They drive growth, innovation, and job creation worldwide.  In Nigeria, they play a crucial role in stimulating local economies and contributing to the country’s GDP.

Recognising their impact, WhatsApp is committed to empowering SMBs with the tools to succeed through the WhatsApp Business App, by reaching their customers where they already are.

WhatsApp continues to be the best way for people and businesses to get business done in Nigeria. With its efficient features, the WhatsApp Business App has become an indispensable tool for small businesses, helping them streamline communication, enhance customer engagement and drive sales.

And we know customers love communicating with businesses over WhatsApp too, as nearly 80% of people globally message with a business at least once a week.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimise your business operations, here are five essential WhatsApp Business features that can elevate your efficiency and customer interactions.

1. Catalog – Showcase Your Products and Services

Gone are the days of sending multiple images and descriptions individually to customers. With the Catalog feature, you can create a digital storefront where customers can browse your offerings within WhatsApp.

This is just like a mini-website which makes it easier to showcase your products, prices and descriptions in an organised way.

How to Use It: Go to Business Tools > Catalog. Add product images, videos, names, descriptions and pricing.

2. Quick Replies – Save Time on Repetitive Questions

Answering the same customer questions repeatedly? Quick Replies let you create preset responses for frequently asked questions, saving you time and ensuring fast customer service.

How to Use It: Go to Settings > Business Tools > Quick Replies. Create and save responses such as a greeting message or order confirmation. Use the shortcut “/” to insert a quick reply in any chat

3. Labels – Stay Organised and Track Conversations

Managing multiple customer interactions can be overwhelming, but the Labels feature helps by categorising chats in different ways, such as order status or customer type.

You can create labels with different colors or names and add the conversations  to an entire chat. This keeps your inbox organised and ensures no customer is left waiting.

How to Use It: Open a chat, tap on the three-dot menu > Label Chat. Assign relevant labels like New Customer, Order Placed, Pending Payment.

4. Away Messages – Engage Customers Even When You’re Away

Never miss a customer inquiry again. Away Messages allow you to set up a greeting or away message, ensuring customers receive timely responses even outside business hours.

How to Use It: Go to Business Tools > Away Message / Greeting Message. Set up a custom message and schedule when it should be sent.

5. Meta Verified – For Enhanced Protection and Account Support

A paid subscription that helps your business build credibility with new audiences, Meta Verified can help drive more engagement and grow your brand.

With Meta Verified, you’ll receive enhanced account support, can use WhatsApp across multiple devices and  easily create a professional WhatsApp web page that’s tailored to you.

How to Use It: Go to Settings or Business Tools > tap Meta Verified.

WhatsApp Business is packed with features designed to help small businesses grow, stay organised, and engage with customers effortlessly.

By leveraging these features, you can enhance your customer experience, increase efficiency and ultimately drive more sales. Start your own journey with the WhatsApp Business app here.

Separate from other LinkedIn Premium subscriptions, such as LinkedIn Premium Business, the Premium Company Page aims to help businesses enhance their online presence and attract customers by providing them with a variety of features.

One interesting aspect is the AI-powered content creation, which the innovative feature leverages to assist businesses in creating engaging content for their company pages. 

This can be a beneficial time-saver and a source of inspiration for businesses looking to create fresh and informative content for their audience.

The subscription also comes with enhanced follower growth tools. These functionalities provide businesses with new strategies to expand their reach and attract a larger following on LinkedIn.

The effective implementation of these tools will enable businesses to connect with a wider pool of potential customers and build a stronger brand community.

Premium Company Page offers valuable visitor insights. Admins gain access to data on who visits their company page, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of their audience. 

Armed with this knowledge, businesses can refine their targeting strategies and tailor their content to align better with potential customers.

The subscription unlocks the ability to incorporate prominent call-to-action buttons on company pages. These buttons make it easier for visitors to connect and engage with the business directly, driving conversations and facilitating new customer relationships.

Building trust and credibility is important for any business. Premium Company Page allows businesses to show testimonials from satisfied customers or clients directly on their page. This social proof can greatly enhance brand reputation and encourage potential customers to do business with the company.

Finally, the subscription grants access to a verification badge for company pages, similar to the verification offered for individual profiles. This badge serves as a mark of legitimacy and trustworthiness, further strengthening the brand’s image and fostering confidence among potential customers.

Per TechCrunch, LinkedIn confirmed the existence of the service but did not disclose the pricing details publicly. However, a marketing consultant reported that the fees start at $99.99 per month per page, with a discounted annual subscription option.

