Guest column: Be Bold, Stay Relevant: Ameer Ismail, PointNine Lintas

Communication agencies need to invest in big data and analytics, as the ability to navigate consumer habits individually will completely change the game

e4m by Ameer Ismail
Published: Apr 16, 2018 8:53 AM  | 4 min read

To say that the communications landscape is changing is a gross oversimplification. Over the past few years, driven by a rapidly evolving media landscape, technology developments and rising consumer expectations, communication agencies and holding companies are feeling the heat and are getting their best brains to figure out new models for sustained profitability and a longer term, relevant play.

Just last year, the industry was shocked to hear rumors that the world’s largest holding company was a possible takeover target. As surprising as these rumors were, perhaps the larger issue was the buyer - Accenture, a big consulting firm, which has been aggressively building up its marketing and communications capabilities. The convergence seems to be in the area of data and digital. Another member of the Big Four, Deloitte, has launched a digital creative consultancy, Deloitte Digital.

According to a joint report by M&A advisory firms Jegi and Clarity, almost half (48%) of advertising agencies acquired in 2017 were by companies from outside traditional marketing services groups, up from 41 per cent in 2016. Meanwhile, marketing consultancy R3, says that major consulting firms like Accenture, Deloitte, IBM, KPMG and McKinsey & Company invested more than $1.2 billion in agency acquisitions in 2017, a 134 per cent increase on 2016. This, more than anything, should be a wakeup call to agency heads about the very real challenge of increasing competition through investments and acquisitions.

Even as consulting firms like Accenture, IBM, PWC, Deloitte, Capgemini, etc., have been steadily building their marketing practice, both organically and through acquisition; holding companies have for the most part been resting on past laurels and turning a blind eye, either intentionally or otherwise, to a communication landscape that has completely transformed. Disaggregated service offerings make navigation a true challenge for clients and there is a growing viewpoint that the model of specialized business units and disciplines need to come together once again. We see some of this actually implemented across some large agency networks. The MullenLowe Lintas Group’s latest agency launch, PointNine Lintas, is India’s first omni-channel offering and our attempt be a solution to this conundrum.

Technology underlines everything today. New technologies like AI, AR, VR, etc. are revolutionizing the communications landscape. We are heading towards a world where the keyboard might become redundant and voice will become the primary interface for gadgets. Tried and tested formulas might no longer apply to this new world.

One thing that agencies need to do immediately is to invest in big data and analytics, as the ability to navigate consumer habits individually will completely change the game. All this needs to be coupled with great human intervention through bigger, bolder creative ideas. If communication agencies want to stay competitive and provide value to clients, this gap needs to be closed; and fast.

Some feel that data and creativity are always at odds but this does not need to be the case. Take the example of Spotify’s “Thanks 2016, it has been weird” campaign. Spotify created an entire global outdoor campaign based on insights gleaned from crunching user data. The result were quirky, yet, fun creatives that were also highly relevant. This is the perfect example of data-led insights utilized to fuel great creatives.

India still has some way to go before start seeing campaigns of this calibre but we can see the change in outlook even now and the wait should not be that long.

From the creative standpoint, we do some great work and it is getting better and bolder. Recently, brands have started getting out of their comfort zone to experiment with really bold concepts. A case in point is the ‘Move On’ campaign for Fastrack, especially, the TVCs released in 2013. The campaign has always had an edgy and provocative messaging and with the creative films; ‘Closet’, ‘Dining’ and ‘Live in’, Lowe Lintas and Fastrack pushed the envelope even further. ‘Closet’, which shows two girls coming out of a closet, adjusting their attire, was one of the first instances, if not the first, where an LGBT issue was addressed openly in an ad campaign.

As technology and new competition redefine traditional roles of agencies, it is not something to get agency folks worried. This sort of reinvention helps agencies stay relevant and if it requires putting aside our differences and collaborating for mutual growth, maybe it is something we can think about and take cohesive steps to move forward. As agencies, it is time for introspection but with an open mind, reassessment and bold work, agencies can continue to be an integral part of clients’ journey.

(The author is Chief Growth Officer, PointNine Lintas | President, GolinOpinion)

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not in any way represent the views of exchange4media.com.

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E4M Our strategy is to target younger audiences through Sports: Rajiv Dubey, Dabur

The Head of Media at Dabur India spoke exclusively to exchange4media on the World Cup, associating with Indian Idol, the company’s digital spending and much more

e4m by e4m Staff
Published: Oct 27, 2023 6:15 PM  | 1 min read
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With quirky campaigns, memes and moment marketing, timed with the ongoing World Cup and particularly the India-Pakistan matches, Dabur India has got considerable consumer attention for its popular brands – Red Paste, Cool King Hair Oil, Chyawanprash, Dabur Vita and the recently launched Bae Fresh Gel toothpaste.

The 140-year-old company is going big on key sporting events, World Television Premiere (WTP) movies and reality shows. It is now gearing up to become the title sponsor of popular talent show ‘Indian Idol’ on Sony TV for the first time, shared Rajiv Dubey, who leads the media strategy at Dabur.

