Did you know that 90% of Saudis use the internet? Behind all those clicks, a trend has emerged beginning with cupcakes to food trucks. With the country ranking 7 th globally in terms of social media use, it’s no wonder many people have started an online business.
However, many Saudis, unfortunately, have missed essential tips to succeed in a dog-eat-dog market; leading to a long (and I do mean long) list of failed make-up artists, a whole lot of uncooked burgers and endless jokes about "تاجرات الانستقرام". I hate to say it, but coming up with a Nutella filled cupcake doesn’t make you the next Mark Zuckerberg, but coming up with a cake that can fly itself to the party just might.
That’s why we present you this quick how-to guide on starting & marketing a social media business
hopefully help reduce the number of food truck ads. We all have to skip.
1- The Secret is in the Garlic
What made AlBaik become one of the most successful restaurants in our country? It’s the garlic
sauce. It’s what created the hype or demand, sold the "مسحب". Instead of following the masses, find your
own “garlic sauce” or point-of-difference. Your POD doesn’t mean you should create a robot that can
teach women how to drive, it can be as simple as adding a new feature to an old product. You must
clearly define how it gives consumers extra value for their money to easily win over competition for
followers and likes.
2- Know Your Buzzing Bees
Every business needs a specific target audience, or the people you think might be interested in
your product. Armani Prive targets higher-income individuals while Armani Exchange is for upper-
middle class. Create a list of the characteristics of your “dream buyers” (gender, age, income, etc.) and
their likes and dislikes then use the correct social media platform to start creating a buzz in that
community about your business; pulling them in like moth to a flame!
3- Think like Zain
Think about it for a second, how many ads do you see on Instagram that you just scroll through?
We’ve become unapproachable and uninfluenceable by them. Even if you get the biggest “fashionista” to
promote your business, consumers won’t buy it because they know they’re getting paid heaps of money
for it. Think like Zain. The telecommunications company manages to get people’s attention every
Ramadan through simple, creative and memorable ads. To increase your followers’ awareness & engagement, you should always:
A) Find out what social media platform and content your target audience prefers.
B) Create creative and simple content that quickly catches their eyes and always maintain a
consistent brand identity in your posts.
C) Create a posting schedule and follow it religiously!
D) Make the path-to-purchase (or the way to buy your product) as quick and easy as possible
E) Never forget to respond to consumers’ questions, comments & complaints in the friendliest, most
professional & informative way possible.
Good luck & hope to follow you soon!