The verdict in three sentences
Your first clients are not strangers: they are the warm contacts already in your phone. The close rate on a warm network is around 25%, versus 4% for cold outreach — six times more effective. With a personalized demo link and three follow-ups, you turn a casual chat into a 75,000 FCFA commission on a showcase site.
Warm network or cold outreach: which to choose?
Beginners waste time chasing strangers. The right method is to list your contacts, spot those with a visible need (no website, Facebook page only, no online payment) and show them a demo in their name.
| Criterion | Cold outreach | Warm network |
|---|---|---|
| Close rate | ~4% | ~25% |
| Contacts per sale | ~25 | ~4 |
| Time to first sale | 6-8 weeks | 2-3 weeks |
| Acquisition cost | High | Near zero |
| Starting trust | Low | High |
With 10 warm contacts, the statistics work for you: 2 to 3 sign within 30 days.
The 4-step system
An effective partner follows a repeatable process rather than improvising. Here is the recommended cadence for 2026:
| Step | Action | Tool | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. List | 10 contacts with visible need | Contacts / WhatsApp | Day 1 |
| 2. Demo | Personalized demo link (name, city) | Kolonell link | Day 2-3 |
| 3. Follow-up | 3 spaced touches | WhatsApp / call | Day 3 to 10 |
| 4. Handover | Introduce to the agency | Day 10-15 |
The demo link is your best weapon: a click-to-close of around 20% because the prospect sees their own business online before buying.
Mini case study
Ibrahim, an accountant in Dakar, lists 10 contacts. He spots a restaurateur, two boutiques and a beauty salon with no website. He sends each a demo link in their name via WhatsApp, then follows up three times in a week. Two sign a Growth showcase at 500,000 FCFA. Commission: 2 × 75,000 = 150,000 FCFA, plus recurring. First Wave payout received 19 days after the first message. Cost to Ibrahim: zero francs, two hours of messaging.
Joining the Kolonell referral program
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
This system works because Kolonell provides demo links, quotes and production for free. You focus on the relationship; the agency collects and pays you 15% on a showcase site plus 5% recurring, 12% on e-commerce, 10% on marketplace, 8% on institutional. Referrals of your referrals count too: recommend another partner, and their network widens yours.
FAQ
How many contacts do you need to hope for a sale?
On a warm network, about 4 qualified contacts yield 1 sale (close rate ~25%). With 10 well-chosen warm contacts, aim for 2 to 3 sales over 30 days.
What message should you send first?
A short message with a demo link in the prospect's name: "I built a mockup of your site, take a look." The personalized visual sparks curiosity better than a written pitch.
How many times to follow up without being pushy?
Three touches are enough: day 3, day 6, day 10. Beyond that, move to the next contact; a truly interested prospect replies within that window.
When will I get my first commission?
Usually within 2 to 3 weeks of signing, as soon as the client settles their invoice, via Wave or Orange Money.
What if a contact has no budget?
Offer the Starter tier (from 250,000 FCFA) or keep them in a long follow-up. A "not now" is not a "no": reach out again in 60 days.
Let's talk about your project. We supply the demo links to convert your network as early as this week. 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.
