How to sell online in Nigeria: a simple step-by-step guide

1. Decide what you will sell first

Start with 5 to 15 products you sell often and can always supply. A short, clear list sells better than a long one with items you rarely have.

Write each product the way customers ask for it: "Garri (paint bucket)", "Jollof rice and chicken (1 plate)", "Ankara two-piece, made to measure". Include the size or quantity in the name.

2. Take good photos with your phone

• Use daylight near a window, not flash.
• Put the product on a plain background and fill most of the frame.
• Take one photo per product at least; add a second showing size or packaging.
• Keep it honest: the customer should receive what the photo shows.

3. Set clear prices, delivery and payment

Write the full price in naira. If delivery costs depend on the area, say so and confirm the fee with the customer after they order.

Offer the ways your customers already pay: bank transfer is the most common, and card, transfer or USSD through Paystack is convenient for customers who prefer it. Only mark an order as paid when you can see the money in your own account; a screenshot is not proof.

4. Create your online store

You need a page where customers can see everything, choose quantities and order without chatting back and forth. With RaiseAm this takes a few minutes: choose a design and colour, add your logo and products, and your store gets its own address such as yourshop.raiseam.ng, or your own domain like yourshop.ng.

1. Go to raiseam.ng/start and type your business name to see your store.
2. Sign up and add your products, photos and prices.
3. Turn on bank transfer (and connect Paystack if you want card payments).
4. Set your delivery or pickup options.
5. Share your store link.

5. Bring customers to your store

• Put your store link in your WhatsApp Business profile, Instagram bio and Facebook page.
• Post one product at a time on your WhatsApp status with its own link.
• Reply to "How much?" messages with the product link instead of typing prices.
• Ask happy customers to share your link; word of mouth still works best.

6. Deliver well and follow up

Keep every order in one list, update its status (confirmed, out for delivery, delivered) and send the customer an invoice with your business name. Repeat customers come from reliable delivery more than from adverts.