New Attitudes, New Personas

At Muslim Ad Network we have been informing our readers and advising them about the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic and how to cope with it as a business.

Experts have spoken about how the pandemic has changed consumer behavior drastically and permanently. Now a study by Microsoft Advertising reveals new consumer attitudes that Muslim-friendly brands should be aware of too.

Microsoft Advertising categorizes four new buyer personas based on the shift in consumer attitude brought about by the pandemic:

• Luxury Shoppers
• Digital Nomads
• Empowered Activists
• Self-Care Enthusiasts

You might also want to look at: How to Influence the 3 Types of Online Muslim Consumers

The Luxury Goods Consumer

Luxury shoppers are known to be primarily in-store customers since luxury products are of high value. However, due to store closures during the pandemic, more online options were made available to this group of consumers.

Despite the fact that brick-and-mortar locations have reopened, most luxury shoppers now prefer online shopping due to greater variety and choice. This signifies a permanent consumer behavior shift.

Microsoft Advertising’s survey was based on the following products:

• Handbags, Leather Goods & Accessories
• Clothing & Apparel
• Watches & Jewelry
• Cosmetics, Makeup & Perfumes

Tip: If you offer a halal or Muslim-friendly version of any of these products then make sure that you boost your online advertising to the Muslim segment of your audience.

Disclaimer: A fifth category was mentioned but we will not be mentioning it since it is not permissible in Islam.

The Digital Nomad Consumer

The pandemic has created a world in which remote work has become mainstream.

Some employees have shifted back to the workplace, while others choose to remain remote or hybrid. The percentage of remote and hybrid employees is much larger than it was pre-pandemic—as of June 2021, 30 percent of employees considered themselves hybrid employees, and 35 percent of employees reported working remotely.

Source: 2021 REMOTE WORK STATISTICS The State of Remote Work

Within the remote-worker audience, you find the location-independent individuals who work while traveling. This behavior has become so common that an entire industry is popping up.

… an increasing number of people may be embracing the digital nomad lifestyle – and not just young workers posing under palm trees. Globally, the rise of a large, new group of traveling, remote workers is one of the prevailing narratives about a Covid-19-reformed work world.

Source: Is the great digital-nomad workforce actually coming?, BBC.com

Digital nomads use online research across product categories probably more than any other consumer group. Think about it; they’re regularly looking for housing and transportation as well as the needs that go along with life on the road. Mobile devices play a major role in their day-to-day life. 

Tip: Your Muslim-friendly brand should find ways to cater to Muslim digital nomads through halal products and services such as travel products, grocery, dining, housing, and more.

The Activist Consumer

Nobody put it better than George Nguyen; editor at Third Door Media when he said:

This audience votes with their wallet, purchasing primarily from brands that align with their ethics and values, which might include stances on the environment, diversity, and/or small business brands. Marketing messages that resonate with their beliefs are more likely to have an impact on this group. They’re also more likely to be interested in and search for political, environmental, and/or social issues.

At Muslim Ad Network we have constantly reiterated that there is a growing pressure on brands to speak up for social justice coming from protestors, customers, and employees. 

Tip: Given the fact that Muslims view good ethics and social justice as part of their daily life due to religious obligations, standing up for something must be part of your branding. Especially today when this has now become a mainstream issue.

Self-Care Consumer 

Thanks to the anxiety of the pandemic, the duress of the lockdowns, and uncertainty from the political and social bedlam, consumers have turned to self-care for relief. This includes mental and physical health becoming a priority for this group of consumers.

According to GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) and Ipsos Group S.A.:

The pandemic has caused people across Europe to pay closer attention to their health, symptoms of illness, and to adopt new behaviors to minimize the risk of transmission – such as more regular handwashing, which is widely recognized as one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of the virus.

Source: COVID-19 prompts increased focus on self-care

Jurate Švarcaite, Director-General of The Association of the European Self-Medication Industry (AESGP) explains:

…self-care and prevention have led to a ‘huge increase’ in demand for digital health information within the European Union. Almost all of us have been online at the beginning of the pandemic checking our symptoms.

Tip: If you deal with self-care products, you may already know that many Muslims do not feel comfortable using disinfectants that have alcohol as an ingredient. This is just one possibility that you may explore to increase revenues.

