Let’s face it—2024 might not have been your best year for sales. 

You started the year with high hopes, but now you’re looking at your numbers and wondering where it all went wrong. 

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. 

Many small businesses in Nigeria are in the same boat, struggling to turn things around as the year draws to a close. 

But here’s the good news: It’s not too late to make a change. With the right strategies, you can still make the money you didn’t make earlier in the year. 

In this blog post, I’ll share proven tactics that can help you boost your sales and finish 2024 on a high note.  

Why Aren’t You Making Sales? 

Before we talk solutions, let’s quickly identify the common culprits of your sales. 

Payment Challenges: Whether it’s slow bank transfers or customers being hesitant to pay upfront, payment issues can be a major roadblock. 

Limited Availability: Running a business often means wearing multiple hats. This can leave you juggling tasks and potentially missing out on sales opportunities. 

Customer Follow-up: It’s easy to get so caught up in new leads that you forget about existing ones. Nurturing relationships is crucial. 

1. Show, Not Tell

Photo by George Milton: https://www.pexels.com/photo/happy-young-black-woman-setting-up-smartphone-before-shooting-podcast-6954220/

First things first, let’s talk about engagement. If your potential customers aren’t engaged, they won’t buy. This cannot be stressed enough. See, the world of online selling has evolved. 

How do you engage them? 

One of the most effective ways is by showing, not telling. Instead of just telling your customers about your product, show them how it solves their problems. 

For instance, use compelling video testimonials from satisfied customers. These videos should showcase real people explaining how the products improved their lives. 

People want to see real-life applications of your products. It makes your business more relatable and trustworthy. 

2. The Power of Follow-Ups 

Photo by Monstera Production: https://www.pexels.com/photo/smiling-black-woman-writing-notes-during-phone-call-9430886/ 

I can beat my chest and tell you that a huge reason why you’re not making sales is because you’re not following up. 

“But following up is hard”. I understand. 

You’ve gotten tired of customers reaching out, making enquiries- , only for them to Ghost you. 

But here’s a reality check: 

According to a study by HubSpot, (https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/sales-statistics) 80% of sales require five follow-up calls after the initial contact. But many businesses give up after just one. 

To master the art of follow-up, you need a strategy and scripts ready. A simple yet effective script could be: 

“Hi [Customer’s Name], 

How’re you doing? 

I wanted to follow up on your interest in . I know things can get busy, so I wanted to check in and see if you have any questions or if you’re ready to move forward. 

I’m here to help in any way I can.” 

Additionally, don’t forget about your existing customers. They’re your golden geese. Reach out to customers who have bought from you before to keep your business top of mind and encourage repeat purchases. A simple follow-up message like:

“Hi [Customer’s Name], thank you for your previous purchase of [Product/Service]. We hope you’re enjoying it! Just wanted to let you know about some new products/services you might find interesting.”

Regular follow-ups show that you care about your customers and are eager to help them. It keeps your business at the forefront of their minds, making them more likely to purchase when they’re ready. 

3. Expand to Other Channels 

Image: A graphic displaying different social media platforms with engagement metrics. 

Sticking to just one platform is a missed opportunity. 

You need to diversify your presence across multiple channels.  

Now, I’m not saying that you should be everywhere o! However, instead of relying solely on one platform, find out where your target audience spends their time and focus your efforts there.  

For small businesses in Nigeria, utilizing multiple channels can significantly broaden your reach. Each platform has its unique audience, and tapping into these can lead to more sales. 

4. Discount Sales and Special Offers 

Image : A banner advertising a limited-time discount or promotion. 

Everyone loves a good deal. Offering discounts and special promotions can create urgency and drive sales. Run seasonal discount sales that can boost your revenue significantly. Use phrases like “Limited Time Offer” and “Exclusive Discount for Our Loyal Customers” to entice people. 

 I should warn you though.  

Discounts can be a tempting way to boost sales, but they can also hurt your profit margins. If you’re going to offer discounts, do it strategically. How? 

Target Specific Customers: Offer discounts to loyal customers or those who refer new clients. 

Create a Sense of Urgency: Limited-time offers can encourage impulse buying. 

Calculate Your Break-Even Point: I beg you, ensure you’re still making a profit, or at the very least, breaking even after the discount. 

5. Upsell and Collaborate 

Image : Two brands collaborating on a joint promotional campaign.
Photo by PICHA Stock: https://www.pexels.com/photo/women-talking-to-each-other-3894383/ 

Upselling and cross-selling are powerful tools. If someone is already buying from you, there’s a good chance they’ll be interested in additional products or services that complement their purchase. For instance, if a customer buys a dress, suggest a matching bag or shoes. 

Collaboration is another game-changer. Partnering with other businesses can open doors to new customer bases. Collaborate with a local brand to offer a combined discount package. This partnership can boost sales and increase your brand visibility. 

6. Find a More Effective Response Process 

Image: A customer service representative using a payment link on a website. 

Granted, you can’t be online 100% of the time, but you need to find a more effective response process. This is where tools like Credo’s Payment Link and Website come into play. For context, Credo is a leading payment gateway domiciled in Nigeria, which offers multiple products layered on its platform to enable businesses of all sizes to get paid seamlessly. 

Credo’s Payment Link allows customers to make quick and secure payments without hassle. Integrate this into your business, enabling your customers to pay conveniently, which in turn reduces cart abandonment and increases completed sales. By automating parts of the sales process, you can ensure that no potential customer falls through the cracks. 

Turning your sales around isn’t just a dream—it’s entirely possible with the right strategies. By showing your customers the value of your products, following up diligently, expanding to multiple channels, offering enticing discounts, upselling, collaborating, and optimizing your response process, you can see significant growth in your business. 

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Many small businesses in Nigeria face similar challenges, but with persistence and the right tactics, you can overcome them. Implement these strategies to bounce back and end the year on a high note. After all, every setback is a setup for a comeback. Let’s make the rest of 2024 your year! 

Citations and Sources 

1. HubSpot. (n.d.). [Sales Statistics](https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/sales-statistics). 

2. Forbes. (2023). [How Small Businesses Can Thrive in 2023](https://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2023/01/17/how-small-businesses-can-thrive-in-2023/?sh=4e5a6b7f7b4d). 

3. Business News Daily. (2024). [Effective Follow-Up Strategies for Sales Success](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/11118-follow-up-strategies-sales.html).