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The short-form video arena is one of the hottest battlegrounds in social media, and Meta is pulling out all the stops to challenge TikTok's dominance. With regulatory scrutiny facing TikTok in the US, Meta is seizing the opportunity to solidify its position, and Reels is at the heart of that strategy.Meta's approach is multi-faceted, focusing on both creator empowerment and user experience. They're going head-to-head with TikTok on features, offering everything from longer video lengths (now up to 3-5 minutes, with rumors of 10-minute tests!) to advanced editing tools. The new "Edits" app is a prime example, providing a comprehensive suite of professional-grade editing features designed to rival tools like CapCut, directly integrating with Instagram for seamless sharing.But it's not just about features. Meta is heavily investing in attracting and retaining creators through financial incentives and programs like Instagram Gifts. They understand that compelling content drives engagement, and they're making it easier for creators to both produce and monetize their work.Discovery is also key. Meta's algorithms are increasingly prioritizing Reels content, pushing it across Instagram and Facebook feeds. They're leveraging AI to identify trending audio and topics, ensuring creators can tap into what's popular, while also personalizing recommendations for viewers. The "Trending Ads" feature is a clear sign of their intent to monetize this trending content effectively.Perhaps the most significant strategic move being whispered about is "Project Ray" – the potential launch of Instagram Reels as a separate, standalone app. This would create a dedicated short-video scrolling experience, allowing for even longer content and refined recommendations, while potentially allowing the main Instagram app to return to its photo-sharing roots.From shoppable content that seamlessly integrates products into videos to AI-powered discovery tools that connect brands with creators, Meta is leaving no stone unturned. They're investing heavily in both the creation tools and the distribution of Reels, all with the goal of capturing a larger share of the audience and the lucrative creator economy. The short-form video battle is far from over, and Meta's Reels is making a serious play for the crown.

Meta's Reels: A Full-Court Press in the Short-Form Video War

Dubai's residential property market saw a significant 25.9% year-on-year price jump in Q1 2025, fueled by record population growth and limited housing supply, according to ValuStrat. Villa prices led with a 30.3% increase, while apartment prices climbed 21.4%.Top performing areas: Jumeirah Islands, Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, and The Meadows (villas); The Greens, Dubailand Residence Complex, and Palm Jumeirah (apartments).Rents are up, with apartment rents rising 10% y-o-y and villa rents up 5.1% y-o-y. Interestingly, quarterly sales saw a slight dip, though year-on-year figures remain strong.The core issue is demand outpacing supply, with nearly 90,000 new residents arriving in Q1 against only 12,000 new homes delivered. This imbalance is pushing villa values significantly above long-term averages.While future supply is expected to cool the market, construction delays remain a concern. The office market is also booming, with office prices climbing 29.1% y-o-y and rents also seeing strong growth.In short, Dubai's property market is experiencing a significant boom driven by population growth and supply constraints, making affordability an increasing challenge.