In Conclusion

It is a simple equation: more consumers are spending more time online, this includes those who are Muslims. You already know that during normal circumstances reaching and converting Muslims online is already complex enough.

If you want to ride the post-pandemic wave for Muslim consumer advertising, it’s going to take thorough planning and the best partner for advertising to Muslims online.

The post Catering to Enhanced Muslim Consumer Groups in a Post-Pandemic World appeared first on Muslim Ad Network.

There is no denying the fact that advertising has never been the same since the COVID-19 crisis started. The tourism and leisure industries have been the hardest hit and have cut their online advertising budgets. Yet other sectors have thrived during the crisis, especially those in eCommerce with the future looking bright.

Here’s a look at what to expect when it comes to online advertising in 2021…

1- Online Advertising Will Shoot Up

The first trend is a no-brainer.

Following widespread cuts to ad budgets earlier this year, a rebound is anticipated in 2021, with Zenith forecasting that ad spend will recover by 5.8% globally.

Source: ADWEEK, 3 Digital Marketing Trends to Come in 2021

The pandemic has accelerated the shift towards a more digital world and triggered changes in online shopping behaviors that are likely to have lasting effects.

Source: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

To add to that, Muslims have become more digitally connected since the pandemic started.

This has added impetus to the demand for pragmatic, digital Islamic economy solutions. The demand covers various sectors from Islamic finance and halal food to Islamic lifestyle products and services.

Source: The $3 Trillion Reason Why Mainstream Brands Cannot Ignore The Muslim Consumer Market

Opportunity and Competition

Many brands that are renowned experts in their industry have had to abandon live events like seminars and workshops. They now focus on delivering online masterclasses. 

This has created opportunities to engage with larger audiences. However, this phenomenon has created new competition online in niches that had relatively little competition.

The pandemic has accelerated digital transformation, or should I say “Digital Rebirth”:

Digital Rebirth transcends digital transformation. It involves a revolutionary reinventing of the purpose, nature, and processes of a company, with accompanying digital business and technological platforms.

Source: Digital Rebirth: How Smart Companies Recreate Themselves in the Digital Era

If you are looking to increase your engagement with Muslim consumers or increase the volume of Muslim customers you must advertise online. You should however be wary of spending too much of your budget on platforms like Google Display Network, Facebook, Google Search, etc.

Given the fact that the likes of Google and Facebook are now getting saturated and will remain so post-COVID-19, your efforts will be more cost-efficient if you use platforms that specialize in your niche. So if you are offering Islamic finance, modest fashion, and so on, you are better off using the only Ad network that specializes in targeting Muslims. This goes for mainstream brands that also want to find a way to engage with Muslim consumers. Even if you do choose to use Facebook Ads or Google Ads, you will not be able to target Muslim consumers the way Muslim Ad Network does ( you cannot target by belief or religion on Facebook and Google).

Trend #2: An Increase in Local Targeting

Since many of the small and medium-size organizations are forced to focus their budget on online advertising, they need to utilize local targeting. A good example would be a non-profit organization that depends on door-to-door or street donations. 

The concurrent lockdowns nationwide make their source of collecting donations almost non-existent. Some have adjusted to this by advertising online, targeting geographical locations and profiles of people who are most likely to donate.

This is a great tactic for non-profits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is a snippet from WordStreams’ article, How COVID-19 Has Impacted Google Ads Results for 21 Industries:

“Some businesses are experiencing increases across metrics during the time of this pandemic.

Non-profits and charities

In times of crisis, we often see the best in people, and that’s even true on the Google SERP (search engine result page). As COVID-19 has spread, non-profits and charities have seen:

• A 10% increase in search ad impressions.
• A 23% increase in search ad conversions.
• A 20% increase in search ad conversion rate.”

If you are looking to zoom in on the right Muslim audience locally, Muslim Ad Network can help you do this cost-efficiently; just get in touch. If you are a charity, take a look at our Giving Back page.

Trend #3: Advertisers Will Have More Say

During the COVID-19 crisis, Google, Facebook, and Amazon have stepped up ad visibility. And why not, this is how they make money. These three also happen to be the most dominant companies, accounting for nearly two-thirds of ad dollars spent on U.S. digital advertising in 2020.

According to The Wall Street Journal, “for the first time, more than half of U.S. advertising spending is set to go to digital platforms such as Google and Facebook”.

