Pakistan is still lagging in the digital arena and trying to get the handle on how to ride this wave. Some brands have already invested in developing a digital presence, but most are just struggling to fit it in their marketing strategy.
We at HML have gathered a list of platforms that will help you reach out to the your consumers better and help in your ROI.
Facebook Messenger
If you were paying attention to numbers on Facebook you’d have noticed a dip in your organic reach stats. Why? Because Facebook’s algorithm changed yet again last year, and it wants you to post less on your page. Business have started shifting on messenger marketing which has at least 50% open rate. Small businesses like Export Leftovers have already starting using Facebook Messenger to engage and promote their products.
The last year has seen a considerable rise in Instagram users. Individual and business have a made a shift to captivate their audience. Although, Facebook in Pakistan is still where majority of the eyeballs are, Instagram is a close second to making digital media strategies work. This year will be about Instagram stories, Instagram Live, IGTV, Instagram content marketing and Instagram advertisements.
WhatsApp Marketing
WhatsApp has already introduced WhatsApp Business for SME that allows you maximise engagement with your customers. The prediction is that Facebook will integrate WhatsApp in their call to action button for calls.
Video Content
According to Cisco by 2020 videos will make 80% of the content. We see that on the rise with content developers like Teeli and MangoBaaz who are churning out video content to gain traction.
AI Chatbots
Chatbots are definitely the future. They save time, enhance service and are available 24/7 to interact with your customers, and most importantly they will always behave perfectly. There are Pakistani start-ups developing AI- based chatbots that can be integrated in messengers and websites.
Aurat Raaj, a digital platform for women education and empowerment, won a BAFTA award last year for creating a chatbot character, Raaji, who is equipped to guide women through the problems they are facing in developing countries.
Influencer Marketing
We have progressed in marketing in a lot of ways yet the first-ever form of marketing, word-of-mouth, is still something that we rely on. We scourge reviews online when we want to buy a product. And if the source is a veteran from the industry the impact is much higher. Be it celebrities, Instagrammers, bloggers, or tweeters influencer marketing this trend will rise.
Some of these will be real game changers this year on. If I were you I would definitely include these in my brand strategy. And if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?