could be vice versa. Although the capital will determine the profit and loss sharing formula too. When you do this, you can start a business without a loan.

Seek Help From Your Family And Friends

Some are privileged enough to have supportive friends and family members. If you belong here, then lucky you. This set of people care about you and your progress means the world to them. Then, how to raise money to start a business might no more be a concern. So, talk to those friends and relatives who are always ready to listen to business ideas. One can leverage their interests but must not abuse the chance.

When you raise money for your business from friends, there’s no fear of collateral and interests. And since these are out of the way, you can start your business with peace of mind. So, there’s no need to approach a bank for loans. Although, borrowing money to start a business might surface later. But this will depend on the size of your business. Also, it depends on the pace at which you want to grow. For some, slow and steady does it.

Your Job Can Fund Your Business

 

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How does this sound? Unpleasant? No. This is the practice of many business owners. Your salary job might be an end to a means. If you still have a job that earns you a monthly income, you may want to hold on. That is, don’t quit that job yet. Since you need money to start a business without a loan, this might be a way out.

There are even cases of people who took up salary jobs so as to majorly fund their business. Yes, it’s a smart move. And the advantages are worth it. You’ll not only fund your business but be debt-free! Also, there’ll be a steady flow of income to expand your business as the case may be.

And for the records, it’s only a way out of many. This option will help you resolve how to raise money to start a business. Also, it will help you find your feet in the business. You may later quit the job if you so desire.

Also Read: A 10-Way Guide To Help You Start A Business In Nigeria

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5 Nigerian Actors Who Have Profitable Side Hustles

“Oh my wow! That’s Toyin Aimakhu. Can I take a picture with you?” You can bet this is a very familiar situation with Nigerian actors. They are like the golden fish. This is part of their reality as an actor. And yes, they do enjoy the fame.

Everyone enjoys fame no matter how small. And there’s no doubt that Nigerian actors are no exception. We know them for the dramatic roles they play in order to inform and educate people. And based on their experience and roles, some earn much more than the others. Despite this, some of these Nigerian actors still have side hustles.

Nigerian Actors Are Talented

The Nigerian entertainment industry is full of talents. It comprises actors and actresses who are skilled in the art of putting on another’s personality. So they can swap between diverse personalities. And the aim is to either pass a message or correct an ill in society.

Here, actor refers to a person who plays a character. Hence it applies to both male and female. There are Nigerian actors who run other side gigs apart from their jobs.  But this is not to bring them down or spite them. It is only to commend their hard work and applaud their resilience to succeed. In fact, it’s still part of their talents that brought about these side hustles.

List of 5 Nigerian Actors Who Have Side Hustles

  1. Toyin Abraham
  2. Mercy Aigbe
  3. Lilian Esoro
  4. Odunlade Adekola
  5. Liz Anjorin

Toyin Abraham

Credit: Google

Toyin Abraham is a Nigerian actress and filmmaker. She’s also a producer and entrepreneur. Toyin began her acting career in 2003. She starred in the movie Dugbe Dugbe nbo produced by Bukky Wright. Since then, she has continued to feature in best of Nollywood movies . And she’s also into movie production.

Toyin officially launched her herbal medicine business in October 2019. The business is called Toyin Herbal, a subsidiary of Toyin Abraham Company. She started it to serve as remedy to childlessness. As a result, she launched the Female Fertility Booster (FFB), a product that aids conception. Also, she is the CEO of BodytalkbyToyin.

Outside the herbal business, Toyin is one of Nigeria’s biggest social influencers. Keninfo.com.ng estimated her net worth at $500,000. She is one of the richest and most influential actresses in Nigeria.

Mercy Aigbe 

Nigerian actors

Credit: Google

Mercy Aigbe was born in Edo State of Nigeria. Asides acting, Mercy is a businesswoman with diverse sources of income. She has a fashion store called Mag Diva Boutique which she launched in November 2014. Mercy also has a skincare line called Flawless by Mercy. And an asoebi store called Asoebi Mercy.

Her ability to combine these three business enterprises is commendable. And apart from these businesses, she stars in many Nollywood movies.

Lilian Esoro

Nigerian actors

Credit: Google

Apart from being an actress, Lilian Esoro is a proud owner of a spa and boutique. The name of the business is Lioca, a state-of-the-art spa and boutique in Lekki. Before Lioca opened, it was alleged that Lilian was seen on the site helping out with tiles laying. This further shows her thirst for success.

Some of the services rendered include manicure and pedicure. Jelly pedicure and feet wax are also avaialble. She also sells Abayas, makeup brushes, and her own brand’s makeup kits. These are of course a handful. And one might ask, are these side or main hustles?

Lilian Esoro is another renowned Nigerian actor. She’s one of the richest as well. Her estimated net worth is $450,000. This is a pointer that the side business is worth it.

Odunlade Adekola Is One Of The Nigerian Actors

Credit: Google

Odunlade is one of the Nigerian actors who run side businesses. He is a singer and producer. The tall actor is also a filmmaker, and director. In spite of  his versatility in the industry, he still runs a side business. His net worth is valued at $1.9 million. This makes him the richest Yoruba entertainer.

Odunlade Adekola runs a multi-million-naira hotel in Abeokuta. Do you wonder how he did that? Reports say he built the hotel from his endorsement deals. Odunlade is a Globacom Ambassador. He’s also said to run a unisex salon. Wow!

Liz Anjorin

Nigerian actors

Credit: Google

Liz Aishat Anjorin is another popular Nigerian actor. She also owns side businesses. The pretty mother of one features in many movies. Liz owns a shop where she sells clothes and clothing materials. The boutique is said to be worth several millions of naira.

She travels abroad to source for fabrics. It appears she is also in the jewelry business. Also, she owns a fully equipped tailoring workshop.

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7 Proven Tips That Will Help Your Clothing Business Make Sales On Instagram

If you were told not to join the bandwagon, I can bet it’s not like following the Instagram trend. By now, you need no seer to tell you that Instagram is that social media space you have to jump on. Because of its increased growth, Instagram now has more users than ever. And if you own a lifestyle and fashion business, then you need to know the best way to sell clothes on Instagram.

Selling on Instagram is a trending process among lifestyle business owners. With 1 billion monthly active users, Instagram is one of the most popular social networking platforms in the world. Its features are unique and allow for easier posting process. But not just these, it is an interesting platform to be. So, any lifestyle business owner should be on Instagram. As they say, it’s the happening place on social media to sell and buy.

So, wait no further. Besides, doing business without an Instagram account is like an obvious waste. But you need the know-how to sell on the platform. This will help you from getting drowned by several millions of daily users.

