That said, we all need to remain positive and you still need to be getting your messages out there to your customers, current and potential alike.

Here at ib3 we have over 20 years experience in creating strategic plans for the successful marketing of businesses and their products and services, throughout the UK and globally too.

We can help at any stage of the process, from the initial creation of the brand identity to reporting on the return on investment.

Our design team will create the right look and feel for your campaigns, our developers can create and maintain your website and our writers can create interest through social media and pay-per-click channels.

So, if you have a need and to insure the best start possible for 2021 why not get in touch with either Frank or Steve and we’ll see how we can help.

Happy New Year!

We are ib3 and we produce outstanding creative communications for our clients across Europe.

Simple really isn’t it? Well, there’s obviously more to it than that. Sometimes it’s good to go back to basics and to look at your business and think, who are we and what do we do? I don’t mean this in a deeply spiritual fashion like a student going to Cambodia to find themselves, but just to actually understand why it is you get up on a Monday morning and do what you do. So if you’re interested about us, read on. You will find out what we do and why we do it. If you’re not, read it anyway, it might be fun.

What On Earth Do We Actually Do? (This section could be boring, but there is a lesson to it!)

We are a creative communications agency with offices in Tonbridge. We specialise in digital, branding, campaigns and print marketing solutions for our clients. This ranges from PPC, website design and development, mobile apps to logo design, media management, copywriting and everything in between. We have been in business for over 20 years with clients ranging from solicitors to constructions firms, from New York and Stockholm to Huddersfield.

We are a team of creative minds, tech wizards and commercial professionals all aiming to deliver the best of the best when it comes to our work. The business was set up in 1999 and we have gone from strength to strength (see more about the team). Yes, we have been in business for 20 years, so have many other agencies. Yes, we have global clients, so have many other agencies. Yes, we have the desire and passion to create nothing less than outstanding, client focused, thought provoking creative, so do many… oh wait, not all agencies have that mantra. That’s what’s important.

Why Do We Do What We Do? (This is far from boring)

Steve, myself and the rest of the team don’t get up every morning to come to the studio, to create repetitive garbage and then go home for fish fingers, chips and beans every night. No, we get up with an air of anticipation of what the day will hold and what wonderfully unique ideas will be mixed into the creative cauldron today. We have a drive here and not one single person is allowed into our studio if they don’t share that drive. It’s a drive for excellence and a drive for the outstanding.

Our web developers want to produce the most user friendly, relevant, client specific sites that they can. Our designers want to produce the most eye catching, bespoke, creative artwork that they can. I want to manage the most beneficial, need fulfilling, ROI driving campaigns that I can.

We are proud of what we produce and we want our clients to be look at us as a valuable partner. We want other agencies and marketers to stop, look at our work and think ‘we need to up our game’.  Most importantly, we want you to say ‘oh I didn’t think of that, but it’s perfect’.

Don’t Just Settle

Creative agencies aren’t cheap, let’s be honest, but do you want cheap and cheerful or do you want the best? If you went parachuting would you want the budget parachute that’s probably going to see you right, but you never know, or do you want the best parachute you can afford? I know what I’d pick.

Quality, reliability and honesty is priceless, not expensive. This is the same with choosing an agency. Yes there are cheap alternatives out there and yes they will probably be ‘alright for now’ but this is your business. Why would you sell yourself short when there is another option? An outstanding, intelligent option.

A lot of the creative that we produce is the first thing potential clients will see relating to your business. This could be a website, a trade show stand or a printed leaflet. You don’t want to take a chance that it’ll be ‘alright for now’ you want to be sure that it’s the best you can have.

ib3 is intelligent business.

Thanks for reading.

frank@ib3.uk
07850 729444

As we have grown in size and ambition over the last 19 years, so have our clients. Our expertise encompasses working alongside SMEs with strong growth plans to large multinational corporations strengthening market share. It is experience that we have dealing with clients like these that has given us the expert service we offer to all of our clients.

