Take your business online easily (without spending a cent)

Business owners know better than anyone: adapting is essential. And the first step is acknowledging that change can be easier when you embrace it. Staying relevant doesn’t have to mean spending thousands or learning complicated new tech. In fact, getting your business online has never been easier, more affordable, or more important.

It’s mostly about getting your head right. And getting a nudge in the right direction.

Think about it this way: a physical store has trading hours. But your online store? It’s open 24/7, 365 days a year. No rent. No staff costs. All you need are smart tools that help you reach more customers and make more sales, even while you sleep.

Digital commerce is not just about having a website, you can also go digital with payment links, automated invoices, easy-to-insert buy buttons, all of which we’ll talk about in this blog.

Why going digital matters – especially in South Africa

South Africa’s digital landscape is evolving fast:

Mobile penetration is higher than ever.
Wallets, banking apps, and online shopping platforms have made virtual checkouts seamless.
A Mastercard survey found 71% of South Africans plan to continue shopping online post-pandemic.
McKinsey’s 2020 survey revealed 70% of South Africans want to cut back on transport and travel.
Deloitte found that 26% of online shoppers prioritise convenience.

How going digital changed the game for these South African businesses

There are thousands of South African businesses that went digital to adapt to the times, and they’re all reaping the rewards today. If you think going digital sounds impossible, check out how these brands are doing:

WeBuyCars disrupted the second-hand auto market by putting the consumer first, enabling faster sales, and leveraging digital tools. Result? 66% revenue growth in 2022.

NetFlorist started as a test site. Day one? R30 000 in orders. Today, they’re SA’s #1 online florist.

SweepSouth launched SA’s first home-services app in 2014. Now, 6,500+ cleaners serve 250,000+ clients across the country.

Kamango: June Omondi noticed tourists struggled to pay with cash or card. So, she adopted iK Pay Link and iK Invoice. “Many of our customers are tourists and they stay in Airbnb’s around here. When they travel, they prefer to have their products delivered so we send them a Pay Link to make payment. That saves them from making a trip to the shop. So, they pay and go on their way.”

If you’re interested in learning more about June’s story, read Behind the Seams at Kamango: A Tailor-Made Success Story

What the global trends are saying

The way people shop and engage with businesses has changed, globally and locally.

People start their search online. Whether they’re looking for pizza, plumbing or fashion, 81% of people research a business before buying. You ideally want your business to show up in that search.
Trust is built digitally. A website, a catalogue, and even a Pay Link are signs you’re legit. No digital presence? Expect drop-offs.
You can go national (or global). The internet breaks borders. Whether you’re selling artisanal candles or financial advice, a wider audience is just a click away.

Going digital means you’re future-proofing your business. It’s not about keeping up with trends, it’s making sure your business is up to standard!

Why the juice is worth the squeeze

Better customer engagement: Every online touchpoint = another chance to connect. Capture data, personalise offers, and build stronger relationships.
Easily update your offering: Product info, price changes, promos – all just a few clicks away.
Cost-effective growth: No extra space or staff needed. Just scale digitally.
Boost brand awareness: Go beyond your neighbourhood and build a brand people know, love, and trust.
Sell around the clock: With digital tools, your products sell even when you’re offline.

How you can sell online for zero Rand

With iKhokha, getting online is simple and free. Let’s figure out the tools that work for you:

iK Pay Link: Send a payment link via WhatsApp, SMS, or email. Customers click, pay, and you’re in business.

iK Invoice: Create and send invoices in seconds, complete with a built-in payment option.

iK Buy Button: Embed a payment button on social media or your website or newsletter. Perfect for single products or fast-moving deals.

iK Webstore: Want a full online store? Build one in minutes – no code and no cost right now. Upload products, share your link, and start selling.

If you have a fantastic idea for an online business but don’t know where to start, read: How to Start an Online Business: The Smart and Simple Guide

You don’t have to be a tech wizard

If you’re worried that going online is too complicated, we’re here for you. We’ve built tools that are easy to use and accessible to entrepreneurs who are passionate about business - but not about tech or admin.

You started your business because you saw a gap. Going online helps you widen that gap, and fill it with more customers, more credibility, and more profit. All you need now is your phone, your business, and the will to grow.