Published by Sue Johns-Chapman
Published Date 21.01.2026 
Author: Jayesh Jain, MENA Search Awards Judge.
Having had the privilege of reviewing outstanding entries for the MENA Search Awards, I’ve seen firsthand the level of creativity, technical expertise, and innovation that search professionals bring to the table. At the same time, I’ve noticed that many agencies—especially smaller ones—hesitate to enter, often unsure if their work meets the mark. However, some of the biggest winners in recent years started as small agencies that showcased strong strategies and meaningful results.
Great work happens at all levels, and every agency has a story worth sharing.
Tips for Crafting a Strong MENA Search Awards Entry
1. Tell a Compelling Story with Data
A winning submission does more than list tactics—it tells a story of challenges, solutions, and results. A well-structured entry will clearly outline:
- The initial problem or opportunity
- The strategy and approach
- The execution and challenges faced
- The final results and impact
2. Focus on Business Impact, Not Just Rankings
Entries that highlight tangible business outcomes—such as increased revenue, lower acquisition costs, or improved customer engagement—stand out.
Example: A local hospitality brand improved direct bookings by 40% after restructuring their SEO strategy, reducing dependency on OTAs (online travel agencies). This approach not only improved rankings but also drove real revenue impact, making it a strong award entry.
3. Demonstrate Innovation & Creativity
Judges appreciate innovative thinking. Whether it’s using AI for content personalization, pioneering voice search optimization, or integrating SEO with offline marketing, unique strategies make an entry memorable.
4. Provide Clear Before-and-After Metrics
Use concrete data to illustrate success. Instead of saying, “We increased organic traffic,” show specific numbers like:
❌ Before: 5,000 organic visitors per month
✅ After: 12,000 organic visitors per month (+140% growth in six months)
5. Showcase Technical SEO Excellence
While creativity matters, strong technical SEO—like site speed improvements, Core Web Vitals optimization, and structured data implementation—can make a big difference in rankings and user experience.
6. Invest Time in Writing a Strong Submission
Many great campaigns don’t win simply because the submission wasn’t well-crafted. Take the time to:
• Write clearly and concisely
• Include visuals, data charts, and testimonials as supporting documentation
• Avoid overuse of jargon—make it accessible to judges from various backgrounds
Final Thoughts: Take the Leap and Share Your Work
Entering awards isn’t just about winning—it’s about gaining recognition, learning from industry peers, and showcasing the impact of search marketing in the region. Even if you don’t win, participating helps refine your strategy, improve visibility, and attract new business opportunities.
If you’re considering entering the MENA Search Awards, I highly encourage you to go for it. Every agency, regardless of size, has valuable insights and success stories to share. And if you need guidance on crafting a strong submission, feel free to reach out to the team at Don’t Panic who are there to help!