Overcoming Barriers

Our formula for success is pretty simple. We treat every project with the same respect, thought and time. The process takes the same path every time. What are the objectives? Who are we targeting? What does success mean to you? All the same, everyday, basic questions that form the foundations of every campaign…STOP. That’s what every agency says. Dull, boring, predictable.

So, what makes ib3 a specialist?

We know how to predict and then creatively overcome any barriers to making campaigns a success. The questions that I mentioned above, with the addition of more of course, form the basic structure to basic campaigns. I make no apologies for repetition of the word basic. Campaigns like this deliver limited results in financials, awareness and brand metrics. The difference with our campaign team is that we provide a creative solution to overcome barriers to success. We never stop asking ‘what if?’ Never pay an agency to go through the motions. It’s pointless. We don’t give you a plan A, we give you A, B and C. It’s this thinking, creativity and diligence that has got us to where we are today.

Expertise Hand-in-Hand With Experience

Professional, experienced, experts and specialists are all words in which you’d want to use to describe your suppliers, or it should be. If you’re paying for

a service, especially one that is communicating on behalf of your business, it should be provided by one that you trust, one that delivers ROI and one that adds value. If you’re not getting any of this, why are they on your roster?

Over the last five years we have honed our skills in four areas, one of which being campaigns (how to communicate on and off line). We don’t offer every service available and we never will. Why would we? We don’t want to be a jack of all trades, we are proud specialists in what we do.

Take PPC as an example.

Over the past five years, we have delivered over 100 million impressions and over 1 million clicks for our clients. From hospitality to construction, from medical to beauty, we have delivered outstanding, clear results for our clients. This is down to our approach. We are not basic. We plan, we predict, we overcome. That’s what you pay for! We now work with clients employing twenty people and clients employing 115,000 people across the globe. The same service levels apply.

If you have an idea in mind for your next campaign or would like to know more about what services we offer, get in touch.

Thanks for reading,

Frank

frank@ib3.uk
07850 729444

Why PR?

The additional services that we now provide complement our pre-existing offering. Not only can we design fantastic graphics, build bespoke websites and manage media, we now have the expert skill sets to be fully responsive to any demands from our clients for marketing campaigns. So, last year was a year of developing and honing our services. Our strategy for 2018 is all about the integration of these services. The two new major services that are aimed at complementing our work are social media management and content management.

Social Media Management

You may hate it, but it works! Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram…the list goes on. 2017 firmly cemented our position in social media management. Working with several clients on their social media offering, we now are well equipped to deliver results whatever the scale and objectives that you may have. Therefore, our ongoing strategy is to ensure that all opportunities are maximised through the effective use of social media with our clients. Pairing this alongside our existing PPC, media management and digital offerings enables our campaigns to be truly multi-channel.

Content, Content, Content

It’s not easy coming up with great content all of the time. In fact it’s pretty tough! Whether it’s a news article, a piece for the trade press or a product catalogue, words are not always easy to get right. Hence the reason for our focus on fantastic copy writing. The addition of Rebecca to our team last year, we have the skills and resource to create top quality content for our clients. Recently, the successful completion of two projects with a highly rated international law firm has continued the momentum of our content creation service.

What Does Our Campaign Solution Look Like?

With the addition of the PR services – content creation and social media management – we believe that we are perfectly placed to deliver our campaign management solution to our clients.

• Social Media Management
• Copy Writing
• Content Creation
• PPC
• Media Managment
• Email Marketing
• Campaign Landing Page Creation
• Negotiation of Print and Digital Space

If you’re looking to kick start a campaign and reach a targeted audience, the improved campaign management solution at ib3 really delivers at every stage.

Thanks for reading.

Frank

frank@ib3.uk
07850 729444

We have worked on many fantastically creative new projects, for both existing and new clients alike. From re-brands to pay-per-click, from new websites to email campaigns, it’s been a wonderfully varied and fun year! So thank you to all of our clients who have put a smile on our faces.

2017 was all about location, location, location. We moved in to our new studio in Tonbridge this March. It’s a brilliant, creative space. Close to the train station, great views of the river and next door to Pizza Express, we couldn’t be happier! For those of you who haven’t been to see us, make sure you come down in 2018 (our office, not Pizza Express!)

