How do you approach competitor analysis in the context of advertising?


 Theme: Competitor Analysis, Advertising Strategy  Role: Advertising Manager  Function: Marketing

  Interview Question for Advertising Manager:  See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Advertising Manager: Plans and executes advertising campaigns. This role falls within the Marketing function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here

 Sample Answer 


  Example response for question delving into Competitor Analysis, Advertising Strategy with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence

  •  Understanding the competitive landscape: I start by conducting thorough research to identify direct and indirect competitors in the advertising industry
  •  Analyzing competitor advertising strategies: I review competitor advertisements across various channels to understand their messaging, positioning, and creative approach
  •  Assessing competitor target audience: I analyze the target audience of competitors' advertisements to identify any gaps or opportunities in reaching specific customer segments
  •  Monitoring competitor media presence: I track competitors' media presence, including their online and offline advertising campaigns, to understand their overall brand visibility and market share
  •  Evaluating competitor strengths & weaknesses: I assess competitors' strengths and weaknesses in terms of their advertising strategies, creative execution, media selection, and overall brand positioning
  •  Identifying competitive advantages: Based on the analysis, I identify areas where our advertising can differentiate and outperform competitors, such as unique messaging, innovative channels, or superior creative execution
  •  Benchmarking performance metrics: I compare our advertising performance metrics, such as reach, engagement, and conversion rates, against competitors to gauge our effectiveness and identify areas for improvement
  •  Staying updated on industry trends: I continuously monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and new advertising platforms to ensure our strategies remain competitive and innovative
  •  Collaborating with cross-functional teams: I work closely with the marketing, sales, and product teams to align our advertising strategies with overall business objectives and leverage competitive insights for better decision-making

 Underlying Motivations 


  What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question

  •  Analytical skills: Assessing competitor strategies and tactics
  •  Industry knowledge: Understanding market trends and consumer behavior
  •  Strategic thinking: Identifying opportunities and differentiating our advertising approach
  •  Creativity: Developing innovative campaigns to stand out from competitors
  •  Results-oriented: Driving advertising effectiveness and ROI

 Potential Minefields 


  How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags

  •  Lack of knowledge: Not being familiar with competitors or their advertising strategies
  •  Negative attitude: Speaking negatively about competitors or their advertising efforts
  •  Lack of analysis: Not providing specific examples or data to support competitor analysis
  •  Limited scope: Focusing only on direct competitors and ignoring broader industry trends
  •  No actionable insights: Failing to identify opportunities or threats based on competitor analysis