Best Way To Sell Clothes On Instagram: 7 Main Tips

how to sell clothes on Instagram

Key Into The Niche That Sells And Love It

In the real sense of it, there’s always a market for every niche. But some are just more sellable than the others. And a good example of this is the fashion niche. This niche enables you sell clothes among other things. Instagram is a social medium that focuses more on visuals. So, users may prefer to watch and see than to read. It’ll be easier then to sell products than services. Although, services can also be posted using creative content.

So, selling clothes is a good choice. Because clothes are products with appealing visuals, it will sell well on social media. You only need to know the best way to sell clothes on Instagram and you’ve got yourself a gold mine. In as much as you love what you sell, then you are in for a great time. This is because you’ll have a more creative and passionate way of presenting your clothes to your followers and customers. Then you can bet it that this is one of the best ways to sell clothes on Instagram.

And oh, wait. It’s not a problem if you’re already in a niche that doesn’t need plenty of visuals. Other factors also come to play in selling on Instagram. So, you’re covered. Your passion for any niche you choose will go a long way.

Optimize Your Instagram Business Profile

The Instagram business profile is now like the homepage of a website. As users increase on Instagram, so does competition. And these days, one can easily get the info needed on Instagram too. This is unlike before when Google had all the answers alone. So, what this means is that extra care is needed in designing your Instagram profile. In a simple but beautiful outlay, make your feed appealing enough.

Your Instagram profile page should include a profile photo that can’t be ignored. This can be your logo. But because it’s all about clothes, you can’t go wrong with your personal picture wearing one of your clothes. First, you are your brand’s first ambassador. So, wearing it is just great. Also, a beautiful cloth will easily attract even a passerby. It aids easy connection. As they ‘meet’ the page owner, they also get to see a beautiful dress or blouse as the case may be. Nice strategy, right?

Also, your bio should be well stated. Let it spell out your brand and what you can offer them to enhance their fashion sense. Lastly, include the link to your website. This is where you can add your weblink and followers can do an actual click. When a new customer finds you on Instagram, they’ll likely go to your bio page and see your link. This will drive traffic to your site.

Ads Are A Great Way To Sell Clothes On Instagram

This is one of the best ways to sell clothes on Instagram. As you may know already, there are changes to Instagram from time to time. You must fit into the new features to profit you. So, run with what works as your business demands.

After a great business profile on Instagram, you can decide how to use the Ads options available to you. It’s in your hands to decide the amount you want to spend and who sees the ads. Also, it’s your call to choose where you’d like your ads to appear and for how long. All of these should meet the needs of your business.

Use The Right Hashtags To Sell Clothes On Instagram

Find and use hashtags that fit the fashion industry and target market. The free Instagram analytics in your Instagram app can tell if you attract the right people. Hashtags can make your posts have a wider reach.

Besides, you need to know the trending hashtags per time that fits your post. And the wider your reach, the more your chances of sales. But don’t overuse them. You don’t want to look like you’re out there to spam.

Get High-Quality Photos of Your Clothes

Best way to sell clothes on instagram

As said earlier, Instagram is a very visual platform. You get to tell your story and sell your products easily through pictures and videos. So, when selling clothes on this platform, you need a clean and clear shot. You may need a little knowledge of photography and editing. You can touch this up via Youtube.

The idea here is to showcase your product in a real-life setting. Get a good shot of your outfits. Pictures speak many words. So, a bad photo may reduce your content. Let the picture make your audience want to see it in real life. Yes, that’s the idea. And as you take nice shots, develop the style that will make you stand out.

You may be good at taking amazing shots of clothes you sell om Instagram already. And that’s a plus. It is one thing to know how to take great shots. But it’s another thing to know how to present them. And this counts. It goes a long way in driving traffic to your posts and ultimately to your website. This becomes your signature as it makes you different among your competitors.

Engage Your Followers

Buyers are an integral part of your business. As a matter of fact, they’re why you can sell. And this is one of the reasons they are precious to you and should be treated well. Your buyers are your followers but not necessarily vice versa.

Although selling clothes on Instagram serves a mutual benefit between the seller and buyer but the seller needs the buyer more. The sellers need the followers to sell off their products. So, you need to carry them along. Use engaging content that’ll keep them on your page. Part of this content is making relatable posts. And your post captions should call them to action.

Also, engage them through post ideas that’ll generate more likes. For instance, you can post on how to combine some colours of clothes. Or how to wear a certain kind of blouse on another type of skirt. This shows them you care and you want them to look gorgeous. In the words of Coco Chanel, “a woman should be two things, classy and fabulous.” So, this will mean a lot to them as it’s not about just selling your clothes.

Don’t forget to reply to their comments as well. The whole idea is for your brand to be noticed. Not just that but to sell on Instagram. So when they ask questions about your brand, answer them as promptly as possible. Even if they don’t buy today, they’ll buy sometime.

Partner With Influencers

Social media influencers are important to your business. If you have a sizeable budget, the better for you. And since your brand is a physical product, make them use it and testify. Seeing is believing they say. Because they are either popular already or have a large number of followers, people will believe them.

These days, people trust in testimonials than the usual ads. They want to see those that have tested and tried your brand. And on the other hand, if you can’t afford an influencer, use your testimonials to sell on Instagram. A testimonial is an endorsement of a product or service from a customer. It also aids credibility.

Imagine a celebrity wearing your brand. Even without a deliberate advert, people will want to get the same clothing. That is the power an influencer wields. They are in a position that can convince people to do something or otherwise. If a social media influencer now wears your brand and goes online to tell people how comfy it is. Or in any form they can speak well of your brand, then you see people ordering the same cloth. It may even be another cloth but from your clothing line, of course.

Those are some of the best ways to sell clothes on Instagram. And this is the time to try these tips as discussed above. The results will be worth it.

Also Read: How To Create The Perfect Instagram Bio For Your Business

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A 10-Way Guide To Help You Start A Business In Nigeria

What comes to mind when you want to start a business in Nigeria? Is it the fear of little beginnings? Or that of what business to invest in? Some are faced with the challenge of how to fund their businesses. Whatever the fears are, there is always a way out. And you can subdue these fears when you follow the right steps.

Starting a business in Nigeria can be a challenging task. Without requisite knowledge, one might miss out. And this is because many things matter in the market place. Businesses keep springing up. They are regarded as a viable means of earning a living. So, almost everyone wants to do business. But the real work is how do you start a business in Nigeria?

So, simply put, to start a business requires proper planning. Even the type of business you wish to run doesn’t matter. Some stages are key to all kinds. But for this article, we shall look at 10 key steps to take before you start a business.

How To Start A Business

Develop A Viable Business Idea

A business idea as a concept that can be used for financial gain. It’s often centred on a product or service that can be offered for money. Without an idea, no business can ever exist. A business idea is that unique solution to a problem an entrepreneur wants to solve.

