The Nigerian Internet Entrepreneur Spotlight – Adeola Kayode
Here is another part of the series on “The Nigerian Internet Entrepreneur Spotlight” that we share on this blog. We do this so that our readers and visitors can get to know some of the Nigerian Internet Entrepreneur. And also for newbies to learn from their experience. Today, our spotlight is on Adeola Kayode.
MMON: Please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Adeola Kayode. I deal in brand strategy and communication. I run my own consulting company, involved in some others and I express myself about it all on www.adeolakayode.com
I also run a couple of online platforms dedicated to news, health and business. I’m passionate about what I do.
MMON: When did you start making money online and how did you make your first money online?
I first used a computer in 1997. I remember us going 7 persons at a time to check out the latest Windows 97. I however cut my teeth online with a blogspot address and later moved on to adeolakayode.com in 2006.
My first money was made through Google Adsense. I remember being thrilled about Google sending me letters and cheques.
I began to explore other means when I met someone and understood how to build a business around online platforms. I however make money
from other avenues; consulting, development and training.
MMON: That is cool. Window 97 in 1997. Also, most people start from AdSense then diversify to other income streams as a business. When starting your website, did you ever expect it to grow to where it is today?
I started because I loved writing and that I did for a long time even when I didn’t make money. Reading many other online experts have
made me believe more in the possibilities of using online to drive
your business objectives. It has been a long learning curve and I’m
glad to be on the way there.
MMON: Really, it’s a long learning curve. You’ve been on the internet for a long time, how much of an impact have you made on the internet?
Kai, I don’t know o. I however, I think Google will be a good judge of that. Blogging has helped me a lot more. I have met more people, been to places, made money and has helped build my business step-wisely.
MMON: You are right about that. We know a few. You once won the Best Social Media Thinker/Influencer in the 2011 Sowambe Social Media Awards. Also, you were one of the speakers at the 2012 WordPress WordCamp held in Kenya in November.
So, how have you incorporated social media with your blog?
Social Media has become a powerful ally to Search Engine Optimization in traffic building and I think I latched unto it early. Since I write on digital marketing and entrepreneurship, I do a lot in using social media to drive those goals.
MMON: In your opinion, what is the best way to monetize a blog?
Monetizing a blog is really cool but I think you first need to determine your objective. Its funny seeing some business websites having third-party advertisements – it just come across as hustling.
To monetize, I think the best thing is to experiment with what works
and which method pays best. Especially if like Nigeria your country is limited by payment methods.
I. Ad networks: Most popular of these is Google Adsense, others are AdDynamo, Adplacers, CPC networks
II. Direct sources: A-list bloggers use this a lot. It means going directly to source for advertisements for your website
III. Creating products + service: This I think is the most powerful. If you have traffic, why limit it to adverts?
MMON: Good ways you given. What would you recommend for a new blogger, that wants to create their own brand on the internet?
In a few points;
i. Choose your niche
ii. Dedicate time to do your Search Engine Optimization and marketing
iii. Don’t expect to make millions from day one. It’s real WORK!
iv. Network, Network with others
MMON: Cool. Networking with others works a great deal. Do you have any recommended resources for people looking to bring their blog to the next level?
On traffic – thinktraffic.net
On blogging – wpdesigner, diythemes, problogger
On making money online – copyblogger, makemoneyonlineng.com
On a final note, focus on building authority and not just cut and paste blogging
MMON: Wow. The resources you gave and the advise are golden! What tools do you think will be of great use to other bloggers?
I. Plug-ins: For me WordPress SEO by Yoast is a great resource
II. Content/Blogging plan: Create one and stick to it
III. Measure and improve
MMON: Do you have any big announcements or upcoming projects you’d like to tell us about?
Well 2013 is a big year for me and I have a couple of projects coming up. Have some books ready for production and some others,
I’ll keep you in the loop soon.
MMON: Sure, we’ll be expecting to talk about your books on this blog. We’ll be expecting that. Any final word for this interview?
Thanks for the opportunity
MMON: Thank you too for your time. We appreciate
Hello reader, I believe you have learned something from this interview. We’ll be glad if you can share what you learned with us using the comment box provided further below. This is so that others can learn from you too.
