10 Things No One Told You About Blogging In Nigeria
As a blogger, there are several things one needs to know about blogging in Nigeria but unfortunately no one told us. Blogging for me began as a hobby, something I have always wanted to do as far back as 2012 but since i was using a Nokia E63 phone at that time plus my zero computer knowledge/skills, I didn’t bother.
Fast forward to 2017 when i actually started blogging, It was all fun at first until it dawned on me that what they told me about blogging were mostly half-truths. As a very serious person who loves to gain knowledge, I did a little research here and there about blogging in Nigeria on search engines. Most of the results came out with several reason why you should thread the blogging career path and most of them made references to Linda Ikeji and her Multi-million or should I say Billion blog.
Get the picture, they mostly said the cool parts about blogging in Nigeria and left what happens behind the scenes. With close to 8 months experience as a Nigerian life, style and beauty blogger, I have had first hand experience on what no one told me about blogging in Nigeria.
I have learnt on the job and I think I would have been better prepared if I those writers said the you will make a lot of money blogging side as well as the you go “sweat tire” before you make the money side as well. So today, I am sharing with you 10 things no one told me about blogging in Nigeria and like my title says, Number 5 really really hurts.
1. Beware! The hustle is real
Blogging is real work, you know what, let me rephrase, becoming a successful blogger is real work. I rephrased because I have realised that most bloggers don’t want the real work part and that’s why a lot of them are not yet successful bloggers. Blogging requires a lot of work and I mean real work. So if you have the mindset that blogging is all about sitting back and making money, I advice you stop reading here or drop that mindset. As a blogger no matter your niche, you will need to research, create and recreate a lot. In blogging, Quality content is key and the only way to achieve that is via hard work. So also is growth and you have to work hard to ensure you grow.
2. You might get lost in a comparison trap
When you start blogging, you will begin to relate with the blogging community and you will find a lot of great bloggers. It’s easy to get lost in a comparison trap. Because when you look at their blog growth and achievement, You begin to compare. One thing you forget is this “they probably started way before you did”. A comparison trap is never a good thing. You will spend time you would use to improve on your blog to compare and contrast with that of another blogger. It’s okay to get lost in a comparison trap but get out of it asap and take on the challenge to make your blog as amazing as ever.
3. You will meet some amazing bloggers and some with a nasty “celebrity me” attitude
It doesn’t matter if you don’t set out to look for fellow bloggers. One way or the other, you will come in contact with them. Take for example, if you are in a working environment, you are bound to see a few colleagues now and then. The same thing applies to blogging. So, yes you will come in contact with a lot of bloggers.
Some will be nice and supportive like the ones i talked about in my post on 10 lessons learnt from blogging and some will act like a wicked step mother. I have had the amazing opportunity of meeting a lot of sweet and supportive bloggers. I have also come across the ones who feel over privileged. They are the ones who will follow you and unfollow you after you follow back. They are the ones who always love to see your comments on their blogs and never reciprocate the love, they are the ones who will hoard blogging secrets like their lives depends on it. I know a lot of them and some will even read this post…please CHANGE!.
4. You will think of quitting
When I started blogging, it was all fun and rosy. It was a means to express myself and share with others. Eventually, as I grew and saw the reality of it all. I felt like quitting. As a blogger, everyday you learn, everyday you struggle. You will battle with writer’s block, bad traffic and lack of finances. All of this can make you think of quitting. It has happened to me, it can happen to you as well. But I ain’t no quitter and neither are you. The rewards will definitely come, its only a matter of time.
5. Your blog traffic will do the Shoki dance
If you are not Nigerian, you probably wont get this drift. so let me explain what I mean by the shoki dance. This dance was created by Nigerian artist Lil kesh. The dance movements goes from down to up and then down again. That’s the same dance blog traffic does most times. Today your blog traffic is quite impressive and tomorrow it’s going down. This can be really frustrating. When I started out newly, I worried a lot about the numbers but in the last 3-4 months I have experienced a lot of growth and you can read how I increase my blog traffic here. So don’t stress yourself so much when your traffic decides to do the shoki dance and instead continue working on making your blog bigger and richer.
6. Brands will under value you
Blogging in Nigeria can be annoying because a lot of brands want your services but most do not want to value those services. A lot of brands will try to price you down. A lot of brands will try to use you and the list goes on. You have to understand that you are valuable and learn how not to settle for less because if you do, that brand will probably pay you less than what they will pay another blogger who understands his/her value and worth.
7. You will become a jack of all trades
Yes, you read right. As a blogger especially an upcoming blogger, you have to multi-task. Learn how to design graphics, perfect your flatlay game, learn editing, learn a little bit of programming and web design. Become social media savvy and the list goes on.
