In the town of Akure, there was a small business called Craft and Create. Owned by a passionate designer named Omotolani, it thrived for years selling handmade crafts from rafia baskets to adire wrappers. Yet, as larger companies embraced technology, Tolani realized her traditional methods weren’t enough to stay ahead. She faced a challenge many small businesses encounter in today’s tech-driven world.
However, Tolani’s journey from being overwhelmed to enjoying the benefits of going digital, offers valuable lessons for small businesses looking to stay competitive.
Recognizing the Shift
One afternoon, as Tolani watched fewer customers walk through her shop’s door, she couldn’t help but wonder what had changed. It became clear to her that customers now expected online shopping options, delivery service, and personalized experiences. At first, she felt helpless but after much thought, she saw it as an opportunity to reach more customers while staying true to her brand’s core values. This was her first step toward staying relevant.
Embracing Technology at Your Own Pace
Tolani started small small. She set up an online store to sell her handcrafted goods to a wider audience, allowing her to grow beyond Akure and reaching customers in Lagos, Abuja; who appreciated her unique, handmade products. As a small business owner, you don’t need to do everything at once. By carefully selecting the right tech tools—whether it’s an e-commerce platform like the Fair App or customer relationship management software like Zendesk, you can improve operations without feeling overwhelmed.
Building an Online Presence
Along with her online store, Tolani realized that having a social media presence was necessary in this digital era. She created an Instagram page where she posted pictures of her crafts, shared behind-the-scenes content, and engaged directly with her followers. Each time she posted, she added hashtags and tagged potential partners. Gradually, her following and customer base grew. Having a social media presence is a low-cost way to promote your product and build relationships with customers.
Leveraging Data for Better Decisions
Tolani also began to use data to guide her decisions. Her website provided insights into what products customers were buying, how long they stayed on her site, and what content kept them engaged. By using this information, she could tailor her inventory to meet demand and run targeted promotions as well. Many small businesses don’t pay attention to data. But in reality, data is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal.
Personalizing the Customer Experience
One of Tolani’s biggest advantages over bigger businesses was her ability to offer personalized customer experiences. When customers visited her shop, she knew their preferences and often offered customized products. With the help of technology, she was able to provide this level of care to her online customers, sending personalized emails and offering discounts based on their previous purchases. Whether through email marketing or loyalty programs, a personalized approach will help you stay connected to your customers.
Today, Craft and Create is more than just a shop in Akure. It’s a thriving business with a national reach, all thanks to Tolan’s willingness to embrace technology while staying authentic. She didn’t have to become a tech expert; she just needed to use technology as a tool to enhance her business.
Did I tell you she started offering installment payment options too? Well, that’s a story for another day. As a business owner, you too can offer installment payment options using the Fair App. Download now on iOS and Android stores to get started.
As the world is becoming more tech-driven, there’s always room for businesses to evolve.
