Advertising / Marketing Archives | Bristol Creative Industries

Gold: Best Expression of a Brand on Social Media Channels
Bronze: Best Use of Copy Style or Tone of Voice

The Transform Awards celebrate excellence in brand strategy and execution across Europe. saintnicks’ work with Ascot Racecourse brought to life the brand’s creative platform, Elegance at Play – combining social-first storytelling, a distinct tone of voice, and thumb-stopping, jaw-dropping content that captured the attention of both loyal racegoers and new audiences alike.

“We set out to create a truly ownable brand voice and world-class social content that matched Ascot’s stature as an iconic British institution. To see that work recognised is a brilliant moment for the team and a testament to the power of brave, collaborative thinking.”

Looking to go further?

Now that we’ve started another year, we’re looking ahead and considering what the New Year might have in store. While we can’t predict the future, we have spent a long time huddled around our crystal balls (our phone screens, we’re all chronically online) and here’s our menu of what we think will be trending for social media in 2025.

I can honestly say that seeing a group of influencers on a stunning island or enjoying a delicious three course meal with gorgeous table decor and generally, having a lovely, if not heavily facetuned, time has never convinced me to purchase a product.

I could talk about influencer marketing until the Rhode lipgloss cases sell out and I am in no way advising anyone to skip influencer marketing. I am, however, pleading with you to stop thinking that the only option is that influencer with millions of followers, charging eye watering amounts to read a script and pretend to care about your product or open the PR package, that you’ve spent ages planning, making, scrapping and repeating, in one video alongside other packages they’ve received to get lost in a pile of beige boxes slightly off screen. Apologies if that comes across harsh or oddly pointed but we are begging you to instead look at your comments section, at the audience already flying your flag and get them involved. Send them the PR package, invite them in to try your new menu and watch them SHINE.

What does this mean for you; An average person will never receive an ostentatious PR package or be invited to a launch party and, in my humble opinion, that’s a Shakespearean level of a modern marketing tragedy that you can remedy. Seeing brands highlight their community members and give back to those that support them will get you on new radars, get your current community further down your marketing funnel and position you as a brand that makes people feel good.

Starter – Employee generated and founder content

Think Currys. Not the food, the retailer. Specifically, their socials. With me?

This year Currys gave social media a masterclass akin to an action movie character lighting a match, throwing it behind them causing a massive explosion as they walk off in a leather jacket and pair of sunglasses accompanied by a Hans Zimmer soundtrack. If, somehow, you aren’t on the same wavelength as me I am, of course, talking about THIS video. It’s genius. It’s magic. It’s their team that makes it.

This is your year of working with your team to create content – whether that’s participating in trends, vox pop interviews with them or full on acted skits. Your team is crucial to your business, in hospitality especially, they can make or break a customer’s experience and the same is true on social media, they humanise a businesses socials which resonates with audiences.

If you’re a founder and thought getting your team in front of the camera sounds like a great idea and, as you’re reading this, you’re mentally planning the amazon basket of equipment to arm yourself, ready to stick your phone in their faces whilst they do the apple dance. Firstly don’t forget to thank us for the inspiration, we appreciate the compliments. Secondly, what made you think you were safe? Turn that phone camera around! Unless one day you woke up and accidentally opened a business that you now want to attract people to, there’s a driving force behind you, dare I say a passion and people want to hear it.

*if you’re looking for more genius content as inspiration our queen of content Nay has created some oscar worthy levels of skits please see here, here and here.

TikTok replacing Google. Instagram removing the ability to follow hashtags. The picture is clear as day. Hashtags are out and SEO is in! Hashtags have served us well but, whilst they’re still a helpful tool, it’s time to down your hashtags and up your SEO game. Optimising your social media captions for keywords will be a necessity in 2025, it will be (read; already is) imperative to include keywords in your captions that are likely to get your content to show up when users search for content on their favourite social channels.

TikTok is widely becoming adopted as the search engine by all age groups. Why? Consumers are becoming more and more impatient and want fast results for their queries and they want something they can trust, enter content coming directly from creators highlighting authentic reviews and recommendations.

What does this mean for you; Research what your target audience is searching for, what keywords your competitors are using and implement them into your captions. It’s important to remember that views and likes AREN’T a ranking factor for TikTok search, the better the SEO the more likely we’ll be recommended in searches.

Many people post content on the platform, and they expect to get quality results instantly. One of the major benefits of TikTok is how keywords can work to generate views in the millions by ranking in search. In this context, SEO would aim to optimise your TikTok content for views, so they can connect you to more people who want to watch your content.

Over the past few years, the way we interact with social media and what we’ve come to expect from content has changed and, as a result, content aimed at trend-chasing has steam rolled its way over original storytelling. We’re not here to blame anyone for this cough TikTok but we think social media consumers are craving more accounts.

Whether you’re logging onto TikTok or scrolling through Reels, we guarantee you’ll see companies from all different sectors trying to claim their space on whatever is trending. We completely understand that a lot, if not all, of the intent is to appease algorithms and tries to boost visibility, it could be doing more harm to keeping viewers.