Not only have we moved to our new studio, we now have a stronger presence in the north of England with me (Adam), the ib3 commercial manager working from Leeds. This has given us the fantastic opportunity to engage with our existing clients better than ever as well as opening the door to new possibilities with businesses up the M1 (or A1, M6, M62) The ib3 team have a wider net to spread their creativity! Get in touch with me next year and open up a can of ideas!

2017 saw our multi-channel approach to marketing strengthen further. One particular highlight is our fantastic trade show solutions. They looked striking and put our clients in the spotlight wherever we could. The new addition of Rebecca to the team has also strengthened our PR offering with exceptional copy writing which was put in to great use with a new multinational legal client. It begs the question, where to next for ib3?

Thank you all for the support that you have given over the last twelve months. We appreciate everyone who has inputted into making 2017 successful. Here’s to a successful 2018, for one and all.

From myself and the rest of the ib3 team, thanks for reading and Merry Christmas.

Adam

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adam@ib3.uk
07794 492587

A Fresh New Look

2018 could be the year that you decide to give your image a bit of a refresh. There are numerous elements that collectively make up a brand. Maybe you fancy a new logo to represent your business, a new colour pallet to ignite some energy into your presence or even a complete overhaul. A fresh, new colour scheme and brand image can inject much needed energy into tired looking branding. Remember that you only get one chance at a first impression. Make sure that your branding is giving the impression that you want it to. If you’d like further insight into colour, check out this blog  regarding what colours to choose from our designer, Michelle.

A Shiny New Website

Is your website not fit for purpose? Maybe 2018 is the year you want to change that. Not only does it need to look great it needs to perform. When you’re replacing an existing website or even creating your first, there are so many factors to think about. Design, UX, maintenance options, CMS and a variety of other important considerations. Importantly, longevity and future thinking must be acknowledged. There are plenty of off-the-shelf options out there, but ensure that they fit your needs now as well as 5 years down the line. Maybe a bespoke option is best for you as it’s tailored to your business, your needs and can refreshed along the way.

Impressive New Print

Print isn’t dead and it is one of the very first opportunities to make that first impression. A business card at a networking event, a flyer landing on a desk, a brochure in a retail outlet. Print is a wonderful chance to separate your business from the competition. Colour, typography, paper quality, print finishing and technique. The new year could be a chance to renew your focus on quality print. Ensure that your brochure isn’t binned and your business card isn’t lost!

Extra Impact At Trade Shows

Have you got a packed show calendar next year? If so, do you have the stand that showcases your business in the best light? Whether you have a pop-up stand, roller banner or a custom built stand, a trade show stand should wow show attendees and draw them in to your space. If you’re spending the money and time to attend, ensure that your making the most of it!

More Web Traffic

Has 2017 proved a little slower than expected for online leads? It could be due to low web traffic. If this is the case, 2018 should be the year that you start new campaigns! Take a look at Pay-per-click as a potential option. A great way to deliver a specific message to your target audience as well as the opportunity to evaluate ROI at several levels. Combine this digital approach with some top quality content in industry journals or magazines in order to drive awareness for your business and website. Always look for an approach with the right balance.

So if you want to start 2018 heading in the right direction, get in touch to be seen, be heard and to be outstanding.

Thanks for reading.

Adam

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adam@ib3.uk
07794 492587

What Is It?

So, as a concept The Northern Powerhouse (TNP) aims to align and synergise the communities, cities and towns of the North of England and Wales in order to drive forward the whole country’s economy. The end goal and objective is to redress the economic imbalance that exists between the North and the South through attracting new business interest and adding new investment into existing industries. Hugely important industries, not just to the north, but the UK in its entirety such as manufacturing, and technology could see a benefit from this clear, strategic positioning. So, in essence TNP is a collective agreement to promote the northern industry in England & Wales.

Why?

