Qatar Business Directory: e-Marketing at its Best


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 Whether a startup business, or an established company, customers have always been the focus of any business. Reaching these customers and effectively communicating what services or products are being offered are an integral component to a business' success. With the digital revolution transforming the way we interact with others and with businesses, e-marketing has become an increasingly important way by which a business can reach, gain, and retain potential customers.

ictQATAR's Enterprise Development team recognizes the importance for Qatar's businesses to better implement e-marketing strategies and is developing the Qatar Business Directory to help them market themselves regionally and internationally.

"The Qatar Business Directory will be like an electronic mall where you can see the websites of all companies, so the idea is that customers and businesses can take a virtual tour through the portal and navigate 'shops' on the web," said Eyas Orabi, ictQATAR's Project Manager, Enterprise Development. "Businesses can create and enhance their websites under the umbrella of the portal," he added. "With no single, unified business directory available in Qatar so far, and no consolidated integrated solution for businesses here, the directory will meet the information needs and fulfill the marketing ambitions of businesses and customers alike."

The business directory, which is scheduled to be launched in April 2009, was unveiled at the second Business Connect Seminar, which took place at the Ritz Carlton Doha on Sunday, January 25, 2009. The seminar focused on the benefits of e-marketing for small and medium sized businesses in Qatar.

Interactivity, instant access and ease of use are what makes the directory distinctive. All businesses in Qatar can upload a vast amount of information via the directory, including their contact information, location and services. There will be business listings with categorizations for the search function. Customers will be able to access the business directory on their handhelds, PDAs or their blackberry. The directory will also serve as a two-way communication platform between customers and businesses, especially with its rating system that will enable customers to rate businesses that will be tracked and posted online for other customers to view and assess.

The business directory will be marketed regionally and internationally serving the dual purpose of tapping foreign investors who would like to explore opportunities in Qatar, as well as catering to local companies who want to promote themselves outside Qatar. Several additional features in the directory are still to come. More collaborative tools like chat, voice text and videos that business will be included soon, as well as features that allow customers and businesses to sell and buy using index commercials online; and also useful links and statistical information about the best deals in Qatar.

With more businesses and customers connected online, and an open channel of communication between them, not only does the Business Directory offer an opportunity for e-marketing boom in the coming years, but also marks a turning point in business thinking in Qatar. Consumers and businesses are soon to reap the benefits.

- By: Shalini Ravi







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