Kenya was recently ranked 3rd in the Sub-Saharan region in ease of doing business by The World Bank.
Among the factors, the institution cited that makes the country favourable to businesses are the ease of registering a business, electricity connection, robust online systems for paying taxes and multiple avenues for accessing credit.
Taking advantage of these factors, Kenyans have engaged themselves in a myriad of businesses with most young people branching into online businesses.
I sought to find out what are some of the hacks these online entrepreneurs are using to make their online-based ventures more profitable and this is what I gathered:
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Ann Ngaruiya (24), a fashion designer who markets her business mostly on Instagram stated that she has clients from all over the country even though her business is based in Nairobi.
“My clients find me mostly online,” she stated. “Facebook and Instagram are the platforms I use to get to them.
“Someone will see a piece they like and request for it with a slight variation to suit their taste,” she conveyed.
Her sentiments were echoed by Nicholas Ogembo, a third-year student at the University of Nairobi who also runs a photography business.
“The only time I meet my clients is when we have completed most transactions and the only thing left is to do the actual shoot,” he explained.
“I started in December 2017 and so far I have covered 2 weddings, a graduation party and several birthdays,” he added.
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They both emphasized the importance of quality customer interaction in closing a deal adding that talking to a client builds trust and one is able to get directives to fulfil an order clearly.
What about the costs? I was curious to find out. The internet and airtime usage must account for a big percentage of their operating costs.
“Not at all,” Ngaruiya interdicted, “I am a flexer which allows me to browse, call and SMS with only one bundle.
"What’s even more satisfying is that the Flex units offer more value everytime I send money using M-Pesa,” she stated confidently.
On his part, Ogembo stated that he was subscribed to Safaricom’s 99 bob daily bundle which he receives 115 units.
“It is very convenient to communicate with clients. I can call them to confirm orders, send photo drafts on Whatsapp and even Skype to show a client the set for a shoot to make sure they get value for their money,” he explained.
Both were confident that their businesses will flourish as they conveyed all their expansion plans.
“I am planning to get more people to work with as the orders are increasing and the clients are becoming more demanding,” Ngaruiya divulged.
As for Ogembo, he intends to diversify into providing video services for his clients.