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Swapan Seth's new book 'COOL' is out

The book is a reflection of the author's 'eclectic taste across categories'

e4m by e4m Staff
Published: Oct 27, 2023 6:07 PM  | 1 min read
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Advertising professional and art collector Swapan Seth has announced the launch of his new book COOL. The book is described as "a ready reckoner to the hip and the happening, of the known and the very unknown."

The book is a reflection of the author's "eclectic taste across categories: from boltholes to exotic hideaways."

COOL has been published by Simon & Schuster India and is available on Amazon.

Seth is an ad veteran with a long and illustrious career in the industry. He became the youngest-ever Creative Director at Clarion at age 24. He was VP at 26 at Trikaya Grey. Two years later, he started his agency Equus.

He writes for publications such as The Economic Times, Hindustan Times and India Today. This is his second book and he has previously published THIS IS ALL I HAVE TO SAY.

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Disney Star signs 9 sponsors for Asia Cup PAK

Charged by Thums Up, Nerolac Paint+, Amazon Pay, Jindal Panther, My11Circle, MRF, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, Wild Stone and Thums Up come on board

e4m by exchange4media Staff
Published: Aug 26, 2023 11:48 AM  | 1 min read
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e4m Staff Disney Star has signed nine broadcast and digital streaming sponsors for the upcoming Asia Cup.

Charged by Thums Up, Nerolac Paint+, Amazon Pay, Jindal Panther, My11Circle, MRF, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, Wild Stone and Thums Up have come on board for the upcoming tournament.
As reported earlier by exchange4media, Disney Star has sought Rs 26 crore for the co-presenting sponsorship on TV and Rs 30 crore for Disney+ Hotstar.

According to industry sources, the associate sponsorship on Star Sports has been priced at Rs 19.66 crore, whereas for the ‘powered by’ sponsorship on Disney+ Hotstar, the broadcaster is seeking Rs 18 crore.

As per the information available with exchange4media, Disney+ Hotstar has three sponsorship tiers-- co-presenting (Rs 30 crore), powered by (Rs 18 crore) and associate sponsorship (Rs 12 crore). The broadcaster is offering an estimated reach of 120-140 million for co-presenting sponsors, 90-100 million for powered by and 60-70 million for associate sponsorship.

A spot buy for 10 seconds has been priced at Rs 25 lakh for the India vs Pakistan matches, while for the non-India matches, the ad rate for 10 second is Rs 2.3 lakh. The India matches plus the final for ODIs has been priced at Rs 17 lakh per 10 seconds.

Asia Cup is scheduled to be held from 30 August, 2023, to September 17, 2023.

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Sorted 360 wins creative & social media mandate of Reliance Mall

The agency will manage offline and online campaigns for Reliance Mall

e4m by exchange4media Staff
Published: Aug 26, 2023 10:54 AM  | 1 min read
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Sorted 360, an integrated creative and social media agency, has won the mandate to providing brand solutions for Reliance Malls across India.

“Sorted 360 is set to enhance Reliance Malls' market presence with their unparalleled creative prowess and strategic thinking,” read a press release.

“Sorted 360's commitment to pushing the boundaries of creative communication aligns perfectly with Reliance Malls' ethos. With a pan-India presence spanning across 19 cities and growing, Reliance Malls has consistently captivated customers by offering an array of Reliance brands and third-party fashion & lifestyle brands. The mall has established an unparalleled connection with its patrons through superior quality, a remarkable value proposition, and an unmatched shopping experience,” it read further.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sorted 360 as our trusted partner in advancing our brand presence across the nation," said the Head of Marketing at Relaice Malls. "Their proven expertise in retail, shopping center management, and innovative creative strategies make them the perfect fit for our vision."

"Partnering with Reliance Malls is a testament to our commitment to shaping extraordinary brand experiences," remarked Prerana Anatharam, Co-founder of Sorted 360. "We are excited to leverage our strategic and creative acumen to further elevate Reliance Malls as the epitome of convenience, choice, and excellence."

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KlugKlug onboards Hemang Mehta as Country Manager for Indias

Mehta was most recently Head of Agency Relationships at Network 18 Media & Investments

e4m by exchange4media Staff
Published: Aug 24, 2023 3:35 PM  | 1 min read
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KlugKlug has appointed Hemang Mehta as its Country Manager for India.

Mehta will play a pivotal role in driving KlugKlug's growth and expansion within the Indian market and be responsible for Sales & GTM Strategy

Prior to that, he has also represented organisations like Exponential (now VDX.tv), India Today Digital and Rediff.com. His expertise spans various domains including digital media sales, mobile marketing, media planning, and buying, social media marketing, and more.

Hemang Mehta expressed his enthusiasm about joining KlugKlug, saying, "I am thrilled to be a part of KlugKlug, a forward-thinking platform that is reshaping the influencer marketing landscape. As much as I look forward to collaborating with the exuberant team at KlugKlug, I am super excited to interact with the brands to deliver powerful data-backed Influencer solutions that will guarantee business outcomes."

Commenting on the appointment, Kalyan Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO of KlugKlug, stated, "We are excited to welcome Hemang Mehta to our team as the Country Manager for India. His extensive experience in digital media sales and marketing will be instrumental in driving our efforts to provide influencer marketing solutions to our clients. We believe Hemang's leadership will be key in scaling our operations and expanding our reach within the Indian market."

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