In the UAE, small to medium businesses are one of the key players that fetch non-oil income and contribute ~63.5% in the region’s economy. Sounds like a lucrative opportunity? However, it is essential for small to medium businesses to adopt the latest technologies like Artificial Intelligence and effective digital marketing strategies to boost their business in the region.
A Strong Brand Identity in MENA
In a competitive marketplace like MENA, digital visibility is essential for businesses. SMEs can achieve this through a constant brand representation across digital platforms like social media, websites, and online advertisements. This strategy allows SMEs to grab the target audience’s attention and increase revenue like never before.
Pro Tip: Share BTS (Behind the Scenes), testimonials, or short clips about the brand, to humanize it and build customer trust.
What To Do for Brand Identity?
For a distinct brand identity, SMEs need to be consistent on all digital platforms. Such as the use of brand colors and logos on creatives as it ensures consistency. Share user stories periodically to build trust and transparency among audiences. Utilize the Instagram broadcast channel option and the Facebook community option to attract like-minded people. It allows customers and brands to interact actively, which is the best way to boost organic reach and engagement.
Mobile Optimization
We all know screen time has increased 100x compared to previous years. And everyone uses mobiles for most of the tasks. So in this case, having an optimized mobile web and app is the most crucial thing for conversions. It ensures fast navigation and allows users/consumers to explore the brand’s online presence and do seamless transactions if applicable.
Integrate Online Payment Options
Since most of the online payments are done via mobile phones, integrating mobile payments is mandatory to be a successful SME. Online payment options provide convenience to the customers and offer an improved UI/UX experience, which ultimately results in better sales.
Statistics Fact:
In MENA, in 2023, 327 million people used mobiles for their daily online buying, and numbers are expected to rise to ~425 million by 2030.
Leverage WhatsApp for Communication
WhatsApp is a game changer in bridging the communication gap between users/clients and businesses. So, if SMEs integrate WhatsApp, it will allow efficient order tracking, seamless customer service, and marketing outreach.
Omnichannel Strategies
Since it is the era of modern technologies, clients interact with brands across multiple channels, such as some users find email an easy medium, while some prefer social media for messaging platforms. Therefore, embracing an omnichannel approach allows SMEs to build a responsive, seamless customer experience and ensure consistent communication on all digital platforms.
Key Benefits
- It allows users to communicate on the platforms they feel most comfortable on
- Unifies consumer data for tailored marketing
- Facilitates brand loyalty via constant experiences
Fact: In 2024, the MENA e-commerce industry is expected to see a substantial growth of $50 billion through the use of omnichannel strategies, proving that this approach provides a competitive edge for SMEs.
Capitalize on Chatbots and AI
Since MENA is one of the most attractive avenues for digital modifications, many small to medium companies and startups there prefer integration of Artificial Intelligence in their operations for seamless customer experiences. So, it is high time to leverage AI technology and improve sales.
Advantages of AI Solutions
Irrespective of the company size, optimal cost is the ultimate goal of every business, and in this scenario, Artificial Intelligence is a fresh breeze for such enterprises as it cuts business operational costs via automation. Such as the integration of AI chatbots in websites and social media platforms, provides highly responsive services to the customers. These chatbots can manage customer inquiries daily and customize for other information, like order tracking, etc. Owing to high demand, most SMEs in MENA prefer AI chatbots, which are crucial to staying in the game.
SMEs in MENA and the Digital Economy
MENA is one of the most attractive investment regions for global tech industries due to its high tech adoption rate. That is why the digital economy is booming in the region. It is a haven for various SMEs due to its tax policies and high-end technologies. SMEs must leverage the opportunity through investment in data analytics to make well-informed and profitable decisions.
Closing Thoughts
The MENA region is one of the best places that extensively adopts the latest technologies. SMEs in the region have a golden opportunity to leverage this and implement effective digital marketing strategies for long-lasting success. Thus, it is high time to contemplate the available technological solutions and implement the most suitable ones as per the business needs to make the most of the current opportunities and beyond.