Sabira Labeeb - Living Abroad Is Never Easy and That Motivated Me To Start My Own Page (Saudi Arabia Based Blogger)

In the earlier days, communication in the business was only one-way. This means the business advertises on TV, magazine or daily newspapers, billboards etc. What are the consumer's thoughts? Nobody knows, no one cared.

With social media, it is now two-way communication. Business launches a new product, consumer reacts immediately. 

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I am residing in Riyadh- Saudi Arabia since 2009 with my husband and two daughters. My parents are in India and my three siblings are residing in UAE.

I completed my Graduation in Computer science and English Also did my Diploma in ID graphics. I'm currently pursuing a Masters in English. I worked as a teacher in Saudi Arabia for around 4 years and as a medical administrator in a hospital for 1 year. Worked as a part-time IELTS invigilator for Saudi British Council for a short period.



What led you to start your page on Instagram, and what is it about?

I came up with this page back in 2015. I never had the intention of being a Lifestyle Instagrammer. Living abroad is never easy and I found it hard to adapt to Riyadh after moving from Abha. 

Abha was entirely different from Riyadh. Be it the lifestyle and people, everyone was very dear and near which made me feel at home at Abha. I was missing my friends and loved ones too much during my first days in Riyadh. To overcome this void, I tried to engage with people around the globe. 

Hence, by god’s grace, it became successful. I have got a bunch of people from Instagram who are more like my family now. Thanks to all the wonderful people who helped me to reach where I'm now.

How would you distinguish the term blogger from an influencer?

If you have an Instagram page, a YouTube channel or a Tiktok, it does not make you an influencer. Influencers should have the power to influence the decision of their followers. Influencers are using their personality to promote their products and services. Influencers are not bloggers until they have a blog.

Bloggers usually write blogs on the website. Some Bloggers do manage to become influencers through their writing style.



Is it financially sustainable to be an influencer today?

First, let me say I am not the right person to comment on this. My motive behind this is not money rather passion which leads me to move ahead. As mentioned earlier, they make money with their online work. Money is just a result of your passionate work done.

Nothing is permanent and nothing is sustainable without proper maintenance. I believe, if you are a smart worker and creative thinker you can be sustained in this influencer era. The key is the willingness to put in more effort.



What do you think influences consumer behaviour?

Understanding consumer behaviour is a broad and complicated task. Social media has changed consumer behaviour a lot. In the earlier days, communication in the business was only one-way. This means the business advertises on TV, magazine or daily newspapers, billboards etc. What are the consumer's thoughts? Nobody knows, no one cared.

With social media, it is now two-way communication. Business launches a new product, consumer reacts immediately. Consumer pass on comments on the social media platform, Like or dislike right in front of them. They communicate with the brands directly. Consumers will advocate for the products or services through social media.

So, all the sectors delivering tangible or non-tangible products mainly rely on social media to understand the trends of consumers and accordingly customize the products to cater to the right products and services to the consumers.

Companies are even allocating huge budget for social media advertisement and surveys to understand the taste of the consumers.

In a nutshell, social media has a heavy influence on shaping consumer behaviour.



What is your idea of success or your mantra in life?

Overcoming procrastination is the best mantra. You do it now or you'll never do it. As mentioned above, nothing can be achieved effortlessly. The outcome you get by doing things at the right time may not be the same when you do the same thing some other time. 

So my mantra is never to postpone things in life. Keep doing the right things at the right time without procrastination.



How can someone become a successful social media influencer?

Influencers are social media celebrities who have a certain amount of leverage with their fan communities. So, we need to build trust with our audience to be successful as an influencer. Hence, we need to be sincere with the content and promotions. 

Be honest about your opinions and tell people what you mean. Your audience is above your ego and pride, so respect the feedback you get. Be helpful to others. If you are authentic, you will see many amazing people that love you for everything you have to offer them. They will support you in your journey. Stay updated. Give updates. Be open to criticism.



Which is your favourite book, and why?

It’s a really difficult question for me to say a specific book. But one of my favourite books is The Alchemist Novel by Paulo Coelho. The book talks about how the universe will help those who chase after their dreams, as this will help us overcome any obstacle in our path.

This book has totally explained how to be motivated in the journey of your own personal legend or dreams. And the quote which I liked was, "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it".


Interviewed by - Saba Parveen