WHAT ARE DIGITAL ASSETS? A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO BUYING, SELLING, AND RENTING ONLINE
Digital assets are more than just Bitcoin and NFTs. From websites, domain names, ebooks, and social media pages to digital products, software, and online courses, anything valuable that exists digitally and can be owned, sold, or licensed can become an asset. In this beginner-friendly guide, Favour Agbese breaks down what digital assets are, the different types you can own, and how you can buy, sell, or rent them to create new opportunities for income online.
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WHAT ARE DIGITAL ASSETS? A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO BUYING, SELLING, AND RENTING ONLINE
By Favour Agbese
From websites and social media pages to ebooks, software, and digital tokens, digital assets are becoming an increasingly important part of the online economy. Here’s what they are, how they work, and how you can make money from them.
What Is a Digital Asset?
A digital asset is a valuable item that exists in digital form and can be owned, controlled, licensed, bought, sold, or used to generate income.
Think of things you already use online: an ebook you created, a domain name you registered, a website you built, a collection of professional photos, a software application, or even a digital token.
Digital assets can range from everyday digital products such as:
- Photos and videos
- Ebooks and digital documents
- Music and audio
- Graphics and templates
- Websites and domain names
- Software and online courses
They can also include blockchain-based assets such as:
- Cryptocurrencies
- Stablecoins
- NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens)
- Tokenised assets
The important thing is that the digital item has value and some form of ownership, control, or usage rights attached to it.
Key Takeaways
Before we go deeper, here are the main things to know about digital assets:
- A digital asset has commercial or monetary value and can be owned, controlled, licensed, or transferred.
- Digital assets are not limited to cryptocurrency.
- A monetised blog, valuable domain name, online course, website, software application, or digital product can all be digital assets.
- Digital assets can generate income through sales, licensing, subscriptions, advertising, or rentals.
- Nigeria has a highly active digital and crypto economy. In Chainalysis' 2026 Global Adoption Index, Nigeria ranked third globally in grassroots crypto adoption and first in both the P2P economy and cross-border flows.
- Because digital assets can involve money, ownership, and financial transactions, it is important to understand security, platform rules, and applicable regulations before buying or selling them.
How Do Digital Assets Work?
One easy way to understand digital assets is to compare them with things you already know.
Physical asset
Imagine you own a shop in Balogun Market or a house in Lekki that generates rental income.
The physical property has value because you own or control it and other people are willing to pay to use it.
Digital asset
Now imagine you own a popular domain name, an e-commerce website, an online course, or a collection of digital designs that people are willing to pay for.
The asset exists online rather than as physical property, but it can still have commercial value.
For something to function as a digital asset, three things are generally important:
1. Digital format
It exists electronically on a computer, phone, server, cloud platform, or blockchain.
2. Ownership, control, or usage rights
You can demonstrate that you own, control, or have the legal right to use or transfer it. This might be through an account, copyright, domain registration, licence, contract, or blockchain record.
3. Measurable value
There is a market or use for it. Someone may be willing to buy it, license it, rent it, subscribe to it, or exchange something of value for access.
Types of Digital Assets
Digital assets come in many forms. You don't need to understand blockchain to own or create one.
1. Everyday Digital Assets
| Type | Simple Example |
|---|---|
| Photos and videos | A photographer selling photo packs or licensing images to brands |
| Documents and ebooks | A JAMB/WAEC past-question PDF, recipe ebook, or CV template |
| Music and audio | An Afrobeats producer selling beats or licensing music |
| Logos and designs | A graphic designer selling Canva or Photoshop templates |
| Websites and domains | A valuable domain such as yourbusiness.com.ng |
| Social media pages and content | A page with an established audience that generates advertising or promotional income |
| Online courses | A course teaching POS business, makeup, copywriting, or another skill |
| Software and digital tools | An app, SaaS product, plugin, or other software solution |
2. Blockchain-Based Digital Assets
Blockchain technology has introduced another category of digital assets.
| Type | What It Means in Simple Words |
|---|---|
| Cryptocurrency | A digital form of value that operates using blockchain technology, such as Bitcoin |
| Stablecoin | A digital token designed to maintain a relatively stable value, often by being linked to a currency such as the US dollar |
| NFT | A unique blockchain-based token associated with a particular digital or physical item. “Non-fungible” means it is not designed to be exchanged one-for-one like identical units of currency |
| Tokenised assets | Digital tokens that represent rights or interests connected to an underlying asset or arrangement |
How to BUY Digital Assets
Buying a digital asset depends on what you are actually buying.
Digital products
Templates, ebooks, courses, graphics, and other downloadable products can be purchased through creator stores and digital marketplaces.
For example, you can explore digital products and other online assets available on Plugsosolog.
Websites and domains
Websites and domains can be purchased through domain registrars, website marketplaces, or digital marketplaces.
If you're looking for ready-built websites or other digital assets, you can browse the Plugsosolog marketplace.
Crypto and other blockchain assets
Cryptocurrencies and other blockchain-based assets should be purchased through platforms that are authorised or appropriately regulated for the services they provide in your jurisdiction.
In Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission regulates relevant virtual-asset activities, particularly where the assets or services fall within its regulatory jurisdiction. The SEC also advises Nigerians to verify the registration status of investment platforms before committing funds.
