One thing I’ve learned from doing business in Nigeria is that people don’t just buy products—they buy relationships. Trust is everything, and in a country where “I go call you back” often means “I’m not interested,” you have to know how to build real connections that lead to actual sales.
When I started selling vintage furniture, I thought posting nice pictures on Instagram and running ads would be enough. But let me tell you, the real game-changer was one-on-one conversations. That’s where sales actually happen.
Why Conversations Drive Sales (Especially in Nigeria)
If you’ve ever done business here, you’ll know that Nigerians love to talk, negotiate, and ask plenty of questions before making a purchase. That’s why real-time engagement is more powerful than just running ads and waiting.
✅ Trust is key – If a customer feels like you’re ignoring them or rushing the sale, they’ll move to the next seller.
✅ Personalization sells – Nigerians appreciate when you go the extra mile to suggest options that suit their needs.
✅ Follow-ups seal the deal – Many buyers need gentle nudges before committing. If you follow up, you’re more likely to close the sale.
How I Mix Automation with a Personal Touch
Let’s be real—I can’t sit by my phone all day responding to every message. But I’ve found a way to balance automation with personal engagement.
1️⃣ Quick replies with a chatbot – I set up an automated system to respond to FAQs instantly, so no customer feels ignored.
2️⃣ Personal follow-ups – If someone asks about a furniture piece, I personally check in after a few days to see if they’re still interested.
3️⃣ WhatsApp voice notes & videos – Nigerians love voice notes! A simple “Hi, I thought you’d love this piece” in a warm tone does wonders.
A Real Story: From Instagram DM to a Loyal Customer
A lady once messaged me about a mid-century coffee table she liked but wasn’t sure about. Instead of just dropping the price and walking away, I:
💬 Sent her a video showing the details and craftsmanship.
📏 Helped her visualize it by asking about her space and style.
💡 Suggested a matching furniture piece based on her home decor.
At first, she hesitated because of logistics, but after a follow-up chat and some reassurance about safe delivery, she bought the table AND a matching chair. Now, she checks my page regularly and has even referred three more customers.
How You Can Apply This (Even If You Dislike Selling)
- Engage first, sell later. If someone messages you, don’t rush to drop the price—build rapport first.
- Make responses feel personal. A simple “Good evening, Ma” or “Hope your day is going well” makes a difference.
- Follow up naturally. A gentle check-in, like “Hi, are you still considering this?” works better than aggressive selling.
Final Thoughts
People buy from people. The more you invest in genuine conversations, the easier it becomes to turn a chat into a sale.
Have you ever converted a casual conversation into a paying customer? Let’s gist in the comments!
