Co-founder of Ascent Tech Hub, Abdulhadi Durodola, has emphasized the need for small-scale businesses to adopt practical marketing strategies and digital tools to enhance their reach and build sustainable enterprises. He shared these insights at the Al-Mu'minaat Organisation's Annual State Entrepreneur Seminar in Lagos State, held on September 27, 2026. Durodola's lecture, titled "Innovation, Digital Tools and Market Expansion for Women Entrepreneurs," aimed to equip business owners with effective marketing techniques.
Durodola's marketing playbook, "From the Streets to the Digital World," highlights that marketing extends beyond advertising to connecting people, products, and opportunities. He stressed that simple strategies combined with real people can lead to greater possibilities. According to Durodola, entrepreneurs should focus on building trust, identity, and recognition through brand marketing, which involves positioning, visual identity, storytelling, and reputation.
The Ascent Tech Hub co-founder identified ten essential marketing channels for small businesses. These include brand marketing, design and creative, content marketing, social media marketing, video marketing, influencer marketing, search engine marketing, e-commerce and marketplaces, email marketing and automation, and public relations. He explained that each channel can help businesses communicate effectively with customers, build relationships, and drive growth.
Durodola emphasized the importance of design and creative elements in marketing, including graphic design, copywriting, and advertising materials. He noted that clear signage, pricing, and product presentation can significantly impact customer understanding and purchasing decisions. Additionally, he highlighted content marketing as a valuable tool for educating and inspiring potential customers.
Social media marketing was also identified as a crucial channel for engaging customers and building communities. Durodola suggested that platforms like WhatsApp can help businesses showcase products, respond to inquiries, and maintain customer relationships. Furthermore, he discussed the potential of video marketing, influencer marketing, and search engine marketing in expanding a business's online presence.
Durodola grouped his marketing approach into four pillars: Right Message, Right Audience, Right Channels, and Right Strategy. He explained that combining these elements can help informal businesses improve visibility, engagement, customer acquisition, and long-term growth. The co-founder encouraged entrepreneurs to guide potential customers through the five stages of the customer journey: Awareness, Interest, Consideration, Conversion, and Loyalty.
The lecture was part of the Al-Mu'minaat Organisation's efforts to support women entrepreneurs and promote Islamic values. Durodola's insights are expected to help small-scale businesses in Nigeria and beyond to develop effective marketing strategies and leverage digital tools for growth. His playbook, "From the Streets to the Digital World," serves as a valuable resource for entrepreneurs seeking to expand their reach and build sustainable enterprises.
Key points
- Abdulhadi Durodola shares 10 marketing channels for small-scale businesses
- Entrepreneurs should combine traditional networks with digital tools to expand reach
- Durodola's marketing approach focuses on four pillars: Right Message, Right Audience, Right Channels, and Right Strategy
