Starting
a business is fun, especially if you dream of being self-employed. However,
your dream of success will be just a myth without looking for different ways to
promote your small business in Nigeria. If you are new to the market, it makes
sense that you need a way to market your products and services in a highly
competitive environment.
Here
are some tips and tricks you can use to give your business a face and
visibility. The Nigerian market can be difficult to break into. It is still
highly fragmented, making it difficult for new businesses to know where and how
to market their products and services effectively.
The
Ways to Promote your Small Business in Nigeria are Radio, Television, Online
Content Marketing (Blogging, SEO, SEM), Newspapers and Magazines, Trade Fairs &
Forums, Social Media, In-store Shopping, Posters & Billboards, Referrals
& Word-Of-Mouth, Google My Business and Organize Shows and Events
With
a large open market still in place with the rise of modern stores like
Shoprite, and the increasing popularity of the Internet, Nigerian consumers can
be reached through various means.
This
is a common way to promote your small business in Nigeria.
1.
Radio
Radio
is still an effective way to market your business in Nigeria. As a way to reach
a wider audience, a business can create awareness for its products and
services. However, companies should focus on the number of their listeners, as
some consumers listen and depend on the radio more than others.
2.
Television
Like
radio, television is another way to reach a large audience in Nigeria. In 2014,
74.6% of Nigerian households owned a television and depended on it for
broadcasting information, especially news. Businesses can reach their target
audience through targeted television commercials (TVC) that promote their
business in a way that radio cannot.
3.
Online Content Marketing (Blogging, SEO, SEM)
With
the increase in internet penetration across the country, businesses are using
more online content to advertise their products and services to online
consumers. There is no better time to advertise to customers than when they
need your products and services. That is why marketers use the advantages of
search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM) to target
the right customers at the right time by creating relevant content that meets
the needs of the application. application for the client.
4.
Newspapers and Magazines
Most
Nigerians rely on newspapers and magazines as sources of information. These
traditional forms of advertising have built loyal readerships over the years.
Advertising your business in a newspaper or magazine that your target audience
trusts is an easy way to introduce your business to more readers.
5.Trade
Fairs & Forums
Events
such as trade shows, forums and conferences are a good place for company
leaders and buyers to learn about the current situation in their company. One
can use it as an opportunity to meet company leaders, clients and business
partners. It is also a way for you to market your gifts in Nigeria through
networking or systematically by having a company or stand at the event.
6.
Social Media
Digital
marketing has seen a steady rise in Nigeria over the years due to the rise of
mobile phones and the internet. Reaching customers through social media - Facebook,
Instagram, twitter, LinkedIn, snapcaht - has become very important for
marketers. However, it is important to support your product or service with
proper support. For example, if you are selling products, using a social media
platform like Instagram will be effective. If you are selling professional
services, LinkedIn can provide value as a marketing tool.
7.
In-store Shopping
This
type of marketing is used, but is not limited to, by many companies that use
commodity trading in Nigeria. Having a sales representative in a retail store
who can influence the customer's purchasing decision right after the purchase
is an effective marketing tool. The effectiveness of this type of marketing
depends on the empathy and conviction of your salesperson.
8.
Posters & Billboards
Nigerians
spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in urban areas like Lagos, where most
of their time is spent outdoors and travelling. Posters and billboards are used
throughout the city to promote new products and services.
9.
Referrals & Word-Of-Mouth
Ask
most Nigerian business owners how they get their clients and in most cases you
will get an answer that says "referrals". Word of mouth can be one of
the biggest marketing assets a business can have in Nigeria. Nigerians tend to
follow the styles they trust and they learn new styles from people they trust
(usually family and friends). Harnessing the power of "influencers",
family, friends and happy customers in your network can be very powerful in
building awareness for your business.
10.
Graffiti/Wall & Board Markings
For
lack of better words to describe this unusual type of market, we call this
market "graffiti". Although graffiti artists do not call it art, it
is difficult to ignore the various types of chalk and paintings on walls and
public signs that are used as a market in Nigeria. I can't say how effective
this type of marketing is, but it is often used.
11.
Trusted Distributor
Another
way to promote your product is to partner with a local distributor who specializes
in the type of product you offer. This type of marketing usually applies to
businesses that sell physical products. By partnering and selling your products
with another business that has customers, your business will benefit from years
of local expertise and marketing skills that the distributor has in constant
communication with end customers.
These
are the ways to market in Nigeria. Once you have developed a strong marketing
strategy, you can use one of these platforms to get your marketing campaigns to
the right audience.
12.
Positive Reviews
Often,
what customers want to order are reviews from other customers. It doesn't
matter if you are new to the market. Once you have a good product and a good
review from another customer, that makes it more likely that the customer will
buy. Many online shoppers have acknowledged that research is one of the most
important factors influencing their purchasing behavior. By displaying ads on
your website, you compel your visitors to take action on your offer.
13.
Google My Business
Google
My Business is another great way to market your small business in Nigeria. The
good part is that it is free to use. With a Google account, you can open the
Google My Business page, which gives you visibility in search engines when
people search for your business or related services. Usually, when you
register, you will receive a PIN code from the nearest post office. Google uses
the PIN to prove that the transaction is real and that it's yours. With Google
My Business, the possibilities are endless when it comes to reaching new
customers.
14. Business Cards
Another
amazing way to promote your small business in Nigeria is to create a
newsletter. This way, you can always hand it over to potential clients for
networking activities. All you need is a graphic designer who will create
something beautiful and simple. Make sure your business name, address and
contact details are in bold. A business card can be the ticket you need to sell
your products and services to a target market.
15.
Organize Shows and Events
To
expose your business to a larger audience and promote your brand, you need to
organize exhibitions and events. Brands like Merry Bet excel at this with its
annual football program.
If
you follow a similar approach and organize trade shows and events focused on
your business, you will promote sales together. But be careful, nothing beats
word of mouth because it is one of the most effective marketing methods.
Final Word
In
conclusion, if your small business is to succeed in Nigeria, marketing is one
area that should not be neglected. A business without a marketing strategy is
like a retailer who deliberately keeps customers from getting their products.
When you have all your marketing strategies in place, making more sales and
doubling your customers becomes achievable.
Which
of the marketing strategies should you implement first in your business?
Remember that the success of your business depends on your ability to expose
your small business to your customers.
Is
there a way to market in Nigeria that has gone out?
Let me know in the comments below.
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