How Can I Get Customers Online In Nigeria?
According to a recent report, Nigeria’s e-commerce market is projected to grow at a rate of 32.4% annually, reaching a staggering $12.6 billion by 2025. Can you believe that?
This statistic alone should be enough to convince you that having a strong online presence is no longer just a nice-to-have but an absolute necessity for businesses in Nigeria.
I know the next question you want to ask now is, how does this concern me?
I need to know how can I get customers online in Nigeria.
Just keep calm and read, that’s why we have compiled this to give you a total breakdown of how to go about it.
The truth is, that Nigeria has experienced a remarkable increment in online business opportunities.
Even the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) also attested that the number of internet subscribers in the country reached over 151 million as of March 2023.
With this fact, the immense possibility for businesses to tap into this online market and reach a wide audience has been established.
Moreover, more and more consumers are turning to the Internet to research products, and services, and make purchases.
It’s like having a marketplace right at your fingertips, accessible from the comfort of your own home or on the go with your smartphone.
And let’s be real, who doesn’t love the convenience of online shopping?
That being said, having an online presence has become an important component for businesses of all sizes, spanning various industries
It allows companies to expand their reach and provides a platform for customer engagement, brand awareness, and increased sales.
But then, with so many businesses vying for attention online, it can be challenging to stand out and attract the right customers to your brand.
That’s where questions about how I can get customers online In Nigeria usually pop up.
In this guide, we will take you through actionable strategies to help you attract customers online in Nigeria
So, grab a cup of your favourite snacks, and let’s get into it.
How Businesses are Selling Online In Nigeria and How You Can Too
Businesses online use different marketing strategies to attract the right audience and customers.
Some of the strategies include
1. Having an Optimize Business Website
For businesses with a website, your website is the digital storefront of your business.
It’s the first impression your potential customers will have of your brand, and we all know how important first impressions are, right?
That’s why having a professional, user-friendly website is important to make a great first impression and ensure a beneficial user experience.
Your website is like the face of your business, hence, It needs to reflect your brand’s professionalism and credibility.
A well-designed, visually appealing website can instantly establish trust and confidence in your business, which makes it more likely for visitors to engage with your products or services.
Think of it as the digital match of a modern storefront that instantly catches the eye and invites people in.
Having an optimized business website is like having a prime location on a busy street, where your business is visible and easily accessible to passersby.
However, to ensure your website is visible to all and sundry, put into practice the best SEO tips to ensure that your website ranks higher in search engine results, to make it easier for potential customers to find you.
Implement SEO best tips, including optimizing your website’s content, structure, and metadata, to improve your online visibility and drive more organic traffic to your site.
Meanwhile, did you know that the majority of internet users in Nigeria access the web via mobile devices?
That’s right, smartphones and tablets have become our mobile companions, and it’s important to ensure that your website is optimized for mobile viewing.
A mobile-friendly design not only enhances the user experience but also positively impacts your search engine rankings, as Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites.
A non-responsive website on a smartphone turns off customers.
That’s why mobile optimization is a must-have for businesses looking to attract and retain customers online.
2. Take Advantage of Social Media Platforms
You no longer need to be told that Social media has become an important part of the online experience for many Nigerians
It offers businesses a powerful platform to connect with their target audience, build brand awareness, and drive engagement.
It’s more like having a direct line of communication with your customers, where you can share updates, engage in conversations, and even showcase your products or services.
In Nigeria, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter have become popular, with millions of active users.
However, as a business owner, you need to understand the unique dynamics and user behaviour on each platform needed for crafting an effective social media strategy.
For example, Instagram is a highly visual platform, so creating visually appealing content is one of the ways to capture your audience’s attention.
Furthermore, you need to learn how to create engaging and relevant content tailored to your audience while building a strong social media presence.
This could include visually appealing images, videos, infographics, and written content that resonates with your target audience’s interests and pain points.
Think of it as having a conversation with your customers, where you’re providing valuable information, entertainment, or solutions to their problems.
In addition to that, you need to understand User-generated content (UGC) as a powerful tool for boosting engagement and building trust with your audience.
You can use user-generated content such as customer reviews, testimonials, and social media posts to showcase the authenticity of your brand and encourage potential customers to engage with your products or services.
This is more effective since It’s like having a word-of-mouth marketing campaign where your satisfied customers become your biggest advocates.
3. Use Online Advertising
While organic reach is valuable, online advertising can also provide a considerable boost to your digital marketing efforts, as it allows you to target specific audiences and drive immediate results.
It’s just like strengthening your message and reaching the right people at the right time.
Platforms like Facebook and Google have advanced targeting options that enable you to reach potential customers based on location, demographics, interests, and online behaviour.
This will ensure that your ads are reaching the right people at the right time, maximizing your return on investment (ROI).
However, high-quality ad creatives are needed to capture the attention of your target audience and drive conversions.
This could include visually appealing images, videos, or compelling ad copy that resonates with your audience’s needs and pain points.
You can think of it as creating a mini-commercial that not only catches the eye but also speaks directly to your potential customers’ desires or pain points.
Meanwhile, online advertising can be cost-effective when managed properly.
You need to set clear goals, monitor your campaign performance, and optimize your ad spend.
That way, you can maximize the impact of your advertising efforts while staying within your budget.
4. Engage in Influencer Marketing
Here is another way to do that. Influencer marketing is also one of the powerful strategies for reaching and engaging with targeted audiences in Nigeria.
