Zanzibar’s economy is growing rapidly.
Zanzibar’s economy is growing rapidly, with local and international businesses thriving in tourism,
real estate, retail, and services. But as the market becomes more competitive, many businesses fall into
common marketing traps that limit their growth potential. Whether you're running a hotel, tour company,
startup, or retail brand, avoiding these pitfalls can help you stand out and build lasting connections
with your audience.
Here are five marketing mistakes Zanzibar businesses must avoid—and how to fix them:
1. Ignoring the Power of Consistent Branding
Many businesses use different logos, tones, and visuals across platforms—leading to confusion and
weak brand identity. A customer seeing your flyer shouldn't feel like they're dealing with a different business when
they visit your Instagram or website.
Fix it: Invest in a consistent brand identity—logo, color palette, font, and messaging. Use the same brand elements across print, digital, and in-person touchpoints.
2. Not Having a Website (or Having a Poor One)
In today’s digital-first world, a business without a website is missing out on trust and visibility.
Even worse, some companies have outdated or non-mobile-friendly sites that frustrate users.
Fix it: Create a clean, mobile-responsive website that clearly communicates your services, location, and contact options. Add reviews, images, and booking features if relevant.
3. Relying Only on Word of Mouth
While referrals are great, relying solely on them is not sustainable in a fast-paced market.
Many businesses in Zanzibar still don’t invest in digital advertising, content creation,
or social media—missing out on new and international audiences.
Fix it: Build an active digital presence. Run targeted Meta Ads (Facebook/Instagram), create engaging video content, and use SEO to attract visitors to your website.
