The verdict in three sentences
Becoming a Kolonell referral partner requires neither capital nor technical skill: you simply spot SMEs without a website and connect them. An active partner signs 3 to 6 showcase sites per month, which represents 300,000 to 900,000 FCFA in commission at the 15 % rate on the sale. The program also pays 5 % recurring on maintenance, so a portfolio grows month after month with no additional effort.
The most profitable client pools
Any business that is physically visible but invisible on Google is an opportunity. A good partner's reflex: open Google Maps, search "restaurant", "clinic" or "hardware store" in their neighbourhood, and list those without a website.
| Pool | Density | Estimated conversion rate | Average deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market merchants | Very high | 8-12 % | 250,000 FCFA |
| Professionals (lawyers, doctors) | High | 10-15 % | 500,000 FCFA |
| Restaurants and fast-foods | High | 8-12 % | 350,000 FCFA |
| Artisans and service providers | Medium | 6-10 % | 250,000 FCFA |
| Emerging e-commerce SMEs | Medium | 5-8 % | 1,000,000 FCFA |
| Schools and training centres | Low but loyal | 10-12 % | 500,000 FCFA |
These rates are 2026 orders of magnitude observed in the field in Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire: they vary with the quality of your demo and the season.
The 8 zero-cost acquisition channels
None of these channels costs a single franc — only time and consistency.
| Channel | Effort | Realistic weekly volume | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field tour (markets, commercial streets) | High | 100-150 contacts | Showcase, e-commerce |
| WhatsApp (statuses, pro groups) | Low | 30-50 contacts | Showcase |
| LinkedIn (CEOs, CIOs) | Medium | 40-60 messages | Marketplace, institutional |
| Facebook merchant groups | Low | 20-40 contacts | E-commerce |
| Word of mouth and referrals | Low | 5-10 contacts | All poles |
| Merchant associations | Medium | 15-30 contacts | Showcase, e-commerce |
| Events and trade shows | High | 20-40 contacts | Institutional |
| Referrals from signed clients | Low | 3-8 contacts | All poles |
Kolonell commissions per pole are clear: showcase 15 % + 5 % recurring, e-commerce 12 %, marketplace 10 %, institutional 8 %. A partner who diversifies channels covers all poles and smooths their income.
Weekly prospecting plan
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Monday: prepare the list (Google Maps + WhatsApp) — 30 targets. Tuesday and Wednesday: field tour, 20-30 businesses per day. Thursday: WhatsApp follow-ups and personalised demos. Friday: closing and handing hot leads to Kolonell. This rhythm generates 3 to 6 signatures per month for a consistent partner.
Mini case study
Fatou, a student in Dakar, spends 10 hours a week on referral work. In one month she contacts 120 merchants, gets 14 demos and signs 4 showcase sites: 2 Starter (250,000 FCFA) and 2 Growth (500,000 FCFA). Total sales: 1,500,000 FCFA. Her 15 % commission: 225,000 FCFA for her first month. Three of these clients take a maintenance plan at 50,000 FCFA/month, adding 7,500 FCFA/month recurring (5 %) — passive income that grows with every new client.
FAQ
Do you need technical skills to be a referral partner? No. You sell a demo and a relationship; Kolonell handles all production, design and development. Your only job is to find and convince.
How long before the first commission? A showcase site is produced in 5 to 15 days. Commission is paid after the client's payment is collected, generally within 2 to 4 weeks of signing.
Can I combine several poles? Yes, and it's recommended. The same contact can start with a 15 % showcase then move to a 12 % e-commerce project, increasing your cumulative commission.
How much does a full-time referral partner earn? A very active partner signing 6 Growth showcases per month generates around 3,000,000 FCFA in sales × 15 %, i.e. 450,000 FCFA/month, excluding recurring income and higher e-commerce or institutional deals.
How do I join the Kolonell referral program? Just send a WhatsApp message. You receive a demo kit, a price grid and a link to track your leads.
Let's talk about your project. Join the Kolonell referral partner program and turn your network into income: 15 % on showcases, 12 % e-commerce, 10 % marketplace, 8 % institutional. 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.
