How to Start a High-Tech Marketing Ad Agency

The modern ad agency needs to combine creativity with technology in order to compete in the industry. Agencies that utilize traditional print presentations and antiquated design aesthetics will quickly be left behind by high-tech firms. You can start a high-tech marketing ad agency to exploit your interest in technology and knowledge of New Media.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Fill the Need for a High-Tech Agency in Your Community

1. Employ a market research expert at the start of your agency to provide in-depth analysis. These experts can be given a three-month contract to look at comparable ad agencies and produce a report in the early days of the agency to help you stay ahead of the competition.

2. Purchase PDAs, laptop computers and portable data storage at the beginning of your agency to encourage mobile work. Your sales people and designers will be able to work on the road and provide presentations to potential clients on the fly.

3. Hire sales and accounting professionals with familiarity in high-tech marketing. Your administrative staff should be conversant in marketing language and cutting-edge technology to fill out paperwork correctly.

4. Build relationships with marketing and communication arts programs at local universities. These connections can help you locate interns, faculty consultations and facilities for large marketing projects.

5. Generate sample campaigns that address each service you will provide to your clients. You should create videos, animation and text ads that give potential clients an opportunity to see your work in action.

6. Provide a personal face to potential clients and competing agencies with web videos by each staff member. These videos should be short and should be updated regularly to provide insight into the people behind your digital media campaigns.

7. Sponsor local events such as charity runs, clothing drives and hockey teams to generate buzz about your company. These sponsorships can be inexpensive ways to promote your brand and build a positive profile within the community.

8. Update software and IT security measures regularly with the help of an IT consultant. These consultants can be hired on an hourly basis to review areas of weakness and strengthen your office network against viruses or data theft.

Tips & Warnings

• Shop for agency space in a neighborhood that promotes high-tech development and New Media businesses. A number of large cities are designating downtown neighborhoods as business development areas to encourage small businesses. You should start looking for office space with wireless networks and proximity to an expanding clientele.