So, look around. What is that problem your society is facing? Or what service can you render that will put smiles on people’s faces? Then, this business idea will turn into a business opportunity. But this will only happen if you make business plans that will turn it to reality.

Conduct Market Research Before You Start A Business

What market research does is to help you know if you could make a business of your idea. It’s a way to gather facts about the business you plan to start. And these facts include knowing those in the same business already. Also, it’ll include knowing your potential customer. Then you can use that information to find a competitive advantage for your business.

Have A Business Plan

Start a business

 

A  business plan is a written document showing the nature of the business. It states how to structure, run, and grow your new business. Also, it discusses finances. And this contains a projected profit and loss statement.

A business plan also helps a business to plan its future. And helps it to avoid bumps on the way. The time you spend making your business plan is good for foundation laying. Besides, this plan will show potential investors that you know what you’re doing.

Fund Your Business

start a business

Your business plan will help you figure out how much money you’ll need to start your business. If you don’t have that amount at hand, you’ll need to either raise or borrow the capital. The good news is that there are many ways to find the capital you need. Investors could also help you fund it.

Determine Your Location

Where you’ll run your business depends on its nature. And it also depends on what you desire. But, you need to think about what will best suit your business. The internet space is the trending marketplace. While some run their businesses online, some do both online and physical stores. But owning a blog makes it better. The choice you make will determine other requirements.

More Steps To Take To Start A Business

Choose Your Business Name

This stage seems easy but you have to choose well. It’s one thing to just pick a random name. And it’s another to choose a catchy and perfect name. You’ll want one that reflects your brand and all you stand for. Also, it must be a name that is not registered already by another person. You’ll know this at the registration stage.

Register Your Company

In Nigeria, the process is sort of easy. Entrepreneurs can set up their businesses in Nigeria fast enough. This will help you protect your business. As a law and to validate your authenticity, you’ll have to register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). It’s the body that regulates the formation and management of companies in Nigeria. The CAC is in charge of registration of companies in Nigeria. Below is the process involved:

  • Get a company name
  • Prepare the MOA
  • Fill the Pre-Registration Form
  • Pay the Stamp Duty and Filling Fee
  • Prepare the Scanned Copy of Your Documents
  • Submit the Original Documents

Tax Registration

This is a must for all companies that want to operate in Nigeria. Taxes must be paid to ensure the smooth running of the business. All firms registered and resident in Nigeria enjoy a tax-free period of 18 months. After this, they have to pay a percentage of company income tax (CIT) from their total profits.  The money is payable to the federal government every year. But non-residents only have to pay tax from annual profits made in Nigeria.

Market Your Business

Depending on the kind of business, it may involve the rent of a space or office for the business. But, for an online job, it requires creating a website. And it’s a good way of selling your brand. This stage is where you display your goods and services. And because of that, you’d want to make it catchy and warm.

When designing a website, know that your content must be simple and clear. Make it a simple design that clearly states what you do, how you do it, and what you charge. Also, state why your business is the best solution to a client’s problem. Note that the same effect you create with a website goes for an office space.

You’ll need to push your market to the front. This can even take place early in the day. People need to know what you sell. As soon as you’re sure of the business flying through, start telling others. You may also market your business in relevant journals. But the trendy means are social media.

Launch Your Business

Now, your business is ready to fly. And everyone can see your brand. You may or may not have a launch party. Use all social media to tell people that you’re at their service. At this stage, you can officially start selling. Remember to brand yourself as you want people to see you.

Now you’re also a proud lifestyle business owner. Follow the major stages as explained and you’re good to go.

Also, Read 10 Clothing Businesses You Can Start On A Lean Budget

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10 Clothing Businesses You Can Start On A Lean Budget

Many are faced with the problem of what to invest in. What if I told you that clothing businesses can be started on a lean budget? While some think mainly of the risk involved in businesses, others think of the profit margin.

But, can one say profit-making is the major motive of every business? Well, maybe yes. Although service delivery is key, profits are important.

As we have various kinds of business, so we have various degrees of profit. And the clothing business is one of them. So, the lifestyle business you invest in matters a lot. But, can you start clothing businesses on a lean budget? We shall look at this shortly.

Is The Clothing Business Profitable? The Facts

Nigeria is a market for basically all kinds of services. But one common factor with them all is still the desire to make money. However, the specific business to do becomes the issue. Many persons have failed to look towards the fashion industry. This is because we focus on some businesses that are assumed to be the most thriving types. So, for instance, we believe that if it’s not about food, then it’s not it. How true is this?

The Textile, Apparel, and Footwear sector remain the second largest contributor to Nigeria’s manufacturing industry. Not only this, but Nigeria’s fashion industry has also grown in size and style. And it has attracted global attention.

Also, Nigeria is a strategic textile location in the world going by its position as an ECOWAS sub-regional market. And this industry can engage about 3 million people. 26 out of 36 states can grow cotton for short and long term purposes.

Going by GDP data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the “textile, apparel, and footwear” sector has an average growth of 17% since 2010. This rise was due to an increase in demand and also partly by initiatives that haven’t occurred before. Events such as Lagos Fashion Week have championed this movement through their annual runway shows.

Then, considering the lives of notable entrepreneurs in the industry, you’d agree that it’s profitable. If they could make it over time, you will too. Meanwhile, you may want to check out people in the clothing business industry. The likes of Yomi Casual who sews is an international fashion designer.

We have established how profitable the clothing business is. Then, which segment of the business can one invest in, especially with a lean budget? See this list of 10 sub sectors below.

The Clothing Business is ProfitableHere Are 10 Ideas To Try

  1. Costume Rental
  2. Dry Cleaning Service
  3. T-Shirt Printing
  4. Uniform Making
  5. Toy Making
  6. Crochet Knitting
  7. Alteration Service
  8. Embroidery Unit
  9. Fabric Store
  10. Personal Shopper

Costume Rental

It’s a profitable business that you can start on a small-scale basis. Costume rental business can be in different forms. And it’ll be nice if you could combine some if not all. This will help you have a variety of costumes to let out when needed. There are costumes for Mascots, professionals and stage drama, among others.

You can start this business from home and can be run on a part-time basis also. Many organizations like schools, theatre groups and dance groups do need costume rental services for their stage performances.

Dry Cleaning Service

This may need much capital later. It depends on how you look at it. You can start dry cleaning service by meeting clients while you outsource the job. Also, you can establish your cleaning unit with proper planning and substantial capital investment later. Most workers especially the ones in the city are too busy to do their laundries. So, this is an avenue for you to cash in.

