Whether you are selling hair, clothes, herbal supplements, or phone accessories, one truth remains: your money is in the DMs. More specifically, in WhatsApp DMs. You can create the most captivating Instagram ad or a viral TikTok video, but if you fumble the WhatsApp conversation, you might as well have thrown the sale away yourself. In Nigeria, where online shopping thrives on trust and quick communication, mastering your WhatsApp chats is the key to turning random “just pricing” browsers into loyal, paying customers.
This post walks you through a proven, straightforward 7-step WhatsApp sales script that you can copy, paste, and tweak for your business. No need for complex strategies or fancy jargon. If you run a small online business in Nigeria, this guide is for you. We will cover the psychology of your customers, the script itself, common mistakes to avoid, and tips to transform WhatsApp into a full-blown sales machine. Let’s get started.
Part 1: Understand the Psychology of Your Customer
Before diving into the script, let’s talk about why people message you on WhatsApp in the first place. Not everyone who sends “Hi” is ready to buy. Customers reach out for a variety of reasons, and understanding their motivations helps you respond effectively:
- Some want to confirm your business is legitimate. In Nigeria, online scams are a real concern, so they are testing if your page is trustworthy.
- Others are checking how fast you reply. A quick response signals reliability.
- Many are comparing your prices with competitors, shopping around for the best deal.
- A few are just bored, messaging with no intention of buying.
However, within this pool of browsers, there are golden opportunities:
- Some are genuinely interested but need clear information to decide.
- Others are ready to buy but require a little nudge or reassurance.
- A few are looking for trust signals, like customer reviews or delivery guarantees, before committing.
Your job is to filter the serious buyers from the time-wasters and convert the undecided into customers. Without a structured approach, you risk losing sales to competitors who respond faster or communicate better. The 7-step script provides that structure, ensuring you engage every customer effectively and maximize your conversions.
Part 2: The 7-Step WhatsApp Sales Script
Here is a simple, proven 7-step WhatsApp sales script you can use to turn inquiries into sales. Each step is designed to build trust, clarify needs, and guide customers to a purchase without feeling pushy.
Step 1: The Warm Welcome
Your goal is to make the customer feel like they are chatting with a friendly, professional human, not a robot. A warm greeting sets the tone and encourages them to engage.
Example:
“Hi Amaka! Thanks for reaching out. You’re welcome to GlamWigs 😊 I’m Tolu, and I’ll be attending to you. What product caught your eye?”
Why It Works:
- It is polite and personal, using the customer’s name if available.
- It establishes control by introducing your business and guiding the conversation.
- It opens the floor for the customer to share their interest, moving beyond vague queries like “price?”.
Tips:
- Check their WhatsApp profile or Instagram DM for their name to personalize the greeting.
- Use a smiley emoji to keep the tone friendly but not overly casual.
- Mention your business name to reinforce your brand identity.
Step 2: Qualify the Interest
Your goal is to understand exactly what the customer wants and how soon they need it. Asking targeted questions helps you gauge their intent and tailor your pitch.
Example:
“Great choice! Are you looking to buy just one or multiple? And would you like it delivered or you’ll be picking up?”
Why It Works:
- It clarifies whether they are serious or just browsing.
- It identifies urgency, helping you prioritize orders.
- It reveals if they want a single item or bulk, informing your pricing strategy.
- It gently filters out unserious customers who may not respond.
Tips:
- Keep questions simple, asking one or two at a time to avoid overwhelming the customer.
- Frame questions to align with their needs (e.g., “for a special event?” for wigs or “daily use?” for gadgets).
- Note their responses to personalize future messages.
Step 3: Send Clear Product Info with Social Proof
Once you know their interest, provide concise, detailed information about the product, including price, features, and delivery options. Adding social proof, like reviews or videos, builds trust in Nigeria’s scam-conscious market.
