Digital Marketing in Africa: hiring right, thinking creatively and partnering for success
In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses in Africa are witnessing a paradigm shift in marketing practices, says Yannick Kabangu, commercial director for sub-Saharan Africa at Adform. Kabangu adds that with the exponential growth of online platforms and social media usage, the digital marketing landscape has become more competitive than ever.
Furthermore, the role of advertising technology and consulting firms in shaping effective digital advertising strategies cannot be underestimated. Here’s the importance of strategic hiring and creative input while examining the evolving role of advertising technology and consulting firms in the African digital advertising scene.
Hiring right in digital marketing
According to a study by Deloitte in 2021 (The State of Talent in the Digital Marketing Industry), 87% of successful digital marketing campaigns were attributed to hiring the right talent.
This highlights the critical need for businesses in Africa to invest in identifying and recruiting skilled professionals who understand both the nuances of digital platforms and the diverse African consumer landscape.
The availability of digital marketing talent in Africa has been increasing, with more individuals embracing the field as a viable career option. However, organisations need to focus on nurturing and retaining this talent through comprehensive training programs, competitive compensation and a conducive work environment.
A study conducted by McKinsey & Company found that top-performing marketing teams were more likely to experience 5.3 times higher revenue growth compared to their industry peers.
In the African context, where digital marketing is rapidly gaining traction, hiring the right talent becomes crucial for success. Businesses should prioritise recruiting professionals with a deep understanding of:
- the African market
- consumer behaviour, and
- local cultural nuances.
Kabangu says that during a recent trip to Kenya, he was genuinely impressed by the profound understanding displayed by various agencies regarding the capabilities of different advertising technology solutions and their potential to elevate campaign performance.
A particularly striking example was an independent agency that leveraged the Adform Demand Side Platform to achieve unparalleled results for a financial services client. They skillfully combined click-to-SMS tracking capabilities, localised creativity and effective optimisation tactics — leading to exceptional campaign performance.
This experience further underscores the critical importance of finding and nurturing the right talents in the digital marketing industry.
Harnessing creative input
African cultures are rich in storytelling and artistic expression. Storytelling and visual appeal hold immense significance and creative input becomes even more valuable. By harnessing the creativity ingrained in the continent’s diverse heritage, businesses can craft compelling narratives that resonate deeply with locals and foster authentic connections.
The role of advertising technology
The emergence of Advertising Technology (AdTech) has revolutionised digital marketing strategies. For businesses in Africa, investing in AdTech solutions is becoming increasingly essential as the region experiences a significant surge in internet penetration and smartphone usage.
AdTech tools offer advanced targeting capabilities, enabling businesses to reach the right audience with precision. According to a report by IAB Europe, businesses that leverage AdTech tools in their marketing efforts experience an average increase of 32% in return on advertising spend (ROAS).
In Africa, where budget optimisation is crucial, the use of AdTech can significantly impact the cost-effectiveness of digital advertising campaigns.
In recent years, Advertising Technology and consulting firms have played an increasingly vital role in digital advertising. These firms leverage cutting-edge technologies and data analytics to optimise ad targeting, audience segmentation and campaign performance.
According to a survey by Statista in 2022 (Trends in Digital Advertising Technology), 64% of businesses reported an improvement in their digital advertising ROI after partnering with such firms.
In conclusion, as the digital marketing landscape in Africa continues to evolve, the importance of hiring right and integrating creative input cannot be overstated.
Businesses that invest in recruiting skilled professionals and fostering collaboration between marketing and creative teams stand to gain a competitive advantage.
Moreover, collaboration with advertising technology and consulting firms can provide the necessary expertise to navigate the complex digital advertising landscape. By combining these elements effectively, businesses can unlock the full potential of digital marketing in Africa, driving growth, brand awareness and customer engagement to new heights.
Embracing these pillars of digital marketing will:
- empower businesses to connect with their audiences effectively
- foster brand loyalty, and
- drive sustained growth in this digital era.
For more information, visit www.site.adform.com. You can also follow Adform on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.
Hiring right in digital marketing
According to a study by Deloitte in 2021 (The State of Talent in the Digital Marketing Industry), 87% of successful digital marketing campaigns were attributed to hiring the right talent.
Harnessing creative input
African cultures are rich in storytelling and artistic expression. Storytelling and visual appeal hold immense significance and creative input becomes even more valuable. By harnessing the creativity ingrained in the continent’s diverse heritage, businesses can craft compelling narratives that resonate deeply with locals and foster authentic connections.
The role of advertising technology
The emergence of Advertising Technology (AdTech) has revolutionised digital marketing strategies. For businesses in Africa, investing in AdTech solutions is becoming increasingly essential as the region experiences a significant surge in internet penetration and smartphone usage.
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