Growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) markets is creating new and exciting opportunities for affiliates and marketers who are willing to expand their reach. But how do you know where to start?

We gathered a panel of expert ad buyers who know the region to get insider tips for affiliates who want to get in on these markets while the opportunities are hot.

Find out what heavy hitters like Hassan Aanbar, Sarah Lamine, Maor Benaim, and Alex Gryzunov are doing to print money in the desert. πŸœ

πŸ† Lessons From Affiliate Wins in MENA πŸ†
Affiliates in MENA Panel Session

πŸ“Œ Lesson 1: Start With Established Networks

If you’re entering MENA markets for the first time, consider partnering with established networks that already operate in countries like Saudi Arabia.

These networks will have entities in place to facilitate business operations and payments, which will make it easier to make inroads in these markets. As these markets expand, competition among these networks will continue to keep prices low.

πŸ“Œ Lesson 2: Understand Cultural Differences

Western ad buyers interested in cracking MENA markets should know that effective copywriting in one country may not work in another due to differences in dialect, cultural norms, and traditions.

Even if you find an established network to work with, it’s important to do your research and understand the nuances of each country that your offers will appear in. You don’t want to find out that you bought ads for a holiday that passed a month ago.

πŸ“Œ Lesson 3: Use Cash On Delivery (COD)

In MENA countries, cash on delivery (COD) is a popular payment option for online purchases.

Hybrid or flexible payment models that include both COD and online payment options also boost credibility. Buyers in specific MENA countries will prefer different payment pathways, such as installment plans or micro-loans.

Incorporating payment options that match local preferences can reduce potential objections for buyers in these markets and improve conversion rates.

πŸ“Œ Lesson 4: Focus on Countries With Purchasing Power

Gulf countries, like Saudi Arabia, have higher purchasing power than others in the region. This allows affiliates to run offers with higher product prices and potentially higher profits.

That said, it’s important to research each country’s purchasing power to determine which markets will yield the highest revenue and volume so you can scale.