INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FINANCIAL ECONOMICS (IJEFE)
Vol. 2 No. 12 (2026): INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FINANCIAL ECONOMICS (IJEFE)

CRITICAL ANALYSIS ON THE PRACTICE AND EFFECTIVENESS OF DIGITAL MARKETING STRATEGIES IN STRENGTHENING MSME BRANDING IN KENDARI CITY

Bunga Kartika (Halu Oleo University, Kendari, Indonesia)
Muh. Husriadi (Halu Oleo University, Kendari, Indonesia)
La Ode Ahmad Darwin (Halu Oleo University, Kendari, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
02 Jun 2026

Abstract

Kendari City's MSMEs, which contribute 60% of local GDP, are facing the challenge of low brand equity due to fragmented digital marketing strategies and weak digital infrastructure in the era of transformation post-pandemic. This study aims analyze critical the practice and effectiveness of digital marketing strategies in strengthening the branding of Kendari MSMEs using a qualitative approach descriptive. Data collected through interview In-depth research with 15 informants (MSME owners, agencies, Cooperative Service officials), observation, and documentation, analyzed using the Miles & Huberman model. The results identified three theme Main factors: strategic fragmentation (80%), cultural-content gap Tolaki (73%), and digital infrastructure bottleneck (93%), hindering the RACE framework and brand associations Aaker (1991). Implications covers training local cultural content and contribute to the marketing roadmap contextual emerging market Indonesia.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJEFE

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FINANCIAL ECONOMICS (IJEFE) is a scientific journal that publishes articles in the field of Business and finance that contain conceptual ideas in the fields of Economics, Accounting, Management, Business and finance. The scope is Human Resource Management, Marketing ...