How to Start an Online Store in Nigeria (Step-by-Step Guide – 2025)
Starting an online store in Nigeria is no longer a big man’s hustle. With the right tools, a smartphone, and a clear plan, anyone — whether you’re a student, stay-at-home mum, graduate, or side hustler — can set up a simple online store and start selling.
In fact, more Nigerians are shopping online every day. From Instagram stores to full websites, online business is booming. If you’ve ever thought of selling something online — clothes, foodstuff, shoes, hair, skincare, electronics, or even digital products — this guide is for you.
This article will show you exactly how to start an online store in Nigeria — step by step — without confusion or wasting money.
Table of Contents
- Why Start an Online Store in Nigeria?
- What Can You Sell Online?
- Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Online Store
- Where to Create Your Store (Free and Paid Options)
- Tips to Succeed with Your Online Store
Key Takeaways
- Starting an online store in Nigeria is now accessible to everyone, regardless of budget or background, thanks to free tools and digital platforms.
- Top-selling products online include fashion, beauty items, foodstuff, digital products, and electronics, making it easy to find a niche you can enter profitably.
- You don’t need a website to start — platforms like WhatsApp Business, Instagram Shops, Paystack Storefront, and Selar allow you to start selling quickly and for free.
- Good product photos, clear pricing, and reliable delivery options are essential for attracting customers and gaining trust.
- Consistency and smart content marketing are key — using platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook Groups can help drive traffic and sales.
- Tools like Canva, Google Sheets, and WhatsApp Business features can help you organize, design, and communicate professionally without spending much.
- Customer experience matters — quick replies, good service, and honest reviews can help you grow faster than even paid ads in the beginning.
How to Start an Online Store in Nigeria (Step-by-Step Guide – 2025)
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Why Start an Online Store in Nigeria?
With over 122 million internet users in Nigeria in 2025, more people are searching for products online before they buy. Whether it’s Instagram, Jumia, WhatsApp, or a personal website, online selling is the new normal.
Here’s why you should consider it:
- You can sell from home — no need for a shop
- You reach more people than your street or neighborhood
- Your store runs 24/7, even when you’re sleeping
- It saves you rent, electricity, and many physical business costs
- It works for almost every product or service
If you’re already selling offline, opening an online store can double your customer base.
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What Can You Sell Online?
You can sell almost anything online in Nigeria — as long as people need it and are willing to pay for it.
Here are top-selling categories:
- Fashion: Clothes, shoes, bags, accessories
- Beauty: Skincare, hair products, cosmetics
- Foodstuff: Rice, beans, spices, dried fish, palm oil
- Home items: Kitchen tools, blenders, organizers
- Digital products: Ebooks, courses, templates
- Electronics and gadgets
- Kids items: Toys, baby clothes, school kits
- Health and fitness items: Herbal drinks, supplements, workout gear
You can even sell a combination — just make sure you can manage the supply and delivery.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Online Store
Here’s how to start your store from scratch:
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Choose What to Sell
Pick a niche — something you know, have access to, or are passionate about. Don’t try to sell everything. Focus on one category or a small group of related products.
Ask yourself:
- Can I get this product easily?
- Will people buy it regularly?
- Are there enough profit margins?
If you’re unsure, start with one or two products and test demand.
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Choose Your Selling Platform
You don’t need to build a full website from day one. You can start selling using:
- WhatsApp Business
- Instagram and Facebook Shops
- A free website builder
- Online marketplaces like Jumia, Konga, or Paystack Storefront
We’ll break down platforms later in this article.
2. Set Up a Simple Online Presence
No matter the platform, make sure you have:
- A clear business name
- A logo (you can use Canva to design one)
- A bio/description that says what you sell and how to order
- A way for people to contact you (WhatsApp, form, email)
People should not struggle to know what you do.
3. Take Good Product Pictures
Use natural light and a clean background. You don’t need a fancy camera. Just make sure:
- The product is clear and well-lit
- The background is not distracting
- You show multiple angles if necessary
Customers buy with their eyes first.
4. Set Your Prices
Calculate your cost price + transport + packaging + profit. Also, check what others are charging and try to stay competitive — but don’t underprice yourself.