The company already offers various premium subscriptions for individuals, including job seekers, recruiters, and professionals seeking to expand their knowledge through LinkedIn Learning.

The Premium Company Page will promote a safe and reliable platform for professional networking and brand building. With the rise of misinformation and questionable algorithms on other social media platforms, LinkedIn is working to ensure a credible space for businesses to connect with potential customers and build brand reputation.

From infrastructure health checks and application deployment to seamless upgrade, vulnerability and patch management, and encryption for portable storage, the packages help IT teams manage ‘the deployment gap’ while optimising protection and maximising ROI.

In a rapidly changing cybersecurity environment, professional services are essential for businesses of every size, including SMBs under pressure to maximise business efficiency. SMBs need to focus on their core business while their cybersecurity implementations are working optimally.

According to recent global Kaspersky research, SMBs plan to increase their IT security budgets by up to 14% in the next three years – and getting professional help to enhance the efficiency of their cybersecurity is among the top choices to spend their budgets.

Kaspersky’s new Professional Services Packages for SMBs cover the most in-demand cybersecurity needs: Assessment, Deployment and Configuration. There’s also a Health Check service offering three different levels of coverage, deployment of Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business, Kaspersky Security for Virtualization Light Agent, Kaspersky Security Center Cloud Console and Kaspersky EDR Optimum, and Upgrade for Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business. All packages have clearly described outcomes, a pre-defined scope of work, service duration, etc. – all variables are clarified and agreed on at the outset.

Kaspersky Professional Services packages for SMBs includes five packages:

1. Health Check Service Package

Analysis of the customer’s policies, audit, health check, identification of current and potential issues in the customer’s Kaspersky infrastructure, reporting and recommendations.

2. Deployment Service Package

Creation of basic policies, deployment of essential Kaspersky applications, deployment of protection to an agreed number of customer systems, etc.

3. Upgrade Service Package

Deployment of the latest version of Kaspersky Security Center, migration of settings and policies from customer-created backups, etc.

4. Hard Disk and Removable Drive Encryption Service Package

Configuration of authentication agent, and implementation of full disk encryption on an agreed number of HDDs, portable storage and/or configuration of file-level encryption.

5. Vulnerability & Patch Management Service Package

Configuration and setting up of basic policies, demonstration of the key scenarios and typical situations admins will have to deal with, etc.

If the customer’s IT team opts to deploy Kaspersky software themselves, Kaspersky will still support them through the whole process and provide all necessary assistance, including detailed instructions and demo videos.

Kaspersky will also ensure that the software is optimised. After implementation, Kaspersky specialists can check the software to ensure that everything is properly installed, and will operate correctly and at peak performance, in line with Kaspersky standards and best practices.

“Our new professional services portfolio together with our experts make life for IT administrators a lot easier. Our experts speak your language – let them handle updates, configure software or assist with migration to Kaspersky products and solutions on your behalf so you can focus on other business issues needing your attention to maximise business efficiency. What’s different about these Packages compared to regular Professional Services? Simplicity. It’s all preconfigured, customers just need to add the Packages they need to their contract, and we’ll do the rest,”

says Oleg Gorobets, Senior Global Product Marketing Manager at Kaspersky.

This groundbreaking agreement prioritizes support and investment for vulnerable countries, taking into account the devastating impacts of climate change, energy crises, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This holds great impact for businesses, and attention can’t help but move to the direction of the potential influence of this pact on Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs) in Nigeria. Let’s explore:

1. Access to Funding and Investment Opportunities:

One of the key benefits for SMBs in Nigeria arising from the New Global Financial Pact is increased access to funding and investment opportunities. The pact aims to mobilize financial resources from international institutions, governments, and private investors to support sustainable development projects in vulnerable countries. 

This influx of funding can provide Nigerian SMBs with the necessary capital to expand their operations, invest in innovative technologies, and scale their businesses.

2. Enhanced Resilience and Adaptation Measures:

The New Global Financial Pact places significant emphasis on resilience and adaptation measures, particularly in the face of climate change and other crises. This focus can benefit Nigerian SMBs by providing them with the resources and support needed to adopt sustainable practices, implement climate-resilient infrastructure, and integrate environmentally friendly technologies into their operations. 

Embracing these measures will enable SMBs to strengthen their competitiveness, reduce operational risks, and contribute to the country’s overall sustainability goals.

3. Facilitating International Trade and Market Access:

The New Global Financial Pact also aims to foster international trade and market access for vulnerable countries, including Nigeria. By facilitating trade agreements, removing trade barriers, and promoting fair economic practices, SMBs can seize new opportunities in global markets. 

