In response to an article published on Mashable, social media agency fishbat discusses the popularity of Instagram in the Middle East as a valuable tool for small businesses.
In response to an article published on Mashable, social media agency fishbat discusses the popularity of Instagram in the Middle East as a valuable tool for small businesses.
On July 22, social media agency fishbat responds to an article published on Mashable, which details how small businesses in the Middle East are utilizing Instagram to sell their wares and advertise their brands.
According to a July 16th article on Mashable titled “Instagram Entrepreneurs in Kuwait Sell Comics, Makeup and Sheep,” small business owners in Kuwait are starting to utilize Instagram to sell their products and advertise their companies.
The article says Kuwait’s government has been looking for a way to lower the country’s unemployment rate, which has been estimated at more than 3 percent. Instagram, at the moment, seems to be the way out. Last April, the article says the American University of Kuwait held an event “featuring entrepreneurs who could teach others how they grew their businesses and ‘made it’ on Instagram.” It was also an opportunity to show others how to use the photo-sharing app and entice them to use it.
Justin Maas, vice president of client relations at social media agency fishbat, says, “I think what’s going on in Kuwait is a great idea. Instagram is proving once again that it can be used in a variety of ways. Not only can people document their lives, but they can also use the service as visual classified ads. Instagram is a great way to promote a product because pictures are easily sharable and visually pleasing.”
The article says the app works almost like a “free web store” and lists examples of some businesses using it. One is a self-made Kuwaiti retailer who is in the sheep market. His Instagram profile has over 2,400 followers and has increased the farmer’s business twofold.
“The future of the app in the Middle East seems bright,” Maas says. “Instagram provides an easy way to spread a brand and gain a following. I think it’s just a matter of time before social media agencies based around the Middle East realize the potential that Instagram has in international sales.”
fishbat, Inc. is a full-service digital marketing and social media agency dedicated to connecting all types of businesses with their target audiences in the most effective and efficient way. Through innovative strategies in social media management, search engine optimization (SEO), branding, web design, reputation management and public relations, fishbat promotes a consistent and professional online voice for all of its clients.
