Step 4:
Marketing and Getting Your First Customers
Now that your brand is set up, it’s time to get customers, generate sales, and build momentum for your business.
This step will teach you:
- How to market effectively
- How to use social media for sales
- How to build trust and repeat customers
- Strategies to get your first 10-50 customers confidently
1. Understanding Marketing
Marketing is telling the right people about your business so they buy your products/services.
It’s not just about posting; it’s about understanding your audience, showing your value, and building trust.
2. Identify Your Target Audience
Ask:
Who will buy your product?
Where do they spend time online? (Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and etc…)
What problem does your product solve for them?
The answers will create a clear pathway in which you can reach your target audience faster and more efficiently.
Example: If you sell healthy desserts, your audience could be:
Young moms
Students
People interested in health and wellness in your city
3. Set Up Your Marketing Platforms
Instagram:
Your primary platform for visuals, reels, stories, and customer interaction. Use reels for reach, stories for community, and posts for product details.
TikTok (optional):
Short videos showcasing your process, packaging, customer reactions.
WhatsApp Business:
For easy orders and updates.
Easy way of contact.
Snapchat (optional):
For behind-the-scenes and casual customer engagement.
Website (very recommended):
Helps with professionalism and scaling, but not required at the start if you’re using Instagram + WhatsApp.
4. Content Strategy for Sales
Types of Content You Need:
Educational Content:
- “How to style…”
- “Benefits of…”
- “Why should you use…”
Behind the Scenes:
- Making your products.
- Packing orders.
- Day in your business life.
Customer Testimonials:
- Share customer messages and photos (with permission).
Product Showcases:
- Clear photos and videos showing your product.
Calls to Action:
- "DM to order” or “Link in bio to shop.”
Posting Schedule / Post consistently:
- Feed/Reels: 3–4 times per week.
- Stories: Daily updates.
- Engage: Respond to comments and DMs promptly.
5. Launch Strategy to Get Your First Customers
Offer a Launch Discount:
e.g., 10% off for the first 10 customers to create urgency.
Family & Friends Network:
Share your page with your contacts and ask them to support and share.
Word-of-Mouth:
Ask satisfied customers to share your page with friends.
Collaborations:
Partner with small influencers (micro-influencers) in your city for reviews in exchange for free products or discounts.
WhatsApp Broadcast:
Create a broadcast list of interested contacts for updates on new products and offers.
6. Building Trust for Sales
Trust is the reason people buy from you instead of others. It’s what makes them feel safe sending payment and excited to receive your product.
How to Build Trust:
1. Show Proof of Legitimacy (optional but helps)
Share your Maroof certificate in your highlights and stories.
If you have a سجل تجاري (CR), mention it for added credibility.
2. Use Clear, Consistent Communication
Always list prices, payment methods, and delivery details clearly on your page and pinned stories.
Share your policies (no refunds/exchange, delivery times) so customers know what to expect.
Respond to DMs politely and promptly.
3. Share Customer Reviews
After each sale, kindly ask customers for feedback.
Post screenshots of positive messages or photos they send (with permission).
Create a highlight titled “Reviews” or “تجاربكم” to collect these for new visitors to see.
4. Show Your Process and/or Face (if comfortable)
Film short stories or reels:
Packing an order.
Making your product.
Speaking about your product’s benefits.
Showing your voice and hands creates a human connection, making people trust you more.
5. Maintain a Professional Image
Use clean, high-quality photos and consistent lighting.
Avoid posting unrelated personal content on your business page.
Use your logo as your profile picture to look professional.
6. Deliver on Your Promises
Ship orders on time and keep customers updated.
Share stories of packages being sent out or received.
Be transparent if there’s a delay, and always follow up with your customers.
Tracking and Improving
- Use Instagram insights to see:
- Which posts perform best.
- When your audience is active.
- Adjust your posting times and content type based on what your audience engages with most.
- Keep a sales and expenses tracker from Day 1 for clear business understanding.
Summary Checklist Before You Launch
- Audience defined.
- Instagram and WhatsApp Business ready.
- Content planned for at least 10 days.
- Launch offer decided (discount/freebie).
- Maroof certificate displayed for trust.
- Delivery method and pricing clear.
What This Step Enables You to Do:
- Start generating real sales.
- Build customer trust and repeat clients.
- Market your business confidently using free platforms.
- Grow your reach consistently.