The verdict in three sentences
Starting as a referral partner with no experience rests on two assets you already have: a contact book and a phone. The process comes down to three moves — target SMEs around you, show them a personalized demo, hand the lead to the agency. With 20 targeted contacts you get, on average, 3 to 4 demos and one first sale, i.e. 75,000 FCFA of commission on a brochure site, within three to four weeks.
The first steps, one by one
Each step has a numeric goal. The funnel is realistic for a beginner in 2026 on the Senegalese and Ivorian market.
| Step | Action | Typical conversion |
|---|---|---|
| 1. List | Note 20 pros around you without a site | 20 contacts |
| 2. Contact | WhatsApp message + simple hook | 50 % reply |
| 3. Show the demo | Send a personalized demo link | 30–40 % interested |
| 4. Qualify | Hand the warm lead to the agency | 3–4 leads |
| 5. Closing | Agency closes the quote | 1 sale (~10–20 %) |
The demo → client conversion rate is around 10 to 20 %: showing a site already "in their name" changes everything versus an abstract pitch.
Who to target first
The best first clients are visible around you and suffer from having no online presence. Target the concrete.
| Target | Why they convert | Division / ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant with no site | Online menu and bookings | Brochure 500,000 |
| Neighborhood shop | Sell beyond foot traffic | E-commerce 2,000,000 |
| Clinic / practice | Credibility and appointments | Brochure 500,000–1,200,000 |
| Artisan / creator | Showcase of work | Brochure 250,000–500,000 |
Start with brochure sites: short sales cycle, quick decision, commission cashed fast.
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Mini case study
Fatou, a teacher in Thiès, has never sold anything in her life. She lists 18 shopkeepers she knows. She sends 18 WhatsApp messages; 9 reply, 3 agree to see a personalized demo provided by the agency. A restaurateur signs a brochure site at 500,000 FCFA. Commission: 75,000 FCFA for three weeks of casual exchanges — the equivalent of half a month's salary, without leaving her job.
FAQ
I'm shy, is that a problem? No, most of it happens over WhatsApp and through the demo link. You don't have to give a formal presentation: you open a door, the agency handles the negotiation.
How many contacts for a first sale? Count roughly 20 targeted contacts per sale, depending on network quality. A book of shopkeepers converts better than a cold list.
How long before my first commission? Usually 3 to 4 weeks: a few days for demos, then the closing cycle and the client's first payment trigger the payout.
Do I prepare the demos myself? No. The Kolonell agency generates a personalized demo in the prospect's name (name, city, colors) that you simply share.
What if I know nothing about the web? That's exactly the point: you bring the relationship, not the technical work. No development skill is required to earn 15 % on a brochure site.
Let's talk about your project. Send us your first contact and we'll prepare the demo. 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.