You may have already known and understood the above, but why is it important? As a nation, we have an awful lot to offer with such a diverse array of businesses and skill sets. However, due to certain limitations (I will look into this a bit further in ‘the how’ section) it is seen by many that we are under-utilising one half of the country. A half of the country that has a fantastic history in industry, manufacturing and the service sector. It is therefore believed that with a number of changes, politically, economically and through development of infrastructure, that there is a massive potential and opportunity to thrive as an economy. This is why TNP exists. It’s about giving the tools to the north for it to become greater than it currently is!

How Will This Be Done?

As I alluded to above, there are a number of levers to pull to harvest the fruit of the north. Transport links, governance and commercial investment are the fundamentals to succeeding.

Firstly, transport. This is not only links to the capital but also the infrastructure between the towns and cities of the north. Businesses cannot thrive without it. Rail, road, air and sea port development all increase the attraction of the north. With better infrastructure, the north becomes a more attractive proposition to businesses. The greater and more successful the businesses become, the more talent will be drawn to the area. The more skilled professionals the north attracts and retains, the more experience and knowledge is passed on, therefore increasing the skillset of the region.

Secondly, governance. An aligned, focused approach from the northern towns and cities and their councils and politicians is required. Everyone singing from the same hymn sheet. In addition to this a dissolved element of power. Giving local leaders the power to make decisions away from Westminster. Thus leading to quicker decisions being made by people who have their fingers on the pulse.

Lastly, investment. This all costs money. Roads, education, training and property is needed to facilitate the ambitions. If you were to look at it as a Commercial Manager with a limited knowledge of politics, surely, it’s a pretty sure bet. The ROI potential is there. It’s all about the north being responsible and accountable for the decisions being made and how it’s future is written.

At the beginning of the year, £556m was invested into 11 local enterprise partnerships in the north, which marked the governments first financial commitment to TNP since the new Conservative government came to power. Hopefully there’s more to come!

With all of this in mind, is it any wonder that we want to be a part of it?

Thanks for reading,

Adam

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adam@ib3.uk
07794 492587

I had my eyes tested last week. Yes, I succumbed to advertising campaign – “Should have gone to Specsavers”. My last optician was very good, but the service I received was not quite as good as before and the range of glasses available was limited.

I had been with the same optician for many years, I guess it was just easier to stay with them – better the devil you know!

As a Commercial Manager, I speak to clients every day who have worked with the same creative agency for years and I attend numerous networking events. I hear so often – “My agency is very good, but expensive”. “My agency is good, but very slow”. “I have been with my agency for years, they are not perfect, but it would be difficult to move”.

I completely understand the reluctance to change creative communication agencies, but please remember that not all agencies are the same

Some lack creativity, some have inadequate client service, some have poor billing practices some suffer from agency greed. While there are many reasons for making an agency change, there are just as many compelling reasons why a client and agency should work hard to make their relationship work

Both parties must live in harmony with each other; if this does not happen divorce is inevitable.

Finding a new agency is a time-consuming task and selection can be very difficult. It was extremely satisfying then to receive a testimonial last week from a new client.

“I can highly recommend the services of ib3. I approached them with the task of designing a new leaflet for an electronics company and what they came up with was sleek, stylish and the modern, fresh feel we were looking for. As someone new to the job, their staff were amazing at guiding me through the process, explaining each stage to me and how the designing process worked. They were also brilliant at keeping in contact, updating us with every decision and eventuality. ib3 will now be my go to company for my design work”.

Please remember – Not all agencies are the same, don’t be afraid of change!!

Be brave and call me to find out how we can help you.

Thanks for reading,

Adam

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adam@ib3.co.uk
07794492587

I hear similar soundbites every day and I guess all are partly right. The rise of digital agencies and the in-house digital specialist has accelerated this movement in recent times. PPC campaigns are managed in-house and websites developed by digital specialists who have mastered the relevant software. With this in mind, agencies are losing clients.

Now this may sound like sour grapes and it is true in the short term there can be cost savings. However, without exception, looking at projects that fit this criteria, I find that within a few months these campaigns/projects tend to flounder, momentum slows and finally, business is lost.

So, what is missing, what is going wrong? The missing ingredient is creativity. “Creativity is an act of design and innovation”.

