How to start an eCommerce business in Nigeria
Do you want to know how to start a successful eCommerce business in Nigeria but do not know the right approach?
Cheer up! I got you.
Recently, many e-commerce stores have been rising in Nigeria, and it seems the trend is not stopping anytime soon.
The emergence and success of e-commerce stores in Nigeria like Jumia, Jiji, and Konga have given many entrepreneurs and business owners the hope to venture into it.
Just like any other business, starting an e-commerce business is not an easy task. It is not as simple as setting up a blog or a mere website.
There is a lot of work that must go into for it to become successful. You’ll need to choose your software platform, payment gateway, marketing plan, merchants/manufacturers to buy products from, and many other things in between.
This is not to scare you. Although starting an e-commerce business is difficult, it is not impossible. If you can’t handle all the technicalities in starting an e-commerce business, you can register as a merchant in any other established e-commerce store and sell your products from there.
You should, however, consider this option if you don’t mind giving up the total control of your store to a company.
Many people prefer this method because all the hard work is done for them and all they need to do is place their products, and the e-commerce company handles everything for them.
But, if you would like to know how to start an eCommerce business in Nigeria and be your own manager, here are the steps:
1. Define your niche
Finding a profitable niche is the first step to starting a successful e-commerce business. Knowing what to sell is very important in any business.
Many would say you should follow your passion, while others would advise you to sell what is in demand in the market.
Well, whatever it is you want to sell, let it be what people are willing and ready to buy. You have to be specific in choosing the product to get the right kind of customers and avoid strong competition.
There are many categories of products to consider when defining your niche. They are books, health care products, footwear, clothing, electronics, office equipment, household goods, sporting equipment, mobile phones, etc.
You can also check out the top-selling products on other established e-commerce stores and take advantage of them.
2. Know your target customers.
Accept the fact that you can’t sell to everybody. You must have the right product for the right people. Your focus should be on people who need your product.
Not on people who will tell you how awesome your product is and will never buy from you.
Most people create buyer personas (sometimes called ICP: Ideal Customer Profile) to know their
target customers.
This is simply a fictional/imaginative illustration of your ideal customer. It allows you to narrow down and know exactly who to sell your products to.
3. Hire a professional web developer
Like I said earlier, starting an eCommerce business is difficult and comes with lots of intricacies. A major factor in your success will be a functional and responsive website.
It would help if you had a professional web developer who probably has extensive experience in creating eCommerce
websites.
The website should not only be about the flashy design but more about the user experience.
You’d be losing lots of customers if people find it difficult to navigate your website.
4. Source for products
Source for products for your e-commerce store from only reputable manufacturers. Most people go to China to source products.
That’s fine if you know buying goods from China. No matter where you choose to source products, let quality be your priority.
That’s what will keep you in business for a long time and determine your business’s success.
The market to source products from also depends on the type of products you decide to sell. We have eBay, Amazon, Alibaba, Aliexpress, etc.
5. Advertise your e-commerce business
Nobody will hear about your business until you tell people about it. There are many marketing strategies to use to get the word out about your business.
Use the most affordable and effective strategy. You can advertise your business via word of mouth, Social media (Facebook ad), sponsored posts on blogs, Google Adwords, etc.
Facebook is the most effective way to get access to many customers who are ready to buy your products.
6. Ask for feedback
Ask for feedback from your customers about your business. This feedback will help you improve your product and the customer’s experience.
Also, welcome negative reviews and address them appropriately. They are necessary for business growth and improvement.
This is one of the best ways to start a successful eCommerce business in Nigeria and grow it to be more profitable.
Now you have known how to start a successful eCommerce business in Nigeria.
This venture is a goldmine if it is well approached.
If you need a bankable business plan for your E-commerce business at an affordable price, please don’t hesitate to contact us on WhatsApp via https://wa.me/+2349012957163.