Our prediction (and hope) for 2025 is that organisations will return to focusing on their long-term strategies and original storytelling and stop being distracted by quick-hit trends. Think of your content like fishing. You cast the net by adopting trends but once you’ve caught the fish you need a tank to keep them in, this is the rest of your content. Maybe this is time to get your team camera ready with EGC, the heritage and influences of your brand, stylised videos of your products or other series you come up with.

Strike a balance between leveraging trends to attract attention and creating original, long-form content to retain your audience. Build a cohesive narrative that resonates with your brand’s mission and values.

It’s hard to believe but it’s true, 2025 could be the year we see an end to link in bio or at least, the beginning of the end.

Before we dive into brie and chutney, I need to tell you that zero click strategies don’t really exist for most businesses – sorry but that’s off the menu for you. Instead, you can have a healthy serving of minimal-click strategies. Minimal-click content strategies involve delivering all your valuable information in, you guessed it, the minimal amount of clicks. If you’re a brick and mortar venue this is tricky but not impossible. However, because you’re keeping users in the app if you master minimal click strategies the algorithm will worship the ground you work on.

If you’re a hospitality business, an example of a minimal-click strategy you could implement is posting regular content of the food and the atmosphere of your venue whilst using the one and only third-party app Instagram has approved, Manychat. You’ve probably already seen ManyChat in action — usually a creator or business will say drop a ‘👋’ below, and I’ll DM you a quick demo!

What does this mean for you; For you this could be comment the word ‘Menu’ in the comments and we’ll DM the menu. ManyChat enables you to automate this process and, if that wasn’t enough, you can add a further step in the process and send a timed follow-up message with a link to your booking portal. That’s only really a one click journey to take the customer from browsing your page to booking a table. Modern day marketing magic!

As your feast of our 2025 social media trends forecast comes to close, remember this: the digital landscape is constantly evolving, but at its core, social media is about connection. Whether you’re spotlighting your community, crafting authentic stories, or fine-tuning your SEO, the key to success lies in understanding and adapting to your audience’s needs. So, grab yourself some food that isn’t metaphorical, take these insights, and step into the year ahead with creativity, strategy, and your audience at the forefront of your mind. Here’s to making 2025 your most engaging year yet!

Duchess Media was born from our love of Bristol’s incredible hospitality scene, and over the last decade we’ve not only worked with many of the city’s best indie bars, restaurants and venues, but we’ve also become the go-to marketing and PR agency when it comes to helping nationwide restaurant groups integrate seamlessly into Bristol’s scene.

With such a vibrant community and celebrated food scene, Bristol is a city that prides itself on championing independent businesses, with locals who are passionate about supporting small, homegrown brands. For larger groups entering the city, it’s essential to respect this ethos by building genuine connections with local suppliers, charities, influencers, and brands to genuinely become part of the fabric of the community. That’s where we come in.

WHAT WE DID…
Bristol welcomes newcomers who bring genuine passion to the city’s food scene – but it’s easy to get it wrong. With over a decade in the industry we’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly from brands trying to make it in Bristol, and we’ll always be brutally honest on what works, and what really hasn’t – e.g. avoid the word ‘Brizzle’ at all costs!!

That’s why we work as consultants, guiding clients every step of the way to ensure they fit right in. From connecting brands to the right people to creating and delivering impactful PR activations, we handle it all.

By helping our clients navigate the unique dynamics of Bristol, we’ve been able to position them as welcomed additions to the city. Whether it’s building strong relationships with local influencers or establishing meaningful partnerships with suppliers and charities, we’ve helped our clients gain the trust and support of the Bristol community.

The key with Bristol is to really want to be part of what our incredible hospitality industry has worked so hard to create – rather than just wanting a slice of it. The businesses who thrive here are those who get amongst it, get involved in local initiatives and most importantly, get to know their neighbours, because after all – it’s all about community!

If you’re looking for an expert PR, events and marketing agency, which specialises in hospitality and lifestyle, to handle your restaurant or venue launch in Bristol, the South West or beyond, give us a shout as your go-to experts!

With over a decade of connections across the city and experience in countless brand partnerships, we know exactly how to facilitate these relationships and ensure a smooth, authentic transition into Bristol life. We’ve done this successfully for brands like Wingstop, Rosa’s Thai, Treetop Golf, and Six by Nico, tailoring our approach for each client.

Every client has their own unique requirements, but the core of what we offer remains the same: connecting them with the right people to help them establish a meaningful presence in the city. From engaging with key press, influencers, and tastemakers to creating opportunities for collaboration, we craft strategies that fit each brand’s needs.

For most launches, we take the reins on event planning, from building an invite list of the perfect guests to managing logistics on the day. We know that local lifestyle and foodie influencers are instrumental in creating buzz, and we’ve spent years cultivating relationships with the biggest names in Bristol’s Instagram and TikTok scenes.

We also make introductions to local suppliers and charities, helping brands show their commitment to supporting the community and its economy. These partnerships demonstrate a willingness to integrate authentically, which Bristol locals appreciate.

