AI Magazine Issue 7 2018

82 Acquisition International - Issue 7 2018 Strada Media Nigeria Ltd is an alternative media and outdoor advertising firm based in Lagos, Nigeria. Acquisition International Magazine awarded Strada Media the title of Most Outstanding Alternative Media Firm in the ongoing 2018 Global Excellence Awards in June. Following the win, we spoke to the Managing Director of Strada Media, Amaka Okolo, to find out more about this innovative firm and how they have changed the media landscape in Nigeria, and across western Africa. rimarily working within the financial, real estate, education, telecoms and e-commerce sectors, Strada Media has made its name as one of the leading alternative media advertising firms working in western Africa. Established in 2012, Strada Media has built on their understanding of what makes brands work in the area – it’s an expertise that has set them apart from their competitors and challengers over the last six years. According to Amaka, this is, in truth, only a small element of their success: “Like a great chess player, you must always think multiple steps ahead. The advertising and communications industry is constantly changing. The advent of social media, digital advertising and IOT present a different paradigm of value-based advertising. Brands are asking very different questions now such as; how do we measure our campaign? Can we serve relevant ads at the right time? Can you confirm we are communicating with the right target audience?” This change in client expectations, has led to an arms race, of sorts, as media companies compete for the next big development in the sector – driven by a need to see who can capitalise on the latest technology the fastest. Amaka continues, “The advertising and communications industry is not for the complacent, nor is it for firms who are not willing to change to suit the times. Advertising firms who can adapt quickly in these ever-changing times will succeed while others will be forced out completely. The key therefore is to be as meticulous as possible, research new platforms, test them out, confirm measurability of the platforms before presenting them to brands as paid forms of advertising.” Nigeria is an area where this proves to be particularly difficult – a fast-growing economy has fuelled investment in the area, and sparked swift technological innovation. This adaptability has proven to be a crucial indicator of business success in the region. Adaptability is in Strada Media’s blood, an intrinsic quality that is evident in every project they undertake. Company: Strada Media Nigeria Limited Address: 6 Awoyemi Close, off Ogunlana Drive, Surulere Lagos, Nigeria Web: www.stradalimited.com Phone: 00234 80 6215 6210 Driving Engagement with Your Future Clients P 1807AI49 This is also clear when Strada Media undertakes new clients. Amaka elaborates on their approach, “The first thing we do when undertaking a new project or when we get a brief from a client is to create a project goals document. This document outlines clearly what the project deliverables are, the timelines, the risk, the opportunities, the cost, what our client goals are, the outcomes they expect from us, their competitors and most importantly, the characteristics and perceptions of their target audiences. We do all this while keeping an eye on the timeframe, budget and resources that are available to us.” “Although often overlooked, one reason we succeed at our projects and can boast of a 95% customer satisfaction ratio is because we identify as many risks to our project as possible, and get prepared for any unforeseen eventualities and communicate same to our clients. Upon completion of campaigns, we request and set-up campaign review meetings where we analyse campaign objectives, the achieved results, and get feedback from the clients. These meetings are crucial to our existence as a company as we discuss elaborately our role as regards executed campaigns, roadblocks experienced, learning curves and areas for improvements.” Further, Amaka takes the time to credit her team for their role with Strada Media’s enduring success, “I think I am one of the few lucky ones who is blessed with having employees I can count on. The key for me is that I have learnt to effectively delegate both the responsibility for completing assignments and the authority required to get things done.” The Global Excellence Awards were launched to recognise the exemplary sector-defining work of firms across all sectors, around the world. From legal experts to wellness practitioners, Acquisition International recognises those that go above and beyond, exceeding their client’s expectations, and delivering outstanding results. Strada Media encapsulates the spirit of the awards, driving the future of the media and marketing sectors in the region. Driving Engagement with Your Future Clients