Example:
“Here’s the full info:
🔸 Product: 16-inch Brazilian Wavy Wig
🔸 Price: ₦25,000
🔸 What’s included: Wig, free wig cap, care guide
🔸 Delivery: ₦2,000 in Lagos, ₦3,500 nationwide
I’ve attached a short video of the wig and a review from a customer in Abuja. Let me know if you’d like to place your order now 😊”
Why It Works:
- It eliminates guesswork by providing all essential details upfront.
- It offers visual proof through videos or photos, showing the product’s quality.
- It includes social proof, reassuring customers that others have bought and loved it.
- It ends with a soft call-to-action, making it easy for them to say yes.
Tips:
- Use bullet points for readability on WhatsApp’s small screens.
- Attach high-quality images, a 10-15 second video, or a screenshot of a customer testimonial.
- Mention payment-on-delivery (if available) to address scam concerns.
- Keep a folder of product media on your phone for quick sharing.
Step 4: Handle Objections Early
Customers may hesitate due to price, trust issues, or indecision. Addressing objections proactively keeps the conversation moving forward without sounding defensive.
Common Objections and Responses:
- “It’s too expensive”: “I totally understand. Many customers felt the same until they saw the quality. I can suggest a similar wig at ₦18,000 that’s just as stunning. Want to see it?”
- “I’m scared of scams”: “I hear you, and it’s smart to be cautious. We offer payment on delivery in Lagos and send tracking for all orders. Here’s a review from a customer who received theirs yesterday.”
- “Let me think about it”: “No wahala! I’ll check in tomorrow to see if you’re ready. We have limited stock, so let me know if you want me to reserve one.”
Why It Works:
- It shows empathy, validating the customer’s concern.
- It offers solutions, like alternatives or trust-building measures.
- It maintains a friendly, non-pushy tone, keeping the customer comfortable.
Tips:
- Anticipate objections based on your product (e.g., price for luxury items, durability for gadgets).
- Save testimonials or delivery proof in a folder for instant sharing.
- Avoid arguing; focus on guiding the customer to a solution.
Step 5: Close the Sale Confidently
When the customer shows interest, make it easy for them to commit by providing clear instructions for placing an order.
Example:
“If you’re ready, I can process your order now. Just send:
🔹 Full Name
🔹 Phone Number
🔹 Delivery Address
🔹 Preferred payment method (Bank Transfer or Pay on Delivery)”
Why It Works:
- It provides simple, actionable steps, reducing friction.
- It maintains a professional tone, showing you are organized.
- It subtly assumes the sale, encouraging the customer to act.
Tips:
- Confirm available payment methods (e.g., Paystack, Flutterwave, or cash on delivery).
- Save this message as a quick reply template for efficiency.
- Add subtle urgency if appropriate: “We have just 3 left in stock. I can reserve one for you now.”
Step 6: Confirm and Reassure
After receiving order details or payment, confirm the purchase immediately to build trust and reduce anxiety. Silence at this stage can make customers nervous.
Example:
“Got your details, Chidi! Your order for the wavy wig is confirmed 💯 You’ll get a tracking link once it’s dispatched tomorrow. If you need anything else, just reply here. Thank you!”
Why It Works:
- It reassures the customer that their order is in progress.
- It provides transparency by mentioning tracking.
- It invites further communication, encouraging future purchases.
- It reinforces your brand with a thank-you.
Tips:
- Send confirmation within minutes of receiving details or payment.
- Include a thank-you to make the customer feel valued.
- Save order confirmations (e.g., screenshots) for your records.
Step 7: Follow Up Smartly
If a customer ghosts or says “I’ll get back to you,” don’t give up immediately. A friendly follow-up can rekindle interest without seeming desperate.
Example:
“Hey Amaka, just checking in 😊 Wanted to know if you’re still interested in the wavy wig. We have a few left, but they’re moving fast!”
Why It Works:
- It maintains a warm, polite tone.
- It creates subtle urgency without pressure.
- It gives the customer a second chance to engage.
