How to Make Money Online: 7 Digital Skills You Can Learn Today
Numerous people have a desire to earn money online, but they often lack knowledge on how to do it. The sheer volume of information can be overwhelming. The simple truth is that the most effective way to begin your online earning journey is by mastering a digital skill that allows you to offer value in exchange for money.
This blog outlines 7 essential and practical digital skills that can be learned by anyone in Nigeria, the United States, Sweden, or Canada to begin earning money online with only a smartphone and internet connection.
Why is it important to learn a digital skill?
The way our work is evolving rapidly. New opportunities are emerging in the digital economy, which means that you can now earn money without having to stay at a physical location or work 9-5.
These are the significance of digital skills.
- Remote working and online jobs: have become the norm in terms of work-life balance.
- Freelancing and side business are in high demand: Individuals have started to generate multiple income streams from their residences.
- Accessibility: With just a smartphone, internet access and consistency you can learn and make money.
If you are a student, job seeker, or entrepreneurial enthusiast, learning how to use technology could be the key to becoming financially successful.
7 Practical Digital Skills You Can Start Learning Today.
1. Graphic Design (Smartphone or PC)
Creating visual content such as logos, graphics, brochures and other social media content, banners & branding materials.
Why it is in demand: Every business, influencer, or content creator requires graphic content to effectively market their brand.
Where to learn the skill:
- Free: Canva tutorials on YouTube, Free Udemy Courses
- Paid: Ultimate Smartphone Graphics Design Course By Plum Digital Concepts, Mobile design courses can be obtained at Udemy, Coursera
How to make money with it:
- Develop logos and flyers for companies.
- Sell templates on Etsy or Creative Market.
- Use Fiverr, Upwork or Instagram to sell your design skills.
2. Creation of video editing, YouTube Shorts & Reels.
Editing of short videos for TikTok, YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels as well as Facebook.
Why is it in demand?
Social media’s dominance in short-form video has led to its demand. Every brand wants eye-catching content.
Where to learn the skill:
- Free: CapCut and InShot tutorials available on YouTube.
- Paid: The Beginner’s Video Editing On Stakecut, Skillshare, Udemy.
What are the ways to earn money from it?
- Offer video editing solutions for influencers, content creators & small business owners.
- Create and monetize your own short-form content
- Offer video templates or social media bundles for sale.
3. Social Media Management.
Managing the social presence of brands, businesses, or influencers. The list consists of content creation, posting schedules, engagement, and analytics.
Why is it in demand?
The need for social media is important among businesses, but they lack the time to manage it themselves.
Where to learn the skill:
- Free: YouTube
- Paid: Skillshare, Udemy.
How to make money from it?
- Manage social accounts for local businesses or online creators
- Provide solutions for content planning, scheduling, and analytics.
- Create and market social media content calendars or templates.
4. Affiliate Marketing
Selling a service or product that someone else made and getting paid for every sale from a special link you make.
It’s highly sought-after: It permits earning without the need to produce your own product.
Where to learn the skill:
- A free YouTube channel (Franklin Hatchett and Miles Beckler)
- Paid: Affiliate Marketing course on Stakecut, Udemy, Skillshare,
Affiliate Marketing Platforms
Expertnaire (Nigeria) PartnerStack, ClickBank, etc.
How to make money from it?
- Link to products on your blog, WhatsApp, email, or YouTube video.
- Create niche pages or product reviews.
- Advertise software or courses that you genuinely use.
5. Web Design & Development.
Using WordPress, Shopify or Wix or using code: Building landing pages, eCommerce stores, and websites.
Why is it essential to have a website for establishing a slick online presence?
Every business needs one.
Where to learn the skill:
- Free: free CodeCamp, W3Schools, YouTube.
- Paid: Udemy, Coursera, local boot camps.
How to make money from it?
- Build websites for businesses, bloggers, or trainers.
- Provide web maintenance services or design of landing pages.
- Develop and market WordPress themes or templates.
6. Copywriting / Blogging
Writing words for sale, for example, advertisements, websites and emails or blogs. The goal is to encourage readers to take action.
Why is there a need for quality copy drive conversions?
Every brand needs it.
Where to learn the skill:
- Free: Educational opportunities are available at HubSpot Academy, Copyblogger, and YouTube.
- Paid: Ghostwriting on Stakecut, SmartBlogger, The Copy Cure.
How to make money from it?
- Create blog content for brands or agencies.
- Provide sales copy or email marketing solutions?
- Earn money from affiliate links or ad campaigns on your personal blog.
7. WhatsApp Automation & Funnel Building.
Setting up automated systems to collect leads, send follow-ups, and guide customers through sales processes using WhatsApp.
WhatsApp’s primary use is in Nigeria and Africa, where it has become a crucial communication and sales tool.
Where to learn the skill:
- Free: WhatsApp Business + Google Forms tutorial on YouTube
- Paid: Udemy
How to make money with it:
- Create marketing plans and strategies for small businesses.
- Deliver digital products through WhatsApp?
- Use it for your own product or affiliate marketing sales system.
How to Choose the Right Skill for You
- Are you unsure of where to begin? Ask yourself:
- What are you most curious about?
- What are the tools that you have?
- Do you prefer visuals, writing, tech, or communication?
- Would you be able to dedicate a few hours per week to practice?
The Secret is to pick a skill, practice it for 30 days straight and don’t be concerned about your ability to do everything correctly. Just start.
Tools required to begin?
It’s possible to start without costly equipment. This is a basic setup for most digital skills:
- Smartphone or PC: (preferably both working, but either can work).
- Design & Video: Canva, CapCut, Adobe Express, InShot
- Use automation and marketing tools, like WhatsApp Business, Selar or Mailchimp.
- Top freelancing platforms: Fiverr, Upwork, etc.
- Payment gateways: include PayPal, Flutterwave and Stripe (specific to Canada/US) for international transactions.
Pro tip: Get access to our Digital Skill Toolkit for a curated list of tools, guides, and templates to get started.
How to Find a Job or Monetize Your Skill
Once you’ve acquired the necessary skills, it’s time to start earning. Find opportunities by following these proven techniques:
- Fiverr & Upwork — Global freelance marketplaces
- Selar & Payhip — Sell digital products, eBooks, templates
- Amazon KDP — Publish and sell books or journals
- YouTube & TikTok — Create content, build audience, promote products
- Facebook Groups & LinkedIn — Network and pitch your services
Always start with a small portfolio (even 2-3 demo projects can work) and offer discounts to your first few clients to build trust and reviews.
Conclusion
The internet has made it easier than ever to turn your smartphone or laptop into a money-making tool. Whether you’re in Nigeria, the United States, Canada, or Sweden, learning an in-demand digital skill is one of the smartest moves you can make.
You don’t need to be a tech genius to get started. All you need is curiosity, a little consistency, and the right guide.
Pro tip: Serious about learning a digital skill? Download the Digital Skill Toolkit and fast-track your way to earning online — it’s worth every cent.
Which digital skill do you feel most excited to explore first? Let me know in the comments below!