T-Shirt Printing

The T-shirt printing business is more popular now than it was. And you can start as a small-scale venture. A beautiful T-shirt design attracts customers. Also, there are many ways to print T-shirts and potential entrepreneurs must first find out about the market before deciding on a print method. And one good thing about it too is that you can outsource at the initial stage.

Uniform Making

This will always thrive for as long as some schools and companies make use of uniforms. Uniform making is a very good home business. Also, a proper network with the buyers will make the business fly. Although you need a sewing skill. Or you may employ someone to sew them.

Toy Making Is A Clothing Business

Toys will always be in demand. And there are different kinds of toys. But here, we’re talking about the soft toys. These are the types made from fabrics. Children all over the world play with them. There’s usually an increase for toys during festive periods. Research it. There’s a market for it. And you’d be surprised at how much sales you make.

Is The Clothing Business Profitable? More Small Scale Ideas

Crochet Knitting

is the clothing business profitable

Crochet knitting business is even more ideal for those that knit as a hobby. They can easily make a living of it. But as a knitter, some level of creativity is needed. Through this, you can create beautiful and unique items. You should also think of sellable crochet items to create like purses, bags, caps, baby wears etc.

Alteration Service

is the clothing business profitable

Alteration service isn’t very common in Nigeria. This type of business also needs the basics of sewing. You’re most likely going to make it fast in this business. This is because most tailors don’t have the time to amend clothes. And we all need to alter our dresses here and there once in a while.

With a low startup capital, anyone can start from their home. You can also run it on a part-time basis. When you alter clothes for people, everyone is happy. Customers get their desired fit and you get paid.

Embroidery Unit

This is like most of the other segments of the clothing business. You can also start the embroidery business by outsourcing it. Or depending on the capital available, you can get a small machine to start with. Either way, to maximise profit, it’s better you get trained on the business.

Simply put, embroidery is the art of adding beauty to clothes. This is done through a special sewing machine. And yes, people do this often especially on clothes like Kaftans.

Fabric Store

This is one of the most profitable segments of the clothing business. We use fabrics of different types to sew our dresses. And because of this, there is always a high demand for them. You can start small and expand it later. Or you partner with a big store owner. When you get customers that need fabrics, they buy from the supplier and you get your profit.

Personal Shopping

Some people serve as personal shoppers. In some cases, they can be the wardrobe manager. They know their client’s tastes. Also, they go for the best deals and the latest fashion trends. So, if you love fashion and like to shop, then you may want to try this.

Also read: Learn Everything You Need To Know About Becoming A Fashion Blogger

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10 lucrative Businesses In Nigeria You Should Consider Investing In

Many Nigerians dream of starting their own businesses. There are lucrative businesses in Nigeria you should consider investing in, if you are part of the dreamers. Some dreams are due to lack of white-collar jobs while some are because of the loss of a job. Either way, it’s good to own a business. It affords you the time and you also call the shots.

But while some are sure of what they want to do, some are still undecided. Then, what you may have to think about is the exact type of  business you want. But you should know that most businesses are highly competitive. Rather than join the long queue, why not look into an untapped business in Nigeria?

Why Go Into An Untapped Business in Nigeria?

Nigeria is a fertile ground for businesses. This explains why foreigners, citizens, and Nigerians in the diaspora do invest here. This also explains that there are a lot of businesses in Nigeria. However, there are more business ideas in Nigeria that we are yet to discover. There are untapped businesses that many people fail to go into majorly because they don’t really know.

Meanwhile, it is not a crime to join almost saturated industries. After all, some say no market is full, you only need to find your way around. But, because the competition is high, having a steady source of income from such markets is usually unpredictable.

This article aims to open your eyes to some untapped businesses in Nigeria that are yet to gain people’s attention. Some know about them but don’t know how profitable they are.

 Things To Know About Untapped Businesses in Nigeria

There are some things you should take note of in this kind of businesses. First is that there are just a few people in the business. And because of this, you have a better chance of gaining grounds faster. This is because you’re one of those that tapped into it early.

Also, it’s important to know that there’ll be slow but steady sales and profits on business. This will only happen at the initial stage. As you grow, it becomes a thing of the past. Sales will surely pick up with time.

Another thing to know is that there’ll be little or no competition. When this happens, it can be a benefit and a limitation. It’s a benefit because everyone will patronize you and will bring in many sales. But the harm therein is that there’ll be no one to keep you on your toes. That is, you tend to relax too much and may not grow as fast as you should.

Lastly, you may grow to be the best in the business. You’d have mastered the business inside out. Also, you’d have had your share of setbacks associated with startup businesses. The good thing about it is that you’ll learn from them and become a better lifestyle business owner.

Now, we can look at some untapped businesses in Nigeria. When you explore the list we have. you must do a research on your choice. Research is a key tool in starting any lifestyle business. Also, via the research, you get to know the pros and cons of the choice you made.

Some of them need some level of skills before you start. While this is true, there are others which don’t need a skill. And there are categories that need low capital while others are intensive.

Some Untapped Businesses in Nigeria

Power Supply Alternative

untapped business in Nigeria

Solar energy is one of the alternatives. It should not be taken lightly. The erratic nature of power supply in Nigeria has forced many businesses and families to look for other options. Then, this will serve as a good substitute. And lifestyle businesses can thrive.

The race to spread solar power across Africa is now a multi-billion-dollar project. And this continues to attract entrepreneurs and investors from within and outside the continent. What makes solar one of the most attractive business opportunities in Africa right now is the notable potential for off-grid solar solutions. And the demand is high.

People are tired of waiting for energy from centrally-managed power grids that are slow to deploy and unreliable.

Spa Business

The stress in Nigeria often results from the hustle and bustle of city life. Also, the erratic power supply, noise, water, and land pollution are endless.  These brought about the need for a place to relax other than their homes. This is because the home also presents other menial chores. So, people need to relax their bodies and minds.

Starting a spa is not so expensive. You can start small and grow along the way. But, getting a steady stream of customers can take months. Keep in mind that as a self-employed, you’ll also be responsible for getting your customers. You also pay taxes and manage expenses. Once you have approval, you can follow a few simple steps to help your business from the ground.

Recycling is One Untapped Business in Nigeria

This is a challenge for many African countries. There is a mass of waste materials that lie fallow in our drainages. Also on the streets, in bodies of water, in offices and at home.

Recycling business has to do with turning waste materials into usable products. It might be from plastics, tins, rubber materials, or whatever has been considered a waste.

As a small scale lifestyle business owner, you don’t have to be the one in charge of the recycling. Once you have an interest, just look for means to get the waste products to the companies that have recycling plants. And you get paid for it. So if you are ready to make your hands ‘dirty’, then this untapped business idea is for you.

