As the world becomes more digitally connected, we are witnessing an unprecedented change in the way of businesses promoting and marketing their products and services. Compared to conventional marketing strategies, Digital marketing has opened up the arena of marketing for businesses to establish an authoritative online presence.
The Exponential Growth of Digital Marketing in the Middle East
Even though the Middle East adopted Digital Marketing at a slow pace, the growth of Digital Marketing in the Middle East has grown exponentially in recent years. Unlike other countries in the world, digital marketing trends in the Middle East are different, focusing mainly on consumer journeys and experiences. While Marketing is undoubtedly reaching new levels of influence in the Middle East, it has become one of the fastest-growing digital markets in recent years. As a result, marketers are constantly looking for new and exciting ways to attract and retain customers.
Digital Marketing Trends To Watch Out in Middle East
Let’s have a look at the interesting digital marketing trends in the Middle East, and how to utilize them effectively to gain a competitive advantage in the business.
Captivating Video Content
People in the Middle East prefer video content over others and are also responsive to short, bite-sized content as it includes the key information to be delivered to the audience in a short span of time. Snack Ads are 10 second short video ads that are set to be one of the go-to ad formats in the Middle East.
AI Powered Chatbots
Chatbots are becoming a common digital marketing trend in the Middle East as they prioritise consumer journeys and experiences. Leveraging Chatbots, a virtual customer service representative is available 24/7 to offer personalized and focused solutions to customers.
Voice Search – A Pioneering Trend
Voice search saves time and offers convenience and hence voice search optimization has emerged as a new digital marketing trend. Nowadays, people tend to use voice search devices more often to make purchases, find products or information and hence marketers in the Middle East are thoughtfully incorporating a voice search strategy into the business website.
Promotion through Micro and Local Influencers
While the concept of promoting the product or services with well-known influencers is already prominent, promotion through local and micro influencers is a new concept. Endorsing the business with well-known influencers seems to be over-priced and results are short-lived. In turn, local and micro influencers promise long term partnership and help businesses to continuously develop and retain customers.
A New Era of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
The next ‘big thing’ in Digital Marketing that will have a major impact in the future is the use of AR and VR. This technology strengthens the bond between a brand and the customers by offering a highly interactive buying experience. It is to be noted that many of the reputed brands in the Middle East have already started implementing AR and VR into their customers’ regular shopping experiences.
Decreased Advertising Budgets with Programmatic Advertising
With decreased advertising budgets and impressions wastage, the Programmatic Advertising has attracted advertisers and has picked up in the Middle East.
Cross-Platform Marketing to Reach Customers Wherever They are Active
More and more users in the Middle Eastare switching to online purchases through smartphone, laptop or tablets. Cross-Platform marketing is a fast-growing trend as marketers are in a race to reach their customers across all platforms.
Predictive Analytics for Accurate Customer Forecasts
Many businesses in the Middle East has realised the true potential of predictive digital marketing, as it allows marketers to make accurate forecasts about consumer behavior and adopt a winning strategy accordingly.
Bottom Line
Even though the Middle East market has been slower than the rest of the world to adopt the changing trends in the digital marketing landscape, they have now successfully adopted the above said digital marketing trends. This new era in marketing if put into regular practice is sure to take the businesses in the Middle East by storm.
