The verdict in three sentences
A referral partner sells an introduction, not a service: the agency produces, invoices and carries the delivery risk. A warm introduction converts around 30% of the time versus about 5% for cold outreach, and each closed showcase site pays 15% up front + 5% recurring on maintenance. In Lagos as in Abidjan, a partner who closes 3 deals a month can aim for around 225,000 FCFA in commissions without ever writing a line of code.
Freelance reseller or pure referral partner: which one?
Many confuse "selling websites" with "referring business". The second model removes production risk and customer service.
| Criterion | Freelance reseller | Kolonell referral partner |
|---|---|---|
| Who builds the site | You (or subcontractor) | The agency |
| Delivery risk | On your shoulders | Zero |
| After-sale support | You | The agency |
| Upfront investment | High | None |
| Income per 500k site | Variable margin | 75,000 FCFA + 5% recurring |
| Time per deal | High | Low (one intro) |
| Scalability | Limited by your time | High |
The Kolonell 2026 commission scale
The Kolonell referral partner program rewards each division differently, because deal sizes and sales cycles vary. The 5% recurring commission applies to the client's monthly maintenance as long as they stay active.
| Division | Commission on sale | Recurring | Concrete example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Showcase site | 15% | 5% maintenance | 500,000 FCFA = 75,000 FCFA + 5% |
| E-commerce | 12% | 5% maintenance | 2,000,000 FCFA = 240,000 FCFA |
| Marketplace | 10% | 5% maintenance | 5,000,000 FCFA = 500,000 FCFA |
| Institutional | 8% | 5% maintenance | 10,000,000 FCFA = 800,000 FCFA |
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Mini case study
Yao, a real-estate agent in Lekki, Lagos, meets shop owners every week who have no website. He introduces 10 per month to Kolonell. At a 30% close rate on warm intros he closes 3 showcase sites at 500,000 FCFA: 3 x 75,000 = 225,000 FCFA in immediate commission. Those clients take an average 80,000 FCFA/month maintenance: 3 x 4,000 = 12,000 FCFA of recurring income added every month. After a year, his recurring book alone tops 140,000 FCFA/month with no extra effort.
FAQ
Do I need technical skills to be a referral partner? No. You spot a need ("this restaurant has no website"), you make the introduction, the agency handles the rest. Your only job is the connection and nurturing the relationship of trust.
When do I get paid? The sale commission (15% on a showcase site) is paid when the client's payment clears. The 5% recurring share lands every month as long as the client keeps their maintenance. Payouts go via Wave, Orange Money or bank transfer.
How many deals for a real side income? Closing 3 showcase sites a month is about 225,000 FCFA up front, plus recurring income that grows with each new client. A steady partner builds an annuity within 6 to 12 months.
Does a warm intro really convert better? Yes: a trusted referral closes around 30% versus roughly 5% for a cold contact. That's the whole point of referring clients from your existing network.
Let's talk about your project. Join the Kolonell referral partner program and start earning 15% + 5% recurring from your very first intro. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