Mini Importation

Although people are looking into it these days, it’s still an untapped business in Nigeria. This is a small scale importation business model. It involves a person with small capital importing goods from China or any other country.

You can do this alone or team up with like minds. And this is at a low price but selling is at a higher price. Importation is an age-long industry which has had a great impact on the lives of many people. And even the economy of the country.

Pet Breeding

One of the best pets anyone can have is a dog. You can start with a few mature male and female dogs. Then rear them. When they mate and give birth, you can sell the puppies.

In highbrow areas, a Rottweiler puppy can cost about N250,000. Imagine having about 6 puppies, which will give you about 1.5million naira on the sale of the puppies.

Food Truck

Another untapped business idea in Nigeria is food truck business. It targets the working class. So, you must make it unique and different from the usual restaurant vendors, Because people are too busy, they buy their meals. Then you can leverage on this.

The idea is to solve a problem for most people, as you take the food to them. You can include a delivery service. Also, ensure you make foods that most people are likely to eat. In addition, stay in locations that a lot of people ply. You may try to fix breakfasts that workers can grab on their way to the office. And for lunch, you can then prepare the main meals.

One good part of this business is that you can reduce your rent by 70%. This is because you will require less space. People hardly sit down to eat. Although you’ll still need to set up a container. That’s your ‘office’.

Real Estate

untapped business in Nigeria

Nigeria is a country of about 200 million people. With this number of people, some don’t have shelters. But many do rent places to live. So, you can look into this and make a living of it. As you solve a problem, you’re also making money.

Many relocate from one place to another and will need places to live. Also, you can look into building of hostels around universities. This can be profitable as year in year out, there’ll be new admissions.

Another angle to real estate is that you can help realtors sell off properties on sales. They pay you commissions per sale or referral.

Wallpaper Production

You can either produce wallpapers and sell or have a shop where you sell them. Either way, people use wallpapers a lot these days. They are beautiful to behold. Many people use wallpapers to decorate their rooms, especially the living rooms. Even offices and students are not left out in its purchase. You may want to liaise with real estate managers as well.

Event Ushering

This is also one of the untapped businesses in Nigeria. Hardly will a weekend pass without an event. And all events need smooth running. You may start with a group of 5. You grow overtime. A nice uniform will do the trick for you all.

Event ushering doesn’t need a special skill. But you’ll need to source for clients. Make photographers, event planners and even rental service providers your friends. These people will connect you to clients. After each event, take good pictures and upload on social media. That’s a good advert.

Daycare Centers

untapped business in Nigeria

Mothers especially are laden with where to keep their children. Because they need to work, they need a good and reliable person to take care of their babies. Not everyone can afford a live-in nanny. And not everyone is ok with having strangers in their house. So, a good daycare centre comes readily to mind.

If you have the skill in minding babies and toddlers, then you might go for this. Also, you can stat from your own house. Ensure it’s a bit roomy and very decent. As times goes on, you can upgrade to a Nursery school.

All these untapped businesses in Nigeria are just a small fraction of all. However, the ones here can open your eyes to a whole lot of others. You need not to complain of unemployment. Neither should you worry too much about capital as some need just a small amount to start. All the best.

Also Read: How To Create The Perfect Instagram Bio For Your Business

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Everything You Need To Know About Becoming A Successful Vlogger

Did you know that Youtube is the next biggest search engine after Google? YouTube is not simply a website; it is a search engine. YouTube’s user-friendliness, combined with the soaring popularity of video content, has made it the second largest search engine behind Google. With 3 billion searches per month, YouTube’s search volume is larger than that of Bing, Yahoo, AOL and Ask.com combined. Maybe you’re not interested in the social media presence. Well, wait till you read about people who have become millionaires from online businesses. Then, you’ll surely have a change of heart. We’re going to show you how to become a successful vlogger in every sense of it.

Watching other people’s record of their daily activities is fun, right? But what you may not know is that they are making money off you! Surprised? And this is why vlogging has become popular for some time now. You may even be the type that likes to make videos for fun. Only if you knew what you’ve been missing.

We all know how pictures catch our attention. But videos have the power to do much more. Videos hold people spell bound, especially creative and interesting ones. That’s what successful vloggers leverage. Besides catching fun, you’ll be making money from these videos via vlogging. According to Forbes, Felix Kjellberg, aka PewDiePie uploads videos of himself playing computer games. And he has 106 million subscribers! So, to know how to become a successful vlogger, we need to break it down. Let’s get to it, shall we?

How To Become A Successful Vlogger In Simple Steps

Before now, only a few select “star” actors had the opportunity to appear on television. Since the advent of YouTube in 2005 and vlogging (video blogging) just about anyone can become a household name via video. Today, more people watch video content on YouTube than any TV network. Viewers watch 1 billion hours daily. YouTube videos are produced in 91 countries and can be found in 80 different languages.

If you enjoy appearing behind the camera and sharing tips and information, a vlog channel of your own is a great choice. YouTube allows you the opportunity to be creative, experiment with content and create a community.

Here’s what you need to do:

  • Make Your Findings

This step is important. To know how to become a successful vlogger, you have to do research. Learn and keep learning. Watch other vlogs also. Find out what other vloggers are doing. Also, know how they do it. Explore the world of vlogging at large. Get all the info you can access and use them to build yours.

In essence, get familiar with the A-Z of vlogging. If you need a mini-training for this, go ahead. It’s about you getting prepared and knowing your terrain well. And this becomes a gateway for you. The more the knowledge you acquire about it, the better your chances at becoming successful.

  • Pick A Vlogging Theme/Niche

What do you want to create? Think of what you want your content to look like. But you need to choose a familiar theme. That is, make it a theme you can relate with anytime. Also note that when you do this, you’ll be able to ensure continuity.

This second step in becoming a vlogger  is a decision making stage that is easy. It’s easy because you’ll be picking from a list of what you usually do with ease. And at your leisure. So, it comes easy but requires a careful thought as it is no longer about fun for you alone anymore. Your audience have now become a part of your life. Then you just have to carry them along via that theme.

  • Create A YouTube Channel

Firstly, visit YouTube. Get a Google account if you do not have one. Then name your channel appropriately. Use a name that describes you as a brand. And  you should keep it short. That will make it easy for people to locate you. And of course remember you. You can thereafter follow the prompts to finish the process.

  • Get Appropriate Equipment

how to start a vlog and make money

To know how to start a successful vlog is to also know the equipment needed.  It’s part of the entire process. High-quality videos get the best views. So, get a good camera. And you may need to get a good microphone too. Most YouTubers start with their phones. As they make more money, they buy professional equipment to help get better results.

A computer is needed too. You may use books to support your camera before you get a tripod. In the meantime, use free editing software until you can afford the ideal type.