8. Nigerians will kill you with stares
No one told me, the moment I stand on the road to take pictures, people would stop and gawk at me instead of going about their own business. No one told me my neighbour’s daughter will always look at me with the expression that says “what is this one doing?” whenever she sees me trying to take flat-lay pictures. The stares make one feel so uncomfortable and invariably shy. I am yet to come to terms that getting stares from people is part of a creative blogger’s job hazard.
9. The magic doesn’t happen in a day, it takes time
Growth is slow but at least there is growth. It will take time before you start to see results. So stop beating yourself over it. Some of your favourite bloggers have been blogging for 2-5 years or more. Your magic will happen as well, it’s just a matter of time.
10. You will make money, A lot if you are wise.
I am sure you have heard about this last thing. Bloggers in Nigeria are usually associated with too much money. Well, Aunty Linda set the bar real high. You will make money from blogging, you just have to figure your unique selling point and make it work for you. You have to figure out what you are good at, what you can offer etc. Are you good at marketing? then try Affiliate marketing, are you good at working with others?, then try paid collaboration, Is your traffic very high?, then try PPC adverts like Adsense. You can make it work! we will all get there! . If you want me to do a post on affiliate programs in Nigeria, let me know in the comment section.
What have you learn so far from blogging? What do you wish someone told you about blogging in Nigeria? Let’s discuss this in the comment section.
Signed: From your blogger friend,
Gift Collins.
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Gift Collins is an ingenious creative. She loves to put her polished thoughts into words and pictures to create beautiful stories. She is a media girl-in and out.
An experienced Filmmaker, Scriptwriter and Blogger. She also has skills and experience in social media management.
Welcome to her space, it’s yours too!
I’ve never read a more detailed and insightful post! No 3 is just super true and can be heartbreaking many times but we move! ??
http://www.debwritesblog.com
Author
I am glad you could relate with the post…..sadly no 3 is as real as it gets but baby girl Yass we move….
I’m glad I came through to this platform. It really changed my perception all of a sudden. You spotted something which I love, the No 4, it’s so attacking and it is as well promising.
Thanks Gift, I do appreciate this piece
Author
Thinking of quitting…. Oh well it happens but the amazing part is when we pull ourselves back up. You can take a break or talk to someone like I did… But whatever you do, never ever quit!
I can so relate with the list. No 7 is so true. In fact, another thing no one even told me about blogging is how much I have to research and read. And I am yet to even try my hands on flat lays ??? so much work in blogging..
Author
There is so so much to learn but take it one step at a time. If you want to get tips on flatlays visit mindofamaka.com. sister girl has become a flat lay pro in less than a few months of blogging.
Total truth!!I just started out and i am finding out all this the hard way but as you said we are not quitters,so i will hold and remind myself that you did too. Please do the post on affiliate programs in Nigeria.
Author
Hey hey first of all I love your blog name. It kind of describes me perfectly.. ?. Don’t worry you will be fine. Just work hard and get support systems that will spur you on…
Alright I will definitely do the affiliate post. Thanks for dropping by
Lol I tell you sometimes the best posts are born from the absolute struggle. I can feel you really reached deep within in order to write this and I’m loving it. I find that the mindset you start blogging with determined how you react to things especially when the lows come. Thibgs like money, I didn’t enter with the mindset of becoming Linda Ikeji because she’s an entirely different type of blogger. I just wanted to share my wild thoughts with any one willing to read, while sharpening my writing skills. I felt a bit guilty for not leaving more comments but I’ll try more now ?
Sha my mindset made me not worry too much about stats, money or even the flatlay stuff ? I understand the stares, that’s why when I take flatlays I quietly lock my door until I’m done doing my magic lol. It’s only style posts that are challenging but I don’t do them much so I’m good. I say let them stare!
Anyway, keep doing your thing girl and looking fabulous! Loved the post, keep reaching deep into your heart for these posts
Author
This was supposed to be my come back post before the travel gig thing came up. I just had to pen down all my struggles because I know I am definitely not the only blogger going through such.
Yeah I agree the mindset you start with can affect in a lot of ways but believe me I just wanted my own space on the internet to share what I think with others but starting up self hosted makes you realize that the money has to be made if not you are probably going to be thrown out of the internet when one can’t renew hosting and all.
My room isn’t well lit so I can’t choose to lock door, in fact I can’t stay indoor and take photos. I have to stay on my corridor and people will just be looking up and down…
And hey thanks for taking out time to listen to me… I appreciate
So true, you’d make money if you’re wise.
Veryyyyyy nice post??
Author
Yes you will.. You just have to be wise…
Thank you for reading and leaving a comment
Hahaha no 4 & 5 made me laugh. Omo no one said it was beans ooo but we thank God for the internet and support systems. Really hoping to tap in on No 10 soon even if na small change. Great compilation name sake ?