If we look at websites, anyone with the right software can create one. Yes, they do serve a purpose; either for start-up businesses with limited budgets or for businesses dipping their toe in online for the first time. However, there is one major down fall. Differentiation, or in fact, the lack of. Creativity can draw out the USPs of any business giving consumers and customers a reason to click and navigate the site. Creativity allows a website to not only look good but also addresses the issues of function. What is the call to action? What is the navigation path you want the visitor take when they land? Basic websites lacking creativity have limited lifelines and as such, can cost more in the long term. Our advice is to get it right the first time, after all, you only get one chance to make a first impression.

For digital media to be successful, it needs to be campaign led. Without creativity, digital media will become stale and ineffective. It needs a purpose, it needs a clear pathway, it needs a definite call to action and most of all it needs to set you apart from your competition.

It’s not just websites, PPC and digital media that this is applicable to; it applies to all aspects of design whether it be a traditional print advertisement or a single page leaflet. Creativity allows a client’s imagination to be turned into reality and can inject personality and character into businesses in any sector.

ib3 is a Creative Communications Agency. Through creativity we take ideas to the next level.

We all couldn’t be happier with our Victorian coach house on the banks of the River Medway. It’s certainly got our creative juices flowing! The new client meeting area is looking very nice indeed. Frank and Steve have splashed out on some very comfortable sofas. The task now is to make sure Frank spends time at his desk rather than sitting with his feet up eating biscuits! (Sorry Frank)

So what else has been going on? Plenty! Not too long ago, one of our Senior Web Developers, Jamie, celebrated 10 years with us. If he doesn’t know the answer, the answer doesn’t exist. Well done Jamie and enjoy the Apple Watch because you’ve certainly earned it!

I (Adam the Commercial Manager) have been out and about for the past fortnight spreading the ib3 message. What great feedback we’ve been getting. Projects with professional sports teams, environmental consultants and FMCG manufacturers are all in the infancy stages. Really exciting times and great progress for ib3’s further development.

The designers and developers have been hard at work with an array of projects. Firstly, the exciting rebranding of a legal firm. This is a total rebrand of the business. We love these projects and as a multichannel marketing agency, we have the knowledge and expertise to ensure a clear, bold and most importantly, consistent message is achieved across the offering. Branding isn’t just a flash logo and a new website; it’s a multitude of aspects. Messaging, personality, colour, channel alignment – the list goes on. We take every part of the brand identity extremely seriously and leave no stone unturned!

Secondly, we have been discussing mobile capabilities with one of our construction clients. Mobile, as we all know is growing in usage year on year. If your mobile offering isn’t strong, you’re missing a major opportunity. Following this, we are in the middle of an app building project to enable all potential customers to be converted into buying customers. Ensuring that all of your business’ touch points are as strong as they can be is the key to success. You’ve got to ask yourself, ‘how are my customers and consumers reacting and communicating with my brand?’ and then secondly ‘can they communicate with my brand readily and efficiently in these channels?’

Also we’ve been working with a pharmaceutical company to develop their PPC strategy. As a Google Certified Partner, our expertise can be used no matter what industry your business sits in. In addition to the above construction, medical and plumbing businesses, just to name a few, are all benefiting from our meticulous attention to detail when working on your PPC strategy. We work closely and intelligently with you to give you real return on investment from every penny that you spend.

Finally, a little advice to businesses starting out or looking at capturing the social media crowd. Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn are all great methods of spreading your message. However, it’s not as easy as creating an account and posting a few links to your website. I see it as an intricate recipe, incorporating many different ingredients: content, humour, video, media, education, selling, relevance and timing are all elements that must be paid great attention to.

Not all content is relevant to all platforms. In fact, other social media users can be put off your brand for posting inappropriate content. For example, whilst something might be appropriate for Facebook it may not be worthy content for LinkedIn; they are two very different platforms. Before posting anything, think to yourself, if someone I didn’t know posted this, would I click on it? Engaging, fresh, thought provoking content is a great way to build up respect on social media. So, don’t regurgitate trending topics that everyone has seen. Be different and add something to someone’s day that they may never have heard about.

Thanks for reading and I hope that you have a great Easter,

Adam

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