What Does a Marketing Agency Actually Do?

“So what, exactly, do you do?”

If you work for a marketing agency, you hear this question all the time. Blame Don Draper and AMC, but there’s something about the advertising industry that intrigues people. It’s smart. Sleek. Sexy (sometimes). And it’s filled with charming, somewhat zany professionals who know how to market ice to an Eskimo.

And yet, to lump all ad agencies under one identity would be a farce; no two ad agencies are the same. While some focus on traditional advertising, other niche firms solely offer public relations, digital marketing or social media services. At Balcom, we do it all, because, well, if it doesn’t all work together, it doesn’t work.

So what, exactly, do we do at Balcom? Glad you asked.

We build brands.

BRANDING

Whether you’re a start-up looking to craft your identity from the ground up, or an established organization seeking to modernize your image, we help you build a memorable brand. We dig deep to get to know you through our signature B the Brand™ process. From there, we create a face and voice for your brand, from the logo to the font to the way we tell your story. We show people who you are, what you do and how you’re different from competitors, so others will know and love your brand.

We make great things happen.

ADVERTISING

We get all up in your business. Meaning, we want to know where your organization has been, where you are and where you want to go. Then, we craft the message that needs to be heard, and determine how and where it should be heard. From traditional advertising (like magazines and TV ads) to out-of-home media (like billboards and bus wraps) to online display and search ads, we consider all your media options, then design a marketing plan that meets your goals.

We open doors.

INTERACTIVE

Buyers complete 57-90 percent of the buying process before they speak to the company. That’s why we work to make sure you’re optimizing your online presence and making the sale before consumers even walk in the door. We design, build and manage dynamic, user-friendly websites; create email campaigns; produce e-newsletters; and use search engine optimization (SEO) to help you cut through the digital clutter to reach your target audience.

We amplify stories.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

We share your stories and news in a way that makes others want to share them, too. We can train you to represent yourself to the media. And we help manage a crisis should it ever arise. Ultimately, we help sharpen your public image in order to speak clearly to consumers and earn their respect.

We engage consumers.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Gone are the days when advertising was a one-way monologue. Today’s successful brands are the ones having two-way conversations with their consumers. We help you establish, grow and manage communities on social media – from Facebook and Twitter to LinkedIn, Pinterest and Instagram – and engage followers with meaningful content. In essence, we help build relationships and increase brand loyalty.

So now you know what a “full-service” advertising agency does. Well, at least what this one does. Want to learn more? Give us a shout. We don’t just welcome questions. We love them.