Young entrepreneurs in Nyeri are learning how to turn their smartphones into powerful business tools, build recognisable brands and reach wider markets through digital marketing.
As more customers discover and purchase products online, having a good product is no longer enough. Businesses also need to know how to present themselves, attract customers and make it easy for people to buy.
Recognising this opportunity, RODI Kenya conducted a practical Digital Marketing and Branding training for young entrepreneurs in Nyeri, equipping them with essential skills to transition from traditional physical markets to online business platforms.
Turning smartphones into business tools
The training focused on practical, affordable digital marketing approaches that participants could immediately apply to their existing businesses using smartphones.
The sessions began by helping participants understand their businesses, identify their target customers and recognise the challenges they face in reaching potential buyers.
Through interactive discussions and activities, the youth explored how digital marketing works, from helping customers discover a product to making enquiries, placing orders and becoming repeat customers.
Building brands that stand out
Participants learned that branding goes beyond having a business name or logo. A strong brand communicates what a business offers, what makes its products different and what customers can expect.
They explored essential branding elements, including business names, logos, colours, packaging, brand promises and customer experience.
Using practical examples, participants worked on developing their own brand identities, identifying what they wanted customers to remember about their businesses.
Creating content that attracts customers
A key highlight of the training was smartphone product photography. Participants learned how to take attractive and clear product photographs using natural light, simple backgrounds, proper focus and different camera angles.
They also explored how to use Canva to design promotional posters featuring their business names, product photographs, prices and contact information.
Through caption-writing exercises, they learned how to create marketing messages that capture attention, describe products, communicate prices and encourage customers to place orders.
Taking businesses to online platforms
The training introduced participants to digital platforms that can help small businesses connect with customers.
These included WhatsApp Business, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Particular attention was given to WhatsApp Business, where participants explored setting up business profiles, creating product catalogues, using welcome messages and quick replies, and sharing product updates through WhatsApp Status.
The emphasis was on starting with platforms that entrepreneurs can manage consistently rather than trying to be everywhere at once.
Beyond marketing: Building sustainable businesses
Selling online requires more than attractive photographs and promotional messages. Entrepreneurs also need to understand how to manage customer enquiries, pricing, payments and deliveries.
Participants explored how to calculate selling prices by considering production costs and target profits, communicate professionally with customers, confirm orders and organise deliveries.
They also discussed the importance of verifying payments through their own accounts rather than relying solely on transaction screenshots.
To help translate the lessons into action, participants developed individual seven-day digital marketing plans, outlining the content they would share and the steps they would take to promote their products.
Creating opportunities through digital skills
The training provided young entrepreneurs with practical knowledge and an opportunity to rethink how they position their businesses in an increasingly digital marketplace.
By combining entrepreneurship with digital skills, RODI Kenya continues to support young people in exploring new market opportunities, strengthening their businesses and building sustainable livelihoods.
For these entrepreneurs, the journey towards online business has begun with a simple but important resource already in their hands: a smartphone.
A good product deserves visibility. A strong brand deserves recognition. And every young entrepreneur deserves an opportunity to reach a wider market.
