Shopping, social media, signage, billboards...
Shopping is a major Saudi pastime and large modern air-conditioned multi-level malls are a feature of all the major cities. During the Saudi weekend of Thursday and Friday, the hallways teem with people looking for ways to spend their money. Central sales promotions for samples, new products, special offers and tasters all work well in these vast white hallways.
Social media is huge amongst the Arab population, both leisure and business is conducted solely on Facebook, Bebo, My Space and the other social networking sites rather than the business focused ones like LinkedIn. Marketing in this way is commonplace for commercial organisations through to charities and retail ventures.
Large signage and roadside billboards are used much as they were in 50s America with big bold statements on every street corner. Relatively cheap and easy to change on a regular basis, these form a key part of the advertising backdrop in the Kingdom although as seen in recent months, it is always wise to tie in your message with an acknowledgement to both your host country and King.
Online portals work well to build brand awareness and general product interest as more and more Saudis use the relatively new Internet. SMS campaigns are also a very effective marketing channel and regularly sell everything from cars and competitions to promotions and special offers to 1000's of users every day.
In fact, for a marketeer with confidence, imagination and drive as well as a strong cultural signpost, Saudi has a whole lot more to offer than just camels and oil.
See our next e-shot for the marketing channels that do work!
Lime's reporter on the ground
Becky Walsh is Marketing Director of Lime Creative and Marketing Consultant to the Saudi Cancer Foundation in the Eastern Province, KSA and currently lives in Saudi Arabia.
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