Author
Ah I totally forgot to add… Nobody told me I will be doing subscription every damn week ?… Spending so much money to be online and someone somewhere in my village thinks blogging won’t pay me….. It must.
The support systems are necessary and that’s why I love what Alice is doing.
Ahhhhhh… Subscription.. Did you say every week??? Mine is every 4 days… I have given up plenty times… I can’t even begin to count, I can relate with all of them, no need to go into deets… The struggle is R E A L!!!!!!!! may God help us all this year . Amen
I can completely relate to every sinple point made in this post. No. 3 is so true, I’ve also experienced it first hand. Also no. 8, i’m also still trying to come to terms with people staring whenever I take photos in public. Nice post, well-done
Author
Hey Leslie, one way I take pictures in public is to get my friends to accompany me. That way I am consoled that they are starring at all of us. You can always pair up with another blogger and shoot so you don’t have to feel awkward or alone.
This is so insightful, I’m New in this game and most times i feel totally lost. Thank you
Author
Hey oma, it’s ok to feel lost, with time you will learn. You can totally hit me up anytime you need help or feel lost and we will figure it out together
This is mind blowing and it’s so obvious you wrote this directly from your heart,I tell you it’s not easy,no one told me it would get to a stage where no one would give you credits anymore you just have to sit up and be your support system,when I started blogging honestly I didn’t think about the profit and all I just wanted to do what I love to do and the follow and unfollow game is really frustrating I tell you.Amazing post there darling
Author
Hey dearie, you are right. I wrote this from my heart and I am happy you find it relatable. About support systems, the best cheer leader you can get is you. Don’t worry about it, someday lots and lots of people will cheer you on…
The follow and unfollow game…. It just takes away the fun from instagram I swear..
Insightful post indeed. So clean amd relatable. Thank you for taking time to do this.
Author
I am happy you found it relatable… Hope to see more of us.
Thank you for visiting
Very straight and inspiring.
Thanks for sharing dear.
Hey Gift.
I enjoyed reading this. I’m still struggling in the blogging community and all. I can so relate with you though. I hope to grow this year and take my blog really serious. This one post , I will be coming back too. ❤
Author
Hello Seky, I can’t wait to see your blog grow…. I believe in you girl ♥
Thank you!! I just started blogging on January 1st and this is just timely for me. Creating good content and awareness, pictures,mehn! It’s not easy. Your point about comparison is really true, I’ve been giving myself tension over this,lol. I’m definitely coming back here.
Author
Hello Esther, welcome to the club… I am rooting for you. I can’t wait to see what you do with your blog. Cheers
Interesting and factual. I could relate with all these points.
If I am to add one it will be “there are times I am won’t be so proud to identify as a blogger”.
First time here and your blog is beautiful ….keep up the good hard work?
Author
Glad to have you here Ijeoma, I hope you subscribe for more information. I am not always proud about being a blogger but most times I am
Hey Gift! All the points you made here is so valid and true but I got hit most by number 2 and 3 because that is what I recently overcame and recently realized respectively. Please do a post on the affiliate marketing and the adsense. You just gained you a new follower. Nice blog by the way.
Author
Hello Funke, it’s feels good to have you here. I will definitely do the post on affiliate marketing so look out for it..
Thanks for the love ?
No 4 resonate with me. Blogging is not an easy journey. But I believe with patient, consistency and time one can overcome.
Author
Yes dear Mercy, patience and hardwork
hahahah. Gift u cracked me up. No one told me that to make the money, you will here winn. i remember how some police officers seized my phone and threathened to lock me up because i wanted to take a picture
Author
Hello Faith, I won’t even attempt that picture thingy with Nigerian police or especially SARS.
No one said I would be spending money from diy supplies to photography to subscription. It’s real.
Author
Lol… Well the struggle is real but the end will definitely justify the beginning. If it’s any consolation, I absolutely adore your DIY projects.
I am just about to start my blog which is about fashion makeup to be precise I know every step of makeup to gele but I don’t even know where to start with all the basic makeup kits I need and it is so high on budget also about the camera I researhed most vloggers use is just so high in price and I just don’t know what to blog about now for the main time until I will be able to get this equipments right now I am so confused.
Author
Hello Glory, I can put you through. Please Send an email to gyifted@gmail.com. thank you
great post – detailed, informative, inspiring..
like u said, the magic does not happen in a day.
thanks so much for this post
Uhmm!!!! So inspiring and zeal awaken. Gift, you’ve really spilled the beauty of your writing in this article. Thanks so much. I look forward to staying glued to your blog. Yeppi!
So true… the “celebrity attitude” got me… then the brands looking down on you… very painful. But they will pay, one day, they will write you back and ask to pay for your work. Can I get an Amen?
Author
Amen sister, amen!
great post.ride on