In the realm of Nigerian social media usage, one name stands tall: WhatsApp. According to research expert Doris Dokua Sasu, a staggering 94.9% of Nigerians are active on this platform. Now, this isn't your average research – it was published on Statistita, the reputable online research platform. So, let's take a moment to digest this impressive statistic.
With approximately 200 million Nigerians in the mix, 95% of them are utilizing WhatsApp , which amounts to a staggering 190,000,000 users. That's a massive audience by any measure, guys, Chai!
WhatsApp isn't just a local star; it's a global phenomenon with a staggering 2 billion users worldwide. It's a marketing force to be reckoned with. But the real question is, are you making the most of it? Is WhatsApp helping you grow your business and acquire new clients?
Before I reveal the steps to unlock WhatsApp's potential for your business, I'd like to share a little tidbit. I've been successfully running a WhatsApp group since 2020, filled with over 300 entrepreneurs and professionals, all contributing to a thriving community.
So, here are the steps to turn your WhatsApp presence into a revenue-generating powerhouse:
1. Build a WhatsApp Contact List: To thrive and make sales on WhatsApp, you need a list of existing customers and potential clients. To acquire their numbers, offer them something of value in return. For instance, think about that delightful restaurant where you enjoy Akwa Ibom soup. Despite being a loyal patron for over a year, they don't have your number! Imagine if they approached you after a satisfying meal like this:
"Hello Sir or Ma, thank you for eating at our restaurant. We frequently feature new menu specials and surprises here at ----- Would you like to receive alerts about our restaurant's latest happenings?" If the customer says yes, they can then ask for the customer's phone number to add them to their WhatsApp list.
This way, you'll be informed when your favorite soup is ready and stay updated on their specials, all while increasing your Customer Lifetime Value (CLTV). Many businesses lose valuable clients simply because they lack contact information.
I remember my favorite rice and chicken food spot in Lekki Lagos, this woman’s food is super however when the Government forced her to move location she lost 80% of her loyal clients because she did not have our contacts to inform us of her new location.
Imagine if she had a broadcast list of ‘Rice eaters in Lekki’ She would have just sent us all a whatsapp message of her new location.
She had to start creating new customers which is more expensive.
2. WhatsApp Features: WhatsApp offers a range of communication channels that you can leverage for your business:
One-on-One Chats: Encourage new paying customers to save your WhatsApp number. You can say something like, "Hey Joe, thank you for choosing Joe's Shoes. Please save this number as 'Joe Shoes' to receive updates on new shoe arrivals and maintenance tips." This builds your WhatsApp contact list, which you can later use for upselling and cross-selling.
WhatsApp Broadcast: This feature allows you to send a single message to multiple people without revealing their identities to each other. If you sell real estate, you can create a broadcast list for your luxury clients and send them monthly market updates. This keeps you top of mind and positions you as an industry expert. Remember, the limit for a WhatsApp broadcast list is 256 people.
WhatsApp Status: Share videos, pictures, and audio for 24 hours in your contacts' feeds. You can add a call to action to your content to drive sales. One of my coached clients in Lekki Gardens sold a ₦50,000,000 property through her status using the call to action strategy I taught her.
WhatsApp Groups: Create virtual chat rooms where multiple people can interact. Groups can be free or paid, and I've successfully managed my paid WhatsApp group, the Sales Factory Community, for three years where i the sales tactics via voice note Monday to Friday and we review a sales or business book on the 15 of each month. You can join it here. Sales Factory Whatsapp Community
Here is a link to the replay of the book we reviewed on September 15, 2023 ‘FANATICAL PROSPECTING’ Fanatical prospecting book review
WhatsApp Calls: Use voice calling to connect with your contacts for free, even internationally. If a potential client inquires about your rates via direct message on social media, encourage them to call you on WhatsApp. Avoid sharing prices in DMs, as it often leads to disengagement. Instead, get them on a call to explain your product's features and benefits before sealing the deal.
I'm currently coaching clients who have closed deals worth £2,000 and £700 through WhatsApp calls.
Here’s a simple line i use to move them from my DM to a whatsapp call “ Thank you for reaching out, but just so i can serve you better and understand your business can we get on a whatsapp call? Here’s my number ——— can i have yours?”
This script works 80% of the time
These steps should set you on the path to WhatsApp success.
As you conclude reading this article, I invite you to share your thoughts and rate it in your reply. Thank you for your time!
Video of the week:
Podcast of the week:
Awesome. This is timely solution guide to sell successfully on WhatsApp. Thank you so much Coach.
Thank you Sulaiman for your kind words and comments. I put in a lot of work into this and it is always a thing of joy to be appreciated.