Every new exporter dreams of one thing — getting that first international order. It’s the moment when all your effort finally pays off and you see your products leave Nigeria for the first time. But most beginners don’t know what exact steps to take to reach that point. They get stuck between learning, preparing, and waiting for buyers who never respond. At Gooven Multiservice Ltd, we’ve guided hundreds of first-time exporters through a tested 90-day plan that helps them move from idea to their first confirmed order. This guide will show you exactly how to do the same.
Phase 1: Preparation (Days 1–30)
1. Choose the Right Product
Pick export products that are in steady demand among African and international buyers. Examples include palm oil, egusi, ogbono, crayfish, bitter kola, and dried fish. Choose products you understand and can source easily within your network.
2. Register Your Business
Complete your CAC registration, get your NEPC Export License, and open a dollar-receiving account. Buyers take exporters with proper documentation more seriously.
3. Create a Professional Brand Image
Prepare: A short company profile, clear product photos, simple logo, and export-ready labels. You can get help from Gooven Foods to design packaging that meets international standards.
Phase 2: Positioning (Days 31–60)
4. Build Online Presence
Create a simple website or landing page that introduces your brand, products, and contact information. If you’re not ready for a website, start with a LinkedIn page or Instagram business account.
5. List on Buyer Platforms
Register on trade platforms like Go4WorldBusiness, ImportersHub, Alibaba, and Tradewheel. Upload professional photos, write clear descriptions, and state your export capacity.
6. Join Export Communities
Participate in export-focused groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp. Gooven Trade Academy provides access to verified exporter groups where serious buyers and sellers connect daily.
Phase 3: Execution (Days 61–90)
7. Start Buyer Outreach
Send professional introduction messages to verified buyers. Keep it short, polite, and specific to their needs. Include sample messages and follow-up frequency.
8. Verify Before You Ship
Once a buyer shows interest, verify their company online. Ask for a website, address, or business registration number. Gooven helps students confirm real buyers through our verification partners.
9. Close the Order and Ship Confidently
Once payment or contract terms are confirmed, prepare all necessary documents — Certificate of Origin, Bill of Lading, Insurance, and others. Use Gooven’s verified shipping network to ensure safe delivery and tracking.
Bonus Tip — Stay Consistent
Even if you don’t get your first order in 90 days, don’t stop. Most exporters get results between day 60 and day 120 with consistent follow-up and mentorship. Success in exportation comes from structure, persistence, and trust.
Conclusion
Getting your first international export order isn’t luck — it’s a process. When you follow a clear 90-day action plan, stay consistent, and work with trusted mentors, results will come faster. At Gooven Multiservice Ltd, through Gooven Trade Academy and Gooven Foods, we guide you through every stage — from product selection to documentation, buyer outreach, and safe shipment. Gooven Multiservice Ltd — Turning Local Products into Global Opportunities.