How to Get Your First 100 Customers (and Keep Them)

You cannot sell to "everybody." If you try to sell to everybody, you sell to nobody.

Create a Customer Persona:
- Who are they? (e.g., Working mums in Lagos, Students in UNILAG).
- What is their pain? (e.g., "I have no time to cook," "I need affordable data").
- Where do they hang out? (Instagram, Facebook Groups, Twitter/X).

Example: If you sell luxury wigs, don't target students. Target working class women in Lekki/Abuja who value convenience and status.

You don't always need money to start.

Instagram Strategy:
- Reels: The fastest way to grow. Post behind-the-scenes, "How-to" videos, and customer testimonials.
- Bio: Clear value proposition. "I help [X] achieve [Y]." Link to your WhatsApp or Selar store.

WhatsApp Marketing:
- Status: It's your personal TV station. Post valuable content, not just "Buy my product."
- Broadcast Lists: Use sparingly. Ask for permission first. Send useful tips, then an offer.

The "Boost Post" button is often a waste of money. Use Facebook Ads Manager.

The Strategy:
1. Objective: Choose "Sales" or "Leads" (not just "Traffic").
2. Budget: Start with ₦2,000 - ₦5,000 per day.
3. Creative: Video ads perform better than images. Show the product in use.
4. Targeting: Don't guess. Use "Interest Targeting" related to your niche (e.g., "Skin Care" + "Lagos").

You don't need Davido or Wizkid. You need someone whose audience trusts them.

Why Micro-Influencers (5k - 50k followers)?
- They are affordable (often accept free products or small cash).
- They have higher engagement rates.
- Their audience is more niche-focused.

Tip: Look for influencers who actually reply to comments on their posts. That shows community.

A happy customer is your best marketer.

The Offer:
"Refer a friend and get ₦1,000 off your next order. Your friend gets ₦500 off too."

How to Track:
- Simple way: Ask "Who sent you?"
- Tech way: Use apps like Selar affiliates or coupon codes.

Acquiring a new customer costs 5x more than keeping an old one.

How to Retain Customers:
1. Excellent Service: Reply fast. Deliver on time. Packaging matters.
2. Follow Up: 2 days after delivery, ask: "Did you enjoy the product?"
3. Loyalty Rewards: "Buy 5, get 1 free."

Remember: People buy from people they like and trust.