Search Engine Results Page Getting Saturated

The biggest beneficiaries are Google, Facebook, and Amazon. They have done a good job of showing ad performance—and when they show performance marketers shift dollars.

Now take a look at the search engine result page below for the keyword “laptop”. You will realize that more space is being awarded to ads, eating up more organic results. The ads, in fact, look so much more like organic results than they used to. This started before the pandemic, however, it suits well with the change in buyer behavior becoming more online oriented.

More money is being allocated for online advertising. At the same time, more space and attention is being offered for online advertising by the three biggest players in the industry. This equals online advertisers having more say in 2021.

The downside is that your pages that were ranking well organically are now pushed further down the search engine result page. You have a choice: start using Google Ads and take part in a bidding war with your competition or do nothing.

However, if you are lucky enough to be targeting a very specific niche, like Muslims looking for halal takeaways or halal make-up, etc. you don’t have that problem. As we mentioned before, you can turn to Muslim Ad Network. The only Ad network out there that specializes in bringing brands and Muslim consumers together online.

In Conclusion

The year 2021 shines a ray of hope on us simply because it is a new start. Moreover, with the approval of the COVID-19 vaccine, people have become even more hopeful. However, as stated earlier, online advertising and consumer behavior changes are here to stay. 

This means more focus on online advertising. However, you could lose a lot of money if you do not strategize properly in an online advertising world that is on its way to becoming even more saturated and expensive than ever before.

We have served over 1 billion ads to Muslims online for over a decade. Let us help you kickoff 2021 in the best way you can.

The post 3 Online Advertising Trends and How to Reach Muslims in 2021 appeared first on Muslim Ad Network.

Now that Ramadan has come to a conclusion, we want to use it as a springboard towards a better you and me. This is true for both our personal life and the way we run our business.

Over the course of the COVID-19 lockdown and Ramadan, we created several blog posts ranging from how to close your business during the lockdown to how to reopen your business after the lockdown ends, and everything in between.

As an entity that helps Muslim businesses grow, we would not be doing you justice if we did not remind you that your business is also part of worship. Therefore, in order to reap the rewards and get the blessings from your creator, your business needs to be in line with what He prescribed for us.

After the lockdown, you will be eager to start attracting customers to your business. Hopefully, that eagerness does not become desperation (business might be slow after the lockdown). To avoid that, you can use this article as guidance on how you can do your marketing while adhering to the Islamic ethical framework for doing business.

The basis for the list of 7 things to remember comes from a research paper: “Islamic Marketing and Muslim Consumers’ Behavior” published on the Asian Journal of Social Science Studies where Islamic marketing is defined as:

“The process of identification and implementation of value maximization strategies for the welfare of the stakeholders in particular and the society in general governed by the guidelines given in the Quran and the Sunnah. Adherence to such marketing practices will not only benefit us in this world but in the world after hence value-maximization is based on equity and justice for the buyer, sellers, and society at large.”

Disclaimer: We find value in the research conducted and the methodology used (descriptive-analytical approach). However, we are not experts in the Quran and Sunnah. Therefore, by no means does our reference to the study equal an endorsement of the accuracy of the use of the Quran and Hadith in the research paper.

1. Marketing for Needs versus Marketing for Wants

Islamic marketing focuses on two basic needs: the physiological needs of food, water, clothing, etc. and the need for safety. While conventional marketing, for the most part, is based on wants and desires

Lesson: Don’t use marketing to deceive your audience to consume more than what is beneficial to them. This does not mean consuming for fun or pleasure is prohibited (when done in moderation). Just don’t tell your audience that they need something when they actually don’t.

2. Not all Muslim Consumers are the Same

This one you might already know. Muslim consumers are not homogeneous as they speak different languages, have different cultures, and so on. On top of that, some are more conservative than others. What may attract one Muslim may repel the other.

Lesson: Know who you are targeting and translate this into your marketing language and media assets. Also, if you have been targeting mostly Muslims of the same ethnicity, let’s say you are a Moroccan targeting Moroccan Muslims, you are missing out on a huge opportunity. Especially after the lockdown when businesses may struggle, it is perhaps a good time to broaden your targeting.

