Recently, I recommended 10 web startups ideas worth exploring in Nigeria. Here are 10 more Internet startup ideas for your review.
11. Web hosting services
There are quite a few of web hosting sites offering web hosting packages, web design and web domain name registration services. If you are technlogy-inclined and understand how to write codes, PHP, etc you could consider starting a web hosting startup. A good example is Nairahost.com
12. Blogging Platforms
Blogging has been very successful with the help of blog platforms such as wordpress, blogger (blogspot), typepad amongst others. In fact, this blog - StartupsNigeria - will not exist without the support of Wordpress.
Perhaps we need Nigerian blogging platforms that offer local content, design and settings. I like Bundublog.com, an African-owned blogging plaform that echoes the voices of Africans to the world.
13. Blog Templates Design sites
We know we have so many design & graphics experts in Nigeria that should hone their skills more on today’s new webspace. We need blog templates designers out of Nigeria and Africa that offer and market their own designs based on local backgrounds and concept to the world. Thus, a startup site that showcases blog templates portfolios could be a hit.
14. Consumer reviews site
Of course you have used a product or service in Nigeria that you didn’t like. And you cursed and cursed but nobody listened to you. Even the companies or businesses that didn’t satisfy your needs expect you to make complaints (which perhaps doesn’t get to them or they don’t listen to at all). Thus a customer/consumer reviews startups that provide users the opportunity to share their opinions and experiences after the use of products and services could be your opportunity to vent your anger. Nigerianreviews.com is doing something in that direction.
15. Public complaints site
Maybe you have a public complain to make concerning a justice system gone bad, or a corrupt police force, or even a Nigerian government agency or ministry that needs to improve their service, a public complaints site could be a good place to voice your opinions anonymously. A startup like that could get a lot of attention.
16. Social bookmarking/media sites
I was thrilled when I heard of Sturvs - Nigeria’s first social media & bookmarking site. We need more of these sites so we could in the future launch awards for the category of social media & bookmarking sites in Nigeria just like Digg, StumbleUpon and Technorati are celebrated around the world.
17. Social music revolution
When I discovered Lastfm, I was thrilled to know that music can mix with social networking. Perhaps Nigerian-owned Truspot.com can be said to be a social music revolution with its interesting features and unique music flavour. I like Limewire and Deezer, and it would be great to see a Nigerian music sites that allow us to listen to full music tracks and download music (mp3) for free. Is there any site like that?
18. Room/Apartment rental sites
This is probably one area that has not been explored yet in Nigeria. I don’t know if there is a site like this, but if you know any, we’d love to hear from you. Most people, especially students who can’t afford a 600K naira apartment for two years in Lagos or Abuja could benefit from this kind of site that allows them find roommates to share the rent and utility bills. You can get ideas from US-based easyroommate.com
19. Classifieds sites
There are so many classifieds sites around the world providing different product listings from cars to laptops to jewelries, and in Nigeria, an example is classifiedsnigeria.com
20. Editing & Proofreading sites
Yeah, I know what you’re saying: “In Nigerian schools, your grades won’t matter, as long as you can settle someone”. Perhaps there are private-owned schools in Nigeria that have high educational standards, thus your grades matter. A startup site that provides students, researchers, etc with proofreading and editing services for a fee could be experimented.
It was an interesting exercise and experience for me writing this list. The list is by no means exhaustive, so if you have a great startup idea that’s not on this list, we’d love to hear them.