This can lead to increased export opportunities, diversification of revenue streams, and the potential for growth beyond domestic boundaries. Moreover, enhanced market access can help Nigerian SMBs establish valuable international partnerships and networks, fostering knowledge sharing and innovation.

4. Capacity Building and Skills Development:

The New Global Financial Pact recognizes the importance of capacity building and skills development in driving sustainable economic growth. For Nigerian SMBs, this means access to specialized training programs, mentorship initiatives, and technical assistance. 

By investing in human capital, SMBs can enhance their management capabilities, develop innovative solutions, and improve operational efficiency. This, in turn, can attract more investors and increase the potential for long-term success.

5. Collaborative Business Ecosystem:

The New Global Financial Pact encourages the creation of collaborative business ecosystems that promote knowledge sharing, innovation, and entrepreneurship. 

Through partnerships between governments, international organizations, and the private sector, Nigerian SMBs can gain valuable support in terms of business development, market intelligence, and networking opportunities. Such collaborative efforts can create a conducive environment for SMBs to thrive, fostering innovation, job creation, and economic growth.

Conclusion

The signing of the New Global Financial Pact by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks a significant step towards supporting vulnerable countries like Nigeria in their journey towards sustainable development. 

For Small and Medium-Sized Businesses in Nigeria, this pact presents new opportunities for growth, increased access to funding, enhanced resilience, and expanded market access. 

By leveraging the resources and support made available through this pact, Nigerian SMBs can play a vital role in driving economic recovery, job creation, and fostering innovation in the country.

As the implementation of the New Global Financial Pact unfolds, it is crucial for Nigerian SMBs to stay informed, engage with relevant stakeholders, and position themselves to leverage the potential benefits. 

Through proactive participation and strategic decision-making, SMBs in Nigeria can navigate the changing landscape, overcome challenges, and seize the opportunities that arise, contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Unfortunately, many small businesses overlook the importance of cybersecurity, mistakenly believing they are not significant targets. However, the reality is that small businesses are increasingly becoming prime targets for cybercriminals. 

Focusing on the importance of cybersecurity for small businesses, this piece highlights key measures to be taken in order for small businesses to protect their digital assets.

1. Growing Cybersecurity Threat Landscape

The threat landscape in cyberspace is constantly evolving, and small businesses are not immune to these risks. In fact, they are particularly vulnerable due to limited resources and less robust security infrastructure. Cybercriminals often view small businesses as attractive targets because they tend to have weaker security measures and are more likely to pay ransoms. By understanding the risks they face, small businesses can take proactive steps to mitigate them.

2. Protection of Sensitive Data

Small businesses often handle sensitive information, such as customer data, financial records, and intellectual property. Failure to secure this data can have severe consequences, including financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal liabilities. Implementing strong cybersecurity measures, such as encryption, access controls, and regular data backups, can safeguard this critical information from unauthorized access and ensure business continuity.

3. Preserving Customer Trust

Customers place a great deal of trust in businesses when providing their personal information. A single data breach can erode that trust and lead to a loss of customers, negatively impacting a small business’s reputation and revenue. Demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity reassures customers that their data is safe and enhances their confidence in doing business with the organization.

4. Regulatory Compliance

Many industries have specific regulatory requirements for data protection and privacy. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines and legal consequences. By prioritizing cybersecurity, small businesses can ensure they meet the necessary compliance standards, protecting both their operations and their customers’ rights.

5. Cost of Cybersecurity Incidents

The financial impact of a cybersecurity incident can be devastating for a small business. Studies show that the average cost of a data breach for a small company can be substantial, including expenses related to incident response, recovery, legal fees, and damage control. Investing in cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, antivirus software, and employee training, is a proactive approach that can save businesses from incurring significant financial losses in the long run.

6. Business Continuity and Resilience

Small businesses must prioritize business continuity and resilience in the face of cyber threats. A successful cyber attack can disrupt operations, leading to costly downtime and lost productivity. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures, coupled with backup and disaster recovery plans, helps minimize the impact of cyber incidents, enabling small businesses to recover quickly and continue their operations without significant disruption.

Conclusion

The importance of cybersecurity for small businesses cannot be overemphasized. Cyber threats are growing in sophistication and frequency, and small businesses must be prepared to defend against them. 

By understanding the risks they face, protecting sensitive data, preserving customer trust, among others, small businesses can establish a strong cybersecurity posture. Investing in cybersecurity measures is not just a smart business decision; it is an essential component of long-term success in today’s digital landscape.

