In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of shopping and Marketing During Ramadan and give you insights into what to expect in 2023. Ramadan holds significant importance in the Islamic calendar and is observed worldwide by Muslims as a time for prayer, reflection, and fasting.
To make the most of this religious holiday, businesses should develop their Ramadan advertising and Marketing During Ramadan strategy beforehand. Regardless of the size of your business, whether it’s a small venture or a large corporation, read on to discover effective ways to capitalize on this religious holiday and create an impactful Marketing During Ramadan strategy.
When Does Ramadan Start in 2023?
Following the lunar cycle, the Islamic calendar schedules the commencement of Ramadan to occur ten days earlier on the Gregorian calendar each year. In 2023, Ramadan is expected to begin on Thursday, the 23rd of March, once the crescent moon is sighted over Mecca.
The observance of the Holy month, which includes fasting and spiritual introspection, will last for 30 days until Thursday, 20th of April. Celebrations marking the end of Ramadan, known as Eid al-Fitr, will be observed on Thursday, 20th of April, or Friday, 21st of April.
Shopping Behavior During Ramadan
During Ramadan, there are various popular categories for shopping, but what is particularly intriguing is that consumer demand for specific goods varies depending on the phase of Ramadan. Google has identified these phases as significant drivers of consumer behavior during Ramadan.
In the pre-Ramadan period, which begins around two weeks before Ramadan, there is an increasing emphasis on hospitality and entertainment. During this time, there is a surge in searches for delivery and grocery services, particularly in the week leading up to Ramadan.
As Ramadan kicks into high gear, the shopping frenzy is already underway. In the post-Ramadan stage, which is also known as Eid, there is a level of excitement and intensity that rivals that of Ramadan itself.
It is worth noting that the effects of Ramadan can be felt long after the holy month itself, making it crucial to be well-prepared and have a detailed plan for each phase of Ramadan.
Key Factors Influencing Ramadan Shopping Behavior
Let’s examine the key factors that impact shopping behavior during Ramadan and explore how digital marketers can capitalize on them.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that Ramadan is a period of fasting, prayer, and introspection for Muslim consumers. It is not a time for excessive spending or materialism, and many Muslims tend to limit their shopping activities during this time unless it is essential. As a result, marketers must adopt a strategic approach to reach Muslim consumers during Ramadan.
When creating a strategy marketing during Ramadan, there are three essential factors to bear in mind:
Timing:
The timing of your Ramadan advertising campaign to promote your brand or business is crucial. It is best to offer discounts and promotions early in the month before people begin breaking their fasts each day. This will provide an incentive for consumers to look forward to and make purchases early on in the month before they start abstaining from shopping during the day.
Content:
Content is always king. It is important to ensure that your content is relevant and valuable to your target audience during this holy month. Keep it informative and avoid overly promotional language and don’t be too salesy, just demonstrate your product or service value, the right people will find you. During Ramadan, people seek helpful information, not aggressive sales pitches.
Respect:
It goes without saying, but it’s important to remember that not everyone celebrates Ramadan. As such, it is essential to be respectful in your messaging and avoid alienating those who don’t observe the holiday. This means being sensitive and inclusive in your approach.
Let’s discuss the usage of social media Marketing During Ramadan.
Although Ramadan is a time for spiritual growth and worship, many people tend to increase their social media usage during this period. This shift in social media habits during Ramadan is mainly due to the increased free time people have during the day when they are not working or eating.
A recent survey conducted by Arab News discovered that social media usage is 30% during Ramadan, with the average user spending up to eight hours per day on various social media platforms. WhatsApp, YouTube, and Facebook are among the most popular social media platforms used during Ramadan.
During Ramadan, social media usage increases overall, particularly during daylight hours when people have more free time. In the UAE, 41% of people increase their spending during Ramadan, and Twitter reports that 83% of consumers are open to trying new brands and products during this time.
Brands also change their social media strategy Marketing During Ramadan, often suspending advertising and focusing on creating relevant content that adds value to their audience’s lives during this special time.
Ramadan Audiences for Marketers to Target
In order to effectively advertise during Ramadan, it’s important for marketers to understand the various Marketing During Ramadan. By recognizing the specific needs and motivations of each group, you can create Ramadan-themed content that resonates with them and drives results for your business.
