There were times when I felt like giving up entirely. I even told people close to me, “Dai chaive bepa, ndakachibvarura kare kare.” (If it were a piece of paper, I would have destroyed it a long time ago.) My blog — all those posts about Zimbabwean culture, language, and traditions — sometimes felt like it was going nowhere.
I was frustrated, unsure, and frankly, a little lost. I loved writing and sharing stories, but selling online felt confusing and almost impossible. That is, until I discovered there is a method — a way to reach the right people, build trust, and turn what you love into something sustainable.
Here’s how I learned to do it — step by step
Step 1: Lead Generation — Finding People Who Care
Early on, I decided to stop worrying about monetising my blog and focus on what I truly enjoyed: writing and serving my audience. Once I made that decision, the pressure lifted, and clarity followed.
I asked myself: What do my readers need most? The answer came in the form of a simple survey. I expected maybe a handful of responses. Instead, over 900 people participated. The insights were incredible. I learned what people were struggling with, what they wanted to know, and how I could serve them better.
That’s when it clicked — I had discovered lead generation. In simple terms, a lead is a potential customer. Collecting leads allows you to connect with people genuinely interested in what you offer, even before you have a product ready.
Tips for you:
1. Use an online platform for lead generation. Choose a channel that fits your niche —Instagram for visual businesses, LinkedIn for coaching or professional services.
2. Start gathering leads before you even have a product. I wish I had started sooner!
Attention — Standing Out Online
Once you know who you want to reach, the next step is getting their attention. For me, Google is my primary platform. I make sure my blog appears on page 1 of search results for key terms like mutupo, tsumo, and zvirahwe. Most people never scroll past the first page, so being discoverable matters
Whether it’s search engines, social media, or other platforms, your goal is to catch the eye of people genuinely interested in what you do.
Landing Pages — Creating a Place to Connect
Getting attention is one thing, but creating a space to engage directly is another. That’s where a landing page comes in.
When someone clicks on a link to your survey, your blog, or any promotional content, a landing page guides them to the next step — often signing up for your email list.
Social media is noisy. A landing page allows you to capture attention and start a meaningful conversation without distractions. For me, the survey led readers to my email list, giving me a direct line to communicate with people interested in my work.
Tip for you:
Use an email marketing system to create landing pages that offer something valuable. Get people to sign up, and you’ll have a ready audience for your future offerings.
Step 2: Sales — Nurturing Your Audience
Once your email list grows, your next step is nurturing it. This isn’t about sending endless promotions — it’s about sharing content that matters to your audience.
By giving consistent value, you build trust. When it’s time to introduce a product or launch something new, your audience is already engaged and more likely to take action.
Not everyone on your list will stay forever. People unsubscribe — and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean failure. It just means your offering isn’t the right fit for them, and that’s fine. Focus on serving the people who are right for your business.
Accepting Payments — Making It Easy
One crucial piece I initially overlooked was a tool for accepting payments online.
Having a system in place that allows customers to pay directly through links or integrations saves you time, prevents errors, and makes your process seamless. The provider I use doesn’t charge upfront but takes a small percentage when a payment is made — which is perfect for someone starting out.
Tip for you:
Set up a payment system early. Even if you’re just testing your first product, having this ready ensures that when someone wants to buy, they can do so immediately and effortlessly.
What I Learned
Selling online isn’t about pushing a product on random strangers. It’s about connecting with the right people, understanding their needs, and guiding them through a journey — from discovery to trust to purchase.
Lead generation, attention, landing pages, nurturing, and payment systems form the backbone of a simple, yet effective method. And the most important lesson? Focus on serving your audience first. Everything else flows naturally from that.
Your Next Steps
1. Think about ways to use online tools in your business — email systems, landing pages,surveys, or social media.
2. Choose providers, sign up for free or trial plans, and start experimenting.
3. Brainstorm how you can attract people to your email list or platform of choice.
Even if you don’t have a product yet, start now. You’ll be ahead when you’re ready to launch.