But a few people are of the opinion that what’s worth doing at all is worth doing well. That is, they support getting the full gear from the outset. As good as this is, it depends on your capacity. If you can’t afford the cost of the entire gear now, you can as well get them later as you grow. You can start small and grow big or start big and get even bigger.

  • Prepare Your Video

This stage is where you think of what exactly you want to film. Create a content plan using your research. Creating a video is always easier when you already have your content planned.

Also, be yourself. Relax as much as possible. And enjoy the video making. Write scripts that will guide you. With time, you learn how YouTube vlogging works. You can as well have a unique intro at the beginning of every video. Do the same at the end. Your audience will love and remember you for it.

Want to master the art of blogging? Read this first!

  • Edit Your Video 

how to start a vlog and make money

When you have shot enough great content, start editing. You can use different software. Some computers have free editing video software like Windows Movie Maker. Select interesting clips. Create an intro and outro to make your video unique. Leave an impression by all means on your audience.

For starters, make videos as long as thirty minutes. Longer videos get to have more ads. As soon as you get 1000 subscribers, you start having revenue. Ensure you spice it up to your satisfaction.

More Steps In Becoming A Successful Vlogger

  • Upload Your Vlog

Getting your Vlog online can be exciting. It comes with a sense of fulfilment. Log in and click upload. Before this, ensure a good network service to avoid any form of delay. When it is loaded to 100 per cent, you click publish and let your audience into your world. Also, optimize your video title. Keep it within 50 characters and let it be creative. Also, tell your viewers what to expect. Then, use keywords in the title for easy search. You don’t want to confuse your audience.

Create a video thumbnail and make it appealing. You can also use emojis to communicate emotions. Also, use keywords in your video description so that it can rank for keywords people are searching for. This also helps your video suggestions,

  • Promote Your Videos

This is an important step in starting a vlog and making money. To get views, you must promote your vlogs. One of the best ways of promoting your vlog is via social media. Share your blog link on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also ask friends and family to re-share.

These days, social media influencers help in promoting the works of others. Depending on who you meet and the circumstances around the meeting, they may not charge you for this. Some successful vloggers watch out for upcoming vloggers and help them showcase their vlogs to the world. That may be one of their ways of giving back to the society.

Another way to promote your video is through a collaboration. This may not be popular but it works. Look for a vlogger in the same league as you and do a video together. When you combine efforts at times, it yields better results. And you may be lucky to get a successful vlogger to feature you in their own vlogs. Or such vlogger may help you to grow by featuring in your vlog. This will increase your subscriber base.

  • Build an Audience

A loyal follower base is one secret to success on YouTube. Watch and engage in other videos too. This puts you as someone social on YouTube. Your vlogs will keep being ranked higher and higher until they start appearing in the recommended videos section.

You’ll agree that in learning how to become a successful vlogger, your audience is important. So, you can build an audience through proper engagement with your audience. Show them you care about them. Let them know that their interest means the world to you. Also, your content is another way of doing so.

  • Be Consistent

Consistency as a key ingredient in growing any business can’t be overlooked. It helps your audience to know you very well for what you do. And it helps you in getting better at it. If you ask renown vloggers how to become a successful vlogger, they’ll tell you consistency is key.

As another step in learning how to start a successful vlog, you must be consistent. You need to create a schedule and be faithful to it. Also, you have to keep uploading new videos. This will help build your subscriber base. Also, don’t get tired. Just keep pushing. You’ll grow as you adhere. This is why passion is very key in starting a vlog. It’ll be a great driving force for you.

So the point is, don’t water down your content. Rather, improve on it. Keep being yourself even as you look for means of getting better. Also display creativity at its best at all times. You should also keep engaging your audience on YouTube and across other social media channels. Meanwhile, the greater your engagement, the higher they’ll rank.

Becoming A Successful Vlogger: Your Possible Income Sources

When it comes to making money as a vlogger, there’s no cap to the ways you can make money. As long as you’re staying true to your niche or niches. And consistency is of course a key ingredient in becoming a vlogger. The more you vlog, the better you get at it.

  • Ads on YouTube

When you have very interesting videos, you can monetize them by placing ads along with the videos. Then YouTube pays you for the views or adverts watched within your video.

  • Google AdSense

Google AdSense is how YouTube rewards you for the people that watch your videos or watch the video ads on your channel.

  • Selling Affiliate Products on YouTube

You can also sell affiliate products on YouTube and make a commission when the affiliate is sold. This can be advertised in your title box.

  • Get Sponsorships

Brands that align with your person can sponsor a particular video. You spend some time during your interesting video talking about the brand.

  • Sell your products or service

You can sell your products and services during your video upload for the day. Also, you can talk about your products in the middle or at the end of your video. While your viewers watch, they’ll hear about your products and make a purchase.

Here’s A List of 10 Successful African Vloggers

We interviewed a vlogger on one of our Instagram live sessions and here’s what she had to say about starting a vlog. Watch and enjoy:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

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With all said, vlogging is a good hustle. Be it as a main or side hustle. You can also learn how to become a successful vlogger if you follow the steps on how to start a vlog and make money. If these people could make it, then you can. Here’s a list of 10 successful African vloggers in no order:

  1. Caspar Lee
  2. Mark Angel Comedy
  3. Nikki Perkins
  4. Sinach Joseph
  5. Maxine Wabosha
  6. Don’t Jealous Me
  7. Tameen Youness
  8. Lily Mutamz
  9. Lorissa Akua
  10. Sibu Mpanza
  • Caspar Lee

How to become a successful vlogger

This British-South African is a 26-years-old YouTuber. Lee started his YouTube channel ‘Dicasp’ in 2011, and later renamed it to simply ‘Caspar’. As of May 2020, Lee’s main YouTube channel has over 7 million subscribers and over 850 million video views. His second channel “More Caspar” has nearly 2 million subscribers and over 116 million video views.

Over the years, the young Youtuber from South Africa has collaborated with many other celebrities such as Cara Delivigne, Shane Dawson or Channing Tatum.

  • Mark Angel Comedy

How to become a successful vlogger

He is a 29-year-old Nigerian video producer, comic skit writer, and ‘YouTuber.’ The young man is best known for his ‘YouTube’ channel, ‘MarkAngelComedy’. Mark is a professional cinematographer. He co-owns a production house.

In 2017, he became the first African to have one million ‘YouTube’ subscribers. Mark connects with his people by featuring his neighbourhood of Port Harcourt in his videos. This is one of the major reasons for his popularity. He has 6.46 million subscribers.

  • Nikki Perkins

How to become a successful vlogger

Nikki Perkins was born in South Sudan in 1990. She is a celebrity model who has appeared in major publications like the French Elle and Vogue. Also, she’s a nursing student, wife, and mother. Nikki’s YouTube content addresses beauty looks for dark-skinned people, as well as fashion, motherhood and life. She has 516,000 subscribers.

