How To Start a Digital Marketing Agency in Dubai?
You’ve been contemplating to start your digital marketing agency in Dubai. The thought of building a business, working with clients, and making a significant impact in digital marketing is undoubtedly enticing.
Moreover, the investment potential in digital marketing is immense, and your decision is right for many reasons.
In fact, recent statistics reveal that the Digital marketing industry is seeing annual growth between 25% and 40%.
But establishing a successful agency can be challenging and overwhelming, especially without proper guidance.
Today, many young entrepreneurs want to move to Dubai and work as service providers around their agencies. But they don’t know what is the best way to setup a successful digital marketing agency in Dubai. Or what is the total cost of starting a Dubai-based digital company?
Most importantly, which documents do I need to register a digital marketing business in Dubai?
So if you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a skilled freelancer looking to take your expertise to an agency level, read on. This blog will take you through the important considerations of how you can start a digital marketing agency in Dubai.
Why Should You Start a Digital Marketing Agency in Dubai?
Investors with a clear vision or ambitious entrepreneurs with expertise in marketing enjoy endless opportunities, such as becoming their own boss, greater freedom, more control, and higher earnings.
But why start a digital marketing agency? And why, specifically in Dubai?
Dubai is home to innovation and technology, making it an ideal place for businesses of all sizes and industries. However, Digital marketing is a fast-paced business sector, with major happenings every other day.
In recent years,Dubai is ranking high in the global Doing Business Index digital marketing. On top of that 0% tax rate, strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and free zones make Dubai popular among entrepreneurs worldwide.
7 Steps To Start a Digital Marketing Agency in Dubai
Setting up a digital marketing agency in Dubai follows a similar process to start elsewhere. However, the venture requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the local market.
Here are specific considerations and steps you should keep in mind to establish your agency in Dubai. So without further ado. Let’s get straight into them.
1. Understand The Local Market And Your Services
Before launching your digital marketing company in Dubai, you need a license.
However, it is important to consider your specific business activity first, that your agency will offer.
Among many options, it’s better to identify your areas of expertise. For example, web development, designing, SEO, PPC, and more. However, you can also add the most appropriate business-relevant marketing activities to sell under the umbrella of your agency.
You must note that you can perform the business activities listed on your digital marketing license.
Let’s say as a digital marketing agency owner, you need to apply for a marketing management license, an advertising agency license, or any other license depending on what kind of marketing you would like to participate in.
After understanding your services, knowing your potential clients from the inside out is crucial. Their problems, pain points, and what they need help with that comes your competition in the same sector. Keep a close eye on them, from giants to budding startups.
The insights you get in step one will help you to make informed decisions for future budget allocations and potential business expansion.
2. Register a Trade Name For Your Digital Marketing Agency
In this step, name your digital marketing company appropriately. Make sure your business name complies well with the UAE’s conventional naming guidelines.
Refrain from using offensive words that could create ethical conflicts or hurt someone’s religious beliefs and sentiments.
After checking the above boxes and proceeding to register officially, check if your chosen name is available or already taken by other businesses.
Later, complete an application form and submit it to the relevant authorities to register your company name and obtain the initial approval certificate. Don’t forget to collect the payment receipt for the trade name reservation.
However, the official name of your marketing firm not only be unique but also indicate what your business does.
If you want to keep your personal name in your company’s official name, you must use it in full – rather than your surname or initials.
3. Choose the Location For Your Digital Marketing Agency
Select a location for your digital marketing agency that suits your business needs.
Along with the name approval certificate, payment receipt, and mandatory documents, reach the concerned economic department. However, the licensing authority depends on the choice of jurisdiction you make.
For instance, if you decide to start a digital marketing company in Dubai mainland with a sole establishment, you must obtain your business license application from theDepartment of Economic Development DED.
On the other hand, if it’s a Dubai free zone digital marketing agency (irrespective of any specialized free zone region), the respective managing body will review the license.
Simply put, agency formation starts with partnering with one jurisdiction – Either mainland or free zone. The choice is yours but a critical one.
So it is best to consult Local Service Agent (LSA). Working with experts makes your setup digital marketing agency in Dubai a breeze and guides you through legal frameworks, from opening an LLC or a branch office in Dubai. Moreover, you also need to renew your license yearly to maintain validity.
4. Apply Digital Marketing License For Your Company
Attaining or obtaining a professional business license is a complicated process.
Or if you want to merge both commercial and professional licenses, then a free-zone license is the best. One of the benefits of a free-zone license is you can add IT-related services as well as digital marketing.
Moreover, free zones offer full custom tax exemption, no currency restrictions, and the ability to get return 100% of your profit and capital.
