If you run an online business in Nigeria, especially on platforms like WhatsApp, it’s time to change your sales approach. Stop using pity to drive sales. Your emotional appeals and sad stories may earn you charity once, but they won't bring loyal, repeat customers.

Phrases like “Please patronize me,” or “Please buy what I’m selling,” and even the pidgin equivalent “Abeg, buy wetin I dey sell, I never chop today,” do not position you as a credible seller—they make you sound desperate. This is begging, wrapped in the appearance of a business.

Using “please” as a strategy doesn't create demand; it invites pity. The few who respond are often family or friends doing you a favour, not genuine customers who value what you offer. If you want to grow, you must sell like a consultant, not a beggar.

When you sell like a consultant, your entire approach changes—your tone, your language, your content, and your positioning. You become more confident, more intentional, and more professional. It makes you think beyond just selling a product; you start delivering value.

The way you present yourself directly affects how people perceive you and whether they choose to do business with you. People connect with you before they connect with your product. A consultant doesn’t beg—they earn trust by offering solutions. They create content that educates, informs, and demonstrates their expertise.

Regardless of what you're selling—be it shoes, fabric, skincare, or electronics—you must know your product. Understand its benefits. Explain its features. Share tips, educate your audience, and provide insights. That’s how you position yourself as an authority.

Many people sell shoes but can’t name their components. Others sell fabric without understanding the weave or how to maintain it. When you provide useful, detailed content, you stand out. You don’t need to ask people to buy—they’ll come to you because they trust your knowledge.

Focus on saying “Here’s why you need this,” instead of “Please buy this.” People don’t like being sold to, but they love to buy—especially when they see value.

Consult. Don’t beg.

You are the face of your business. Know your product. Know yourself. Then sell with confidence.

 

Author

TitiJoshCC

 

Email

titijoshcontentcastle04@gmail.com