Introduction
In Jordan, the demand for aerial footage has been growing rapidly across sectors like media, tourism, real estate, and environmental monitoring. Recognizing the challenges and opportunities within this niche, I launched Drone in Jordan (DIJ), a first-of-its-kind online marketplace that connects buyers with licensed drone pilots. DIJ simplifies the process of obtaining high-quality aerial footage, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative to the traditional methods that can be time-consuming and costly.
A major milestone in our journey came when we received a 20,000 Euro grant from EU’s BIG by Orange program, an initiative supporting innovative startups with high growth potential. This grant provided essential resources for platform development, marketing, and operational enhancements, accelerating our ability to launch and grow DIJ.
The Problem: Barriers in Accessing Aerial Footage
High Costs and Complex Permits
Obtaining drone footage in Jordan previously required costly permits, with fees around 500 JOD, often out of reach for individual content creators or small businesses. Additionally, navigating the permitting process could take up to 72 hours, creating hurdles for those needing timely aerial content.
Limited Access and Monetization Opportunities
The existing challenges limited the availability of high-quality aerial footage for local creators, media agencies, and businesses. Furthermore, drone operators had few channels to monetize their work, constraining the growth of the creative and commercial sectors in Jordan.
The Solution: Drone in Jordan (DIJ) – A Marketplace for Aerial Footage
Streamlined Access and Cost-Effective Services
Drone in Jordan was designed to address these barriers, providing a user-friendly marketplace where customers can access licensed drone footage affordably and quickly. By offering a variety of purchasing options—one-time payments, packages, or subscriptions—DIJ makes it accessible for a broad range of clients.
Revenue Model
Registered pilots earn 60% of each sale, while DIJ retains 40%, creating a fair revenue-sharing model that incentivizes high-quality footage. This setup has empowered photographers, videographers, and content creators by offering them a platform for sustainable income.
Leveraging the EU BIG by Orange Grant for Growth
Receiving the 20,000 Euro grant from BIG by Orange was transformative for DIJ. With these funds, we were able to:
- Enhance Platform Development: Invested in a robust, user-friendly platform with advanced search and customization features.
- Strengthen Marketing Efforts: Launched digital marketing campaigns to increase brand awareness and expand our reach across Jordan.
- Support Pilot Training and Compliance: Sponsored training and regulatory compliance workshops for drone operators, ensuring quality and adherence to local regulations.
This support from the EU not only provided financial assistance but validated DIJ as a high-potential startup, opening doors for additional partnerships and industry recognition.
How DIJ Works: Connecting Clients and Pilots Seamlessly
1. Efficient Booking Process
DIJ’s online platform allows users to browse, book, and pay for footage without dealing with the logistical challenges of permits and lengthy approvals. By registering and uploading content, drone operators make their footage available to clients across industries.
2. Customizable Access
Clients can tailor their purchases according to their needs, whether they’re media agencies requiring ongoing access to new footage or tourism companies seeking specific visuals. This flexibility has broadened DIJ’s appeal to a wide audience, from students and NGOs to government agencies.
Target Market and Unique Value Proposition
Media and Advertising: For media agencies and advertising firms, DIJ offers a streamlined way to integrate captivating aerial footage into their productions, saving time and resources.
Tourism Sector: Tourism companies utilize DIJ to showcase Jordan’s natural beauty, enhancing their marketing efforts and attracting global tourists.
Real Estate and NGOs: Real estate developers and NGOs benefit from easy access to aerial visuals for monitoring and promotional needs.
Through these sectors, DIJ has solidified its position as a vital asset in Jordan’s creative and commercial industries, filling a critical market gap.
Key Achievements and Market Impact
1. Expanded Access to Aerial Content
Since its inception, DIJ has provided affordable access to high-quality drone footage, lowering the entry barrier for local content creators and small businesses. This access has enriched the content landscape in Jordan, supporting creative projects and enhancing commercial outputs across sectors.
2. Empowering Jordan’s Drone Industry
DIJ has contributed to the growth of the drone industry by supporting local drone operators. By creating a dedicated marketplace, DIJ has helped turn drone operation into a viable business opportunity, fostering innovation and encouraging more talent to enter the field.
3. Efficiency and Speed
With DIJ’s streamlined platform, clients can obtain footage within a short timeframe, a significant improvement over the traditional 72-hour process. This efficiency is particularly valuable for media and production teams working under tight deadlines.
4. Supporting Sustainable Tourism and Environmental Monitoring
DIJ’s footage is often used in tourism and environmental sectors, where visual documentation is essential. By promoting Jordan’s landscapes responsibly and supporting environmental initiatives, DIJ plays a role in sustainable tourism and conservation efforts.
Challenges and How DIJ Overcomes Them
Building Brand Recognition
As a new business, DIJ initially faced challenges in establishing brand awareness. To overcome this, DIJ focused on targeted digital marketing campaigns, content creation, and partnerships with industry influencers, ensuring that our platform became recognized among our target market.
Regulatory Compliance
Navigating the regulations surrounding drone usage in Jordan required careful coordination with government bodies. DIJ established strong relationships with regulatory agencies, ensuring compliance and paving the way for smoother operations for both clients and drone operators.
Competing with Stock Libraries and Freelancers
To differentiate itself from stock libraries and freelance operators, DIJ emphasizes convenience, quality, and customization. Our platform offers clients a curated, reliable source for aerial footage while providing drone operators with a revenue-sharing model, creating value for both sides.
Conclusion: The Future of Aerial Footage in Jordan with DIJ
Drone in Jordan represents a new era in Jordan’s aerial footage industry, providing efficient, cost-effective, and accessible solutions for a growing range of clients. With the support of the EU BIG by Orange grant, DIJ has been able to accelerate its growth, improve its platform, and strengthen its impact on Jordan’s creative and commercial landscape. As we continue to grow, we’re excited to bring even more innovation to Jordan’s drone industry, supporting creative expression, commercial success, and sustainable development.