Noha Ahmad is a full-time mum and influencer who like others, is still finding her path as an influencer on social media. With a following of 425,000 on Instagram, Noha shares fashion and beauty tips with her dedicated audience but has plans of expanding her niche.
We talk to Noha more about her journey to becoming an influencer, and her thoughts on influencers being on social media in the Middle East.
Your profile says you’re an engineer, mum, and fashion and beauty influencer, how do you juggle these roles?
It’s definitely very hard to work as a social media influencer, and I am saying ‘work’ because believe me, social media is a full-time job! You have to do your research then plan your content and then create your video, or photos and write captions.
Also, you have to always be updated with social media, know how to market yourself, and make sure you post at least 3 times a week. So, to manage this including being a mother which is another full-time job, I always set my schedule even if it’s for a few hours – especially with my kids at school or after their bedtime.
Definitely, lack of sleep goes with it too. But organizing everything and planning ahead is the reason why I am able to juggle everything.
What is your journey with social media? When did it all begin, and when did you see that your profile was gaining traffic
I started using social media in 2019 because I decided to try something I like which is fashion and makeup. I felt I needed to get out of my comfort zone was very difficult, but when I started posting I found people active on my account and encouraging me.
Since then, I started growing, learning, and meeting new people everywhere.
What is your secret to gaining followers?
In the beginning, I made sure to be consistent but in mid-2020, Â realized the reach was high, followers increased, and there were more comments on my posts. However, 2021 was my peak! Â
People started asking me to promote their businesses and agencies started to reach out. My photos were also shared by brands, and I realized I am out there, especially when followers would ask for a specific video or review that they want me to create for them.
I will always say to be consistent and never give up. It’s the hardest yet the most important thing. Just keep posting and look for what people are more interested in. Try to create content that people will enjoy or that will help them such as how they dress, and how to try on different hijab styles or simple and easy everyday makeup tutorials.
Yes follow the trend but be different that way you will stand out.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
I don’t give up!!! I am not patient but I always try and I believe this is one of the strengths I have in my personality. I am an honest person, and brave as I am always willing to confront myself or others and willing to go above and beyond to learn or reach what I want.
Which social media platform is your favourite and why?
Instagram will always be my favorite platform, it’s chill! Â Very simple and easy to use, not for deep discussions as other platforms. Also, Instagram allows you to post photos, videos, and stories so I have all options to use in one place.
How do you think influencer marketing is adapting or changing in the Middle East? Do you experience any negativity?
Social media is definitely the thing now worldwide – not only in the Middle East. It does have an effect on everyone and anyone. It’s actually now the new marketing for every business.
Before famous figures would only interact with people through TV, now they get to interact with their people or fans directly. I mean social media has lots of uses, it’s scary at times but it is the new important thing now!
Social media in the Middle East has given women confidence because they get to see real people and how they act, talk, discuss, and speak about their rights. It has given a different world for women to explore their thoughts and not fear speaking or sharing.
I have faced negativity a lot when posting simple videos or posting a picture, but it’s normal as a social media influencer. People feel it’s easier to bully behind a screen so I have learned to ignore it – sometimes it affects my mood, but otherwise, I can let it pass by.
What is your goal? Do you have a 5-year plan?
My main goal is for people to trust me, as a person, to trust my content, and use it for reference even if it’s for hope.
Some fans would message me that I changed the way they dress or see things differently now because of something I said, and I can never explain how this makes me so happy. It also makes things harder as now I need to work harder on what I create. My followers gave me their trust and support so I need to always be up to their standards by giving my honest reviews.
I hope to create more human/social videos, even though this is not my specialization. I want to be more involved in this aspect to make a positive difference to those who are watching or visiting my page.
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