Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Digital marketing is no longer a niche strategy but the central nervous system for business growth in the 21st century. To understand its evolving landscape, we sat down with Avenue Sangma, a respected voice in the digital marketing sphere as a digital marketer in global space.
In this exclusive interview, Sangma shares his insights on the latest trends, the unique challenges and opportunities within Bangladesh, and what the future holds for businesses and aspiring marketers.
Q: Welcome, Avenue. How would you describe the current state of digital marketing globally and its impact on businesses?
Avenue Sangma: Digital marketing today is dynamic and deeply integrated into business operations. It’s no longer just about advertising but about creating holistic customer experiences powered by technology. AI, for example, is now a practical tool for personalising communication, automating tasks, and analysing data in real-time. Businesses that succeed use these tools to build genuine relationships across multiple digital touch points.
Q: What challenges and opportunities do you see for digital marketing in Bangladesh?
A: Bangladesh’s digital ecosystem is vibrant, with immense opportunities due to its mobile-first audience and young, tech-savvy population. However, challenges include a crowded market and limited digital literacy among businesses and consumers. Many SMEs know they need to be online but lack strategic knowledge. The key opportunity lies in bridging this gap through education and accessible marketing solutions.
Q: How critical is a data-driven approach for companies looking to scale?
A: It’s essential. Data-driven marketing replaces guesswork with actionable insights. Every interaction provides valuable data on customer behaviour, enabling businesses to optimise campaigns, improve products, and make informed decisions. For scaling, data helps replicate success efficiently, removing emotion from decision-making and ensuring sustainable growth.
Q: How is AI shaping the future of marketing roles and strategies?
A: AI is an enabler, not a replacement for marketers. It handles repetitive tasks, allowing marketers to focus on strategy, creativity, and human connections. AI will drive hyper-personalised marketing, predictive analytics, and conversational AI for customer service. Marketers will evolve into strategists, orchestrating these technologies to create seamless customer journeys.
Q: What advice would you give to young Bangladeshi entrepreneurs leveraging digital marketing?
A: Start by deeply understanding your customers—their problems, aspirations, and online habits. Focus on one or two key digital channels where your audience is active and master them. Provide value before asking for a sale. Lastly, commit to continuous learning, as the digital landscape evolves rapidly.
Q: The global PR market is growing. How do digital strategies influence this, and what opportunities does it create?
A: PR now involves managing a brand’s entire digital reputation, including social media, influencer collaborations, and content marketing. This creates global opportunities, as professionals in Bangladesh can manage brands worldwide. The convergence of PR and digital marketing means those who blend storytelling with digital distribution will thrive, democratizing opportunities on a global scale.
Q: Thank you, Avenue.
A: Thank you for having me!
Avenue Sangma highlights the dynamic nature of digital marketing, emphasising AI, data-driven strategies, and customer-centric approaches. In Bangladesh, opportunities lie in its mobile-first audience, though challenges like digital literacy persist. Entrepreneurs should focus on understanding customers, mastering key channels, and continuous learning. Globally, PR and digital marketing convergence creates opportunities for professionals to manage brands across borders, blending storytelling with digital tools.