  • Sinach Joseph 

How to become a successful vlogger

Sinach is a popular Nigerian singer, songwriter and worship leader. She has released many songs. A very popular one among them is Way Maker. In 2019, the video of the song had about 1 million views on Youtube. Her subscriber base is about 1.31M.

  • Maxine Wabosha

How to become a successful vlogger

Maxine Wabosha is a 23-year-old Kenyan. She’s a full-time 5th-year mechanical engineering student, and a part-time travel, lifestyle and beauty vlogger. She joined YouTube in September 2016 and has accumulated over 8,251,867 views. Maxine Wabosha has about 175,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel.

  • Don’t Jealous Me

When we talk of how to start a vlog and make money, this is another good instance. His name is Tolulope Ogunmefun, popularly called T- Boy. He started his YouTube Channel after a random clip with his university friends went viral on Facebook. What started as mere fun in front of a phone camera later became professional.

This has earned T-Boy a BAFTA Award and more than 30 million views on YouTube. And he has become a force in the African YouTube space. He has about 176,000 subscribers. T-Boy was granted a performance at Harvard University in 2011. He attributes hard work, dedication, and faith as keys to his success.

  • Tameen Youness

How to become a successful vlogger

He’s an Egyptian master of content variety. Tameen’s material ranges from spoofs to remixes to vlogs. He keeps his subscribers and viewers well entertained. Also, he’s one of the first YouTubers in Egypt. Tameen has about 502,000 subscribers. His average view per episode is 200,000.

  • Lily Mutamz

Lily Mutamz is a young woman from Zambia but she’s based in the UK. She’s a singer, songwriter and also a vlogger. Lily vlogs on music, real-life issues and her travel experiences. Also, you’ll find on her channel videos of African dishes and food reviews. She became a vlogger in 2012 and now has about 78, 600 subscribers.

  • Lorissa Akua

The Ghanaian vlogger, Lorissa Akua, hosts “The Only Way Is Ghana.” It’s a web-series showing her journey as she works on migrating from London to Ghana. She starts a real-estate business and shows some of the challenges of building and setting up structures in Africa.

She came into vlogging in 2013. On her channel, she also provides advice and tips, as well as shows other cultural elements like weddings and the country’s scenery. She has 14,600 subscribers.

  • Sibu Mpanza

He is a South African vlogger. Sibu has worked with brands such as Standard Bank, Dunkin Donuts, Takealot.com, Vodacom and ShowMax among others.
He handles content development, filming and editing. He has 24,200 subscribers.

Also read: How To Make Money From Your Hustle As A Blogger

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Here’s How To Set Up A Media Company Easily On A Lean Budget

Starting any business is a great idea that could help anyone improve their quality of life.  And of course, gain more freedom. However, it can be a hard process. If one is not careful, one may get it wrong and end up losing their investment. One of such is starting a media company. If you’d like to know how to start your own media company, then this is a must-read for you.

Leaning on the expertise of others will not always work. So, what is needed is the basic knowledge of what to do. Anyone who has a passion for creating content can start their own media company. But that doesn’t mean it will be successful. Though you might be creative, starting a  media business just requires more than that. It’s a step-by-step process that is like starting any other business.

Starting A Media Company On A Budget

A media company is an outfit set up mainly to pass information across to a wide range of audience. However, this info could be visual or audio. It involves the use of radio and television, print, and the internet. Also, it serves as an information pool for the public. Setting one up can be easy. It may be physical, virtual or blend of both.
Unlike before, a media company goes beyond just the print and electronic means of passing info. It is more detailed and has been simplified. The simplicity came with the advent of the social media. Starting a media company also helps people build their businesses. Part of your duty will be to project the business, your client, to the whole world.
Also, starting a media company involves drafting a business plan that describes your expertise. And also how you plan to create advertising, marketing, and other promotional materials for your customers. Here, content comes to the fore. This part is very important because it spells out what makes you a better option. You have to remember that there are many media companies around as well. So, give it your best shot.
Before, content creation was mainly the role of professionals. However, with the advent of mobile devices and internet access, users can now produce content themselves. The major thing is to learn how to get people’s attention. Then, leverage on it. This does not need much money.

Stages Involved In Starting A Media Company on a Low Budget

how to start a media company

  1. Lay the Foundation
  2. Get the basic equipment
  3. Launch
  4. Build A Team
  5. Create Content

Lay The Foundation

The beginning of everything is as good as the entire idea itself. If the start is faulty, chances are high that the process will flop. And no one wants this. So, you need to have a solid bedrock in creating a media company. And a good way to learn about how to start a media company is to seek relevant information. Just like we’re providing right now.

A research is always the basic requirement in starting out. How much of what you want to start do you know? How do you go about it? These are part of the questions we answered in this stage-by-stage guide on how to start a media company.

Like every other business, you need some basic preps before the real work starts. At this first stage, you need a name for your media company. That name must be catchy. While deciding on a name, consider your vision and mission. What do you stand for? What are your goals? These are part of what you should think of when choosing the name.

Also, you need a business plan. This plan will help you a lot. It serves as a map which will guide you as you progress. Also, it will answer the how, why and when. This is where you describe your mode of operation as well.

You may also want to register your media company right away. This will cost you some money but it’ll be worth it after all. It’s nothing complex. Just the basics. Being registered with the right authorities boosts your confidence. You operate with a license. And there’s a trust that comes with this from your target audience. It validates you. And you may register as time goes by.

Get The Basic Equipment

Starting a media company

Ensure you get the basic equipment you need before you launch out. You may just need a good phone, computers and some video editing and designing skills. Although you may not need a camera now, it’s an advisable expense. The kind of media you operate will tell the exact equipment you’ll need.

If you’re starting an online media company, the basic equipment mentioned above maybe just fine. And apps great for writing, designing and editing are your best bet. They will make your work easier. Also, they will make you enjoy an easy transition into creating any other form of media company.

Launch Out Your Media Company

After you’ve laid the foundation, you can go public. This is when you tell people about you. It’s simply saying “here we are. We are at your service.” But this doesn’t have to be a fanfare. Remember that this is you starting on a low budget. So, no use spending money on events.

Take it easy. Launch your company with a simple but unique website. This will announce you. Your website should spell the services you offer. A good business idea without a catchy website is like a half done snack. Looks good on the outside but bad on the inside.

Let your contact details be visible enough so people can reach you. As a media company, you can start with the basics. Like content development and marketing, among others. You can start these without a physical office.

