Many Nigerian writers start their careers juggling client briefs and writing gigs on WhatsApp or Upwork. But some evolve from lone rangers to agency founders, building content companies, curating creative teams, and taking on premium clients. If you’re wondering how to make that leap without capital or connections, here are five grounded ways to go from solo to structured. These steps will guide you in building your own content writing agency
1. Package your services like a business
You’re not just “writing articles” or “editing books.” You’re offering content strategy, brand storytelling, and publishing solutions. Think like a business even if you’re still a one-person squad. Create clear service packages and rates. Use platforms like Selar to house them. Writers like Chidinma Nnamani, who began as a freelancer but now runs a content studio, started by simply naming her services and designing offers for different client types.
2. Build a visible portfolio using tools you already have
You don’t need a N300,000 website to prove you’re agency-ready. Use Instagram carousels, a Notion page, or your Selar storefront to showcase past work and testimonials. Document projects you’ve done: ghostwritten books, brand bios, newsletters. This builds trust with bigger clients and future collaborators.
3. Start collaborating early
Before you hire a team, begin co-creating. Partner with a designer for ebook covers, or an editor to handle client drafts. This builds your network and simulates the agency flow. Over time, you’ll know who to hire or contract. The creative duo behind Words on Purpose did this before formalizing their storytelling outfit.
4. Position yourself as a brand
Nigerian writers like Fisayo Soyombo or Edirin Edewor show how personal brand can drive opportunities. Share what you’re learning, the challenges of scaling, and the kind of clients you want to work with. Your future agency clients are likely watching you already.
5. Build scalable systems
Use tools like Google Forms for client onboarding, Trello for project tracking, and WhatsApp Business for communication. As you grow, these systems will help you onboard teammates and reduce chaos. Many small agencies like The Scribbles Hub and The Writing Agency Africa started by creating structure long before they had a full team.
It’s possible to grow from one-man writing hustle to a full-blown creative agency. Start with what you have. Think agency even if you’re still solo.