There are several audiences to consider during Ramadan, including families who prioritize spending quality time together and may prefer offline activities, young adults who are more engaged with their faith and interested in content related to personal growth, working professionals who may be pressed for time and looking for ways to balance their responsibilities with their spiritual practice, students who may have more free time and be interested in leisure activities or personal development, and seniors who appreciate content that is respectful of their age and religious beliefs.
Symbols of Ramadan Frequently Utilized in Marketing During Ramadan Campaigns
Ramadan is often celebrated with certain symbols that can be used in advertising to connect with customers and convey the essence of the holiday. Some common Ramadan symbols featured in advertisements include crescent moons and stars, Ramadan lamps, dates, and mosques. One example of a symbol that is frequently used in Ramadan ads is the Ramadan lamp, which is often employed to symbolize joy, hope, and blessings associated with the holiday.
Crescent moons and stars are widely recognized symbols of Ramadan that represent the start of the holy month. They are frequently incorporated into decorations, artwork, and advertisements related to Ramadan.
One of the most prevalent symbols of Ramadan is the date, which is a traditional food item consumed after breaking the fast during the holy month. It is a commonly used symbol in Ramadan advertisements.
To evoke the essence of Ramadan, mosques are frequently showcased in Ramadan advertisements. This can establish a visual link with the audience and elicit emotions associated with Ramadan, such as joy, hope, and blessings.
To create a strong connection between a brand and its audience during Ramadan, it is important for Marketing During Ramadan to incorporate symbols that have meaning for their customers. By using Ramadan symbols that resonate with the audience, marketers can increase the likelihood of success for their Ramadan campaigns and establish a deeper connection between the brand and its customers.
Mobile Trends Marketing During Ramadan
During Ramadan 2022, several mobile trends emerged that had a significant impact on the way people interacted with technology and consumed content.
During Ramadan, consumers across the world increasingly turned to mobile devices, particularly for prayer and shopping. According to research, mobile devices were the preferred platform for shopping during this holiday season, with 50-55% of respondents indicating a preference for mobile over desktop devices for making purchases during this holy month.
Interactions with shoppers through shopping and browsing continued beyond the initial weeks of Ramadan. During the week leading up to Eid al-Fitr, revenue-generating activities surged as people purchased last-minute gifts. This indicates that the best opportunity for marketers to engage with shoppers is during the latter half of Ramadan, before Eid al-Fitr.
The global average of shopping app installations during Ramadan in 2022 was 11% higher compared to the previous year. During this period, people bought essential items and gifts for the celebration from the comfort of their homes.
In 2023, This year’s Ramadan trends reflect these broader patterns, with certain styles and themes proving to be particularly popular among audiences.
During Ramadan, mobile marketing is set to play a pivotal role, given the high smartphone ownership rates that surpass 60% of the global population. To capture the attention of the fast-paced and mobile audience, businesses should create ads and content that are optimized for mobile consumption.
Video content is also poised to be a key strategy during Ramadan, as more people consume video than ever before. Businesses can create compelling video content for social media and websites, as well as live streams that offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse of their products or services, businesses can develop targeted and resonant messages that connect with their audiences on a deeper level.
Maximize Your Marketing During Ramadan Strategy
With its significance in the Muslim calendar, Ramadan is an ideal time for businesses to connect with consumers. To effectively engage with your target audience during this important period, it’s essential to consider certain key factors in developing your Ramadan marketing plan. On that note, The Creatives 360 can assist you in preparing for Ramadan 2023 with a complimentary consultation to help take your marketing efforts to the next level.
The Creatives 360 is a top digital marketing agency that is committed to helping businesses effectively connect with their target audience during important events like Ramadan. With their expertise in developing tailored marketing plans, The Creatives 360 can provide valuable insights and guidance to businesses looking to enhance their Ramadan marketing efforts. By taking advantage of their complimentary consultation, businesses can gain a deeper understanding of their target audience and develop a more effective marketing strategy to connect with them during this important time of year. Therefore, The Creatives 360 is the perfect partner for businesses looking to elevate their marketing efforts during Ramadan 2023.
