Briefs grow in number and diversity

creativebrief is seeing growing diversity in the range of briefs being handled by our client support team, or tracked through the system. Our new client support service is undoubtedly a key driver in this development. Hands on client support enables creativebrief to engage with a broad range of client contacts across different brand teams, procurement, communications and research departments. Internal communications within client organisations is raising awareness, and increasing the frequency of enquiries.

In the last couple of weeks alone we have taken on briefs for creative digital marketing, advertising, direct marketing, public relations, experiential marketing, promotional work, CRM and sponsorship. These briefs have covered not only the UK market but also Africa and Europe. In terms of origination, briefs have come from clients in financial services, FMCG, drinks, lifestyle and healthcare.
Record client engagement

August and September has driven strong client sign-up to the creativebrief service. The following client meetings are scheduled for October;

Marketing service procurement clients use creativebrief

creativebrief has now completed well over 1,500 meetings with agencies and clients since our launch in October 2002. We have gathered and reviewed considerable feedback from these meetings, and are now in the process of analysing the initial results from our first online survey. One of the key differentiators for clients is the breadth of market transparency we offer. Added to this is the control and speed with which clients can work, either independently online, or through engaging our client services team. A number of client briefs / RFIs have been turned around inside 10 days.

As a member of the creativebrief sales and engagement team Charlie Carpenter is well placed to explain. "We have noticed an emerging trend whereby increasing numbers of client procurement decision-makers are ex-agency/marketing-savvy people well versed in assessing agencies and their capabilities. Their key requirement is simple - they want comprehensive and easy access to the credentials of suitable agencies, enabling them to then make the decisions for themselves, based on the credentials available. At creativebrief I believe we satisfy that demand above all else."

Charlie goes on to explain, "From an agency perspective we believe agencies see creativebrief as an empowering service. The online service offers them self-publishing control and interactive technology, enabling them to change their showcase content in response to a client enquiry, and to ensure that they are always displaying their most relevant work. The traffic tracker also enables them to monitor interest levels in their showcase."

Having studied Classics at Bristol University, Charlie began his media career at Bates UK, before joining creativebrief in the summer of 2003. Today he is one of our leading Account Managers with a great insight into the potential that both clients and agencies see in the creativebrief service.

More new members and service sectors come onboard

September service provider members include:

September statistics

• 12,120 service providers listed Worldwide (including all major networks)
• 4,200 service providers listed in the UK (including all major networks)
• Over 80% of each global network's subsidiary agencies are represented
• Over 800 case studies available online
• 240 of Campaign's "Top 300" UK agencies have showcases or complete listings
• All of the IPA's 225 members are listed
• 28 of top 50 UK advertising agencies are members
• 22 of top 50 UK sales promotion agencies are members
• 20 of top 50 UK direct marketing agencies are members
• 20 of top 50 UK Integrated marketing agencies are members
• 13,577,222 hits from October 2002
• 887,062 hits in September
• 6,401 unique visitors in September