Barbauld Agency

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Direct Mail ADvantage, a local cooperative mail advertising business. We’re an advertising booklet that has ads from local businesses with offers and coupons. I started it as a franchise and four years later I went independent when the franchise went out of business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Barbauld Agency?

When I went independent, I needed a new name, book, design, etc. I didn’t know Chris (President, Barbauld Agency) at the time, so I found a new supplier with a graphic artist that offered to do everything for free if I printed the book with him. After talking with Chris, I realized I needed a fresher, updated look.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Before they changed my whole brand, they redesigned a table display I used for a local trade show each year. It was a big improvement over me pasting coupons on a poster board. Then, we moved into advice to marketing the business. This advice came in the form of different industries and business segments I could approach to work with me.

In 2016, for the rebrand, we changed the logo and the look completely. In 2018, I changed my packaging from an envelope to a booklet and they designed the cover for that.

What is the team composition?

I mostly strategize with Chris, and then Sarah (Graphic Artist) does the designs. They have a team behind them as well.

How did you come to work with Barbauld Agency?

One of my clients used Chris for their marketing. I was worried that he would recommend that they stop using my services but he saw the value of direct mail and solidified my relationship with my client.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent around $10,000 with them over the years.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since August 2014.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

They’ve been instrumental for the past five or six years in doing design and marketing pieces for my company. When we redesigned the envelope — before we went to the booklet — I got a lot of good feedback on that. The designer was cleaner and more attractive than the previous one. They’ve also helped my messaging and information be clearer on my materials for clients too.

One of the business areas Chris advised me to work with was the local fireworks companies. After investing about $1,000 with me, one company saw about $25,000 come back to them. It was just ridiculous. That company has become a repeat customer for me for the past five years.

How did Barbauld Agency perform from a project management standpoint?

We speak over the phone or email or in-person over lunch.

What did you find most impressive about them?

He really cares about results for his clients, not just what something looks like. He’s willing to think outside of the box and come up with really original ideas rather than just doing the same thing over and over again. He’s a very smart, creative person with a lot of good ideas.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Nothing comes to mind off the top of my head.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Listen to Chris and let him steer the ship. Trust his ideas and instincts. Sometimes clients want to micromanage, but he’s the marketing guy. He does an incredible amount of research to keep up with the field.