Responsibility for IMC Agency versus Client

Last Updated on Wed, 18 Jan 2023 | Marketing Communications

Surveys of advertisers and agency executives have shown that both groups believe integrated marketing is important to their organizations' success and that it will be even more important in the future.37 One agency executive recently noted that 75 percent of the requests for proposals the agency now receives are from clients seeking total communication solutions.38 However, marketers and agency executives have very different opinions regarding who should be in charge of the integrated marketing communications process. Many advertisers prefer to set strategy for and coordinate their own IMC campaigns, but most agency executives see this as their domain.

While agency executives believe their shops are capable of handling the various elements an integrated campaign requires, many marketers, particularly larger firms, disagree. Marketing executives say the biggest obstacle to implementing IMC is the lack of people with the broad perspective and skills to make it work. Internal turf battles, agency egos, and fear of budget reductions are also cited as major barriers to successful integrated marketing campaigns.39

Many ad agencies are adding more resources to offer their clients a full line of services. They are expanding their agencies' capabilities in interactive and multimedia advertising, database management, direct marketing, public relations, and sales promotion. However, many marketers still want to set the strategy for their IMC campaigns and seek specialized expertise, more quality and creativity, and greater control and cost efficiency by using multiple providers.

Most marketers do recognize that ad agencies will no longer stick primarily to advertising and will continue to expand their IMC capabilities. There is an opportunity for agencies to broaden their services beyond advertising—but they will have to develop true expertise in a variety of integrated marketing communications areas. They will also have to create organizational structures that make it possible for individuals with expertise in a variety of communications areas to work well together both internally and externally. One thing is certain: as companies continue to shift their promotional dollars away from media advertising to other IMC tools, agencies will continue to explore ways to keep these monies under their roofs.

Continue reading here: Why Is An Advertising Manager Needed If A Company Uses An Outside Agency

Was this article helpful?

0 0

Related Posts

Readers' Questions

  • anna
    What is responsibility of an agency in imc?
    1 year ago
    • The primary responsibility of an agency in IMC (integrated marketing communications) is to devise and implement strategies that effectively utilize all marketing communication touchpoints in the market to promote a brand, product, or service. This includes utilizing traditional media such as television, radio, and print, as well as digital media such as social media and digital advertising. The agency should also work closely with the client to ensure that their message is communicated effectively and that their target audience is reached. Additionally, the agency should keep track of the performance of each marketing initiative to ensure that its objectives are achieved.