WE CREATE CATEGORY-CHANGING IDEAS
BVK is one of the largest independent ad agencies in the country. Our specialty is in relaunching, repositioning and reinvigorating challenger brands. Especially brands that exist in challenging brand landscapes and that have to compete with less money. We believe in the power of movements. In starting crusades. Because successful brands don’t just launch ad campaigns anymore. They stand for something bigger. Bigger than the product or service they sell. We never forget that consumers always have one finger on the fast forward button. So we have to move them in the way they want to be moved. In places that are unexpected. Using messaging and technology they find interesting. Then we need to reward them for their participation, by making sure every brand interaction adds value to their lives. Whether it’s by entertaining them, supporting social causes or creating a community of individuals they want to connect with.
headquarters
other locations
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Portfolio
United Way Worldwide, Carmex, Milwaukee Ballet, Maine Office of Tourism, Candies Foundation, and CITGO
Reviews
the project
Advertising & Media Placement for University
“Their creative is very strong, but the account management is traditional.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the director of communications and marketing for a university.
What challenge were you trying to address with bvk?
We wanted to create and launch a branding campaign with new creative elements and print materials.
What was the scope of their involvement?
bvk provided the photography and videography assets for the initial branding. Beyond that, they were integral to the ad campaign’s implementation by providing media placement and creative development for broadcast and traditional outdoor ads. They were also available to us for general creative counsel.
What is the team composition?
A 5–7 person team worked on this project.
How did you come to work with bvk?
They were hired shortly before I started working at the university, so I’m not sure of the specific review process other than a submitted proposal. They’re a local firm, so I suspect that was a contributing factor.
How much have you invested with them?
We spent 1.8 million dollars. The media buys were about 20% of the total cost.
What is the status of this engagement?
We worked together from February 2013–October 2015.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
There were attempts to provide metrics, but none could consistently validate the effectiveness of bvk’s work. Anecdotally speaking, they’re a very polished agency when it comes to delivering high-end creative materials.
How did bvk perform from a project management standpoint?
They’re very traditional in how they execute client management. This led to consistent challenges regarding timelines and communication throughout the engagement. For example, we needed the B-roll from a photo shoot to meet the deadline for a commercial. Internally, we requested the footage over a month in advance and followed up with them each week. Two weeks before our spot was due; I showed up at their office with a hard drive to retrieve the footage myself.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Their willingness to understand the political nature of a higher education institution was appreciated.
Are there any areas they could improve?
Listening to criticism and resolving business problems would’ve allowed us to continue working with them.
bvk is capable of producing high-quality media. They were willing to learn and adjust to unique industry standards. However, their approach to project management and scheduling caused consistent issues. Ultimately, they delivered the scope of work and accomplished project goals.