How to Find Buyers for Your Export Business in Nigeria
So, you have had the opportunity to watch container ships loaded with goods sail off the ports and wonder how you can get your products on those ships and into the hands of ready buyers worldwide.
Then, it’s a good thing you found this guide on how to find buyers for your export business in Nigeria
But before we continue, did you know that Nigeria’s non-oil exports have hit a record high of $4.820 billion in 2024?
That’s a 39.91% increase from the previous year.
And with numbers like these, it’s clear that the Nigerian export market is profitable, and there’s never been a better time to get in on the action.
But here’s the thing, having a great product to export is just the beginning of it. The real challenge is connecting with buyers around who are ready to buy what you’re selling.
So, let’s talk about the various strategies you can use to find buyers for your export business in Nigeria.
Trust me, by the time we’re done talking about how to find buyers for your export Business in Nigeria here, you won’t have any worries getting buyers all over the world.
How to Find Buyers for Your Export Business in Nigeria
As earlier said, there are different strategies you can use to get buyers for your export business. The best of them have been discussed below.
1. Look Into International Trading Platforms
International trading platforms are one of those places where buyers and sellers from around the world come together to do business
If none has told you this before, they’re a great catch for Nigerian exporters looking to expand their reach.
One of the most popular platforms is Alibaba.com. It has a growing community of African sellers, and Nigerian exporters are not left out on the platform.
As far as it is concerned, It’s a great place to showcase your products to a global audience and connect with serious buyers.
Another platform worth checking out is GlobalSources.com.
They connect buyers with suppliers of consumer products, and they have a strong presence in the African market.
TradeKey.com and ECPlaza.net are also good platforms.
These platforms might not be household names, but they have potential buyers looking for products just like yours.
What you need to do is to create a great profile that showcases your products in the best possible ways.
Use high-quality photos, and detailed descriptions, and highlight what makes your offers unique.
However, ensure to actively engage with potential customers, respond promptly to their inquiries, participate in forum discussions, and don’t be afraid to reach out to buyers who are looking for products in your niche.
2. National Exports Boards
Now, let’s talk about one of the easiest strategies that’s right in your backyard. It is simply going through the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
NEPC is a government agency that helps Nigerian businesses succeed in export business.
They provide information on export procedures, and documentation, as well as finding buyers.
Also, they maintain a database of international buyers and regularly organize trade fairs and exhibitions where you can showcase your products to potential customers.
In addition, the NEPC offers training programs to help your export business.
From packaging and labelling to understanding international quality standards, they cover it all.
And the best part of it is that most of their services are free or heavily subsidized.
Some of what they do includes
- Organize events where you can meet face-to-face with potential buyers.
- Leads councils of Nigerian exporters to international trade fairs.
- They also give insights into different markets and buyer preferences.
- Also, they offer practical advice on how to approach and negotiate with international buyers.
You can reach out to the NEPC and see how they can help you.
You should also check out the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM).
They offer financial services to support Nigerian exporters, including buyer credit facilities that can make your products more attractive to international buyers.
3. Leverage Social Media and Content Marketing
You must have known that social media and content marketing are no longer just nice-to-haves, they are now considered important for any business looking to make its impact on the global stage. Export business isn’t an exception.
Think about it. Where do most people go when they’re looking for information or products? That’s right, the internet.
And if you’re not there, you’re missing out on opportunities.
Let’s start with social media.
Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Instagram are powerful tools to connect you with potential buyers.
LinkedIn, in particular, is the best for B2B connections.
However, social media isn’t just about selling. It’s about building relationships and establishing yourself as an authority in your field.
It’s about sharing tips about your industry, engaging with potential buyers’ posts, and not being afraid to showcase your expertise.
We shared the best tips on how to sell on social media here. You might find it helpful.
Now, let’s talk about content marketing. This is where you really get to shine and show potential buyers why your products are worth their attention.
Use content marketing to catch the attention of audiences on your social media platforms.
Share informative articles about your products, industry trends, and export processes.
You can also create videos showing your production methods or the amazing features of your products.
However, managing a digital marketing strategy while running an export business can be overwhelming.
Before you source for your products, package them and still use social media to promote them, it is overwhelming.
That’s where you should consider working with a digital marketing agency. And if you’re looking for top-notch expertise in Nigeria, UGC Deck is your go-to agency.
UGC Deck is not only a specialized digital marketing agency in Nigeria, we also help businesses like yours reach a global audience.
We understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the Nigerian export market and have the skills and experience to help you cut through the noise and connect with potential buyers.