Tips:
- Follow up once after 24 to 48 hours, then move on if no response.
- Personalize the message with their name and product.
- Use WhatsApp labels to track follow-ups (e.g., “Pending”).
- Set reminders to stay organized.
Part 3: What Kills Sales on WhatsApp (Avoid These!)
Even with a great script, certain mistakes can ruin your chances of closing a sale. In Nigeria, where trust and speed are critical, avoid these pitfalls:
- One-Word Replies: Messages like “Yes,” “No,” or “Okay” feel dry and unprofessional. Customers need energy and engagement to stay interested.
- Scammy Communication: Avoid phrases like “Send money now” or messages with poor grammar and no punctuation. Clear, professional writing builds trust.
- No Visuals: WhatsApp supports images and videos, so always include product photos, short clips, or review screenshots. Text-only messages fail to convince.
- Slow Responses: If a customer messages at 10:00 AM and you reply at 5:00 PM, they may have already bought from a competitor. Respond within 10 to 30 minutes, even if it’s just to acknowledge the message.
- Being Too Pushy: Bombarding customers with multiple messages or begging them to buy feels desperate. Follow the script and give them space.
- Ignoring FAQs: Answering the same questions repeatedly wastes time. Prepare responses for common queries like pricing or delivery.
By avoiding these mistakes, you maintain credibility and keep customers engaged throughout the sales process.
Part 4: Turning WhatsApp into a Full Sales Machine
To scale your WhatsApp hustle, go beyond manual chats and leverage tools and strategies that boost efficiency and reach. These tips are tailored for Nigerian entrepreneurs with limited resources.
1. Use the WhatsApp Business App
The WhatsApp Business App is a free tool that streamlines sales with features like:
- Auto-Replies: Set a greeting for new messages (e.g., “Welcome to GlamWigs! How can I help you?”) or an away message for after-hours.
- Product Catalog: Create a digital catalog with product images, prices, and descriptions, accessible within chats.
- Quick Replies: Save templates for common responses, like pricing or order instructions, to save time.
- Labels: Organize contacts into categories like “New,” “Paid,” or “Follow-Up” for better tracking.
How to Use:
- Download the app from the Google Play Store or App Store.
- Set up a professional profile with your business name, logo, and contact details.
- Add 5 to 10 products to your catalog with clear images.
- Enable auto-replies to maintain responsiveness.
2. Prepare Voice Notes for FAQs
Voice notes add a personal touch, especially for customers who prefer audio over text. They are ideal for explaining products or addressing concerns in Nigeria’s conversational market.
Examples:
- A 20-second note describing your best-selling wig’s features.
- A note explaining your delivery process, including payment-on-delivery options.
- A reassuring message about your business’s legitimacy, mentioning happy customers.
Tips:
- Keep voice notes clear, concise, and friendly.
- Save them as quick replies for frequent questions.
- Practice to ensure a confident, professional tone.
3. Use Quick Replies
Quick replies save time by letting you send pre-written responses with a shortcut.
Example:
- Shortcut: /price1
- Response: “The price of our 2-in-1 Waist Trainer is ₦15,000. It comes with free shipping in Lagos.”
How to Use:
- Set up quick replies in the WhatsApp Business App for pricing, delivery, or FAQs.
- Test shortcuts to ensure they work smoothly.
- Update templates as your product line changes.
4. Add Status Updates
WhatsApp Status is like a free billboard, reaching all your contacts. Use it to post:
- New product arrivals with vibrant photos or videos.
- Customer testimonials or unboxing clips.
- Promo countdowns (e.g., “20% off till Friday!”).
- Behind-the-scenes content, like packaging orders.
Tips:
- Post 1 to 3 statuses daily to stay visible without spamming.
- Use Canva for graphics or CapCut for short videos.
- Include a call-to-action (e.g., “DM to order!”).
- Note which contacts view your status for potential follow-ups.
