How to put your business online

Start with WhatsApp Business

If you already use WhatsApp, switching to WhatsApp Business costs nothing and gives you a business profile, a catalogue for your products, and quick replies for common questions. It is usually the fastest first step because most Zimbabwean customers already expect to reach a business this way.

Add a Google Business Profile

This free listing puts you on Google Maps and in local search results, with your address, hours, phone number and reviews visible to anyone searching nearby. It brings in people who do not already know your name.

Bring it together with a website

WhatsApp handles conversations and Google helps people find you, but neither shows everything about your business in one place. A website is where someone can see your full range of services, your prices, examples of past work and your story before they ever message you.

Building one does not need to be complicated. MatSiteBuilder's seven guided steps ask for the same information you have probably already written for your WhatsApp catalogue and Google listing, and the design itself is free to build.

Link everything to everything

• Put your website link in your Google Business Profile and your WhatsApp Business profile
• Add a WhatsApp-ready contact button on your website
• Add your Google review link to your WhatsApp catalogue or greeting message
• Use the same business name, number and description everywhere

A sensible order if you are starting from nothing

Set up WhatsApp Business first since it takes the least time, add your Google Business Profile next and get it verified, then build your website and connect the link in both places. Each step makes the next one more effective.