You're Ignoring the $3.7B Marketing Secret Fuelling Red Bull's Global Domination

Red Bull pours roughly 30% of its revenue (about $3.7B) into marketing. If that’s good enough for them, why are so many small businesses treating marketing as an afterthought?

Most SME’s see marketing as a glorified admin person posting on Instagram or organising a photographer, in reality, this $70,000+ commitment is costing you more than it makes.

Worse yet, if you see marketing as something you do only if money is left over you may be creating a terminal issue that will impact the long-term success of your business.

“I don’t see enough ROI”

One major barrier is the difficulty in measuring marketing ROI. It’s not always a clear-cut calculation and often, returns aren’t immediate.

For example, luxury brands in airports. These stores often act as a loss leader, investing heavily to boost brand equity, even if it doesn’t translate directly into instant sales.

I’m not saying that you should replicate this exact approach, but similar principles can work on a smaller scale. The key is focusing on long-term growth and brand recognition, understanding that solid marketing often pays off in ways that aren’t immediately quantifiable.

The Unfortunate Reality

A low bar has been set, where “marketing experts” really have no skill aside from social media being the answer to everything. True marketing should use data to understand your audience and execute mixed strategies based on your bespoke goals.

Why people know Apple, Coca-Cola & Red Bull

Global market leaders see marketing as a priority, not an extra cost. It acts as the engine that drives growth, even above innovation. Studies show that companies with robust marketing strategies grow revenue up to 260% faster than those that rely solely on a good product.

If Red Bull is investing billions to maintain global leadership, it’s because they know that marketing isn’t just about flashy photos - it’s about a comprehensive strategy that includes:

• Email Campaigns

• Strategy & Planning

• Data & Analytics

• SEO & Content Marketing

• Engaging Video & Design

• Smart PR Initiatives

Each element plays a vital role in building a brand that stands out and drives sustainable growth.

Our Approach

At Apol, we don’t just tell you to “get on Instagram!” We start with a tailored strategy based on research and execute targeted campaigns that fit your budget and goals. Our work isn’t about quick fixes - it’s about building a long-term, effective marketing engine that drives results.