How to Launch an E-Commerce Site to Sell Internationally from Nigeria

Starting, running and growing a business in Nigeria comes with many challenges.

Rising inflation, increasing competition and declining consumer purchasing power have forced many small business owners to look for new ways to stay afloat.

One of the smartest moves in today’s economy is to move beyond local borders and into the global marketplace.

A strong online presence is key to achieving this goal. It helps you connect with more people, build trust, and stand out from your competitors.

Why e-commerce is the solution

E-commerce offers a number of benefits to businesses, making it a powerful tool for growth. Here are three key reasons why you should consider e-commerce for your business:

1. Access to a global customer base
With e-commerce, you can reach customers all over the world, not just in Nigeria. Expanding into new markets significantly increases your sales potential.

2. Lower operating costs
Running an online store usually comes with lower overhead costs compared to a physical store. Without high rent or utility bills, you can invest more in marketing to grow your business.

3. 24/7 availability
Your online store operates around the clock, allowing customers from different time zones to shop whenever it’s convenient for them. This 24/7 availability maximizes your ability to sell worldwide.

In fact, according to Zoho, global e-commerce sales are expected to reach $6.3 trillion in 2023. Statista further reports that over 2.14 billion people worldwide purchase goods online, underscoring the massive shift towards e-commerce.

For many Nigerian SMEs, this is a huge opportunity. But how do you set up an e-commerce site that reaches international customers without breaking the bank?

Step 1: Choose the right platform to expand your reach worldwide

One of the biggest misconceptions about e-commerce is that it’s expensive. The first step in launching an e-commerce site to sell globally is choosing an e-commerce platform that fits your business needs and doesn’t overwhelm your budget. Platforms like QShop are built specifically for Nigerian SMEs, allowing you to create a fully functional online store for less than ₦6,500 per month.

With QShop, you can reach international customers without having to hire expensive developers or deal with complicated coding. Since QShop launched, over 25,000 Nigerian SMEs have used QShop to sell globally, helping them scale their businesses without the financial burden of traditional web development costs. Your business can now compete internationally, giving you access to a wider customer base and new revenue streams.

Step 2: Optimize your customer experience to increase sales and retain global customers

Once you have your online store set up, the next key step is to provide an exceptional customer experience. Your website is more than just a storefront; it is the first impression that many international customers will have of your brand. With over 70% of internet traffic coming from mobile devices, having a mobile-friendly website is essential. A poor mobile experience can lead to abandoned carts and lost sales.

QShop automatically adapts to mobile and desktop devices, ensuring a seamless shopping experience. Whether customers are in Lagos, California or London, their experience should be smooth and intuitive. Additionally, a user-friendly interface, fast load times and easy navigation increase the chances of converting visitors into buyers. Focusing on experience is key not only to customer retention but also to increasing repeat sales, which is essential for long-term growth in international markets.

Step 3: Leverage global payment and shipping solutions to simplify operations

The third step is to streamline logistics to meet the needs of international customers. Handling global transactions and deliveries may seem complicated, but with the right tools, it becomes much easier.

Dollars? Euros? Pounds? No problem. QShop integrates with Stripe, allowing you to accept payments in a variety of currencies. In addition to payments, consider your shipping strategy. QShop offers automated shipping options, connecting you with trusted shipping partners. These features allow you to process payments, manage inventory, and even automate shipping without the need for technical expertise.

By using technology to handle these operational aspects, you can focus more on marketing and growing your business, while the platform takes care of the complexities of global trade.

Extra tip: There’s never been a better time to take your business online and expand your reach. You can get started with QShop for half price by using this link before the end of September! Launch your e-commerce site and open the door to global sales without the financial burden.