3. Muslim Advertising

Islamic marketing framework is governed by Sharia principles in all sectors. This means that when advertising, the tone of language, the products being advertised, the product promise, the benefits that are being presented, and everything else needs to be in line with the Quran and Sunnah.

Lesson: Make sure that what you are advertising and how you are advertising it is within the framework of Islamic marketing. For example, you cannot advertise cigarettes because they are considered impermissible (Haram). But you cannot also advertise coffee, which is permissible (Halal) while highlighting the benefits as giving the consumer the ability to stay up all night to go clubbing.

4. Ethical Advertising

Do not use manipulative language or psychological tricks that may trick the consumer into thinking they are buying one thing but actually end up buying something else.

Lessons: Do not deceive in quality or quantity. An example of quality deceit is when you add bogus quality labels or certifications to a product page on your website. An example of quantity deceit is when your product image shows a set of five when the product is a set of three hoping that the customer will not read the description carefully.

5. Apply Good Conduct

With good conduct, we mean ethical behavior, as this is core in the Islamic religion. Islam is not a religion of rituals alone, but the way we carry ourselves and treat others is a big part of being a Muslim.

Lesson: When advertising, avoid images and videos of people behaving in ways that are not in line with what is considered acceptable in Islam. Using a video that glamorizes someone who is driving over the speed limit is an example.

6. Mutual Consent

This point is quite straightforward. There should be fair and free will of buyer and seller and it should be clear that there is no coercion.

Lesson: An example of coercion or rather a hidden type of coercion is when you know there is a huge demand for your product but it can only be purchased in combination with a complementary product that no one needs but you want to clear out.

7. The Concept of Falah

Falah is a superior word to “success” for those seeking good in this world and in the hereafter.

“Success in Islam is more closely related to spiritual solace and pleasure that can be shared among those who are in need (well-being).” – Azaddin Salem Khalifa

Lesson: Whereas today many firms have special departments for corporate responsibility, in Islamic business corporate good is part and parcel of business. For example, a manufacturing company must only take and use natural resources that it needs to manufacture products. A company must not lay off its workers just for the sake of maximizing profits. The Zakat on wealth to help the most vulnerable people in the community must be paid promptly.

A business must serve stakeholders, employees, and the community. Keep this in mind when you are revisiting your marketing plan (which you should after the lockdown).
Start working with experts in the field of targeting Muslim audiences through online advertising.

Bonus: What the Ramadan Consumer Survey 2022 Says About Advertising to Muslims During the Holy Month

The post 7 Things to Remember When Your Marketing Efforts Resume After Ramadan and the COVID-19 Lockdown appeared first on Muslim Ad Network.

A while back we discussed 14 Tips When Shutting Down Your Business Due to the COVID-19 Crisis for a Quick Bounce Back. During the last few days, we have been witnessing some relaxation on restrictions in the Middle-East and Europe and hopefully, soon we will be able to say the same for North America.

We have spoken briefly about going through the 4 phases of the COVID-19 lockdown and it seems that for some countries, at the time of writing this article, we are witnessing phase 3: “Preparing for a Bright Future”.

What to Keep in Mind When the Lockdown Eases

Business Will be Slow

The authorities have no other choice but to open up parts of the economy so that businesses like yours can start running again. However, your biggest challenge as a business owner will be ensuring that you run your business efficiently despite the constraints. You will need to get your business back on track despite what may be less traffic to your business due to the 1.5-meter (6 feet in the US) distance requirements for example. Work processes will be slow and your expenditure will go up.

A Learning Process

Keep in mind that you will be stepping into a brand-new world. There are many things that you used to take for granted that you will not be able to do easily. The type of effort you used to put in for ten customers may be needed to serve three customers due to the constraints. The use of protective screens at the cash register, sanitizing, and so on will be required and for the most part, there is no guide on a policy. You will have to learn as you go.

Rise in Compassion

You will also need to understand that people’s behavior will be different and that means you need to handle your customers differently. More compassion and empathy should be part of every business owner’s soft-skill set. Businesses that are more humane will do better than the ones that focus solely on performance.

17 Tips for Reopening Your Business

Now that we have that out of the way, here is what you can do. Some things may apply to you more than others depending on the nature of your business.