Female Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) in Nigeria are significant contributors to the country’s micro-business sector, with many of them relying on the WhatsApp Business App as their primary business platform.

For these women, the private messaging app serves as their website, storefront, and livelihood. Here are two female SMBs who are using the WhatsApp Business App to establish secure connections with their customers, drive sales and promote their businesses’ growth.

Temitope Bukola, the founder of Giftbysisi, a gifting company, started using the WhatsApp Business app when it launched in 2018. Her passion for creating inspired her to start a cushion (throw pillow) production.

The entire business transitioned into a full-blown gifting company. As an SMB passionate about her business growth, Temitope sends relevant broadcast messages to customers informing them of upcoming sales. She has leveraged WhatsApp as the top communication channel for business transactions and built her brand as inclusive and resilient. 

Using the features of WhatsApp Business like catalogue, quick replies, cart, broadcast, and others, Temitope has leveraged them to track her customers, deliver quality products and maintain customers’ trust.

Despite the challenges faced as an SMB, which includes lack of funding, and the difficulties surrounding recruiting staff with integrity, she has been able to carve a niche for herself by building and sustaining a gifting brand.

Oyeleke Oluwalana, Owner of Supertouch Exquisite Design (STED) Accessories, was a graduate of Chemistry.

Her love for accessories made her start the business as an undergraduate in 2017. To bridge the awareness gap, she started using WhatsApp to showcase her products on her Status and gradually attracted customers who loved accessories.

Her accessories line includes fascinators, turbans & Zara caps, tiaras and headbands, flower/lapel/brooch and bridal accessories.

Starting the business as a science student was challenging because she had to combine studies and business. However, she was able to leverage WhatsApp to get across to her suppliers and customers. 

Oluwalana has used WhatsApp to teach free and paid online training sessions for Nigerians and non-Nigerians, who want to learn about fashion accessories.

She has shown them the benefits of starting a business in it, and for every paid training, there is a business class where vital topics such as pricing strategy, among others, are taught.

At the moment, STED Accessories has trained over 80 students via WhatsApp on how to make certain accessories since 2017.

Female SMBs are playing a critical role in the economic development of Nigeria, with many of them relying on innovative solutions like the WhatsApp Business App to break barriers to business growth.

Despite facing various challenges, such as limited access to finance, education, and technology, female entrepreneurs in Nigeria are demonstrating their resilience and resourcefulness by harnessing the power of digital tools to create and expand their businesses.

As more women enter the SMB space and utilise technology to their advantage, there is no doubt that they will continue to drive economic growth and social change in Nigeria and beyond.

However, the study observed that as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes, the most significant challenge SMBs are facing now is the current state of the economy, supply chain disruption, inflation, threat of recession as well as production cost hikes.

Due to the state of the economy, 16% of SMB owners within the past 6 months reduced the size of their workforce in Ghana while 5% of SMB owners in Nigeria have made similar adjustments to their workforce within the same timeframe.

While SMBs fight to find their footing during this post Covid era and navigate the current economic situation, Meta technologies have been instrumental in helping local businesses thrive and have their good ideas discovered.

In the lead up to the festive season, Meta has decided to launch the ‘Good Ideas Deserve To Be Found’ campaign to further build on the success of the campaign first launched in 2021. The campaign is aimed at spotlighting and celebrating local businesses with unique gifting ideas while encouraging holiday shoppers to support local businesses during this festive trading window.

“At Meta, we are committed to empowering SMBs with free skills and resources to help them build thriving businesses, develop meaningful connections, and unlock economic potentials so they can continue making a positive impact across the world,” Oluwasola Obagbemi, Corporate Communications Manager for Anglophone West Africa at Meta.

She also said, “This festive season, we seek to spotlight and tell the stories of SMBs with unique gifting ideas and provide SMBs with access to tools, support, and solutions needed to grow thriving businesses while reinforcing our continued support of small businesses to ensure they have a voice and ensure the right customers find their good ideas.”

When surveyed, 49% of SMBs in Ghana reported using digital tools for advertising and 59% of SMBs in Nigeria reported generating at least 25% of their sales through digital channels in the past 30 days. It was also revealed that 46% of operational SMBs in Nigeria on the Facebook app reported having sold their goods or services to customers in other countries in the past 5 years.

This compares to the global average of 30%. These discoveries have been made possible through the provision of digital tools for SMBs to ensure they are found by the right customers.

Through this campaign, Meta continues to support and give a voice to more than 200 million businesses using Meta technologies to ensure their good ideas are found.