No Capital? No Problem: 7 Profitable Side Hustles You Can Start Today With Just Your Phone or Laptop
- Experts have said most business owners did not begin their empire with huge capital or family inheritance, but with great ideas
- They have advocated that resilience and tenacity in business are more important than capital
- However, there are big business ideas that drive funds into your pocket without having startup capital
Legit.ng’s Pascal Oparada has reported on tech, energy, stocks, investment and the economy for over a decade.
Gone are the days when starting a business required a shop, staff, or massive investment.
Today, all you need is internet access, a device, and the skills you already have.
As bills rise and salaries stagnate, side hustles are becoming a lifeline—and a path to financial freedom.
Source: Getty Images
Warren Buffett once said, “The best investment you can make is in yourself.” By building valuable skills, you can unlock income streams that no one can tax or devalue.
Here are seven proven side hustles you can start right now without spending a single naira.
Freelance writing & content creation
Every business needs content—blogs, social media posts, website copy, and newsletters. If you can write clearly and meet deadlines, this is your entry point.
Start by writing sample articles in a niche you understand, such as finance, health, or tech. Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Contently to connect with clients.
High-quality work leads to referrals, and your portfolio will open doors to bigger projects.
Virtual Assistant services
Small business owners are often overwhelmed with admin work—emails, scheduling, research, and social media updates. If you’re organised and tech-savvy, you can step in as a virtual assistant.
Specialising in a niche, such as real estate or e-commerce, can make you stand out. Many virtual assistants enjoy flexible hours and the freedom to choose their clients.
Online tutoring & course creation
From Excel tutorials to stress management tips, people are willing to pay for knowledge. You don’t need formal credentials—practical skills are enough.
You can offer one-on-one tutoring via Zoom or create a digital course once and sell it repeatedly. Online learning is booming, and your expertise could turn into a steady income stream.
Social Media Management for small businesses
Many businesses know they need a strong online presence but lack the time or skills to manage it. If you understand platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, you can help them grow.
Create content calendars, track analytics, and maintain brand voice. Matching your interests to a business niche—like food, fashion, or fitness—can make the work even more enjoyable.
Affiliate marketing & product recommendations
Share products or services you genuinely use and earn a commission for each sale made through your link.
Trust is key here—recommend only what you believe in. Over time, your recommendations can build a loyal following and steady affiliate income.
Source: Getty Images
Dropshipping & E-Commerce consulting
With dropshipping, you sell products without holding inventory—suppliers ship directly to your customers.
The key is finding a real problem to solve for a specific audience. Alternatively, you can offer consulting services to help others set up their online stores, optimise product listings, or run ads.
Digital marketing & SEO services
Businesses may have websites, but many don’t know how to attract visitors or convert them into paying customers.
If you can learn SEO, digital ads, or email marketing, you can fill that gap. Improved site speed, keyword optimisation, and targeted campaigns can deliver measurable results—and keep clients coming back.
Turning skills into streams of income
A 2023 IRS study revealed that the average millionaire has seven streams of income. Starting with just one of these no-capital hustles could be your first step toward that goal.
With focus, consistency, and a commitment to learning, your phone or laptop could become your most valuable business asset.
All you need to start a POS business in 4 steps
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Central Bank of Nigeria has implemented its cash withdrawal policy.
In a recent defence of the policy to lawmakers, CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele stated that Point of Sale (PoS) agents will be vital.
He told lawmakers that every local government in Nigeria has an agent represented, and there are more than 900,000 POS terminals.
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Source: Legit.ng
