Latest news with #SelinaBieber
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Small Businesses Embrace Social— But Could be Missing a Trick in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
According to the GoDaddy ( 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey, nearly half of small businesses in now primarily operate online, using websites, marketplaces, or social media to sell. This shows a clear shift as entrepreneurs embrace digital channels to reach customers, grow sales, and stay competitive in today's market. Social Media: A Key Tool with Real Challenges Social media plays a major role in how small businesses operate and grow. 80% of entrepreneurs say it's important to their sales strategy, and half (50%) say it's very important. It has also become the top place to learn about running a business: 59% turn to social media for insights, ahead of traditional educational resources like books and blogs (40%), and artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT (37%). But while the value is clear, so are the challenges. When it comes to managing their social media presence, many entrepreneurs struggle with content. 37% say it's hard to come up with engaging ideas for posts, and another 33% don't have enough time to create and post regularly. Even when content is shared, converting engagement into sales remains difficult—51% say they have trouble converting followers into customers, and 54% can't reach the right audience. 'At GoDaddy, we realize how much potential entrepreneurs have—and we also understand how hard it is to turn online effort into real growth,' said Selina Bieber, Vice President of International Markets at GoDaddy. 'That's why we're focused on giving them smart, easy tools like Show in Bio ( that can help turn social engagement into actual sales, without adding more work.' These hurdles show that while social media is essential, it's not easy. Entrepreneurs need smarter tools and support to turn digital activity into real business growth. The Rise of Digital-First Small Businesses Running a business today means going beyond a physical store. While 31% of small businesses still work mainly from a physical location, the online world is catching up with 19% now run their business primarily through their own website. Another 28% operate mostly on social media. Sales channels also reflect this shift. Though 36% sell in person, 18% use online stores or marketplaces, and another 31% sell directly through social media. This mix of physical and digital approaches shows that small businesses are finding new ways to meet customers—whether in-store, online, or on social media. The ability to combine different methods indicates a significant evolution in business' ability to adapt to customers' needs and preferences. The Need for Smarter Tools and AI Support As entrepreneurs go digital, many know exactly what would help them sell on social. More than half (59%) say they need better ways to reach the right audience, almost half (48%) want simpler tools for creating and posting content, and over a third (39%) want insights into what is working and is not, highlighting a clear demand for practical, time-saving solutions. The Opportunity Ahead As more small businesses move online, the need for effective tools and support continues to grow. GoDaddy is committed to helping entrepreneurs succeed with easy-to-use solutions like Show in Bio ( GoDaddy Studio ( and GoDaddy Airo® ( all designed to simplify digital marketing and turn engagement into real results. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GoDaddy. About GoDaddy: GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services, and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo®, the company's AI-powered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them to get their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy's expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit
Tahawul Tech
07-07-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Emirati entrepreneurs learn, sell, and grow in a digital world, says new GoDaddy data
Dubai – Over half of small businesses in the UAE now primarily operate online, using websites, marketplaces, or social media to sell, says the GoDaddy 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey. This shows a clear shift as entrepreneurs embrace digital channels to reach customers, grow sales, and stay competitive in today's market. Social Media: A Key Tool with Real Challenges Social media plays a major role in how small businesses in the UAE operate and grow. 92% of entrepreneurs say it's important to their sales strategy, and almost two in three (57%) say it's very important. It has also become the top place to learn about running a business: 75% turn to social media for insights, ahead of traditional educational resources like books and blogs (38%), and artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT (50%). But while the value is clear, so are the challenges. When it comes to managing their social media presence, many entrepreneurs struggle with content. 30% say it's hard to come up with engaging ideas for posts, and another 30% don't have enough time to create and post regularly. Even when content is shared, converting engagement into sales remains difficult—30% say they have trouble converting followers into customers, and 35% can't reach the right audience. 'At GoDaddy, we realise how much potential entrepreneurs have—and we also understand how hard it is to turn online effort into real growth,' said Selina Bieber, Vice President of International Markets at GoDaddy. 'That's why we're focused on giving them smart, easy tools like Show in Bio that can help turn social engagement into actual sales, without adding more work.' These hurdles show that while social media is essential, it's not easy. Entrepreneurs need smarter tools and support to turn digital activity into real business growth. The Rise of Digital-First Small Businesses Running a business today in the UAE means going beyond a physical store. While 27% of small businesses still work mainly from a physical location, 25% now run their business primarily through their own website. Another 32% operate mostly on social media. Sales channels also reflect this shift. Though 32% sell in person, 23% use online stores or marketplaces, and another 38% sell directly through social media. This mix of physical and digital approaches shows that Emirati small businesses are finding new ways to meet customers—whether in-store, online, or on social media. The ability to combine different methods indicates a significant evolution in business' ability to adapt to customers' needs and preferences. The Need for Smarter Tools and AI Support As Emirati entrepreneurs go digital, many know exactly what would help them sell on social. More than half (59%) say they need better ways to reach the right audience, over a third (39%) want simpler tools for creating and posting content, highlighting a clear demand for practical, time-saving solutions. AI is starting to play a role, especially among proactive business owners. Those already using AI are more likely to want deeper insights into what's working (51% vs. 25% of non-AI users) and more interested in tips and templates for writing captions and ads (15% vs. 30% of non-AI users). These preferences suggest that small businesses aren't just experimenting with AI—they're looking for smart, focused support that saves time and delivers results. The Opportunity Ahead As more small businesses in UAE move online, the need for effective tools and support continues to grow. GoDaddy is committed to helping entrepreneurs succeed with easy-to-use solutions like Show In Bio, GoDaddy Studio, and GoDaddy Airo® all designed to simplify digital marketing and turn engagement into real results.
