Know-How Exchange : Strategy

There is a member of this organization who is very well connected on marketing in the MiddleEast.
His name is Joe Cool (really)
Look him up...
If you can not locate him, contact me and I will forward you his contact information. I am sure he could give you some real world pointers.

khuss,

The first thing I would do is determine your target market. Before you can promote a product/brand that is known in the US but is unknown you will need to clearly define your target market. This is essential because you do not want to just sell the site to anyone. In order to be successful in your approach you will need to begin with one specific market - such as military or a youth group. Let these be your starting point. (why military or youth - us military is a big group and may be familiar with your product and have the money to spend, youth are open to new products and ideas and spend their parents money...)

Once you have begun marketing to your chosen group, your product will expand outward to reach other groups. Attack each target group with specific focus advertising as the time arises. (Appeal to what they want and they will push your product.)

Remember to build your strategy in phases. By attracting each group, you will slowly overtake the market. Don't forget though, you will need capital to venture into these markets and any plan or strategy you may initiate will cost you. So make sure the investment is worth the amount of money you put in it.

Here are some ways you could possibly market you website:

Links to local popular sites (for example if you are targeting the youth - use myspace or friendster)
Printed ads (in publications geared toward your market)
Radio/TV announcements (at stations targeted to your audience)
promotional events (shows, industry events, etc)
Flyers and posters

The main thing is to be creative. In order for your message to get heard you need to be original.

Hope this helps and good luck.

the core of the brand remains the same. you are advertising the same product, the same brand, in america or in the middle east, so focus should remain on those core brand values and your brand unique selling proposition, its unique values.

what is different is the way you communicate this to your target market. if you are not familiar with the market, consumers' attitude, their principles and values, customs and marketing communication channels and etc., you should really hire a local advertising agency to help you with your communication tactics. they are less liekly to get it wrong.

good luck
regards,
Emi