At just 21 years old, Zahra Barati has transformed her small tailoring business into a growing enterprise by embracing digital marketing and social media. With limited resources but a clear vision, Zahra’s journey demonstrates the power of learning and adapting to new technologies in today’s interconnected world. “The awareness sessions conducted by project staff motivated me to join. Additionally, the valuable lessons taught in our self-help group strengthened my resolve to pursue my dreams and achieve goals I had previously struggled to realize,” Zahra explains, reflecting on her initial steps into the business world.
Before discovering the potential of digital marketing, Zahra’s business was mostly reliant on traditional, in-person customer interactions. However, joining the Hand in Hand Organization’s program marked a pivotal shift. “I am deeply thankful to the Hand in Hand Organization and my instructor for teaching me about online marketing. I learned how to use digital platforms to connect with customers and promote my tailoring business, especially since many of my target customers are active in the virtual world,” Zahra shares. Through this training, she not only learned practical skills but also gained the confidence to market her business to a broader audience.
The digital marketing lessons Zahra received were instrumental in her business’s growth. “Yes, absolutely! These lessons were instrumental in helping me understand customer preferences, enabling me to deliver designs they want quickly. This has significantly expanded my business and improved my competitiveness,” Zahra emphasizes. By leveraging digital tools, she can now engage with potential customers more effectively, reducing the time spent on traditional marketing and increasing her visibility in a competitive market.
Social media has been key to Zahra’s business strategy. “I use WhatsApp and Facebook to promote my business,” Zahra says, highlighting her use of popular platforms to connect with her growing customer base. These platforms have allowed her to build relationships, share updates, and drive sales directly through social media. “Yes, these platforms make it easier and more convenient for customers to connect and transact with me,” she adds, underscoring how these channels have streamlined her business operations.
Learning content creation was also a major milestone for Zahra. “I learned content creation through the digital marketing training package provided by the self-help group and also through online resources,” Zahra reveals. From writing posts and taking photos to recording videos, Zahra now produces content that resonates with her audience. This skill has given her an edge, enabling her to communicate her brand’s story effectively through visuals and messages.
Managing her own social media platforms has been an essential part of Zahra’s strategy. “Currently, I manage these platforms myself as I’ve recently started,” she explains. By staying hands-on, Zahra ensures her brand’s voice remains authentic and personal. This proactive approach has paid off, with social media and digital marketing contributing to around 80% of her business’s growth. “Social media and digital marketing have been about 80% beneficial for my business,” she states.
Zahra’s commitment to growing her business through digital channels has proven successful. “My monthly income ranges from 2,500 to 3,000 AFN. Around 50% of my customers connect with me through social media,” she shares. The steady income and substantial customer engagement show the direct impact of her digital marketing efforts. Her focus on building a social media identity has also been instrumental in advancing her business. “Yes, absolutely! It helps me not only in tailoring but also in promoting my handmade crafts,” she concludes.
Looking ahead, Zahra is determined to expand her business even further. “I have many plans. If business continues to grow, I aim to hire a professional admin for my page and expand my business further,” she says. With her keen interest in digital marketing and a clear vision for the future, Zahra’s tailoring business is poised for continued success in the online marketplace.
Through Zahra’s story, we see how digital marketing can be a game-changer for small businesses. By embracing online tools and continuously learning, Zahra has not only grown her business but also created a sustainable path for future success.
