A career in digital marketing in Lagos is both dynamic and rapidly expanding, offering promising entry points even if you lack formal work history. Companies often prioritize candidates who demonstrate enthusiasm, a strong willingness to learn, and foundational digital skills over years of experience.
1. Social Media Management Intern/Assistant
This is a high-demand starting role, as every business needs a strong online voice.
Role Summary: You’ll assist in creating, scheduling, and publishing content across key platforms (Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok, LinkedIn). Key duties include monitoring comments, engaging with the audience, and tracking basic post performance.
Core Skills to Focus On: Proficiency in social media platforms, basic graphic design (e.g., Canva), excellent writing skills, and a keen eye for local and global trends. These skills can be demonstrated via a successful personal page or volunteer work.
2. Content Creator/Blogger Assistant
Many Lagos-based businesses require high-quality textual and visual content to drive their digital presence.
Role Summary: Tasks involve writing blog posts, website copy, product descriptions, or video scripts. You may also assist with basic Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tasks and content editing.
Core Skills to Focus On: Excellent grammar and written communication, strong research ability, and a foundational understanding of how keywords work. A portfolio of a personal blog or strong writing samples is a valid substitute for professional experience.
3. General Digital Marketing Intern/Trainee
This generalist position offers broad exposure to the different facets of digital marketing.
Role Summary: You may rotate across several areas, including Email Marketing (list segmentation, proofreading), SEO (website audits), and potentially Paid Ads (monitoring budgets).
Core Skills to Focus On: Analytical thinking, proficiency in basic digital tools, and a fast learning curve. Obtaining free certifications (like Google Digital Garage) and understanding Google Analytics is highly valuable here.
4. SEO/SEM Assistant (Search Engine Marketing)
This is an ideal track for detail-oriented individuals who enjoy data and problem-solving.
Role Summary: You will assist with technical tasks like keyword research, monitoring website rankings, identifying technical errors, and analyzing competitor strategies.
Core Skills to Focus On: Attention to detail and familiarity with free SEO tools (e.g., Google Search Console, Google Keyword Planner). The ability to demonstrate how you optimized a small personal website is a strong asset.
How to Get Hired Without Experience
Since you lack a formal track record, your focus must be on proving your practical abilities:
Build a Portfolio: This is your most valuable tool. Start a personal project (a niche Instagram account, a YouTube channel, or a detailed blog) and treat it like a business. Use the experience to create case studies (e.g., “Increased organic traffic by 40% in two months”).
Obtain Free Certifications: Employers value demonstrated effort. Prioritize Google Digital Garage’s Fundamentals of Digital Marketing and certifications from HubSpot Academy.
Master the Tools: Be able to speak confidently about using Canva (for design), Google Analytics, and social media scheduling platforms like Buffer or Later.
Current Entry-Level Openings in Lagos (Internships/Trainee)
Finding “no-experience” roles often requires targeting Internship or Trainee positions. Here are some of the types of openings available recently in Lagos:
Digital Marketing Intern (Ongoing) at Bincom Global Nigeria
Focus: Strong emphasis on training, developing technical and professional skills, and a potential conversion to an Associate position. They specifically state no experience is required.
Access Link (Prosple Nigeria): You can search for the “Digital Marketing Intern (Ongoing) at Bincom Global Nigeria” on the Prosple Nigeria platform.
Social Media Intern (Remote) at Elizabeth Maddeux Limited
Focus: Gaining hands-on experience in digital marketing, content creation, and online community engagement.
Access Link (Jooble): Search for “Social Media Intern (Remote) at Elizabeth Maddeux Limited” on the Jooble Nigeria job site.
Web Design / Digital Marketing Intern (Remote) at RayHubs Enterprises
Focus: A blended role offering exposure to both website development basics and digital marketing execution.
Access Link (Hot Nigerian Jobs): Look for this specific job title on the Hot Nigerian Jobs platform.
General Internship and Graduate Programs
Many large companies in Lagos like MTN, Shell Nigeria, and others regularly run structured graduate or internship programs that include digital marketing streams, though competition is usually high. Check their careers pages directly.
General Search Links for More Openings:
Jobberman (Filter by “Internship & Graduate” and “No Experience”): [Search Jobberman for jobs in Lagos]
MyJobMag (Search for “Digital Marketing Intern” or “Trainee”): [Search MyJobMag for Digital Marketing jobs in Lagos]