Since online shopping became more mainstream thanks to the 2020 lockdown, many shopping sites have had to incorporate social media marketing to acquire more users. This has been evident in brands like Shien and how they use influencer marketing to drive traffic and generate demand for their products.
This African eCommerce site is taking a different approach by providing a platform for micro-influencers to showcase their style, influence for fashion brands, and make money while at it. For online shoppers, it’s a chance to discover their style and see representation through online live shows.
In this article, we’ll review MAKA, its features, and how you can sign up for it too. Keep reading to find out more.
Features of the MAKA App
MAKA is a community commerce platform for fashion and beauty. Their goal is to enable everyone to discover their style, feel represented, and perfectly express their uniqueness through fashion.
At the moment, MAKA only has three major features – online shopping, live videos, and the creator community.
1. Online Shopping
Like most eCommerce sites, MAKA hosts a range of clothing from several partner brands. So you can choose to either browse or search for a specific product. Although all products are measured in UK size, there’s a guide to help you determine your exact size. You can view it here.
There are also reviews to help you make an informed decision. Similar to Aliexpress, you can see user-generated photos which are real pictures from verified shoppers. If you do decide to make a purchase, you can pay either with a card, bank transfer, direct debit, or USSD. Once you’ve completed your order, you’d get your package delivered directly to your doorstep.
At the time of this article, they only offer deliveries to anywhere in Nigeria.
2. Live Videos
MAKA creators often schedule live shows where they try on actual products listed on the app. The goal is to share their style and help their viewers come up with creative ways to wear an item. Think of it as a personalized runway but with more diversity. Since there are creators of different shapes and sizes, shoppers can find one that represents their style and size.
You can also shop for a product while watching a live show. Once the creator is reviewing a product, simply tap on the small icon on your right or the product image at the bottom of the screen to add it to your bag. After the show, you can then complete your order. You can of course always rewatch a session once it has ended.
Since the app is still in beta, MAKA is still improving the overall experience. This is why in order to watch live shows, you have to create an account. This ensures that you can seamlessly add items to your bag, ask the creator questions or interact with other viewers in the comments.
How to Open a MAKA Account
To start shopping on MAKA or join in a live stream, simply;
- Download the mobile app available on Google Play or the App store
- Create an account and select your shopping preference
- On the bottom of your screen, you’d see the navigation bar
- You have access to a ‘For You’ page and a ‘Trending’ section where you can explore creators on Maka
- There’s also a section to shop by several categories
- And a Watch section where you can register for upcoming shows of your favorite creators
3. The MAKA Creator Community
The community at MAKA consists of creators who consider themselves trendsetters and hope to inspire others in choosing products that suit their style. So if you love playing dress up and don’t mind being in front of a camera, then this is a chance to leverage your network. As a creator on MAKA, you can choose your style and have fun while you work. There are no rigid rules that constrain you to any terms. Showcase your style and work when you want to.
Start by signing up to join the creator community. Once you join the network, you can schedule as many live shows as you want to host. You earn money every time you go live. It’s also a chance to discover new brands and earn reward points that can cut down your shopping prices on MAKA.
How to Become a Creator on MAKA
To join the creator community on MAKA, you can either apply via the app or send an email here.
