Grow your business online — without guessing

Find the platforms that suit your business in Canada, the US or Nigeria, learn what to post, and turn followers into sales — with a free 30-day plan.

Where to market your business

  • Google Business Profile — Get found on Google Search and Maps. When people nearby search for what you sell, a complete, free profile puts you on the map — with your hours, photos and reviews. First step: Claim (or create) your free profile and verify it.
  • Instagram — Show your work — and sell in the DMs. People browse food, beauty, fashion, homes and events on Instagram before they buy, and Reels reach people who don’t follow you yet. First step: Switch to a free professional account.
  • TikTok — Get discovered by people who’ve never heard of you. TikTok shows videos to people based on what they enjoy, not how many followers you have — so a new business can travel far, fast. First step: Set up a business account with your logo and website link.
  • Facebook — Reach your neighbourhood — groups, Marketplace and events. Many families and older customers still look for local businesses, events and recommendations on Facebook. First step: Create a Page with your hours, phone, website and photos.
  • WhatsApp Business — Chat, show your catalogue and close the sale. A free app that turns chats into orders: a business profile, a catalogue, quick replies and a daily Status your customers actually watch. First step: Install WhatsApp Business and fill in your profile.
  • YouTube — Answer questions on video — and be found for years. People search YouTube for how-tos, tours and reviews. A good video keeps bringing in customers long after you post it. First step: Create a channel with your logo and website link.
  • LinkedIn — Win business clients by sharing what you know. If you sell to other businesses, LinkedIn is where the decision-makers are — and useful posts build trust before the first call. First step: Rewrite your headline: who you help, and how.
  • Pinterest — Be found while people plan. People use Pinterest to plan weddings, homes, outfits, recipes and parties — and they click through to buy. First step: Create a free business account and claim your website.
  • Nextdoor — Get recommended by the neighbours. Neighbours ask each other for local services, food and repair recommendations on Nextdoor — a mention there is gold. First step: Claim your free Nextdoor business page.
  • Yelp — Win the comparison. Especially in the US, many people check Yelp before choosing a restaurant, salon or local service. First step: Claim your free Yelp business page.
  • Jiji — List where Nigerian buyers already shop. Buyers search Jiji for cars, phones, property, furniture and services right across Nigeria — list where they already look. First step: Create a seller account and verify your number.
  • X (Twitter) — Join the conversation. Especially in Nigeria, X is where people discuss brands, trends and recommendations — one useful reply can travel far. First step: Set up a profile with your logo, a clear bio and your website link.
  • Email & text list — Sell again to people who already know you. Your list is yours — no algorithm decides who sees it. A short monthly message with an offer brings past customers back. First step: Add a sign-up box to your website (offer something small for joining).
  • Google Ads (paid) — Show up the moment someone searches. Your ad appears when people search for exactly what you sell — “emergency plumber near me” — and you pay only when someone clicks. First step: Pick ONE service and the area you serve.
  • Facebook & Instagram ads (paid) — Put your best offer in front of locals. Show ads to people by area, age and interests across Facebook and Instagram — great for offers, events and new products. First step: Boost a post that already did well, to people within a few kilometres.

7 ways to make more sales

  • Make the next step obvious — People leave when they aren’t sure what to do. Put one clear button — Book, Order or Get a quote — on every page and profile. Today: Add a “Book now” or “Order” link to your bio and your Google profile.
  • Reply in minutes, not hours — The first business to answer usually gets the sale. Quick replies and an away message keep you in the race. Today: Save five quick replies for the questions you get most.
  • Show proof — Reviews, real photos and customer results calm a buyer’s doubts. Today: Ask five happy customers for a Google review — send them the direct link.
  • Give a reason to act now — A first-visit discount, a free consultation or a bundle turns “maybe later” into “yes”. Today: Create one simple offer with an end date, and post it.
  • Follow up — kindly — Most people don’t buy the first time. A friendly message a few days later brings many of them back. Today: Message three people who asked for prices last week.
  • Turn customers into referrals — Happy customers know people like them. A small thank-you for every referral keeps it going. Today: Tell your next ten customers about a referral reward.
  • Make paying easy — Accept the ways your customers like to pay, and confirm straight away — fewer orders get abandoned. Today: List your payment options clearly on your website and in your chats.

The sales check

Eight yes-or-no questions — answer them on the page for your score and quick wins.

  • Can customers find your hours, prices and location online in under a minute?
  • Can someone book, order or ask for a quote without phoning you?
  • Do you usually reply to messages within an hour?
  • Do you have ten or more recent reviews?
  • Do you post on social media at least twice a week?
  • Do you follow up with people who asked but didn’t buy?
  • Do you have a simple offer for first-time customers?
  • Do you ask happy customers to refer a friend?

Marketing guides by industry

Watch the one-minute marketing videos