International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026): International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities

Marketing Communication Strategies for MSMEs in the Digital Era : A Case Study of Culinary MSMEs in Samarinda

Muhammad Rizal (Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Mulawarman, Indonesia)
Rina Juwita (Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Mulawarman)
Kezia Arum Sary (Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Mulawarman)
Kadek Dristiana Dwivayani (Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Mulawarman)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study examined digital marketing communication strategies employed by culinary micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at Teras Samarinda, a riverside MSME cluster in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The study aimed to analyze how these enterprises utilized digital media platforms, constructed communication messages, and engaged consumers in the context of Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC). A qualitative case study method was employed, with data collected through in – depth   interviews, direct observation, and documentation involving four MSME informants – Bebaya Mart, Gaya Ice Cream, Rustic Camp & Café, and Pedas Manis – as well as two consumer informants. The findings revealed that all four MSMEs actively used Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, and Facebook, primarily for brand awareness and sales conversion. Message construction varied from structured approaches using hooks and calls to action to spontaneous content creation. Consumer engagement remained largely at a responsive or interaction level rather than progressing toward long – term relational engagement. The study concluded that while digital marketing communication has positively impacted sales and consumer interest, implementation has not yet fully adhered to IMC principles of integration, consistency, and strategic sustainability. Practical and policy recommendations are provided for MSME actors, platform managers, and local government.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijssh

Publisher

Subject

Arts Environmental Science Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

(IJSSH). It is an international refereed journal in english published four monthly (every February, June, and October). The IJSSH is an international peer-reviewed, electronic, online journal in english that provides rapid publication of articles in all areas of the social science, humanity and ...