Some of what we can do to help your export business include
- Targeted Social Media Campaigns: We can help you reach potential buyers in specific countries or industries by running targeted ads including Facebook ads that convert.
- Video creation and editing: Our team can create video content as well as video editing that not only engages readers but makes it easier for buyers to connect with you.
- Social Media Management: We can also help you build and nurture relationships with potential buyers by managing your business’s social media pages.
Our approach is all about understanding your unique business and crafting a tailored digital marketing strategy that aligns with your goals.
We start with an audit of your current online presence and then work with you to develop a strategy that focuses on your strengths and addresses any weaknesses.
From there, we’ll implement our strategy across various digital channels, continually monitoring and adjusting to ensure you’re getting the best possible results.
That way, you get to focus on what you do best, which is running your export business, while we handle the complexities of digital marketing.
You will need our help to take your export business to the next level and connect with buyers from around the world. So, give UGC Deck a call or chat with us on WhatsApp at +2348063469469 or email at hey@ugcdeck.co
When you reach out, our team of experts will help you craft a digital marketing strategy that will put your products in front of the right buyers at the right time.
4. Online Communities
Another way to get buyers for your export business is to check out online communities.
These places have virtual gatherings of people with shared interests, who come together to discuss, share knowledge, and yes, do business.
One of the best places to start is industry-specific forums.
For example, if you’re exporting agricultural products, you might find connections on forums like AgTalk or The Farming Forum.
These spaces are not only filled with industry professionals but also have potential buyers, who are actively engaged in discussions about products like yours.
Reddit is another best place to find your niche communities.
There are subreddits for just about every industry and product you can imagine. While you need to be careful not to come across as overly promotional because Redditors can smell a sales pitch from a mile away, your genuine participation in these communities can lead to connections as well as conversion.
Don’t forget about Facebook Groups either.
Despite what you might have heard, Facebook isn’t just for sharing videos and vacation photos.
There are thousands of industry-specific groups where buyers and sellers connect.
Just find the right groups to engage authentically, and follow the community rules. Then focus on consistently adding value to the communities.
5. Tell Your Friends
Another strategy that might seem a bit old-school when it comes to finding buyers for your export business is word of mouth.
Tell your friends, family, and anyone who’ll listen about your export business.
You might be thinking, “But my friends aren’t international buyers!” You’re probably right.
But here’s the thing, you never know who they might know.
Your cousin’s friend might work for a company that’s looking for exactly what you’re exporting.
Your neighbour’s sister might be married to someone who runs an import business in Europe.
The possibilities are endless!
And don’t forget about your existing business network. Your suppliers, logistics partners, and even competitors can be valuable sources of leads.
It might seem somehow to reach out to competitors, but in the export business, cooperation can often lead to mutual benefits.
In addition, whether you’re at a family gathering, a community event, or just chatting with the person next to you on a flight, don’t be afraid to bring up your business.
You never know where your next big opportunity might come from
Don’t Forget to Understand Your Product
Now, we’ve covered a lot of things on how to find buyers for your export business in Nigeria, but there’s one more thing we need to discuss. It is about understanding your product inside and out.
You might think, “Of course, I understand my product! I’m the one exporting it!” But the thing is, this goes deeper than you might think.
It’s not about understanding your product more and knowing its features or specifications.
It means understanding its place in the global market, its unique selling points, and how it fits into the bigger picture of international trade.
Knowing this will help you a lot on your way to penetrating the global market.
Here are some expert tips to help you understand your product
- You need to understand the international quality standards for your product and how your products meet up.
- Know who your competitors are, both in Nigeria and globally, and what makes your product unique.
- Find out what buyers are looking for and what’s falling out of favor.
- Different markets may have different preferences or cultural considerations. Hence, you need to understand these to help you tailor your approach.
- Also, be aware of any regulations or certifications that might be required in your target markets.
- Lastly, you need to understand every step of your supply chain. Buyers often want to know about sourcing, production methods, and sustainability practices.
Once you understand all these, use the knowledge in your marketing efforts.
Create content that showcases your expertise. create videos explaining your production process, or share infographics comparing your product to alternatives.
This helps attract buyers and positions you as a trusted authority in your field.
In addition, the better you understand your product and its place in the global market, the better positioned you’ll be to find and connect with the right buyers.
We hope this guide on how to find buyers for your export business in Nigeria will help you make an informed decision.
UGC Deck is a marketing agency that not only connects brands to creators but also offers services like video editing, social media management, educational video production, creative ads creation and graphic design. Find out how our expert team can help your business increase its visibility and revenue. Send us a message on WhatsApp.