You create a WhatsApp group, channel, or community where you help people discover and use alternative tools, apps, platforms, or websites that do the same thing as popular tools — but cheaper, faster, more locally available, or even better.
In simple words, you show people options.
You help vendors find WhatsApp business automation tools that don’t cost ₦40k/month. You show students apps that work like Grammarly but are free. You plug creators into tools that edit videos better than CapCut. You help job seekers find platforms that offer LinkedIn-style CV building for free.
In short — you help people do more with less, and you show them better alternatives to the tools they already use or have heard about.
You’re not building any tools. You’re not creating anything technical. You’re just curating tools that already exist — especially the free or low-cost ones — and explaining them in plain, simple language on WhatsApp.
And because you’re helping people save money, time, and stress, they’ll see you as valuable. That’s how influence starts — and that’s how the money follows.
How to Start
Starting this business is not hard. It’s just about knowing what people are struggling with, and dropping better options inside your group.
Here’s how to start and run it well from day one.
Step 1: Pick Your Angle
There are thousands of alternative tools out there. Don’t confuse people. Pick an angle.
Here are some great categories you can focus on:
- Vendors & Small Business Owners — cheaper WhatsApp CRM, invoicing tools, autoresponders
- Content Creators — free alternatives to CapCut Pro, VN, InShot, Canva, etc
- Students & Job Seekers — Grammarly replacements, PDF tools, AI note-takers, CV builders
- AI Alternatives — tools better than ChatGPT, cheaper than Jasper, faster than MidJourney
- Mini Importers — apps for finding suppliers, dropshipping platforms, currency converters
- Remote Workers & Freelancers — productivity apps, gig platforms, time trackers, writing assistants
You can start with one niche, or combine two closely related ones.
For example, a WhatsApp channel called “Smart Vendor Tools NG” could focus on:
- Cheaper WhatsApp bulk senders
- Free logo makers
- Invoice apps
- WhatsApp autoresponder apps
- Status scheduler tools
- Canva alternatives
That alone is enough to grow a tribe of 1,000+ loyal members.
Step 2: Set Up a Clean WhatsApp Group or Channel
Once you pick your niche, go ahead and set up your WhatsApp hub. Use a WhatsApp Channel if you want to post content without distractions. Use a WhatsApp Group if you want feedback, questions, reviews, or mini discussions. You can do both — channel for posting, group for engagement.
Brand it well. Use a clear name, good logo, and short intro like:
“This group shares free and smart alternative tools for vendors, students, creators, and online hustlers. Save money. Work smarter. Get better.”
Pin your welcome message, drop a few tool examples, and set your posting time (e.g. 9am and 7pm daily).
Step 3: Research and Share the Best Free or Cheaper Alternatives
This is where you shine. Your job is to find useful tools that are better alternatives to what people are currently struggling with.
Places to find them:
- Twitter/X — search “free alternative to [tool name]”
- Reddit — subreddits like r/InternetIsBeautiful or r/SideProject
- ProductHunt — check trending apps
- io — for AI alternatives
- YouTube — tech reviewers who share “Top 5 Free Tools”
- Blogs like AlternativeTo, SaaSworthy, G2, or Capterra
- Telegram tech groups or hustle communities
Then you drop a simple, easy-to-understand post like this:
🛠️ Instead of using Grammarly Premium
Try: QuillBot + Sapling AI
📌 Why: QuillBot rewrites your grammar. Sapling fixes typos. Both are free.
🎓 Use For: Assignments, blog writing, CV edits
🔗 Try them here: [links]
💡 Extra Tip: Combine them for even better results. Works like a charm.
Or:
🤖 AI Tool Plug
🔥 Instead of paying for ChatGPT Pro ($20/month)…
Use: Perplexity AI — free, fast, and gives cited results
🔍 Works for: Research, homework, content creation
🔗 Use here: [link]
✅ Pro Tip: You don’t need an OpenAI account. No stress.
Post 1–3 of these daily. Keep them fresh, relevant, and super easy to read. People will love your content, forward your posts, and refer others to your group.
How to Monetize It
Here’s how to start cashing out — without needing to build any product yourself.
- Use Affiliate or Referral Links for Tools You Recommend
Many tools have referral programs. Once someone signs up or pays using your link — you earn.
Tools like:
- QuillBot
- Canva Pro
- Grammarly
- Jasper AI
- TubeBuddy
- Pictory
- AppSumo deals
- Fiverr (refer people to service tools)
- Temu (for mobile apps and product bundles)
- Notion templates, AI prompts, and app packs
Always include your referral link in the post, like:
“Try this tool free here 👉 [your link]”
It becomes passive income once you’re consistent.
- Run Sponsored Tool Promotions
Once your channel gets active, developers and product owners will start messaging you like:
“Hi, I built this Nigerian alternative to Calendly. Can you promote it?”
You can charge ₦5k–₦50k per promo post depending on your reach.
Make it look like a tool drop, but label it:
“Sponsored Tool of the Day 🔥”
- Sell “WhatsApp Toolkits” as Digital Products
Bundle 50–100 of your best alternatives into a simple PDF or Notion doc titled:
- “The WhatsApp Business Owner Toolkit”
- “100 Free Tools for Hustlers in Nigeria”
- “AI Plug Pack: ChatGPT Alternatives + Prompt Templates”
Price it ₦2k–₦5k. Sell through Selar, Paystack, or Google Drive links.
You can also offer lifetime access to a Notion workspace where you keep updating new tools weekly.
- Launch a VIP Group for Power Users
This is where the real money starts.
Offer premium members:
- Exclusive tools not posted publicly
- Early access to new tools
- Full tutorial voice notes
- Tool setup support
- Extra walkthrough PDFs or templates
Charge ₦3,000–₦10,000 per month.
Even with 100 people at ₦3k = ₦300k/month.
- Bundle Tools + Services + Courses
Use your tool recommendations as lead magnets.
Example:
“Instead of buying logo designs, use this free tool to create 5 in 10 mins.”
Then upsell:
“If you want my Canva template pack + WhatsApp flyer scripts, it’s ₦2,000 only.”
You’ve solved a problem, and now you’re offering extra help.
That combo = instant sales.
How to Promote It
Here’s how to grow your WhatsApp Tools community fast.
- Use Your WhatsApp Status
Drop tool teasers like:
“This app turns WhatsApp voice notes into typed notes 😮”
“I just found a better version of Grammarly for free. Want it?”
“Instead of paying for CapCut Pro, just use this AI tool. It’s mad o 🔥”
Then post:
“I share tools like this daily. Join here 👉 [link]”
People will join out of curiosity and value.
- Drop in Business, Student, and Hustle Groups
Look for Facebook and Telegram groups like:
- Hustle Plug NG
- Study Hacks for Nigerians
- WhatsApp Business Vendors
- Learn AI Tools NG
- Tech Side Hustle Community
Post valuable tools and end with:
“I post tools like this every day in my WhatsApp channel. Join free 👉 [link]”
This method works extremely well when you’re consistent.
- Offer a Free Resource in Exchange for Joins
Create a mini tool guide (e.g. “Top 10 Tools Vendors Should Know in 2025”) as a PDF.
Then post:
“DM me ‘TOOLS’ and I’ll send it + add you to the daily tools group.”
People love freebies. Use them to build your list.