Example: If you buy a bag for ₦5,000 and delivery to you costs ₦1,000, selling it for ₦9,000 gives you a ₦3,000 profit.
5. Add Delivery Options
Will you deliver nationwide or within your city?
Partner with logistics services like:
- GIG Logistics
- Kwik Delivery
- DHL eCommerce
- Local dispatch riders
Include the delivery fee in your post or let customers know how it’s calculated.
6. Start Posting and Promoting
Use platforms like:
- Instagram for photos, reels, and hashtags
- WhatsApp Status for daily product updates
- Facebook Groups for reaching new people
- TikTok for trending video promotions
Post consistently. Talk about your product like it’s the solution people are looking for — not just “Available, DM.”
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Where to Create Your Store (Free and Paid Options)
WhatsApp Business
Best for beginners. Set up your catalog, quick replies, labels, and broadcast messages.
Paystack Storefront
Create a free online store in minutes. Great for beginners selling physical or digital products.
Selar.co
Best for selling digital products like ebooks and courses.
Flutterwave Store
Also offers a free storefront with payment and delivery integration.
Instagram Shop/Facebook Shop
If you already post products, convert your page to a shop to allow easy ordering.
Custom Website (WordPress, Shopify, etc.)
If you’re serious and ready to scale, you can invest in a professional store with your own domain and payment system.
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Tips to Succeed with Your Online Store
- Be consistent with posting — don’t disappear for weeks
- Use clear captions — explain product name, price, and how to order
- Show testimonials and customer reviews
- Offer discounts or flash sales to attract attention
- Use Instagram Reels, TikTok, and WhatsApp Status
- Be responsive and polite — reply messages quickly
- Track your orders and income using simple Google Sheets or notebooks
You can also run Facebook or Instagram ads when you’re ready to scale up.
Final Thoughts
Starting an online store in Nigeria in 2025 is one of the best ways to earn steady income — even with low capital. You don’t need to rent a shop, hire staff, or buy plenty stock. Just start where you are, use your phone well, and grow with time.
Focus on solving a problem, showing up daily, and treating your customers right. With patience and consistency, your store will grow.
Need Help Starting Your Business?
At Dayo Adetiloye Business Hub, we help Nigerians like you start and grow profitable businesses — no matter your budget. From writing business plans to getting registered and finding the right business idea, we’ve got your back.
Call or WhatsApp us on +234-806-077-9290
Let’s build your dream business — together!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I start an online store in Nigeria without a website?
Yes, you can start using WhatsApp Business, Instagram Shops, Paystack Storefront, or Selar — all of which are free and beginner-friendly.
Q2: What is the cheapest way to start selling online in Nigeria?
The cheapest way is to use WhatsApp Business and Instagram to post your products, then use a free storefront like Paystack or Flutterwave for payments.
Q3: Do I need to register my business before selling online?
No, it’s not required at the beginning, but registering your business with CAC gives you more credibility and helps when scaling.
Q4: How much capital do I need to start an online store?
You can start with as little as ₦10,000 to ₦50,000 depending on the product you choose to sell. You may also consider dropshipping or selling digital products with even lower capital.
Q5: How do I handle delivery in Nigeria?
You can partner with local dispatch riders or use services like GIG Logistics, Kwik Delivery, or DHL. Always communicate delivery costs and timelines to customers.
Q6: What’s the best product to sell online in Nigeria?
There’s no one-size-fits-all. But products in the fashion, beauty, and foodstuff categories tend to perform well. Choose based on availability, demand, and profit margin.
Q7: How do I receive payment from customers?
Use payment links from Paystack, Flutterwave, or receive direct transfers. Make sure to track orders and verify payments before delivery.
Q8: Can I run my store only on WhatsApp?
Yes, many Nigerian sellers run profitable stores using only WhatsApp. Use features like Catalog, Labels, and Status for daily updates.
Q9: How can I get customers to trust me?
Use good product photos, show real reviews, be polite and responsive, and always deliver what you promise.
Q10: When should I invest in a full website?
Once you’ve validated your product, have steady sales, and want more control or automation — a custom site becomes worth it.
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