Also, the social media space is always at your finger tips to use. You can as well leverage your existing social media presence to launch your media company. Remember you are just about starting a media company. This itself pushes you to the public more than before. So, get used to being in the eyes of the public. It will help your new business.

Build A Team

starting a media company

An African proverb says a tree doesn’t make a forest. Therefore, you can’t do the work all alone. You need a team of workers who can assist in carrying out your vision. Also, they could be people who believe in your dream. Then if that’s the case, you can grow together. They may not all be professionals. However, keep it low at the initial stage. A couple of team members will do. It will promote faster and easier deliveries of jobs.

You may hire them on a contract basis. Or even as a full time staff. It all depends on your capacity and what the person has to offer. And you may even find volunteers who are ready to work and learn alongside. This will help you cut cost in line with your budget.

Also, it is important to note that your team members may be spread across your country of residence. Or even across the continent as the case may be. Working remotely is a trend these days. Especially with the outbreak of corona virus, many businesses now operate virtually. But what matters is the quality of value the employee can offer. Location in this case may not matter at all.

Create Content and Attract Users

Depending on your niche, plan a marketing strategy to attract new clients. You also need to interact with loyal clients. Let people see what you can do via your website. Use your website to create your adverts.

At this stage, you may not need to pay for adverts. But, there is the need to properly plan for it. Have a rich content that can’t be ignored. As you grow, a good service rendered once will bring a referral. Then, companies and brands can even approach you for ads.

It’s not enough knowing how to start your own media company. Until you take these steps, the idea or dream remains a mere wish. So, what are you waiting for? Now is the time to start!

Also read: Your Ultimate Cheat Sheet For Building A Lifestyle Business

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Nigerian Comedians Also Have Side Hustles: See This List of 10

Comedy is no longer what it used to be. Yes, it has become better. Before, we saw comedians as unserious. But now, they are well respected because of the obvious value they add. And because laughter is good for the mind, we all need them. So, we enjoy them one way or the other. Comedians in Nigeria know this fact, so they monetize it. Comedy for them is not just to amuse their audience. But it is also their source of income.

Many comedians in Nigeria don’t need an introduction. This is because they’re already popular. But there’s something you may not know. Most of them don’t rely on comedy alone as their hustle. They also know they need side hustles. And that’s why we bring to you a list of 10 comedians who have side hustles. This is in no specific order.

Comedians in Nigeria who have Side Hustles

  1. Ali Baba
  2. Julius Agwu
  3. Ayo Makun
  4. Gbenga Adeyinka
  5. I Go Dye
  6. Basket Mouth
  7. Bovi
  8. Okey Bakassi
  9. Gordons
  10. Akpororo

Ali Baba

Comedians in Nigeria

Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome is popularly known as Alibaba. He is a stand-up comedian and compere. Also, he is a radio host and actor. Also, he is the father of comedy in Nigeria. Ali Baba was born in Warri, Delta State,

Ali Baba is hardworking. He also works hard at improving himself. This comedian was once a bus conductor. He believes in the dignity of work. Also, he believes in smart work.

Apart from comedy, he is an entrepreneur. He has a chain of businesses. Among them is an eatery he co-owns with his wife. And they own a consulting firm too. Ali baba is also a motivational speaker. He is also known both in Nigeria and abroad.

Julius Agwu

Comedians in Nigeria

Julius Agwu is a popular Nigerian stand-up comedian, actor and compere. He is also a musician. His career started in Port Harcourt where he hails from. Julius runs his comedy show too. He is also not left out on the side hustle matter.

Comedians in Nigeria today have upgraded. This we can see in Julius Agwu. Did you think a comedian would write a book? But Julius Agwu did! He is the author of  “Jokes Apart”. He is also popular for being an MC at events.

Ayo Makun

Comedians in Nigeria

Ayodeji Richard Makun or AY, is a comedian, actor and writer. He is also a radio and TV presenter, producer and director. AY is the creator and host of AY live shows. He hails from Ondo State.

AY is even now very popular as an actor and movie producer. Have you watched “30 days in Atlanta” and “A trip to Jamaica?” Then, you’d know what we’re talking about. Also, he produced the very popular “Merry Men”.

Ayo Makun produces all his movies and TV programmes by himself. He does these through his movie production company. Meanwhile, he is also a Globacom ambassador.

Gbenga Adeyinka

Comedians in Nigeria

A multi-award-winning comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka the First is also a bundle of side hustles! He is a presenter, writer and master of ceremony. Also, he’s a comic actor and compere. Gbenga Adeyinka is a Grand Comedian of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (GCFR).

He worked in an engineering firm as a Corporate Affairs Manager. Later, he started hosting programmes for some TV Channels. Gbenga Adeyinka is also the owner of Laffmatzz Entertainment. It is a PR and event management firm.

I Go Dye

Comedians in Nigeria

While we know him as I Go Dye, his real name is Francis Agoda. He is also one of the top comedians in Nigeria. He is a Real Estate investor. I Go Dye is also the CEO of Revamp company. He’s involved in road construction.

It doesn’t end there. I Go Dye has a water bottling company called Franstel Bottled water. He is an ambassador to the United Nations Millenium Development Goals.

More Comedians in Nigeria and their Side Hustles

Basket Mouth

Comedians in Nigeria

His stage name is Basket Mouth but his real name is Bright Okpocha. He is a talented comedian. Basket Mouth is also an ambassador to Globacom Nigeria and Amstel Malta brand.

Bovi

Comedians in Nigeria

Bovi Ugboma is a wealthy comedian, actor and writer. He is also trending at the moment. Many brands seek to have him in their adverts. He organizes big shows and events. Bovi, from Delta State, also owns a YouTube channel. Also, he”s a Glo ambassador.

Okey Bakassi

Comedians in Nigeria

He is an OG in the comedy industry. This veteran started when comedy wasn’t paying off. Okey Bakassi is a comedian, actor and TV presenter. Many may not know he’s also into politics. He was one time Senior Special Assistant to the Imo State governor on entertainment. Okey Bakassi has organised a lot of big shows and events.

Gordons Is A Comedian in Nigeria

Comedians in Nigeria

Godwin Komone is popularly known as Gordons. He is a comedian in Nigeria and a musical artist. Also, he’s a TV host and MC. He is also from Delta State. Gordons has a humble beginning. But he worked hard to where he is now.

Akpororo

Comedians in Nigeria

His real name is Jephthah Bowoto. But we know him as Akpororo. He is a stand-up comedian. Also, he’s a vocalist and actor. He grew up in Warri but he’s from Ondo State. Akpororo was once an Airtel ambassador. He’s a nominee of many awards.

He has performed in many top shows. Meanwhile, he organizes his shows too. Akpororo performs in church events as well.

Also read: How To Make Money From Your Hustle As A Blogger

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