1. Make sure your location has good air quality; think of high-efficiency filters and better ventilation.
2. Install protective screens at the cash register a.k.a sneeze guards.
3. Make sure everyone knows that it’s OK to stay home when sick.
4. Make the 1.5 meters (6 feet in the US) rule possible by having workers come in on alternating days.
5. If possible, identify those who can work from home and have only those who must come to the office alternate days.
6. Keep an eye out for indicative symptoms.
7. Educate your workers on safety measures and current COVID-19 trends.
8. Just as you will be compassionate towards your customers, be compassionate towards your staff.
9. Put in soft protocols for common areas such as the coffee place, printer toilet, prayer area, etc.
10. Pay close attention to what the authorities in your region are advising.
11. If you are recruiting, make sure you adopt a more virtual process. Here are 8 helpful resources for virtual recruiting during COVID-19.
12. There should be no sharing of equipment, that’s a recipe for sharing germs, make sure every employee has what he/she needs.
13. Don’t assume social distancing will be easy despite all the measures; you will keep learning and adapting.
14. Don’t assume all of your employees will be ready to come back. Some of your staff members may be anxious about returning to work. Make sure you empathize with them and make plans to look for temporary replacements if needed.
15. If your state or region requires your employees to wear masks, have a set policy in place on personal protective wear. This University of Rochester New Face Mask Policy may give you an idea of where to start.
16. If your business is in an office environment, come up with a plan for how to handle visitors. 
17. Have a look at “Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19” by the World Health Organization before opening your business.

It is important to manage expectations for yourself and your employees. Things will not get better overnight, and we’ll all need to get used to the new normal. Remember to stay positive and know that we are moving towards better days. Don’t take any unnecessary risks and be well-prepared.

In a previous blog post, we showed you evidence that advertising during a recession can be profitable for your business. So there is one thing you need to be doing right now and that is staying connected to your target audience. You can do that by advertising with Muslim Ad Network. 

The post 17 Tips for When You Reopen Business After the COVID-19 Lockdown appeared first on Muslim Ad Network.

First the COVID-19 pandemic and then the war in Ukraine that has caused inflation records to be broken globally. What’s next? Should brands stop advertising every time there is a crisis? Concrete evidence based on previous crises shows that you should do just the opposite.

We start with a fascinating research paper by Kate Nichols of Elon University titled “Influence of Advertising During the Great Depression”.

“During the 1930s, the American Tobacco Company recorded consistent profits with the exception of 1931; Lucky Strike maintained its place as the most purchased tobacco product on the market throughout the Great Depression. The company credited its steady advertising revenue figures as a company asset of continued “great value” in relation to its rising profits (“American Tobacco,” 1929-1939). Lucky Strike’s market share indicates that advertising might have greatly influenced sales during a time when consumer spending was at an all-time low (“Cigarette Figures,” 1938). “

If you are a business currently struggling due to the economic meltdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, we recommend you keep reading. In 2020 we asked the following questions about how businesses and organizations were coping with the coronavirus conundrum. Questions that are relevant to be answered during any financial crisis.

Questions About Advertising During the COVID-19 Crisis You Need to Ponder

Are Brands/Businesses Pausing Their Advertising During the COVID-19 Crisis?

• Ad spend was down 33% on social media and 30% on paid search in March and April.
• Nearly a quarter of brands have paused all ad spend for the next months with digital ad spend plummeting by 38%.

What Happens When They Stop Advertising?

• According to Millward Brown, 60% of the brands that seized advertising saw brand use decrease by 24% and brand image go down by 28%.
• According to Kantar, brands that go dark to save costs will witness a 39% reduction in brand awareness and a delayed recovery after the COVID-19 crisis.

What Happens When They Don’t Stop Advertising?

• McGraw-Hill Research researched 600 companies from 1980 to 1985. They found out that businesses that maintained or increased their advertising spend during the 1981 recession achieved sales 256% higher than those that didn’t by 1985.
• Here is the big one for marketers and business owners: Only 8% of consumers from 30 countries surveyed by Kantar said that brands should stop advertising (straight from the horse’s mouth).

Examples of Brands Winning Market Share Because of Advertising During Recession

The examples below are based on an article by Forbes: “When A Recession Comes, Don’t Stop Advertising”.

