For a high-end retailer, we identified that Snapchat and Instagram significantly outperformed Meta for interaction and purchases, leading to a intentional redistribution of effort that enhanced overall performance by over one hundred fifty percent.
After my pricey education in what DOESN'T work, I've realized that finding the top marketing partner isn't about who has the fanciest office or the smoothest presentation. It's about performance, interaction, and comprehending the unique Saudi market.
I presently utilize several applications that have substantially enhanced our competitive landscape analysis research:
- Search analysis platforms to analyze competitors' search rankings
- Mention tracking tools to track competition's online presence
- Site monitoring tools to monitor modifications to their websites
- Email capture to receive their campaigns
Helping a restaurant chain, we established a technique where influencers authentically presented products into their daily lives rather than producing clear promotions. This strategy produced response metrics two hundred eighteen percent greater than traditional promotional material.
Last quarter, a skincare retailer allocated 300,000 SAR in standard promotion with limited returns. After redirecting just 25% of that spending to influencer marketing, they saw a dramatic increase in conversions.
I dedicate at least 120 minutes each Monday reviewing our competitors':
- Website architecture and UX
- Articles and posting schedule
- Online platforms activity
- Client testimonials and ratings
- SEO tactics and performance
- Clear reporting systems - My biggest frustration with my previous agency was the smoke and mirrors around results. Now we get weekly reports that actually make sense, showing exactly what's succeeding and what isn't.
A few months ago, a shop network spent over 200,000 SAR in traditional marketing with minimal returns. After moving just 30% of that budget to handheld promotion, they saw a 328% improvement in foot traffic.
A while back, I was sitting in this elegant office in Riyadh (you know, one of those places with the floor-to-ceiling windows and pretentious modern art), listening as an agency guaranteed me the world. Six months and 50K SAR later, our traffic had increased by a mere... wait for it... 3%. Not exactly the outcome I was anticipating! <20><><ED><A0><BE><ED>♂️
Initiate by identifying ALL your competitors – not just the obvious ones. In our investigation, we identified that our most significant threat wasn't the established brand we were monitoring, but a recent company with an unique strategy.
I'm running a small business meetup in Riyadh next month where we'll be exploring more about finding and working with marketing partners. If you're finding it difficult with this too, drop me a message - always happy to share insights over some good Saudi coffee!
- Verified local success stories - Not just generic case studies, but real results with Saudi businesses in your particular sector. When I interviewed our current agency, they showed me exactly how they helped a company similar to ours increase their Riyadh customer base by two hundred fifteen percent in 8 months.
When evaluating digital marketing services, don't be afraid to ask difficult questions. I've learned to directly ask: "Can I speak to your least satisfied client?" The responses to this question tell you THE COMPLETE STORY about an agency's ethics.
- Team members with recognized Industry Competitor Review qualifications
- Dedicated departments (not one person doing everything)
- Proper organizational structures
- Experience with Saudi compliance requirements and legal requirements
Listen, I've been through the frustrating experience of hiring the wrong marketing agency TWICE before at last finding one that provided results. Trust me, it's a blunder you don't want to make when building your brand in Saudi Arabia's challenging market.
Six months into business, our sales were disappointing. It wasn't until I chanced upon a comprehensive study about our market sector that I discovered how blind I'd been to the market realities around us.
During a marketing workshop in Khobar last month, I was surprised when a business owner told me he was paying 5000 SAR monthly to his "digital expert" who turned out to be a university student running campaigns from his bedroom! No judgment on hustling students, but industry qualifications and education matter enormously in this field.
- Local knowledge - This is HUGE and often overlooked. Saudi consumers respond to completely different approaches than Western audiences. The top marketing firm will understand nuances like the importance of Ramadan campaigns, regional preferences across different Saudi cities, and how to engage effectively with the Saudi demographic you're targeting.
I use a basic tracker to monitor our competitors' costs adjustments on a regular basis. This has already helped us to:
- Identify periodic price reductions
- Recognize special offer approaches
- Grasp their cost structure