How to use video ads (Reels, TikTok, Shorts) to grow your business in Nigeria — step-by-step

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How to use video ads (Reels, TikTok, Shorts) to grow your business in Nigeria — step-by-step

Short, vertical videos (Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts) are where attention lives right now. In Nigeria these platforms are growing fast — TikTok’s ad reach jumped sharply, Instagram still has millions of users, and short vertical videos get higher click and engagement rates than many other ad formats. (DataReportal – Global Digital Insights)

Below is a practical, step-by-step guide you can follow today — written simply, with real examples and the “why” behind each step.


Quick wins (read this first)

  • Use vertical (9:16) video, 15–30 seconds long. Short = more views and more shares. (dash.app)

  • Prioritise sound-on: native music or voiceover. Videos with audio have much better CTR. (dash.app)

  • Test one clear offer per video (discount, free delivery, learn more). Simpler = higher conversion.


Step 1 — Choose the platform(s) that fit your audience

  • TikTok: great for youth, viral trends, discovery. Nigeria shows huge growth on TikTok — massive reach for many businesses. (DataReportal – Global Digital Insights)

  • Instagram Reels: strong for lifestyle, fashion, food, and local influencers. Good if you already have an Instagram audience. (NapoleonCat)

  • YouTube Shorts: reaches people who use YouTube for search and entertainment; combine Shorts with long-form content for best results. (Awisee)

How to pick: if your customers are mostly under 35, start with TikTok + Reels. If you want search+discovery, add Shorts.

Real-life example: a Lagos clothing brand launching a new tee uses TikTok for trend videos, Reels for influencer styling, and Shorts to show product uses — each platform drives different stages of the funnel.


Step 2 — Define one clear campaign goal

Pick only one goal per campaign:

  • Awareness (reach views) — use catchy, high-energy clips.

  • Consideration (website clicks) — use CTA and product shots.

  • Conversion (sales/lead capture) — show price/offer + strong CTA.

Why: mixing goals makes optimisation and measurement messy. Platforms optimize better when your goal is clear. (Wyzowl)


Step 3 — Write a short creative brief (2–3 lines)

Include:

  • Target audience (age, city, interest).

  • Single message (e.g., “N2000 off first order”).

  • CTA (Shop now, Message on WhatsApp, Join group).

  • Format: vertical, 15s, subtitle text.

Example brief: “Young Lagos commuters (18–30), show how our insulated tumbler keeps drinks cold on transit. Offer: ₦500 off first 50 orders. CTA: WhatsApp to order.”


Step 4 — Produce the video (low budget, high return)

  • Hook in first 1–3 seconds (surprising visual or a question).

  • Show the product/service in use — don’t just talk about it.

  • Add captions/subtitles (many watch muted).

  • End with clear CTA (text + spoken).

  • Use local language or Pidgin when it fits — it increases relatability.

Tools & tips

  • Shoot on a smartphone: steady, natural light, close-up product shots.

  • Use trending audio only if it matches your message.

  • Keep brand look consistent (logo on screen for 1–2s).

Why this matters: short, native-feeling clips perform better in the algorithms and cost less per result. (Vidico)


Step 5 — Launch the ad with smart targeting

  • Start broad, then narrow: run a broad interest/location test for 3–5 days, find winners, then scale.

  • Target examples for Nigeria: by city (Lagos, Abuja), interests (food, fashion), behaviours (engaged shoppers).

  • Use placement options to let the platform decide where your video will perform best.

Budget tip: begin with a small daily spend for testing (even ₦1,500–₦5,000/day), then double spend on creatives that beat your CPA target.


Step 6 — Measure the right metrics (and what they mean)

  • Impressions & Reach — brand awareness.

  • View-through rate (VTR) — how many watched your video (good for creative quality).

  • CTR (click-through rate) — how compelling the CTA is.

  • CPA (cost per acquisition) — real business cost per sale or lead.

  • ROAS (return on ad spend) — money back vs ad spend.

Why: chasing vanity metrics (likes only) won’t show profit. Track conversions tied to your goal. (Wyzowl)


Step 7 — Iterate fast (A/B test everything)

  • Test two hooks, two CTAs, two captions.

  • Keep only what improves CTR or CPA.

  • Recycle best-performing hooks into new ad sets.

Real-life example: a restaurant tested “menu reveal” vs “customer reaction” hooks. The reaction hook got twice the CTR and lower CPA, so they scaled it.


Step 8 — Use organic + paid together

  • Post the ad organically on your profile, then boost the same post. Organic engagement signals help the paid algorithm.

  • Repost user-generated content (UGC) as ads — UGC often converts higher because it feels authentic.

Why: combined strategy reduces the cost of paid reach and builds trust. (HubSpot Blog)


Step 9 — Local growth hacks for Nigeria

  • WhatsApp orders: include a direct WhatsApp CTA — many Nigerians prefer messaging to checkout.

  • Market in local languages or Pidgin for better resonance.

  • Use local micro-influencers (lower fee, high local trust).

  • Leverage community channels (Telegram groups, Facebook Groups, WhatsApp business groups).

Promote your free listing and reach:

These community channels can amplify your video ad campaigns at no cost when you combine paid ads with free promotion and group sharing.


Step 10 — Scale with data

  • Double down on ad sets with profitable CPA.

  • Expand audiences similar to your best buyers (lookalike/similar audiences).

  • Test higher budgets gradually — keep creatives fresh every 7–14 days to avoid ad fatigue.


SEO & content tips so your videos get found

  • Use searchable captions: include keywords like “buy hoodie Lagos”, “affordable catering Abuja”, or “fast phone repair in Lekki”.

  • Add text (in caption) that people might search for — platforms index captions and hashtags.

  • Upload a longer version to YouTube with links in description back to your shop and WhatsApp.

Why: Shorts + descriptions help capture discovery traffic that converts later. (Awisee)


5 FAQs (quick answers)

1. Which platform gives the best ROI in Nigeria?
It depends on your audience. TikTok is best for viral reach and youth markets; Reels for lifestyle/visual goods; Shorts for combining discovery and search. Test small budgets across platforms to see where your CPA is lowest. (DataReportal – Global Digital Insights)

2. How long should my video ad be?
Aim 15–30 seconds. Hook in 1–3 seconds, deliver the message, end with a clear CTA. Shorter usually means cheaper and more views. (dash.app)

3. Do I need professional video equipment?
No. Many top-performing ads are smartphone-shot with good lighting, clear audio, and subtitles. Focus on story and hook. Real customer clips (UGC) work great. (HubSpot Blog)

4. Should I use trending music?
Yes — if the trend matches your message. Trending audio can boost reach, but don’t use it if it distracts from your CTA. Always check copyright/usage rules on each platform.

5. How do I measure success?
Match the metric to your goal: awareness → reach/impressions; consideration → CTR/VTR; sales → CPA/ROAS. Only scale what generates profitable conversions. (Wyzowl)


Useful sources and further reading


Final checklist (do this this week)

  • Pick 1 platform to test (TikTok or Reels).

  • Write a 2-line creative brief.

  • Shoot 2 x 15–30s videos (different hooks).

  • Run a 5-day test with a small daily budget.

  • Track CTR, VTR, CPA — keep best performer and scale.

  • Post in Telegram/WhatsApp communities and contact 7hubent to amplify your listing: WhatsApp +2349077131487, Telegram t.me/hubent1. (Free promotion possible.)

  • Revisit creatives every 7–14 days.

How to use video ads (Reels, TikTok, Shorts) to grow your business in Nigeria — step-by-step


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