Starting a new business in Egypt is not only about having a good product or service. Without marketing, customers may never find you. Today, two of the most important tools for growth are SEO and social media.
1. Know Your Market
Before spending money, understand your customers. Egyptians use both traditional word-of-mouth and modern digital platforms. Some rely on Facebook groups, others check Google, and many scroll Instagram or TikTok. Knowing where your audience spends time will help you choose the right marketing channel.
2. Use SEO to Be Found Online
Search engines are the first place people go when looking for products and services in Egypt.
- Local SEO: Set up a Google Business Profile with your address, phone number, photos, and customer reviews.
- Keywords: Use both Arabic and English terms. For example, people may search “مطاعم القاهرة” or “restaurants in Cairo.”
- Website Optimization: Make sure your website loads quickly and works well on mobile phones.
- Content: Add blog posts or guides that answer customer questions. This builds trust and helps you appear in search results.
3. Focus on Social Media
Social media is a daily habit in Egypt, and every new business should have a presence there.
- Facebook: Best for reaching local customers and running ads.
- Instagram: Good for visual products like food, fashion, or lifestyle.
- TikTok: Useful for short and creative videos, especially for younger audiences.
- LinkedIn: Important for B2B companies and professional services.
Post regularly, but do not only promote products. Share tips, updates, and customer stories to keep people interested.
4. Start Small With Ads
Paid ads can help you reach more people, but they can also waste money if not managed well.
- Begin with a small budget.
- Target specific areas such as New Cairo, Maadi, or Alexandria.
- Choose one clear goal: brand awareness, leads, or direct sales.
Always track results and adjust campaigns as needed.
5. Build Trust With Customers
People in Egypt prefer businesses they can trust. To build credibility:
- Collect Google and Facebook reviews.
- Share testimonials on your website.
- Show examples of successful work if you have them.
6. Mix Online and Offline Efforts
Traditional marketing is still useful. Flyers, personal recommendations, and events can support your digital marketing. A simple way to connect the two is by adding QR codes on printed materials that link to your website or social media.
Conclusion
For new businesses in Egypt, marketing should focus on being visible, building trust, and staying consistent. SEO helps customers find you online, social media keeps them engaged, and ads allow you to grow faster. Combine these steps with reliable customer service, and your business will have a strong foundation.