Dubai Property Prices Skyrocket in Q1 2025 Amid Population Surge

Tired of your ads getting the red light? Want to reach more customers without the hassle of campaign delays? You're in the right place! Navigating ad policies might seem tricky, but it doesn't have to be. Think of these guidelines as your roadmap to successful and consistently running campaigns. Here are five commonly violated ad policies, broken down simply, so you can keep your ads live and thriving:1. Personal Health and Appearance: Be Kind to Your AudienceImagine seeing an ad that makes you feel insecure about yourself. Not a great feeling, right? Ad platforms feel the same way. Avoid creating ads that suggest or play on negative self-perception related to someone's health or appearance. Your ads should uplift, not undermine.2. Unrealistic Outcomes: Keep Expectations GroundedWe all want amazing results, but your ads need to reflect reality. Don't make promises or hint at outcomes that are unlikely or impossible to achieve. Transparency builds trust, and that's what you want with potential customers.3. Unacceptable Business Practices: Honesty is the Best PolicyThis one's straightforward: don't use deceptive or misleading tactics to promote your products or services. Be upfront and honest in your advertising. This not only keeps you within policy but also fosters a positive brand image.4. Discriminatory Practices: Treat Everyone EquallyAdvertising should be inclusive. Avoid targeting or excluding people based on personal attributes like race, religion, gender, age, or disability. Your message should resonate with a broad audience and promote equality.5. Non-Functional Landing Page: Make Sure Your Destination Works!You've crafted a great ad, someone clicks, and... they land on a broken page. Frustrating, isn't it? Always ensure your ads direct people to a working and relevant landing page. A seamless experience from click to conversion is key.Got an Ad Rejected? Don't Panic!Mistakes happen. The good news is that appealing a rejected ad is often a quick process. You'll usually find a button or link to "Request a review" right where you see the rejection notification. It often takes just a few seconds to start the appeal process.By keeping these five simple policies in mind, you'll be well on your way to running effective ad campaigns without unnecessary interruptions. So, take a moment to review your ads and ensure they align with these guidelines. Happy advertising!

Keep Your Ads Running Smoothly: 5 Simple Policy Pointers

&nbsp; At Started from Scratch, we get it: you want more than just website visitors; you want actual sales. That's why we're sharing some top tips from our Sales Objective Guide. This guide is all about helping you—and your clients—make more money online.Why the Right Goal Makes All the Difference You're spending money on ads, so you need those ads to work hard. Our guide breaks down the best ways to run your sales campaigns, making sure every dirham you spend helps you earn more back. We cover:How to Bid: Smart ways to bid so you reach the right people and get those sales. Managing Your Money: How to spread your ad budget around for the best results. Seeing What Works: Understanding how different ads lead to a sale, so you can do more of what's working. Here's the Big Secret: Optimize for "Purchase" This is huge. Our own expert, Nicola, with over 10 years of experience in Meta's paid ads, has seen firsthand how crucial this is.Here's the proof:Small businesses that set their campaigns to aim for "purchases" spent 78% less per purchase than those who just aimed for "link clicks" without using the Meta pixel.What does that mean for you? When you tell Facebook (Meta) that your goal is a "purchase," their system gets way better at finding people who are actually ready to buy.So, for your next sales ad, make sure you choose "Purchase" as your main goal. It’s a simple change that can make a massive difference in your sales and how much you pay for them.Who Benefits Most? While aiming for sales is great for almost any business, it's a must-do for e-commerce clients—businesses that sell products directly online. But it also works wonders for:Consumer Goods: Selling everyday items. Professional Services: Getting new clients for things like consulting or coaching. Entertainment: Selling event tickets or subscriptions. &nbsp; Ready to See More Sales? Don't guess when it comes to your online sales. At Started from Scratch, led by experts like Nicola, we’re here to help you truly succeed.Want to turn more ad clicks into actual sales?Let Started from Scratch help you build a sales strategy that brings in real results.

