Creative Vs. Marketing agencies
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CREATIVE AND MARKETING AGENCIES?
By Terri WiIliams
Creative agencies focus on creativity and design and they are mostly in charge of creating content and branding materials. Marketing agencies emphasize strategy and promotion, using different channels such as digital marketing, advertising, and public relations to advertise products and services. Note that some agencies specialize in both creative and marketing services.
Industry researchers, IBISWorld reports that 26.9% of business is done online - being online is not only about attracting more attention to your brand but also about efficiently doing business. With the burgeoning importance of online presence, digital marketing services are in demand. Services such as:
- Email marketing
- Content marketing
- Influencer marketing
With fierce competition in all fields, businesses are always seeking innovative ways to stand out and connect with their audience. But do you know what they do or why hiring an agency could benefit your enterprise?
Benefits of Choosing a Full-Service Creative Agency
- Streamlined Communication and Collaboration
- Consistency in Branding and Messaging
- Cost-Effectiveness
- Access to a Diverse Skill Set
- Access to Specialized Tools and Technologies
- Faster Turnaround Time
Marketing agencies or firms on the other hand develop marketing strategies, branding, solutions marketing, digital marketing strategies, content marketing, and more. A full-service marketing or creative agency can be a complete solution for your marketing and advertising needs depending on which areas you want to explore.
Even businesses with in-house creative agencies, hire creative firms to enhance their marketing and branding through inventive and creative ideas. Bringing fresh perspectives, high quality content that sells, and inspired strategies while maximizing time and resources.
NAICS AND SIC CODES FOR CREATIVE AND MARKETING SERVICES
Creative Agencies
NAICS
541810 -Advertising Agencies, 541820 - Public Relations Agencies, 541830 - Media Buying Agencies, 541840 - Media Representatives,
541890 - Other Services Related to Advertising, 541430- Commercial art services 541890 - Sign lettering and painting services
SIC
7311001 - Advertising Agencies, 7311008 - Digital Media & Online Advertising, 7319014 - Interactive Media Advertising , 8999008 - Writers, 8999014 - Commercial & Literary Writings
Marketing
NAICS
541613 Marketing Consulting Services
SIC
7311012 - Content Marketing, 7311011 - Email Marketing, 8742002 - Marketing Consultants, 7311014 - Mobile Device Marketing, 8111039 - Legal Marketing
Ecommerce
7 WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR E-COMMERCE BUSINESS
Small and medium sized businesses that sell online have had success when they've announced a new product on their website and social media platforms but are finding it challenging to get prospective customers to come to their site to browse and ultimately buy regularly. Below are some of the ways businesses who sell products online can increase traffic that will help build sales.
1) Brands can share hacks and UGCs user generated content. User generated content is trusted more than ad copy according to the Nielsen Consumer Trust Index which states that 92% of consumers trust organic, user-generated content more than advertising.
2) Post and maintain your online presence regularly. Frequent posts are very important for driving traffic to your site.
3) Share time-limited promos and offers. For example, feature cool product rebates or discounts.
4) Kick off a loyalty program. Simply following the brand on their social media will rack up points. You can also earn points by buying products or referring friends. What could make good points prizes for your customers?
5) Celebrate holidays and events throughout the year. If your product or service has good gifting potential, holiday promotions might be a good way to increase sales.
6) Experiment with experiential marketing. With online businesses, the internet is your greatest helper. Virtual events and workshops are a wonderful way of reaching your customer base.
7) Sharpen up your email marketing skills. Email is another space to connect. You can provide personalized valuable insights through email. This is the perfect space to give a behind-the-scenes look at how your products are made or other interesting information to encourage sales.
Consumer Trust Building
7 WAYS TO INCREASE CONSUMER TRUST
Building trust with customers is essential and a necessary part of an ethical marketplace. It is also key to boosting loyalty and ultimately your bottom line.
Businesses and consumers benefit from genuine customer reviews because it helps them make informed decisions about where to spend their dollars and gives businesses a chance to improve or maintain their reputation.
Customer trust is dependent on a company’s ability to tap into the human experience and form an emotional connection with customers by displaying thoughtfulness, openness, honesty, and reliability. Reviews offer a chance to address shortcomings and rebuild trust.
Bad reviews can happen to any brand, it is how your company responds that matters. Potential customers are not just reading what others have to say about your business; they also read how you reply to that feedback.
Here are some tips for handling consumer trust issues related to your business:
1) Make outstanding customer service a priority. Mutually sales and support teams can develop customer trust by establishing high service standards. Delivering unique experiences by personalizing interactions with your customers will make consumers feel more engaged. Businesses that take the information they have about them and use it to improve their experience will leave a lasting impression. From using their preferred method of engagement or offering specific recommendations based on their prior purchases, these good impressions are invaluable to building loyalty, trust, and a sterling online reputation.
2) Respond promptly to negative reviews. Prospective customers consider the newest reviews to be the most relevant and accurate, and they could interpret a lack of response as a business's lack of interest in a customer's concerns. Consistently check reviews on various websites, so you can quickly respond to negative comments, but it is also important to respond to positive reviews, as that shows appreciation.
3) Be respectful when responding to negative comments. You should avoid making denials or excuses, even if you have a different viewpoint. Recognize their concerns, apologize for the error, and demonstrate that you value customer feedback as an opportunity for you to improve.
4) Be sure to claim your business profiles. Claiming your profiles on as many platforms as possible will allow you to respond to comments and reviews. On certain platforms, managing your profile includes being able to appeal negative reviews.
5) Tell the customer how to contact you. Responding online is important, but it can feel impersonal for the customer. When you talk to a customer one on one, they'll know that you genuinely listened to their concerns. This also gives your company a chance to reach a resolution that makes both you and the customer satisfied.
6) Encourage customers to leave reviews on Trustpilot, Google and BBB.org. Customers can post feedback about marketplace experiences with businesses, brands, and charities. Trustpilot, Google and BBB.org reviews can be verified and responded to by your business’ team members and in the case of the Better Business Bureau may be sent to the business before they are published online.
7) Concentrate on an emotional connection over a transactional one to improve customer trust. Put your most empathetic foot forward because customers increasingly want empathy from companies. To establish and deepen those connections with your customers, become familiar with their needs, respect their opinions, and practice responsiveness. In the digital age with increased accessibility, you can be sure people will see your genuine and compassionate approach.