Relying Only on Ads Isn’t Marketing It’s Burning Money

The story we’ve all seen:

There’s a business owner who worked hard on his product, perfected the packaging, and has a ready online store…

But there are no sales.

Then comes a “marketing expert” who says:
"Just give me a budget, and I’ll make orders pour in for you."

He asks:
"Okay, how?"

The expert replies:
"We’ll run an ad campaign on Instagram and Snapchat, reach your audience, and you’ll start seeing results within 48 hours."

No plan, no content, no strategy – just direct ads.

Of course, the business owner gets excited, pays… and gets disappointed.

Where’s the problem?

What many people don’t realize is that an ad alone isn’t enough.
If it were enough, everyone would be millionaires.

Ads are just a tool…

But without a strong marketing foundation, it’s like pouring water into a sieve.

Real examples of overreliance on ads:

Example 1:

A perfume store runs a campaign with a 10,000 SAR budget, and the ad reaches a wide audience, but…

The real difference: Ads vs Marketing

Ads:

• Deliver the same message repeatedly without adaptation.
• Reach your audience, but not necessarily the right one.
• Require some understanding of the market, but usually not in-depth.
• Work as a short-term tool, bringing visitors quickly.
• Need a budget to function.
• Bring visitors, but may not create lasting engagement or loyalty.

Marketing:

• Focuses on a long-term plan for growth.
• Delivers your unique message effectively to the right audience.
• Requires deep understanding of the market, competitors, and audience needs.
• Converts visitors into loyal customers through strategy.
• Builds a strong foundation for your business over time.
• Creates a meaningful experience that engages and retains customers.

So, what should actually happen?

1. Build a marketing foundation first:
2. • Understand your target audience
   • Know their pain points and what they are looking for
   • Create content that speaks to them
2. Prepare the platform:
3. • Your website or account should sell even before running ads
   • Everything must work in your favor: images, headlines, reviews, offers
3. Use ads to amplify your message:
4. • Once your message is clear and ready, ads become like a “microphone”
   • Then the money you spend on ads works effectively and generates returns

Key takeaway:

Ads without marketing are like a car without an engine… looks nice but doesn’t get anywhere.

Don’t believe anyone who says: "Put a budget and we’ll take off." Ask first:

• What do you understand about my business?
• What is my message?
• What is the content plan?
• What customer experience will you build on?

If they can’t answer… they’re not a marketer, just someone rushing for your wallet.