WhatsApp has evolved beyond a messaging app—it’s now a lifestyle tool and a powerful platform for business. With over 50 million users, Nigeria ranks as the tenth largest user base worldwide. But many users are unfamiliar with the app’s potential for making income.
Thanks to affordable data and the widespread use of smartphones, WhatsApp has become an ideal tool for small-scale entrepreneurs. Unlike social-media platforms that rely on complex algorithms, WhatsApp allows users to reach their contacts directly.
Selling on WhatsApp is not new. Students, stay-at-home moms, corporate workers, and freelancers advertise their products and services on their status updates. With regular posts and customer engagement, they’re thriving micro-businesses—all without a physical store or website.
Getting Started in Five Simple Steps
Choose a product or service: Start small with something in demand—thrift clothes, affordable shoes, pastries, bags or gadgets. The goal is to test the waters and see what your contacts respond to.
Set up a WhatsApp Business profile: Switch to WhatsApp Business and use a professional display name that aligns with your products—Temi’s Thrifts, for example. Activate the catalog feature to showcase your products along with clear descriptions and pricing.
Build a customer base: Join relevant WhatsApp groups (without spamming). Ask friends to share your status updates to help you boost your contacts. The more people you can reach, the more potential customers you’ll have.
Post Consistently and Professionally: Use clear photos or videos of your products. Include price, discounts, delivery options and contact details. Aim to post daily to stay on top of mind.
Accept payments: Offer bank transfer and mobile payment options such as OPay, Moniepoint or Palmpay. Always confirm payment before dispatching goods.
Final Takeaway
One post alone won’t bring an avalanche of sales. But treating your WhatsApp as a digital shopfront—updating it regularly, engaging with contacts and providing good customer service—can lead to consistent sales and word-of-mouth referrals.
With WhatsApp, you don’t need a huge budget to start. Start small, stay consistent and watch your micro-business grow.
WhatsApp has expanded into a vital business tool, particularly in Nigeria, boasting over 50 million users. Due to low data costs and widespread smartphone usage, it provides an excellent avenue for small entrepreneurs to directly connect with clients, bypassing complex platform algorithms. Many individuals use WhatsApp to sell goods like clothes, shoes, and gadgets through status updates, cultivating thriving micro-businesses without needing physical stores.
To get started, it's recommended to choose a high-demand product, set up a professional WhatsApp Business profile, and leverage the catalog feature for product showcasing. Building a customer base is crucial and can be achieved by joining relevant groups and sharing updates. Regular professional postings with clear product information and customer engagement are essential. Payment methods like bank transfers and mobile apps ensure seamless transactions.
While a single post may not drive massive sales, maintaining an updated digital storefront with excellent customer service can lead to steady sales growth and referrals. Starting a business on WhatsApp requires minimal budget; with persistence and consistency, one can witness the growth of their micro-business.