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egyptian small businesses embrace social— but could be missing a trick in the age of AI
Cairo, Egypt – According to the GoDaddy 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey, over half of small businesses in Egypt now primarily operate online, using websites, marketplaces, or social media to sell. This shows a clear shift as entrepreneurs embrace digital channels to reach customers, grow sales, and stay competitive in today's market. Social Media: A Key Tool with Real Challenges Social media plays a major role in how small businesses in Egypt operate and grow. Nearly 100% of entrepreneurs say it's important to their sales strategy, and (78%) say it's very important. It has also become the top place to learn about running a business: 80% turn to social media for insights, ahead of traditional educational resources like books and blogs (40%), and even artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT (64%). But while the value is clear, so are the challenges. When it comes to managing their social media presence, many entrepreneurs struggle with content. 29% say it's hard to come up with engaging ideas for posts, and another 28% don't have enough time to create and post regularly. Even when content is shared, converting engagement into sales remains difficult—53% say they have trouble converting followers into customers, and 45% can't reach the right audience. 'At GoDaddy, we realize how much potential entrepreneurs have—and we also understand how hard it is to turn online effort into real growth,' said Selina Bieber, Vice President of International Markets at GoDaddy. 'That's why we're focused on giving them smart, easy tools like Show in Bio can help turn social engagement into actual sales, without adding more work.' These hurdles show that while social media is essential, it's not easy. Entrepreneurs need smarter tools and support to turn digital activity into real business growth. The Rise of Digital-First Small Businesses Running a business today in Egypt means going beyond a physical store. While 25% of small businesses still work mainly from a physical location, 40% now run their business primarily through their own website. Another 16% operate mostly on social media. Sales channels also reflect this shift. Though 25% sell in person, 41% use online stores or marketplaces, and another 30% sell directly through social media. This mix of physical and digital approaches shows that Egyptian small businesses are finding new ways to meet customers—whether in-store, online, or on social media. The ability to combine different methods indicates a significant evolution in business' ability to adapt to customers' needs and preferences. The Need for Smarter Tools and AI Support As Egyptian entrepreneurs go digital, many know exactly what would help them sell on social. Nearly half (47%) say they need better ways to reach the right audience, and more than half (54%) want simpler tools for creating and posting content, highlighting a clear demand for practical, time-saving solutions. AI is starting to play a role, especially among proactive business owners. Those already using AI are more likely to want deeper insights into what's working (60% vs. 33% of non-AI users) and more interested in tips and templates for writing captions and ads (37% vs. 17% of non-AI users). These preferences suggest that small businesses aren't just experimenting with AI—they're looking for smart, focused support that saves time and delivers results. The Opportunity Ahead As more small businesses in Egypt move online, the need for effective tools and support continues to grow. GoDaddy is committed to helping entrepreneurs succeed with easy-to-use solutions like Show In Bio, GoDaddy Studio, and GoDaddy Airo® all designed to simplify digital marketing and turn engagement into real results. About GoDaddy GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services, and accept payments. GoDaddy Airo®, the company's AI-powered experience, makes growing a small business faster and easier by helping them to get their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales. GoDaddy's expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit
Arab News
19-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
How AI and microtools are empowering the next generation of Saudi entrepreneurs
JEDDAH: Digitalization has reshaped how entrepreneurs get started — particularly in the early stages. Increasingly, small businesses are launching via platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp, bypassing the traditional route of setting up a dedicated website. These social-first entrepreneurs are meeting customers where they already spend time, turning social media from a communication tool into a sales platform. 'Generative AI is reshaping the future of business, and when combined with digital marketing, the results are transformative,' Selina Bieber, vice president for international markets at the US-based web hosting company GoDaddy, told Arab News. According to the GoDaddy 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey, 22 percent of small business owners in the Middle East and North Africa now run their businesses primarily on social media. This trend highlights the rising importance of social commerce, especially for solo founders and part-time business operators. However, running a business solely on social platforms comes with risks. Visibility may be high, but ownership and control are limited. Algorithm changes or policy shifts can dramatically affect a business's ability to reach customers or generate income. Shoppers also tend to look for additional signals of trust before making a purchase. A professional website, for example, often strengthens a business's credibility. According to The State of Digital Commerce in MENA 2024 report by Checkout, 73 percent of online shoppers in the region are more confident buying from businesses that have a website, rather than relying exclusively on social media accounts. In response to this shift, new digital tools have emerged to support social-first entrepreneurs. Features such as branded microsites, product catalogues, and smart links — often packaged into accessible platforms — help founders establish a more centralized and professional presence online without needing advanced technical knowledge. Artificial intelligence is also playing a growing role in this transition, helping entrepreneurs move more quickly from concept to launch. It can assist in writing product descriptions, developing pricing strategies, and automating customer engagement. Internal data suggests AI-powered tools can save small business owners up to 10 hours a week — a meaningful benefit for entrepreneurs managing limited time and resources. Beyond time savings, AI helps to level the playing field by making it easier for people to launch and scale businesses with minimal upfront investment. Saudi Arabia has emerged as a particularly dynamic arena for these digital shifts. In 2023, GoDaddy signed a partnership agreement with the Kingdom's General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises — Monsha'at — to equip Saudi entrepreneurs with the digital tools and training needed to build their online presence. The agreement, signed during the Biban 23 entrepreneurship forum in Riyadh, aimed to empower aspiring business owners through workshops, seminars, and a planned business accelerator. It also included support for Monsha'at Academy and content initiatives to share local success stories. 'We're inspired to see Saudi entrepreneurs and small business owners feel confident in embracing technology and in their approach to entrepreneurship,' said Bieber. While social media remains a powerful tool for customer engagement, long-term growth often requires a more permanent digital footprint. A dedicated website, complemented by tools like GoDaddy's Show in Bio, can provide an added layer of credibility and security — something that social media accounts alone may not guarantee. With the rise of impersonation and questionable accounts online, many customers check whether a business has a standalone website before making a purchase. The latest generation of entrepreneurs is pragmatic and digitally fluent. While they may start on social media, many are increasingly looking for tools that offer more autonomy, control, and brand distinction. Combining a social-first approach with a professional online presence can offer the credibility and resilience needed for sustainable growth. 'GoDaddy continues to level the playing field by offering powerful, affordable tools that allow small businesses to elevate their marketing and achieve real success,' said Bieber. With the right mix of AI and easy-to-use tools, turning a side project into a long-term venture is more achievable than ever. Social media may be where the journey starts — but building lasting value depends on owning and shaping your own digital presence.
TECHx
09-04-2025
- Business
- TECHx
How to Start Selling on Social Media with GoDaddy's Show in Bio
How to Start Selling on Social Media with GoDaddy's Show in Bio News Desk - Share How a small business presents and sells its offerings can be the difference between success and failure. Today, more entrepreneurs are running their businesses on social media, making it essential to stand out and sell smart. GoDaddy has launched Show in Bio—an affordable tool that helps small businesses grow sales without needing a full website. Designed for business owners who are active on social platforms, Show in Bio makes it easy to showcase products and interact with customers. Even better, no technical skills are required. Using AI, Show in Bio quickly generates product names, descriptions, and pricing. In just minutes, users can create a personalized one-page catalog to share directly in their social media bios. It's a fast, simple way to start selling online. 'We're supporting entrepreneurs to start their online business wherever it makes the most sense for them – including on social media,' said Selina Bieber, Vice President of International Markets at GoDaddy. She noted that while social media dominates online activity, businesses still need their own brand and identity. This tool helps bridge that gap. Show in Bio offers an enhanced 'link in bio' experience, tackling common issues like low traffic, limited tech skills, and the challenge of setting up a website. GoDaddy's 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey reveals that over 22% of small business owners in the MENA region run their businesses mainly on social media. These entrepreneurs are often young, confident, and comfortable using AI tools. This shift shows how AI is helping small businesses innovate and grow. With Show in Bio, entrepreneurs can test business ideas, start selling quickly, and keep costs low. Those with existing domains can even integrate them for a more branded experience. Key features include: One shareable link to centralize all your important content Easy product showcases with images and videos Domain integration for a custom-branded page AI-powered content creation for fast setup For small businesses ready to sell online, Show in Bio provides a simple, effective way to launch a digital presence—right from a social profile.