Boost Your Online Sales: A Smart Guide from Started from Scratch

Ever feel like you're shouting into the void when trying to connect with your customers? In today's world, people expect businesses to understand them and talk to them in a way that feels personal. But juggling different systems and tons of information can make that feel impossible.Good news! The folks at Klaviyo have just rolled out some cool new features designed to make building those strong customer relationships a whole lot simpler. Think of it as getting a set of smart tools that help you have more meaningful conversations and understand your customers better, all without needing a tech wizard to set it up.Let's break down these new goodies in plain English:1. Chatting with Customers on Autopilot (but still personal!): Automated SMS ConversationsWe all know how handy text messages are for quick updates, like letting someone know about a sale. But what if you could actually have a conversation with your customers through text, automatically?That's what automated SMS conversations let you do. Imagine being able to:Answer common questions instantly: No more waiting for an email reply! Suggest the perfect products: Like having a personal shopper in their pocket. Guide them through a purchase: Making it super easy to buy. The best part? Every time someone interacts, you learn a little more about what they like. This info gets saved, so you can make future messages even more spot-on. Plus, even if someone sends a text with a typo, the system is smart enough to usually figure out what they mean and keep the conversation flowing.Think of it like this: You could set up a fun quiz where customers text in answers, and based on what they say, they instantly get a recommendation for a product they'll love. It's engaging, helpful, and builds a real connection.2. Talking to App Users Right Where They Are: Mobile In-App MessagingIf your business has a mobile app, you know how important it is to keep people coming back and using it. Now, Klaviyo lets you send messages inside your app while people are actually using it.Why is this a big deal?You catch people when they're most engaged: They're already interested in what you offer. No need for extra sign-ups: If they have your app, you can message them there. It's great for encouraging action: Remind them about a special offer or a new feature they might have missed. Imagine a fitness app: They could send a message to users who open the app, letting them know about a new seasonal discount on workout gear. It's timely and relevant, making them more likely to take action.3. Making Your Data Work Exactly for YOU: Custom ObjectsEvery business is unique, and sometimes the standard ways of storing customer information just don't cut it. Maybe you're a restaurant that needs to track reservations and allergies, or a service business that needs details about appointments.That's where custom objects come in. They let you create your own special storage spaces for the specific details that matter to your business. You can then link this unique information to your customer profiles.Here's why this is powerful:You can track the details that truly matter to your business: No more trying to fit a square peg in a round hole with standard data fields. You can use this data to make your messages super personal: Imagine a restaurant sending a reminder about an upcoming reservation, mentioning the customer's noted allergy. You can create specific groups of customers based on this unique data: This allows for even more targeted and relevant communication. Think of a restaurant: They could create a "Reservation" object to keep track of booking times, who made the reservation, the number of people, and any allergies mentioned. This lets them send tailored reminders and even suggest allergy-friendly dishes in future messages.What Does This All Mean for You?These new features from Klaviyo are all about making it easier for businesses like yours to:Have more personal and meaningful interactions with customers. Automate those interactions without losing that human touch. Use your customer data in smarter, more tailored ways. Ultimately, it's about building stronger, longer-lasting relationships with your customers, which is key to any successful business. It's like having a team of smart helpers that work behind the scenes to make your customer connections feel more genuine and effective. And that's something we can all get behind!

New From Klaviyo.Making Customer Connections Easier: New Tools to Help Your Business Grow

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The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial for businesses to thrive. Here are some key trends shaping the industry:Short-form video contentWith platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, short-form videos are becoming increasingly popular. Businesses can leverage this format to showcase products, share behind-the-scenes content, or create engaging ads. Social commerceSocial media platforms are integrating shopping features, making it easier for customers to purchase from businesses directly. This trend is expected to continue growing, with more platforms adding e-commerce capabilities.Personalization:With the rise of AI and machine learning, businesses can now personalize their marketing efforts like never before. From tailored ads to customized content, personalization is key to connecting with customers. Voice search optimizationAs voice assistants become more prevalent, businesses need to optimize their content for voice search. This includes using natural language and long-tail keywords to improve search rankings. Meta's evolving ad landscapeWith updates to Meta's ad platforms, businesses need to stay up-to-date on the latest features and best practices. From Advantage+ shopping campaigns to automated ad optimization, Meta's ad platforms offer a range of tools to help businesses succeed.By staying on top of these trends, businesses can stay ahead of the competition and connect with their target audience more effectively.

The Digital Hub

Meta's Reels: A Full-Court Press in the Short-Form Video War

Dubai Property Prices Skyrocket in Q1 2025 Amid Populatio...

Keep Your Ads Running Smoothly: 5 Simple Policy Pointers

Boost Your Online Sales: A Smart Guide from Started from ...

New From Klaviyo.Making Customer Connections Easier: New ...

Digital Marketing Trends to Watch