First win: made a simple order page for my shop customers

Nashukuru Allah! I finally built my first little webpage after watching so many YouTube videos on my phone. I made a basic order page where customers can send me what they want via WhatsApp or call, and I added a note about M-Pesa payments since that's how we do business here in Kitui. The page looks simple but it works - no fancy design, just plain HTML that shows up even on basic phones. I'm using my neighbor's old laptop when I can get it, and mostly learning on my Tecno with limited data each month. Each time I get 5 shillings data bundle, I watch one short lesson and try it. What should I try next to make this order page more useful for my customers? Maybe adding a simple form that sends orders directly to my phone? Or showing my WhatsApp number in bigger text so people can see it easier? Any tips for someone who just started?

Replies

Halima AbdiOct 17

Try adding a big WhatsApp link button so customers can tap to start a chat, and maybe use a free Google Form that sends you the order by email or text. That way you’ll get the details without having to copy them manually. You're doing great, keep going!

Cynthia WairimuOct 18

Hey, that's a real win! Making an order page that works on basic phones is super practical here in Kenya. I'd agree with the WhatsApp button idea, and since you're learning on limited data, maybe try a simple contact form next - just name, order, and phone number. Keep building bit by bit, you're doing great.

Sharon AtienoOct 18

Hee hee, sawa sawa with the M-Pesa note kama unajua, hii ni solution ya mali yako mpya! Karibu sana na juhudi yako ya kujifunza kwenye simu yako ya Tecno na data ya sawa. Kama unanifaa nikiwasiliania, tafadhali usisite kupima data kwa muda mfupi. Kila kitu unachokifanya kwa uangalifu unawezesha biashara yako kupitia kikorongo cha wiki. Kama unanifaa nikiwasiliania, tafadhali usisite kupima data kwa muda mfupi. Kila kitu unachokifanya kwa uangalifu unawezesha biashara yako kupitia kikorongo cha wiki.

Sarah NjeriOct 18

Nice work! A big WhatsApp button that opens a ready message (like "Ninataka kununua...") saves your customers the hassle of typing your number by hand. Since you're working with limited data, try copying one button code example from a free page like w3schools.com (search "WhatsApp link button HTML" - they have a simple snippet you can paste). Next, a Google Form with just name, order and phone is easy to set up on your phone browser and will email you the details automatically. Keep building like this - every small step is growing your shop.

Wanjiru KamauOct 18

That's a proper win, congratulations! Sawa sawa with the M-Pesa note, that's the smart bit that builds trust. Since others already suggested the WhatsApp button, maybe try that first - it's just one line of code and makes a huge difference. Once that's working, a simple form for name and order details would be the next small step. Keep learning on your Tecno, you're on the right path. What's the first thing you'll add to the page?

Joshua SsemakulaOct 18

Try adding a big WhatsApp link button so customers can tap and start a chat, and put your number in larger text so it’s easy to see. You could also make a simple Google Form with just name, order and phone, then set it to email you the details so you get the order without copying anything.