Muslim businesses and digital marketing: A missed opportunity

In today’s digital age, many small businesses in the Muslim community continue to rely on traditional marketing methods like flyers and word of mouth. 

While these tactics may have worked well in the past, the modern marketplace demands a strong online presence. 

One of the most overlooked tools is Google My Business (GMB), a powerful and free resource that helps local businesses attract new customers and improve visibility.

Google My Business allows businesses to create listings that appear in Google Search and Google Maps. 

When someone in your area searches for a service or product, an optimised GMB profile ensures your business appears in local search results. 

This not only boosts your business’ chances of being found but also allows potential customers to access your contact details, opening hours and reviews. 

In essence, GMB acts as a virtual storefront, making it easier for customers to learn about your business and get in touch.

However, many small businesses within the Muslim community are either unaware of GMB or do not understand how to use it effectively – and as a result, they miss out on valuable leads and potential growth.

Digital marketing expert Rishad Hassan.

Brother Rishad Hassan, Director of iBusinessFormula, a Sydney-based digital marketing company, has worked closely with businesses within the Muslim community for many years and has observed this pattern. 

Mr Hassan told AMUST, “It’s not uncommon for small business owners to overlook the power of simple, cost-effective digital tools like Google My Business – a well-optimised GMB profile can significantly increase local visibility.”

He also highlights the importance of collecting and managing Google reviews, which can heavily influence a business’s online reputation and search ranking. 

“People trust reviews; a business with a strong rating and positive reviews is obviously more likely to attract new customers.”

Setting up and optimising a GMB profile may seem overwhelming for some business owners, but focusing on a few simple steps can make all the difference. 

Firstly, claim and fully optimise the GMB profile. 

“Many businesses either don’t claim their listing or leave it incomplete,” Mr Hassan continued.

“Ensure all your details, such as contact information and business hours, are accurate.” 

“And use high-quality photos of your business to create a great first impression.”

Mr Hassan also suggests posting updates through GMB, whether about new products or promotions as this keeps your profile active and engaging. 

Responding to reviews is equally important.

“Engaging with both positive and negative reviews shows that you care about customer feedback, which builds trust,” he says.

‘Google My Business’ is an excellent tool which Muslim small business owners can benefit from using. (And yes, this image was created by AI!)

Finally, use local keywords in your business description to improve search ranking. 

“If your business is in Bankstown, for example, include the term ‘Bankstown’ in your posts and customer responses.”

Digital marketing doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. 

As Mr Hassan puts it, “With small steps such as optimising your GMB profile, encouraging reviews and posting regularly, you should significantly boost your local presence.”

For small businesses in the Muslim community, embracing digital tools like Google My Business can lead to increased visibility and growth in today’s digital-first world.