Introduction
As a business owner in Ghana or West Africa, you’ve likely felt the hustle of getting your products or services out there. Whether you run a bustling shop in Accra, a cosy restaurant in Kumasi, or a beauty parlour in Lagos, one thing is clear—customers are shifting online. From ordering food to booking beauty appointments, the internet is quickly becoming the new marketplace. But how do you, as a small or medium business owner, take advantage of this shift and boost your sales?
Don’t worry; you don’t need a massive budget or expert tech skills to start. With a few simple steps, you can make your business visible online and attract more customers. In this guide, we’ll break down easy and affordable ways to use online platforms to grow your business, all tailored to the West African market. Let’s get you shining online!
In this blog, I’ll walk you through practical ways to use online platforms to grow your business. Let’s dive into it!
1. Build a Simple, User-Friendly Website
A website acts as the online face of your business. People look for products or services online before deciding where to buy. Without a website, you miss out on potential customers.
Steps to get started:
- Choose a domain name: This is your website’s address. Please keep it simple, such as your business name.
- Hire a web developer or use free website builders like Wix, WordPress, or Squarespace. They have easy-to-use templates that don’t require coding skills.
- Create essential pages: Your website should have at least three basic pages:
- Home page: Introduce your business and the services you offer.
- About Us: Tell your story and why people should choose you.
- Contact page: Provide your phone number, email, location, and any social media links.
For small businesses in Ghana, this can help you reach more customers, both locally and globally.
2. Use Social Media to Reach Your Audience
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are powerful tools to connect with customers. Most people in West Africa use smartphones, and these apps are part of their daily routine. Social media is free and easy to use, making it perfect for small businesses.
Steps to get started:
- Create a business profile: Set up a page or account specifically for your business.
- Post regularly: Share photos and updates about your products, services, and promotions. If you run a restaurant, post pictures of your dishes. For beauty parlours, show the before-and-after results of your treatments.
- Use Stories and Videos: People love watching short, engaging videos. Use Instagram Stories, Facebook Live, or WhatsApp Status to give a behind-the-scenes look at your business.
Tip: Keep your posts simple, engaging, and consistent. Use high-quality images that show off your products.
3. Try WhatsApp Business for Customer Engagement
WhatsApp is very popular in Ghana and West Africa. Using WhatsApp Business allows you to manage customer inquiries, orders, and appointments more professionally. It’s a free app designed for small business owners.
Steps to get started:
- Download the app: Go to your phone’s app store and download WhatsApp Business.
- Set up your business profile: Include your name, address, operating hours, and website link if you have one.
- Use labels: Organize chats with customers by labelling them as new customers, repeat customers, pending orders, etc.
- Send quick replies: Create templates for frequently asked questions like your business hours, pricing, or location. This will save you time when replying to customers.
4. Offer Online Ordering and Delivery Services
One way to attract more customers is by offering online ordering and delivery. Whether you’re running a restaurant, beauty parlour, or retail shop, having an online order system will make things easier for your customers. In Ghana, delivery services like Bolt Food and Jumia Food are popular.
Steps to get started:
- Sign up on a delivery app: Partner with local delivery services like Glovo, Bolt Food, or Jumia Food. They’ll take care of the logistics while you focus on serving customers.
- Create a menu or product list: Include prices, descriptions, and clear pictures. Make it easy for customers to place orders with just a few clicks.
- Offer promotions: For example, offer free delivery on certain orders, or give discounts for first-time customers. This encourages people to try your service.
5. Run Targeted Online Ads
If you want to reach more people in your area, consider running online ads. You don’t need a big budget to advertise on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Google. These platforms allow you to target people based on their location, interests, and behaviors, which increases your chances of reaching potential customers.
Steps to get started:
- Set up a business account: On Facebook or Instagram, create a business account to access their advertising tools.
- Choose your audience: Target people within your area, or based on specific demographics like age and gender. For example, if you run a beauty parlour, you can target women aged 18-45 within your city.
- Set a budget: Start small, with $5-$10 a day, and increase if you see good results.
Track your performance: Use tools like Facebook Insights to see how well your ads are performing and make adjustments if necessary.
6. Build Relationships Through Email Marketing
Email marketing might sound old-school, but it’s still one of the best ways to keep in touch with customers and encourage repeat business. A simple email can remind customers about upcoming sales, new products, or special promotions.
Steps to get started:
- Collect emails: Whenever a customer buys something from you, ask for their email. You can also offer discounts in exchange for signing up for your newsletter.
- Use free email marketing tools: Tools like Mailchimp and Sendinblue (Brevo) allow you to send bulk emails to your customers without much effort.
- Send regular updates: Share your promotions, discounts, and any new services or products you have. Be sure not to flood your customers’ inboxes—once a week is enough.
Tip: Keep your emails short and to the point. Add eye-catching images and include a clear call-to-action, like “Shop Now” or “Book an Appointment.”
7. Claim Your Business on Google My Business
Google My Business is a free tool that helps local businesses appear in Google search results and on Google Maps. It’s perfect for reaching people who are searching for businesses like yours.
Steps to get started:
- Sign up: Visit Google My Business and claim your business. You’ll need to provide details like your business name, address, and hours of operation.
- Update your listing regularly: Keep your contact information, business hours, and photos up to date.
- Encourage customer reviews: Positive reviews will increase your business’s credibility and attract more customers.
When people search for “hotels near me” or “beauty salons in Accra,” they’re likely to find your business if you’ve claimed your Google listing.
8. Collaborate with Influencers
Influencers are social media users with large followings who can promote your business to their audience. In Ghana and West Africa, local influencers can help you reach your target market, especially in the hospitality and beauty industry.
Steps to get started:
- Find the right influencer: Look for influencers in your niche. For example, a food blogger could promote your restaurant, while a beauty vlogger could talk about your salon.
- Reach out: Send a polite message introducing your business and explaining how you’d like to collaborate. Offer them a free product or service in exchange for a review or shout-out on their platform.
- Track the results: Keep an eye on whether your followers or sales increase after the influencer posts about your business.
Conclusion
Boosting your sales through online platforms is within reach, and you don’t need to be a tech wizard to make it happen. Start by creating a simple website, engaging customers through social media and WhatsApp, and using tools like online ads and delivery services to expand your reach. Claiming your business on Google and collaborating with influencers will also give your brand the visibility it deserves.
Now is the perfect time to take your business online and grow your customer base. Don’t let the competition leave you behind!
If you need help navigating the online world, don’t hesitate to seek expert guidance. A digital marketing expert can assist you in setting up and managing your online presence, from building a professional website to running targeted ads. By getting expert support, you’ll save time and avoid common mistakes that could hold your business back. Let’s work together to make your business stand out online and boost those sales! Reach out today, and let’s get started!