Ways

Business Owners Can Transmute Street Vendors Into Powerful Marketing Catalysts

Charity Abuke

According to Bright Simons, a Ghanaian entrepreneur, founder, and president of Pedigree, one of the most untappedbusinessopportunitiesinAfricastreethawkers. He said, “Someone has to build a solution that turns hawkers into a far more productive activation force for businesses. The best way out is for companies to share the costs and risks by using an organically formed networkofmicro-entrepreneurshardenedbyexperienceandrelativelyskilledincustomerinterfacing. Converting the teeming hawkers on the streets of Accra, Nairobi, and Lagos into powerful brigades of marketingactivatorscanseriouslydisruptmanyindustries,includingbanking,fastmovingconsumergoods, hospitality,insurance,andsoforththatarecurrentlystrugglingfortheirnextinfusionofmarketingspirits’’

SufficeittosaythatStreetvendorscanbepowerfulmarketingcatalystswiththerightstrategyandapproach.

HerearesomewaystotransmuteStreetVendorsIntoPowerfulMarketingCatalysts

Identifypotentialstreethawkers

Identifying street hawkers that operate in areas where your target audience is likely to be present should be your first step. Search for street vendors that sell products that are complementary to your business.

Buildarelationshipwiththestreet Hawkersviaapartnershipprogram

Develop a relationship with the street vendors by approaching them and introducing yourself and your company. Provide them an incentive for each sale they bring in, discounts, freebies, cash back incentives,etc.asawaytoenticethemtospreadthe word about your products or services. Make sure they are aware of themessage andvalues associated with your brand so they know what they are promoting.

Provide Them With Marketing Or Promotionalmaterials

Toeffectivelymarketyourproduct/serviceandraise the ideal awareness you have in mind as a business owner, street vendors need promotional materials such as brochures, leaflets, posters, and product samples.Asaresult,theywillbeabletomarketyour brand and raise awareness among their customers successfully This also helps ensure your brand message isn’t misquoted in the process. Make sure thematerialsareeye-catchingandcontainacall-toaction that encourages customers to visit your business.

Offertrainingandsupport

Business owners should ensure that Street vendors receive the necessary training on their goods, services, and advertising strategies. This will give them the information and abilities they need to effectivelymarketyourcompany.

Utilizesocialmedia

Street vendors should be encouraged to promote your products by taking pictures of your products, sharing their experiences with your products, and sharing on social media using consistent hashtags tailored to your business. This will help to create buzzandattractmorecustomers.

Organizeevents

Partner with street vendors to organize events that will showcase your goods or services. This will promote the growth of your business, create a positive image for your brand and draw in new clients.

Trackandassess

Keep an eye on the outcomes of the street vendors' marketing initiatives and assess their effectiveness. This will enable you to decide whether to continue with them going forward or make adjustments to yourapproach.

By putting these strategies into action, you can successfullytransformstreetvendorsintopowerful marketing activators and establish a strong brand presence in the marketplace. Ultimately, collaborating with street vendors can be a powerful andaffordableapproachtomarketyourcompanyto yourtargetaudience.