• Back in the 1920s, the cereal industry was dominated by Post. They significantly cut ad spend during the Great Depression. Kellogg’s, on the other hand, doubled their ad spend and even introduced Rice Krispies(R&D). Profits grew by 30% and Kellogg’s went on to own the category.
• During the 1990 recession, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell were able to do some damage to McDonald’s. When the fast-food giant decided to cut advertising both Pizza Hut and Taco Bell pounced on the opportunity. As a result, Pizza Hut increased sales by an astonishing 61% and Taco Bell blew up by 40% while McDonald’s spiraled down by 28%.

“I was asked what I thought about the recession. I thought about it and decided not to participate” -Sam Walton; Walmart Founder

How Should I Advertise During this Crisis?

You do not want to go out guns blazing without bullets. We could never give you all this juicy information without recommending to you what to do. We have been telling you how to approach this crisis as a business for a while now. I have therefore listed all the articles that can help you below. However, in staying with the numbers-oriented nature of this article I will first share some more numbers:

Based on Kantar

• 77% of consumers want brands to talk about how they are helpful in everyday life,
• 75% want brands to talk about their efforts to face the COVID-19 crisis, and
• 70% want brands to offer a reassuring tone.

Based on Internet Advertising Bureau:

• Businesses are taking a long-term brand building strategy
• 63% of businesses have adjusted their messaging 

And Now Our COVID-19 Articles in One Place

The Impact of Coronavirus on Your Business and What to Do

Discusses the short-term and long-term impact of the coronavirus pandemic and what you need to do on a high level.

Your Business After the COVID-19 Pandemic: Going Through The 4 Phases

An uplifting and reassuring article that talks about the four phases that your business will go through during the pandemic.

Muslim Ad Network Offering $25,000 in Free Advertising for Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus

An overview of the offer to small businesses by Muslim Ad Network that will remain valid until the crisis ends, or we reach 100 registrants.

6 Things MAN is Doing During a COVID-19 Impacted Ramadan Which You Can Do Too

Similar to this list, this article outlines what Muslim Ad Network has been doing during this difficult period. However, it is more focused on how you can copy what we are doing and use it for your own business/organization/brand.

Feel free to contact us, so we can help you through these times. Or just say hello!

The post Evidence Shows that You Should Keep Advertising During a Recession appeared first on Muslim Ad Network.

Ramadan 2020 is finally here! Are you ready? If you are a business owner or a marketer, you may already know that Ramadan not only brings the best out of the Muslims spiritually but also turns them into super-consumers. In fact, Ramadan is the third-biggest festival in the UK after Christmas and Easter. According to Ogilvy.co.uk close to 80% of Muslims would love to see increased engagement from brands and retailers during Ramadan.

“RAMADAN IS A BURST OF SPIRITUAL, COMMUNITY AND FESTIVE LIFE IN BRITAIN’S HOMES AND HIGH STREETS, ALONG WITH AN ECONOMIC SURGE” – Ogivly.co.uk

The Question of COVID-19 and Ramadan

Before we delve into the issue of marketing during Ramadan let us address the issue of the coronavirus pandemic. I am sure everyone reading this article has this on their mind.

There is no doubt that it is going to be a different type of Ramadan outwardly all over the world. The social gatherings, the prayers in congregations, the events at your local mosques; none of that will be happening. 

However, the spirit of Ramadan cannot be impacted by adversity. In fact, Fasting during Ramadan – which as a goal is about increasing the ‘Taqwa’ a.k.a. The fear of disobeying The Creator – also teaches Muslims to function normally during hardships. This is, even more so true in the Western countries where Muslims fast between 16-19 hours, many a time in circumstances that are not exactly conducive.

On top of that, Muslims believe that Ramadan comes with levels of mercy not witnessed in any other month. This increases positivity and optimism. It is highly unlikely, therefore, that consumption will come to a complete halt. Of course, as a business, you will need to be more creative and take advantage of the fact that online sales are surging at the moment due to the pandemic. However, the core of your marketing and advertising approach for Ramadan will stay the same.

The Ramadan Consumer Activity Timeline

Image Source: Ramadan 2020 series part 2: The 4 phases of Ramadan -Google

The Month of Shaban

The Ramadan consumer activities start at least a month before Ramadan itself. Most preparations start during Shaban, the month before  Ramadan. This is when Muslims prepare their homes with new furniture and accessories, get a new TV, buy new clothes, etc. All in preparation for the Sacred Month.

