Get Noticed: How to Market Your Business Online in South Africa

Getting your business noticed online isn’t optional anymore. It’s essential. Over 50.8 million South Africans are online in 2025. Most are using mobile phones to browse and buy. So if you’re not visible online, you could be missing real opportunities.

The good news? You don’t need a massive budget or marketing degree to make your mark. In this guide, we break down how to market your business online with practical steps. It's designed for South African entrepreneurs who want real results.

Build a website that works

Your website is your digital storefront. It’s often the first place people land when they hear about your business. So make it count.

A strong small business website:

Loads quickly on mobile
Clearly explains what you offer
Has buttons like “Order Now” or “Send WhatsApp”

You don’t need dozens of pages. A homepage, about page, product or service list, and contact form is enough. Keep things clean and simple. Use plain language and real images where you can. Avoid popups or clutter. If people can find what they need in under 10 seconds, you're on the right track.

If you’re selling online, consider using iKhokha’s ecommerce plugins that work with WooCommerce or Wix. These ecommerce solutions are ideal for South African businesses looking to accept card payments online, with reliable payout timelines and excellent local support.

Know who you’re talking to

Before you post online, run ads, or write content, get clear on who your customer is.

Ask yourself:

Who needs what I offer?
Where do they spend time online?
What problems are they trying to solve?

Once you understand your customer personas, you can speak directly to them. For example, a Durban hairstylist might target young professionals on Instagram. A Gauteng plumber may focus on Google and Facebook to reach homeowners nearby.

When you know your audience, everything becomes easier. Your messages get clearer. Your digital marketing strategy becomes more focused. And your content starts to work.

Social media isn't just about posting for likes. It's about building trust and driving action through social commerce.

Start with two platforms your customers already use. In South Africa, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok are solid bets.

Use each platform for its strengths:

Facebook: Local updates, specials, customer reviews
Instagram: Product photos, Reels, behind-the-scenes
TikTok: Short, fun videos or tutorials
WhatsApp: Direct messages and payments using iK Pay Links

Show your face. Share tips. Tell real stories. Ask questions. Talk to people, not at them.

If you’re using iKhokha, share how easy it is for customers to pay using your card machine or Pay Link. Show behind-the-scenes footage of packing orders or accepting in-person payments. These moments humanise your brand and help build trust.

It’s also worth running small paid campaigns. R100 on a Facebook boost can go a long way if it’s targeted properly. Focus on engagement and creating conversations, not just content that disappears.

Create content that solves problems

Great digital content does more than promote. It solves problems.

Think about the questions your customers ask. Then answer them.

If you're a baker, write a short post on "How to Store Fresh Bread in Winter." If you offer cleaning services, record a video showing your process. That builds credibility. It also shows you know your craft.

This kind of educational content also helps with your SEO (search engine optimisation). Google rewards websites that are helpful and consistent, especially those that target long-tail keywords related to their industry.

Repurpose your blog content into social media posts, email newsletters, or even how-to guides. If you're running an ecommerce store through iKhokha, link your blog posts to your product pages to increase value and drive traffic.

Build relationships with email

Email is one of the most powerful digital channels for customer retention. It lets you send updates, share tips, and make offers directly to people who already know you.

Here’s how to get started:

Add an email sign-up form to your website
Offer a reason to join (like a discount or free guide)
Send one useful email each month

Your emails don’t need to be long. A quick story, a helpful tip, or a reminder about your latest product is enough.

Use personalisation. Write like you’re talking to a friend, not a mailing list. That builds brand loyalty over time.

With iKhokha, you can drop in a Pay Link directly in your emails to drive fast and secure conversions.

Run Ads with intent

Online advertising helps you reach more people in less time, but only if your goal is clear.

Here’s how to approach paid advertising:

Pick one goal: website visits, messages, or sales
Start with a small budget (R100 to R300)
Use strong calls to action like “Order Now” or “Send a Message”

Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, along with Google Ads, allow you to target people based on location, age, and interests.

Want more WhatsApp messages? Run a Facebook ad with a "Send Message" button. Then reply with something simple and clear, like: 'Hi! Thanks for reaching out. Yes, the item is available. Let me know if you'd like to place an order or need more info.'

Retargeting ads also help you follow up with potential customers who visited your site but didn’t buy. This approach increases your conversion rate and lowers your cost per acquisition.

Simple strategies you can start now

You don’t need to do everything at once. Just start. These quick wins will help build momentum:

Get listed on Google
Claim and optimise your Google Business Profile with contact info, photos, and updated hours.
Use local SEO
Add your suburb or city in website content and social posts. It helps locals find you in searches.
Ask for customer reviews
After a sale, ask customers to leave a Google review. It adds credibility and boosts visibility.
Link everything
Make it easy for people to find and contact you. Add key links like your website, email, social pages, and ordering info to your WhatsApp bio, Instagram profile, or email signature. It keeps everything connected and helps customers take action faster.
Track performance
Use analytics tools like Google Analytics or Meta Business Suite to see which platforms drive results.
Use mobile payment solutions
Accept payments with iKhokha card machines, send Pay Links, and track growth in one dashboard.

Bringing it all together

Marketing your business online in 2025 is about consistency, clarity, and connection.

You don’t need fancy equipment or big budgets. Start with what you have. Focus on helping people, not just selling to them.

With the right tools, like ecommerce plugins, smart checkout solutions, and mobile card machines from iKhokha, you’re better positioned to turn digital interest into real, local sales.

Online marketing in South Africa is full of opportunity. So show up. Stay consistent. And build something that lasts.

You've got this. And we've got your back!