There are various types of licenses that most businesses can acquire from the government of Dubai, such as
领英推荐
However, the business license required to start a digital marketing agency in Dubai is a professional license which means you are now eligible to conduct digital marketing activities.
The license is, of course, issued by Dubai’s regulatory bodies, and it usually takes a few working days to get your license approved.
5. Manage Your Visa and Open a Bank Account
After license processing comes the final step in company formation. Such as managing visa applications and opening a bank account in the UAE.
It is advisable to apply for a visa before things start picking a pace. The visa application process involves visiting the immigration center for your biometric information, fitness test, blood test, chest x-ray, and more.
However, you can apply for a residential visa with your family and domestic staff. But the number of visa permits depends on your investment plan and office size.
Now the second vital step. With your business license and visa in hand, you can get a corporate bank account to receive payments from your marketing clients locally or internationally.
Makes sure you partner with a reliable bank account that offers long-term business benefits and top-notch banking facilities.
There are many local and international banking institutions in Dubai. However, opening an account can still be complicated for foreign businesses.
So it is best to partner with an expert agent who can manage the entire process for you, from visa, taking care of license and bank account creation to assisting with early admin processes.
6. Build a Team and Start Advertising Your Services
If you plan to work alone, that is enough to start. But keep in mind you will be a freelancer rather than an agency.
However, digital agencies have multiple workers, sizes, and structures that offer more than one service. Some agencies may have a smaller team where individuals wear multiple hats, while larger agencies have a dedicated person for each role.
So start by renting an office space in Dubai and hire potential resources from various backgrounds.
Let’s say professionals with business development or sales skills and hands-on marketing experience can execute digital campaigns for your clients and help them achieve their business goals.
Moreover, the combined expertise makes your agency offer comprehensive digital marketing services of different digital channels, such as Social Media Marketing (SMM), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Pay-Per-Click (PPC), written/video content, or email marketing.
7. Focus on Client Acquisition and Retention
Once all the legal requirements have been met, it’s time to focus on the business operations, i.e., searching for clients who can benefit from your services.
Simply use social media platforms and your website to present expertise and promote your business.
However, in Dubai, English is not the official language. This language barrier can pose a challenge when acquiring and closing leads. Many overseas entrepreneurs in Dubai struggle with this aspect the most.
But don’t let this discourage you. Landing your first deal may take time; stay persistent. Be open to taking on small-budget projects to build your portfolio and gain valuable experience.
When you secure a client, always go the extra mile and over-deliver your promises. By exceeding expectations, you ensure that your client is satisfied and provides positive reviews.
When it comes to sustaining your business, remember to nurture and grow relationships with your existing clients. These relationships can become the foundation for long-term partnerships and ongoing business opportunities.
How Much Does it Cost to Open a Digital Marketing Agency in Dubai?
Determining an exact figure is never easy, as every business is different. However, the cost of opening a digital marketing agency in Dubai involves various several factors that influence the overall expenses.
One of the primary considerations is the type of business establishment you choose, whether it’s a mainland or free zone setup.
The cost is directly related to the scope of your business. If you go for a traditional route, expenses include office space rental, furnishing, and equipment, among other requirements. On the other hand, if you choose a virtual office or co-working space, the costs may be lower.
Additionally, the size of your agency, its location within Dubai, visa applications for your employees, and other variables contribute to the overall investment needed to start a digital marketing agency in Dubai.
As an estimate, let’s consider free zone licenses, which are a popular option for many businesses. The cost of a free zone license can range from AED 9,600 without any visa applications to approximately AED 24,700, which includes six visas.
However, if you require a physical working facility within the free zone, the cost may rise to around AED 24,775.
What Documents Are Required to Set up a Digital Marketing Agency in Dubai?
Similar to any established country law, the UAE’s government is strict with legal documentation, paperwork, and a number of regulations that businesses need to comply with.
As a general rule of thumb, the first requirement for opening a digital marketing company in Dubai is obtaining a professional business license.
But here’s a list of documents and approvals you need to set up a digital marketing agency in Dubai.
Ready to Start a Digital Marketing Agency in Dubai?
Digital agencies don’t pop out of nowhere. However, a positive reputation is vital to succeed in the long run in this line of business. Many people come and go fast for multiple reasons, like not being patient enough or not treating their customers well.
But opening a digital marketing agency in Dubai is no walk in the park. With the right resources to help you, business agents to do the heavy lifting for you, and lucrative business opportunities, makes it a sure thing for you to start a digital marketing agency in Dubai.
However, with so many complex steps in place, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially busy entrepreneurs. This is where you can contact an expert team of business consultants and professionals—equipped with essential knowledge and practices that help you walk through each step and help you setup a digital marketing company in Dubai.