Working with influential individuals or content creators, businesses can help you tap into their established following and use their credibility to promote your products or services.
It’s just like having a trusted friend recommend your brand to their circle of friends and followers.
Now, before you work with anyone parading themselves as an influencer, the first step is to identify relevant influencers within your industry or niche.
Look for influencers with a considerable following, high engagement rates, and a content style that aligns with your brand’s values and messaging.
You need to find the perfect brand ambassador who not only resonates with your target audience but also exemplifies the identity of your brand.
After identifying the right influencers, collaborations with them can take many forms, such as sponsored posts, product reviews, giveaways, or even co-creating content.
The essence is to develop campaigns that feel authentic and resonate with the influencer’s audience, and ensure a natural fit between the influencer and your brand.
Now, instead of wasting time and money in choosing and paying influencers with not-so-good conversion rates, you can consider working with us at UGC Deck.
We play a required role in supporting your influencer marketing efforts.
Our team of experts can assist in identifying the right influencers, developing compelling campaign concepts, and creating high-quality content that resonates with your target audience.
We have a team of creative geniuses and strategic thinkers working behind the scenes to ensure your influencer campaigns are a resounding success.
5. Email Marketing Strategies
Email marketing remains a powerful tool for businesses in Nigeria as it allows you to directly reach and engage with your audience while building long-lasting relationships.
You can consider it a direct line of communication with your customers, where you can share valuable content, and exclusive offers, and keep them updated on your latest products or services.
Growing an email list organically is important for successful email marketing campaigns.
You can offer exclusive discounts or valuable content, to encourage website visitors and customers to subscribe to your email list.
You can also use it to drive engagement and conversions to your websites.
In the same way, you can divide your email list based on factors like demographics, interests, or purchase history, and tailor your messaging and offers accordingly.
In addition, you can use email automation tools to make your marketing efforts easy and ensure a consistent flow of communication with your audience.
You can set up automated email sequences to nurture leads, welcome new subscribers, or re-engage inactive customers to keep the conversation going, even when you’re busy with other aspects of your business.
6. Implement Local SEO
Another way to get customers online in Nigeria is to use local SEO strategies.
Claiming and optimizing your Google My Business listing is also important for local businesses in Nigeria.
A well-optimized Google My Business listing can improve your visibility in local search results, and make it easier for potential customers in your area to find you.
In addition, ensure your business is listed in other popular online directories and listings specific to Nigeria, such as NaijaGist, JaraLocals, Jiji, and Jumia Services.
More so, ensure to have consistent and accurate business information across these platforms to enhance your local search visibility.
Furthermore, encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your business listing platforms, social media pages, and other relevant platforms.
You should also take time to respond promptly and professionally to both positive and negative reviews, to demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction.
7. Collaborate with Other Local Businesses
Our discussion on how can I get customers online in Nigeria won’t be complete without mentioning this.
Instead of competition, how about collaboration?
Identify complementary local businesses that cater to a similar target audience as yours.
Find the opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships like co-hosting events, cross-promoting products or services, or offering bundle deals.
You can also work together with local businesses to create joint promotions or special offers.
For example, you could offer a discount or complementary product when customers purchase from both businesses.
This can expose your brand to new potential customers and foster a sense of community among local businesses.
Lastly, engage with local communities and participate in relevant events or initiatives.
This could include sponsoring local events, supporting charitable causes, or participating in community forums or social media groups.
Such involvement can help your brand’s visibility and establish a positive reputation within the local market.
How Can I Get Customers Online In Nigeria?
While at that, we understand that not all business owners have all the time around them to go through this process of acquiring customers for their business.
That’s why we have decided to do the work for you.
Speaking of the best agency to help you promote your business online and get paying customers, UGC Deck is your sure plug.
UGC Deck offers marketing services tailored to help businesses achieve their online marketing goals.
From social media management and video editing to graphics design and influencer marketing, our team of experts can provide the guidance and support you need to take your business to the next level.
We are one fit for all digital marketing needs as our services include:
- Managing your social media presence across various platforms, creating engaging content, and implementing effective strategies to grow your audience and drive engagement.
- Professional video editing services to help businesses create high-quality, engaging videos for their website, social media channels, and other marketing materials.
- Our team of experienced graphic designers can create visually stunning graphics for your website, social media, and other marketing platforms to help you stand out from the competition.
- UGC Deck can also help you identify relevant influencers in your industry, develop collaborative campaigns, and measure the success of your influencer marketing efforts.
- In addition, we specialize in creating high-quality, SEO-optimized content for websites, blogs, and social media channels, helping businesses improve their online presence and attract new customers.
- Last but not least, we offer thorough analytics tracking and reporting to help you understand the performance of your online marketing efforts and make data-driven decisions to improve results.
If you’re ready to take your online presence to the next level and attract more customers in Nigeria, reach out to UGC Deck for a consultation via email at hey@ugcdeck.co or click the get started link to connect with us.
If you prefer phone calls, You can also give us a call at +2348063469469.
When you reach out to us through any of the mediums provided above, our experienced team will work closely with you to understand your unique business needs and develop a customized strategy that delivers results.
Let’s help you get the right paying customers for your business.
No one does it better than we do.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Rofiah is a marketing writer with over 2 years of experience creating content for Dozens of industries including tech, home services, education and professional services.