Author(s): Hashem Abdullah Alnemer
This study aimed at identifying how awareness enhances the adoption and impact of digital marketing on the profitability of small businesses in Saudi Arabia. This study employs a descriptive approach by surveying 50 individual small business owners in Jeddah. The study employed a questionnaire to collect data on demographics, awareness level, impact on profitability, and obstacles to using digital marketing. The analysis of the survey data suggests that small businesses are aware of the basic concept of digital marketing and its connection to social media platforms. Further, the analysis reveals that digital marketing has a positive impact on the profitability of small businesses and that social media platforms are the most widely used for digital marketing among small business owners. Digital marketing engages younger age groups the most. Although digital marketing is easy to learn, most businesses use a specialised agency to run their campaigns. Overall, the study offers valuable insights into utilising digital marketing tools to promote small businesses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The level of awareness, engagement of young entrepreneurs, implications for business promotions, and the appointment of specialists in digital marketing in cases of lack of familiarity with digital marketing for small businesses highlight the importance of social media platforms and search engine optimization tools for small businesses.