Part 5: Sample Script for Different Scenarios
The script is versatile and works for various industries. Here are examples tailored for common Nigerian businesses.
Hair Vendor
Customer: Hi, I saw your wig on Instagram.
You: Hello love 💕 Welcome to SleekHairNG! I’m Chioma. Which wig caught your eye? I’ll help you choose the perfect one.
Follow-Up: “The 20-inch straight wig is ₦30,000, tangle-free, and comes with a free wig cap. Want me to send a video and delivery details?”
Herbal Supplement Seller
Customer: Hello, I want something for belly fat.
You: Welcome to FitBodyNG! You’re in good hands 😊 We have a tummy trim tea that shows results in 7 to 14 days. Want me to share details and customer results?
Follow-Up: “The tea is ₦15,000 for a 30-day pack. Delivery is ₦2,000 nationwide. Here’s a before-and-after from a Lagos customer.”
Fashion Store
Customer: Please what’s the price of the red gown?
You: Thanks for reaching out! The red bodycon gown is ₦12,500, available in sizes S to XL. Let me send the size guide and a video of it on a model.
Follow-Up: “The gown is perfect for parties. Delivery is ₦1,500 in Abuja. Here’s a customer review. Should I reserve one?”
Gadget Store
Customer: I saw that Bluetooth speaker you posted.
You: You have sharp eyes o 😄 I’m David from TechTrendz. The speaker has clear sound, a 5-hour battery, and costs ₦8,000. Want to order one for delivery tomorrow?
Follow-Up: “It’s a hot seller! I’ve attached a demo video. Let me know if you’re ready.”
Part 6: When to Offer Promo, Discount, or Freebie
You don’t always need to slash prices to close a sale. Instead, offer value-added incentives to make customers feel they’re getting a deal without devaluing your product.
Examples:
- “Buy 2 wigs, get a free wig cap.”
- “Free delivery if you order today.”
- “Free travel pouch for the first 10 buyers.”
- “Free sample with your first order.”
Tips:
- Use incentives sparingly to maintain profitability.
- Highlight the value (e.g., “This wig cap saves you ₦2,000!”).
- Create urgency with phrases like “Offer ends tonight.”
- Track which promotions drive sales to refine your approach.
Part 7: Use Broadcast Smartly
Broadcast lists let you message multiple customers at once without creating a group. Use them to re-engage past customers or promote new offers.
Example:
“Hi dear! It’s Tolu from GlamWigs. We restocked the Brazilian wigs you loved, and we’re offering a 10% discount for our old customers till Sunday. Reply to see the collection!”
Tips:
- Send broadcasts every 2 to 3 weeks to avoid spamming.
- Personalize messages with the customer’s name or purchase history.
- Ensure recipients have saved your number to receive broadcasts.
- Offer value, like discounts or new stock alerts.
Moving Forward
WhatsApp is not just for chatting; it’s a full-blown sales machine in your pocket. By mastering this 7-step script, you can greet customers warmly, qualify their needs, provide clear information, handle objections, close confidently, and follow up smartly. Whether you are a one-person business selling hair or a small team offering gadgets, this strategy can transform your DMs into cash. In Nigeria’s competitive online market, a structured, professional approach sets you apart. You don’t need to be a sales expert—just a little structure and confidence. Start using this script today, and watch your WhatsApp become a powerful tool for growing your business. Happy selling!
Summarized Key Points
- Always greet customers warmly with their name and introduce your business.
- Ask questions to understand their needs and urgency.
- Send clear product info with pictures, videos, or customer reviews.
- Handle objections calmly with solutions like payment on delivery or alternatives.
- Close sales confidently with clear order instructions.
- Confirm orders promptly and provide tracking details.
- Follow up once after 24 to 48 hours if they ghost.
- Use WhatsApp Business tools like auto-replies, catalogs, and quick replies.
- Post regular status updates with products or promos to stay visible.
- Offer value-added incentives like free delivery instead of heavy discounts.