How to Market During the Ramadan Season? 🌙

Ramadan is a special time for the Muslim community. Ramadan teaches people about gratitude, prayer, family, and society. That is why it is a holy period for many and one of the most significant events for marketers in the year.

But, businesses often wonder: how could my brand lead the conversation during Ramadan?

What should your brands focus on for your marketing approach during this time of the year?

These are some ideal Ramadan marketing approaches that could attract the attention of some of the 1.05 billion Muslims in Asia-Pacific.

Storytelling, not advertising

When it comes to marketing, storytelling is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. People love stories, and they’re especially engaged when those stories are relevant to their lives.

That’s why telling a story is a powerful way to connect with your audience. It allows them to see the world through your eyes, and it gives them a chance to experience what you’re talking about.

Obviously, it needs to be relevant to Ramadan. But beyond that, it needs to be something that will resonate with your target audience. For instance, people like ideas of family time during Ramadan or compassion towards the less fortunate in society.

Think about what kind of stories would appeal to them. What kind of stories would make them notice?

Once you have a story in mind, start thinking about how you can tell it in an engaging way. A well-told story will captivate your audience and leave a lasting impression.

Plan and start early

Ramadan is a time when businesses should plan ahead to ensure they reach out to their Muslim customers effectively and start early. According to Criteo, the website traffic and online sales begin to increase even before Ramadan. During the holy month, there are some instances where a business can see an almost 50% increase in their sales. The trend may also continue even after Ramadan.

It is vital to plan your advertisement or Ramadan campaign early to ensure your business can take advantage of this spike in sales and web traffic right before Ramadan. Companies should keep in mind that Ramadan is a time for giving and charity. As such, you should consider incorporating these values into your strategy.

Iftar to suhoor is a period of opportunity to acquire more sales

Iftar, the evening meal to break the fast, is an essential part of Ramadan. On the other hand, suhoor is when Muslims eat a light meal before the sun rises to prepare to fast for the day ahead.

And what do they mean for your marketing strategy?

Social media consumption changes during Ramadan. As a result, you need to schedule your social media posts accordingly. People enjoy social media content at 7 PM (after Iftar) and 3 AM (during suhoor).

Between those times can be the perfect opportunity for your business to get in front of them with your marketing message. You can reach out to them with your social media posts during this time and let them know about your product or service.

The key here is to ensure that your message is relevant to Ramadan. If you can find a way to connect your brand with the spirit of the holy month, you’ll be more likely to succeed.

That is possible because people love shopping during Ramadan. In fact, sales at 4 AM are 17% higher in Ramadan compared to the average day.

Incorporate the spirit of Ramadan into your marketing collateral

There are many symbols of Ramadan that remind us of the holy month’s meaning and significance. The crescent moon is one such symbol. Another symbol is the Ramadan lantern or fanous. And if you are in the F&B industry, you definitely should not forget about dates, the first food preferred to break the fast.

Incorporating those elements may help your marketing strategy to resonate with your target audience and show them that you understand them.

Last but not least, be respectful with your marketing messages and visuals. Be creative and mindful at the same time!