How to SELL Digital Assets
One of the biggest advantages of digital products is that you don't necessarily need a physical shop, warehouse, or inventory.
You can create something digitally, package it properly, and sell it to customers online.
Here's an example:
Ada is a Lagos-based graphic designer.
She creates 20 Instagram post templates and lists them on a digital marketplace for ₦3,000 each.
She creates the templates once, but multiple customers can purchase them.
That's the power of a digital product: one creation can potentially generate revenue multiple times.
How to start selling:
1. Choose something you know how to create.
This could be designs, writing, music, photography, tutorials, templates, or software.
2. Create and package it properly.
Save the product in an appropriate format such as PDF, PNG, MP3, MP4, ZIP, or another suitable file type.
3. List it on a marketplace.
A platform such as can provide a place to list and sell eligible digital assets to buyers.
4. Protect your work.
Add your name or brand where appropriate and clearly state what buyers are allowed to do with the product.
5. Promote it.
Use platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, X, email, or your website to reach potential customers.
What does “licensing” mean?
A licence is permission that tells another person or business how they are allowed to use your work.
For example, you may sell a photograph while giving a company permission to use it in an advert for one year.
The company gets permission to use the image under the agreed terms. That does not necessarily mean it owns the copyright.
How to RENT Digital Assets
Selling isn't the only way to make money from a digital asset.
You can also rent or license access to it for a specific period while retaining ownership.
Here are some examples:
Software subscriptions
When you pay monthly or annually to access software or cloud storage, you are generally paying for continued access rather than buying the underlying software outright.
Licensing
A photographer can allow a company to use a photograph for one year in exchange for a fee.
Websites and domains
A website owner can enter an agreement allowing another business to use a website for a specific period.
For example, Plugsosolog currently offers listings for ready-made websites that can be rented for a selected period, with its marketplace providing transaction protections.
Digital advertising space
A website, blog, newsletter, or social media page with an established audience can potentially generate income by allowing brands to advertise to that audience.
Virtual assets
Some online games and virtual worlds allow users to rent or lease digital items, spaces, or other virtual assets. The rules vary depending on the platform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are digital assets in simple terms?
They are items that exist online or on electronic devices, carry measurable financial or utility value, and can be owned, transferred, or rented. Examples include ebooks, media files, web domains, cryptocurrencies, and NFTs.
2. Can I make money from digital assets in Nigeria?
Yes. You can sell digital creations, license intellectual property, lease digital real estate, or trade regulated tokens. Income varies based on market demand and execution.
3. Is cryptocurrency legal in Nigeria?
Under the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, digital assets are recognized as securities and fall under the regulatory oversight of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Ensure any platform you use complies with local regulatory frameworks.
4. Do I pay tax on digital assets in Nigeria?
Yes. Capital gains and profits derived from digital asset transactions may be subject to taxation under updated national tax framework guidelines. It is advised to consult a qualified tax professional for compliance advice.
5. How much capital is required to start selling digital products?
Startup costs are minimal. If you own a smartphone or computer and possess a marketable skill, you can create and list assets on platforms like Plugsosolog with little to no upfront capital.
6. What is the easiest digital asset for a beginner to start with?
Informational products and templates (e.g., CV designs, educational ebooks, or spreadsheet models) offer the lowest barrier to entry, requiring no inventory or complex software development.
7. How do I identify digital asset or crypto scams?
Common red flags include promises of guaranteed returns, mandatory recruitment structures (pyramid schemes), lack of SEC registration, and unverified contact information.
8. What is an NFT, and can Nigerians earn from them?
An NFT is a unique cryptographic token that verifies ownership of a specific digital or physical asset. While creators have monetized NFTs successfully, the market carries volatility risks and requires research.
9. Can I lease my website, domain, or digital media pages?
Yes, provided you execute a clear contract covering duration, rate, and usage guidelines. Never lease personal social accounts or profiles tied to sensitive banking data.
10. How do I receive payments in Naira?
Verified platforms like Plugsosolog facilitate direct Naira payouts to local bank accounts. For foreign currency or token transactions, ensure off-ramping is conducted through compliant channels.
11. Can digital assets be stolen?
Yes, via phishing, compromised credentials, or cyber attacks. Protect your assets using hardware security keys, strong unique passwords, non-custodial wallet management best practices, and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
The Bottom Line
The internet has created a new class of valuable assets.
You don't necessarily need physical land, a shop, or a traditional office to own something that can generate income. A website, domain name, digital product, software application, online course, licensed photograph, or other digital property can become a valuable part of your online business.
But the opportunity comes with responsibility.
Before buying or selling a digital asset, understand what you're actually purchasing, who owns it, what rights come with it, how the transaction is protected, and what rules apply.
For beginners, the best place to start is often with something you already know how to create.
Your knowledge can become a product. Your product can become an asset. And your asset can become a source of income.
If you're ready to explore digital assets, you can browse Plugsosolog's digital marketplace to see the types of digital assets currently available.
Coming next in this series
How to Make Money Online by Selling Digital Assets
10 Digital Assets You Can Sell Online to Make Extra Income
How to Sell Digital Assets Online: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners