Let’s be honest — starting an online store in Nigeria is not beans.
You buy inventory, set up Instagram, maybe launch a website… but sales don’t come in the way you expected. Or worse — your store loads slowly, crashes during sales, or leaves customers confused.
At AskTopsy, we’ve worked with over 80+ brands across Africa, and we’ve seen the pattern again and again. Here’s why most Nigerian online stores struggle — and what you can do differently.
1. The website looks good… but it’s not built to sell
A lot of websites focus too much on design and forget about conversion. Your site should guide a customer from first glance to final payment — with no stress.
✅ What to fix:
- Clear product descriptions
- Easy checkout flow
- Mobile-first design (because 90% of Nigerians shop on their phones)
2. No automation = Burnout
Many business owners still run everything manually — from replying to DMs to confirming payments one by one.
✅ What to fix:
Use platforms like Shopify or Bumpa to automate order tracking, email follow-ups, and even logistics updates. It saves you time and increases sales without extra work.
3. Customers can’t find the store on Google
You have great products… but nobody’s searching for you by name. That’s where SEO comes in.
✅ What to fix:
- Add clear product names & categories
- Start a blog (like this one 😎)
- Use keywords your audience is searching for (e.g. “stretch mark cream Nigeria”, “affordable wigs in Lagos”)
4. No trust = No sales
If people don’t trust your brand, they won’t give you their card details. Simple.
✅ What to fix:
- Add customer reviews/testimonials
- Show you’re verified (e.g. CAC, Bumpa, Shopify Partner)
- Use clear product photos and proper pricing
5. No one is testing the site
A lot of people build a website and just leave it — no updates, no checks, no improvements.
✅ What to fix:
Check your analytics. What page do people drop off from? Is your site loading slowly? Is your “Buy Now” button hard to find? These little things add up.
Final thoughts from AskTopsy 💡
Online stores can (and should) work — but only if they’re built with the right structure, tech, and strategy.
We’ve helped brands like FineFunky, Smokey Jollof, and HairHouse.ng move from chaos to consistent orders — not with magic, just with smart systems.
👉 Want a site that actually helps you sell? Start your project with AskTopsy today.