As Webable enters its 8th year, Anis Hannan Chowdhury, Managing Director of the digital agency shares his insight on navigating around the industry with challenges and opportunities and stresses on the need for quick adaptation.
Founded in 2013, the early days of digital communication in Bangladesh, WebAble has helped shape the digital communication landscape in Dhaka in many ways. How has the digital communication landscape evolved since the inception of WebAble?
When WebAble started it’s journey back in 2013, the digital industry was still unexplored. The possibilities were endless. Over the years, we have been able to ride the tide of digital transformation in Bangladesh, with our clients. We learned, applied and brought results for brands that helped create an ecosystem of social media marketing and digital tools setting an industry standard.
Today, the digital arena has evolved to a hyper competitive landscape. It has both its perks and challenges. In this fast moving world, the contents have lesser and lesser shelf-life. On the other hand, good ideas turn into trends in just a few hours. Navigating around the industry with these challenges and opportunities come hand-in-hand and require quick adaptation.
How much has WebAble evolved in terms of services and products that you offer to your clients?
We started out with a focus on content and strategy primarily. Over time, we have realized that technological developments are a gap that needs to be fulfilled for sustainable solutions for brands. WebAble has stepped in to provide custom tailored automation solutions for many brands – including Yellow Clothing, Pickaboo, and SHAPE over the years. Ranging from chatbot solutions, community management, to e-commerce and f-commerce tools for business, we have introduced a diverse range of need-based solutions depending on the brand’s long term objectives.
We have also solidified our inhouse strategy and planning resources to provide 360 digital campaign solutions and super fast video productions, for time sensitive campaigns.
What sets WebAble apart from other digital marketing companies in the industry?
WebAble starts with “why”. Our approach to working with a brand is to understand the challenges, and keep an open mind about the possibilities of solutions. We do not start with a pre-determined or standard solution for any client who walks in. We invest in getting to know the brand, and the people behind it.
Digital marketing is a precarious and ever-changing space. In your opinion what are some of the emerging digital marketing trends the industry needs to be aware of?
Like you already pointed out, digital is an ever-changing space. It never sleeps. It’s important to pay attention to the global shifts and adapt them for the local market with relevance. You just have to be really active and aware about the trends with an adaptive mindset.
At WebAble stringent attention is paid on creating impact. Can you please share information on some of the successful campaigns WebAble launched during the ongoing pandemic?
WebAble took a hit during the pandemic, as did the whole industry. Budgets have been cut short everywhere, and communication is still required. WebAble, however, took this opportunity to work on more impact driven campaigns. There were two parts to this – one, for commercial brands. We focused on short, effective campaigns to redirect audiences to online shopping. We invested in educating target audiences about how to place their order, and drove sales for brands online.
On the other part, we ran aggressive campaigns on awareness about COVID-19 prevention and containment. We actively worked on many development projects with clients as well as on our in-house initiatives including COVID-19 Crisis Response Initiatives with UNDP, GAIN and Proshar. Stay Home Campaign in collaboration with UNDP in Bangladesh, later supported by Robi and Gaan Bangla was one of the first and largest social awareness campaigns in Bangladesh to help contain the first wave of COVID-19 cases.
WebAble has marked eight years of stupendous operations. How is the digital marketing company looking to innovate in its eighth year? What can clients and partners look forward to?
WebAble comes with a promise of dedication. We believe in constant improvement. Clients and the industry can rely on us for refined consultation, followed with innovative solutions. In this eighth year, the possibilities are endless!
Lastly, what words of advice do you have for young marketers looking to enter the digital marketing arena?
Digital marketing will always need fresh talent. To the young marketers out there – you are the future. You will always have the biggest chance to reshape the landscape. Just one word of advice – always do your research before rushing to execution. A detailed ideation can make or break your work.