According to Google:

• Small kitchen appliances see a peak of 164% on YouTube.
• Ramadan fashion videos see an increase of 72% – a growing trend in recent years.

The First Half of Ramadan

Under normal circumstances, after ‘Iftar’ (breaking the fast), Muslims go to the mosque or out to socialize. Some may stay up until the ‘Suhur’ (predawn meal). In 2020, with the pandemic still expected to be dominant in many of our communities, people will stay inside and will probably be on their mobile devices mostly, but also on their tablets and desktops. This is an enormous opportunity for you to target them. If you use paid advertising – which you should in these times – you should take note that people will be online at some rather unusual hours and most of them will be on their mobile devices. The same goes for any business that offers customer support.

Image Source: Five Step Guide to Winning Ramadan Campaigns in 2019 – Google

“The data indicate that conversion is up by 30% during Ramadan. As you might expect, social media is more active as well, primarily at night. The increase peaks at 3 am when it reaches 200%. There is also evidence that customer loyalty, evidenced by repeat online visits and purchases, increases substantially during Ramadan as well.” – Forbes

The Last Half of Ramadan

During the last two weeks of Ramadan, consumers shift their focus towards Eid preparations. New clothes and shoes become the most sought after products. In the MENA region, the search for kitchen appliances as gifts see a spike of 2,782%.

This is that time of year when you see Muslim families crowding shopping malls. This is because, although it would be more convenient to buy online, going to the shopping mall to buy presents and clothes for Eid is considered a nice family outing. With the COVID-19 pandemic, this is unlikely to be the case for Ramadan 2020 and all that foot traffic will turn into online traffic.

Eid Ul Fitr

Eid is a time to visit as many friends and family members as possible and exchange gifts. By this time, most of the shopping has already been done. However, Muslims still spend substantial amounts on eating out and other amusement and fun activities.

Most of these activities will not be possible during Eid 2020. However, this means that if people will stay indoors, they will be on their devices. For example, instead of eating out, they may order in.

These are strange and uncharted lands that we find ourselves treading with the coronavirus pandemic. However, one thing is for sure. The online purchasing activity will be at a life-time high given the restrictions in place. If you do not seize the opportunity and be ready for it as a business, you will have no one to blame but yourself.

Tips for Advertising During Ramadan 2020

Make Your Ads Focus on the Spirit of Ramadan

Ramadan is about spirituality and family. Although shopping is at an all-year high for Muslims in Ramadan, this behavior stems from spending memorable times with the family. It is not driven by price discounts. So no, you cannot refurbish your Black Friday creative assets to use for Ramadan campaigns. Focus on the meaning of Ramadan if you want to catch the eye of Muslims online.

Advertise to Your Customer Base

You can make your life easier by targeting your customer base. If you have run Ramadan promotions before, you can choose to target those customers in a separate campaign. One thing I must point out though is that you will get better results if you engage them throughout the year, before and after Ramadan. Showing up only during Ramadan is not as impactful as being top of mind throughout the year.

Target Mobile Devices More

As we have already mentioned, during Ramadan people spend more time online on their phones. This year with the COVID-19 pandemic it is to be expected that mobile device usage will surge even more as people spend more time indoors. So make sure you target mobile devices and make sure your website pages are responsive.

Use Ramadan as a Springboard for Long-Lasting Customer Relationship

The biggest mistake you will ever make as a brand is taking the money and running. Ramadan is such a special time for Muslims. It is a psychological truth that relationships that are built during a positive experience flourish. So why not build campaigns that connect you with your audience on a  more personal level and keep that relationship going throughout the year?

If You Can’t Sell Create Brand Awareness

If you are a brand or company that has its selling capabilities limited by the COVID-19 pandemic, you can still take advantage of Ramadan’s rush and create brand awareness campaigns. This will help you create lists for retargeting as soon as the outbreak dies down.

Remember that You are not Alone

Muslim Ad Network has been helping businesses reach Muslim audiences since 2010. We know the ins and outs of advertising to Muslim consumers, and we will help you get the biggest bang for your buck during the sacred month of Ramadan and beyond, and especially during these tricky times of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Get in touch with us as soon as possible at sales@muslimadnetwork.com to take advantage of this Ramadan season to market to Muslims. 

The post How to Market to Muslims for Ramadan 2020 During the COVID-19 Pandemic appeared first on Muslim Ad Network.

So it has finally come to this. You have no choice but to close your business and wait out the COVID-19 crisis. All is not lost, this is just temporary.

Shutting down a business temporarily is a process. You need to make sure you do it the right way so that when things get better you can bounce right back.

Administration and Human Capital

1 Inform Your Workers of Leave Policy

Review your payment and leave policies for consistency with public health guidance and compliance with the legal requirements around the quarantine. Explain these policies to your workers and inform them of the payments and benefits that they should expect. Communication is very important; these are hard times for all of us.

2 Check for Business Interruption Clause in Your Insurance Contract

Does your insurance include a business interruption clause in it? Not sure? Knowing insurance companies, they are not going to call you. It’s up to you to find out. Right now, anything you can get to cover losses suffered is welcome.

3 Seek Waivers and Rent Abatement

Again, communication is very vital. Don’t just get up and leave. Avoid conflict and talk to your landlord. Request a waiver of these lease provisions or rent abatement officially. As the saying goes, ‘If you don’t ask, you don’t get’.

4 Talk to Your Suppliers

Most supplier contracts include the so-called “force majeure” that can relieve either party of performance of the contract for unforeseeable circumstances and the COVID-19 pandemic definitely qualifies for that.

5 I Know I’ve Said this But Please Communicate

You and everyone around your business are not only worried about what’s going to happen financially but also are worried about their lives, health, and the well-being of their loved ones. Don’t make promises you can’t keep but also don’t keep anyone guessing. Make your plans clear.

Your Physical Place of Business

6 Inspect Everything Before You Close

Inspect your sales floor thoroughly including your service area and cash register. Storage, the toilet, etc. You do not want to come back to realize that the little leakage that you never noticed has turned your business place into a water reservoir. Water damage can be devastating.

7 Do a Deep Clean

Do some serious cleaning before you close. Think about it; you want to come back to a fresh start. Reduce the chance of spending the first day of your comeback cleaning instead of making money.

8 Be Ready to Open Tomorrow

Set your sales floor as though you could reopen the next day. You may not know when you will be back but those who are prepared will be in a better position to bounce back faster.

9 Give Special Attention to Your Store Room

You must reorganize your storage room so it is neat and workable during your grand reopening:

• fill in shelves, 
• set new end features, 
• add new signing, and 
• update your speed bump displays 

Yes sir, when you reopen your store is ready to fly off the blocks.

10 Don’t Forget to Turn off the Lights

Turn off all electronics that will not be used while you are closed. Here are some common electronics you need to consider:

• computers, 
• cash registers, 
• Radios,
•  Televisions,
• electronic vendor displays,

11 Keep it Safe 

Test your security alarm, fire alarm, and sprinkler system. Notify your security contractor that you are shutting down, so they are sure there is no chance of false alarm. If it is triggered it is probably not you.

12 Adjust the Temperature

Adjust your business place’s thermostat to a safe level. Make sure the temperature is just right to prevent freezing, mold, and to protect sensitive merchandise.

13 Be Smart with Your Door Sign

A sign that just says ‘closed’ is not as impactful as a well-thought-of note that briefly explains that you are closing due to the COVID-19 threat but will be back to serve them again soon when it is all-over. The latter creates an emotional bond.

Prepare to Make Up for Lost Time

14 Talk to Us and Prepare to Roll Back Smoothly

This whole article has been about bouncing back quickly when the all-clear is given. We sincerely want to help your small business. Our free advertising campaign offer for small businesses targeting Muslim audiences is still open.

Advertising may feel out of place right now, so you don’t have to commit. You can talk to us at Muslim Ad Network and we will get back to you when you are ready and here is why you should; when all is well again:

• You will need to attract as many customers as  soon as possible
• People will be looking for offers and you need to reach them easily
• The online shopping trend will continue due to newly discovered convenience and you don’t want to miss out
• People will be excited to be able to go out again and your restaurant, shop, or hair salon will be a good excuse for them to do so, but they need to see you when they are browsing the internet

The post 14 Tips When Shutting Down Your Business Due to the COVID-19 Crisis for a Quick Bounce Back appeared first on Muslim Ad Network.