Promoting SMEs in Pacific Island Countries Through Effective Marketing Strategies

Abstract

This study provides the first systematic review of the different marketing strategies used for promoting SMEs in Pacific Island Countries (PICs). Literature published in high-ranked management journals was reviewed in this area using PRISMA guidelines published between 2000 to 2020. The study identifies three major marketing communication strategies useful for SMEs in the PICs: digital marketing strategies, market orientation strategies and experience based marketing strategies. Further, this study includes a detailed future research agenda under these three major themes. The digital marketing strategies are divided further into social media marketing strategies, blogs, and company websites. Market orientation strategies were categorised as the role of infrastructure development and the role of innovation. The experience-based marketing is another marketing strategy to attract customers (Nair & Chelliah, 2012a). For example, it is identified through the literature that PICs can focus more on cultural festivals and cruise ship markets.