The Blueprint for Creating Creative Ads: Actionable Insights

January 14, 2025

The Blueprint for Creating Creative Ads

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has become a hub for creativity, especially in the fields of film production and advertising. With the support of Vision 2030, we now have an environment brimming with opportunities for creatives who wish to deliver their ideas in ways that inspire and touch hearts. Whether you're producing a simple ad or a massive campaign, creativity has become the key differentiator in the Saudi market.

What is Creative Advertising?

Creative ads are more than just a video promoting a product or service; they are a complete experience that engages the audience, makes them think, and sometimes even moves them emotionally. The idea is not just to show the product, but to deliver a powerful message that speaks to people's feelings in a way that they won't forget.

Why Are Creative Ads Important?

In Saudi Arabia, our audience is incredibly diverse:

The youth in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah are drawn to modern and trendy things.
Communities in villages and smaller towns are more connected to heritage and traditional values.

Thus, creative advertising is the only way to strike a balance between these cultures and deliver your message in a way that resonates with everyone.

The Difference Between Creative Ads and Ordinary Ads

Ordinary Ads:

Direct in style, lacking innovation.
Primarily focused on selling the product.
Often forgettable, leaving no emotional impact.

Creative Ads:

Rely on storytelling: A story that engages the audience and helps them relate to the message.
Use modern techniques: Cinematic visuals and music that reflect the spirit of the ad.
Focus on values and culture that connect with the local audience.

A Simple Example: Imagine an ad about Saudi coffee. An ordinary ad might just show the product. But a creative ad would feature a family gathered in a traditional house, with a warm atmosphere, showcasing Saudi hospitality, and music reflecting the essence of heritage. This kind of ad leaves a lasting impression and connects the audience emotionally with your product.

6 Steps to Create Ads That Inspire the Saudi Audience

1. Understand Your Audience

The foundation of any successful ad is a clear understanding of the people it’s meant to reach. Start by asking essential questions:

Who are they?
What problems do they face?
What motivates them?

Relatable Example: Imagine a production house creating a commercial for a luxury watch brand. The audience might include high-income professionals who value status and craftsmanship. By highlighting the precision and legacy of the product, you appeal directly to their desires.

Actionable Insight: Develop detailed audience profiles, often called personas. Include demographic information, lifestyle preferences, and purchasing behaviors. Tools like focus groups, customer interviews, and market research reports can provide deeper insights into audience expectations.

2. Define Your Objective

Every ad must serve a clear and measurable purpose. Are you building brand awareness, promoting a product, or telling a brand story? A well-defined objective ensures that every creative decision aligns with your goal

Pro Tip: Use the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to set objectives. For example, a production house might aim to deliver a commercial that increases brand recall by 20% within three months of airing.

Actionable Insight: Collaborate with clients to ensure the ad’s objective aligns with their broader marketing goals. Clear communication during pre-production avoids misaligned expectations.

3. Craft a Strong Creative Brief

A creative brief is your roadmap for the production process. It aligns all stakeholders on the ad’s purpose, target audience, tone, and core message. This document saves time and minimizes revisions by setting clear expectations from the start.

Structure of a Creative Brief:

Objective: Define what the ad should achieve.
Target Audience: Specify who the ad is for.
Key Message: Identify the central idea you want to communicate.
Desired Action: Detail what you want viewers to do after seeing the ad.
Budget and Timeline: Outline constraints and deadlines.

Actionable Insight: Keep the creative brief concise but comprehensive. Including visual references or mood boards can help convey the intended tone and style.

4. Leverage Stunning Visuals and Cinematic Techniques

Production houses have the unique advantage of creating visually stunning content that captivates audiences. High-quality visuals are a non-negotiable for impactful advertisements. This includes everything from set design and lighting to camera angles and post-production effects.

Example: A beverage brand ad shot with slow-motion sequences and vibrant color grading not only showcases the product but also evokes a sense of luxury and indulgence.

Actionable Insight: Invest in cutting-edge equipment and software to elevate production quality. Experiment with techniques like drone cinematography, time-lapse, and motion graphics to create visually dynamic content.

5. The Art of Storytelling

Great ads are not just about showcasing a product but weaving a narrative that connects emotionally with the audience. Storytelling humanizes brands and makes them memorable.

Example: A production house creating an ad for an automotive brand might focus on the journey of a family road trip, emphasizing themes of reliability and adventure

Actionable Insight : Use the three-act storytelling structure:

Setup: Introduce the setting and characters.
Conflict: Highlight a challenge or problem.
Resolution: Show how the product or service solves the problem.
6. Prioritize Sound Design and Music

Sound is a critical but often overlooked component of impactful advertising. The right soundtrack, sound effects, and voiceovers can enhance the emotional resonance of your ad.

Example: Think of iconic jingles like Intel’s five-note tune or the suspenseful background music in a car safety ad. These elements make the ad more memorable and engaging.

Actionable Insight: Collaborate with professional composers and sound designers to create audio that complements the visuals. Ensure that dialogue and voiceovers are clear and emotionally impactful.

Case Study: Filmology’s Creative Excellence

Filmology Production House in Saudi Arabia has mastered the art of blending creativity with cultural relevance. One of their standout campaigns featured local landmarks to celebrate Saudi heritage, connecting deeply with the audience while promoting their clients’ services. By leveraging stunning visuals and authentic storytelling, Filmology delivered an ad that was both impactful and memorable.

Lesson: Align your creative strategy with the audience’s values and cultural context. Incorporating familiar symbols and themes fosters a stronger connection with viewers.

Building Long-Term Relationships Through Ads

Advertising is not just about immediate conversions; it’s about building trust and fostering long-term relationships. Ads that provide value—whether through education, entertainment, or inspiration—are more likely to create lasting brand loyalty.

Example: A production house could create a series of educational ads for a skincare brand, focusing on proper skincare routines rather than just promoting products. This positions the brand as a trusted authority.

Actionable Insight: Collaborate with brands to develop multi-phase campaigns that nurture customer relationships over time. Consistency in messaging and quality builds credibility.

Future Trends in Production Advertising

The landscape of advertising is constantly evolving. Staying ahead means embracing new technologies and creative approaches. Emerging trends include:

Virtual Production: Leveraging LED walls and real-time rendering to create immersive environments without costly on-location shoots.
Interactive Content: Ads that allow viewers to engage, such as choosing different story outcomes or exploring 360-degree videos.
Sustainability Messaging: Highlighting eco-friendly initiatives resonates with modern audiences who value sustainability.

Actionable Insight: Invest in training and tools that align with these trends. For example, adopting virtual production technology can streamline workflows and enhance creative possibilities.

Quick Quiz: How Well Do You Know Your Audience?

Can you identify three key aspirations of your target audience?
Do you know which types of visuals resonate most with them?
Have you aligned your ad’s tone and style with their preferences?

If you answered “No” to any of these, revisit your pre-production research to strengthen your foundation.

FAQs

Conclusion: Elevating Creative Advertising

For production houses, creating impactful ads is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about telling stories that resonate, leveraging advanced technology, and delivering impeccable quality. By understanding your audience, refining your creative processes, and staying ahead of industry trends, you can produce ads that leave a lasting impression.

Explore more insights and success stories on Filmology’s Blog to continue your journey in mastering the art of creative advertising.