A perfect space for Glastonbury rehearsals, pre performance event, recording, filming.

Distillery II Studios – 40 mins from festival site – easy access from M4/M5 – PA / lighting rig – ground floor level access – ample parking.

Why a Business Should Consider Creating a Brand Film

Creating a brand film is an incredible opportunity for businesses to connect with their audience on a deeper level. In today’s fast-paced digital world, a well-crafted brand film can tell your story in a way that resonates emotionally, showcasing not just what you do, but why you do it. This powerful visual medium allows you to highlight your values, mission, and unique offerings while engaging potential customers in an impactful way. Think of it as a compelling narrative that not only builds brand awareness but also fosters trust and loyalty among consumers who are looking for authenticity.

Also, with the rising popularity of video content across social media platforms, having a brand film can significantly increase your reach and visibility. By sharing your story through this dynamic format, you’re not just promoting products or services; you’re creating an experience that invites viewers to be part of your journey. Ultimately, investing in a brand film is about crafting memorable moments that leave lasting impressions – helping you stand out in a crowded marketplace and truly connect with your audience.

Understanding the Brand Film Production Process

The creation of a brand film unfolds in three essential stages: pre-production, production, and post-production. The pre-production phase presents the opportunity to dive deep into understanding a brand’s vision and goals. This is a time to brainstorm ideas, develop scripts, and plan every detail – from casting talent to location scouting- ensuring everything aligns perfectly with the brand message. Moving into the production stage, it becomes all about bringing those ideas to life, capturing stunning visuals and audio that resonate with the brand’s audience. Finally, comes the post-production stage; this involves editing the footage, adding sound design and visual effects that elevate the brand’s story. By following this structured approach to brand film production, you can create captivating content whilst ensuring it effectively conveys your unique narrative to your target audience.

The Key Factors That Influence the Timeline for Your Brand Film

When it comes to managing a project, several key factors come into play that can significantly influence the outcome. First and foremost, establishing a clear project scope is crucial; it sets the foundation for what needs to be achieved and helps keep everyone aligned. Client feedback loops are equally important, as they ensure that things are on the right track and allow for adjustments based on insights. Changes in creative direction can sometimes arise, but with open communication and flexibility, an experienced production company will be able to adapt while still meeting deadlines. Additionally, resource availability plays a vital role in planning – knowing what tools and talent are out there enables an effective execution of the creative vision. Lastly, logistics around filming locations shouldn’t be overlooked; coordinating these details early on helps avoid potential hiccups later in the process. Keeping all these elements in check, enables a smooth workflow that leads to great results for clients while fostering a collaborative environment that inspires creativity.

Breaking Down Each Stage: Pre-Production to Post-Production

There are several key steps to bringing a brand film to life. It all starts with scripting and storyboarding, working closely with a brand to craft a compelling and memorable narrative. Once the script is locked down, the next phase is finding the perfect faces and voices that embody your brand’s essence. Seeking out settings that enhance your story and create an authentic backdrop for your brand film shouldn’t be underestimated. Filming days can be scheduled, dedicated to capturing every important moment and making sure everything aligns with the creative vision. After shooting, the editing process usually begins – this is where the footage is carefully pieced together to create a polished final cut that genuinely reflects your brand’s message. Each step of this process is designed to tell a brand’s unique story in a way that connects, captivates and engages viewers.

The Importance of Collaboration

In terms of brand film creation, the average turnaround time can vary significantly based on the project’s scope and complexity. Typically, a quick turnaround project might take anywhere from a few weeks to a month, allowing brands to get their message out swiftly without sacrificing quality. However, for those looking for something more comprehensive – complete with detailed storytelling and high production values – the process could extend to several months. This is where understanding your goals becomes crucial; knowing whether you need a rapid response or an in-depth exploration can help streamline the approach. We’ve had clients who opted for both styles: one brand needed a lively promotional video in just two weeks for an upcoming event, while another invested several months into crafting an intricate narrative that highlighted their mission and values through animated storytelling. Ultimately, whether you’re seeking speed or depth in your brand film creation, we can help guide you through each stage.

Ready to Create Your Brand Film? Start Planning Today.

Creating a brand film is an exciting journey which can add genuine value to your business. If you’re ready to elevate your brand’s story through captivating visuals and compelling narratives, an engaging brand film could be the answer. Whether you’re looking to attract your audience on social media, enhance your website, or create memorable content for a live event, a well-crafted brand film can make a great difference. At Vivid, we believe that every brand has a unique story waiting to be told. With our expertise in film, motion design and animation, we’d be happy to help you articulate your story in a way that resonates with your audience. Let’s collaborate and bring your vision to life. Reach out today, and let’s start crafting something extraordinary together!

Whether you’re a startup, growing company, or established enterprise, we offer modern workspaces designed for productivity, collaboration, and comfort.

Our studio features high-speed internet, ergonomic furnishings, access to screening & meeting rooms, kitchen & lounge, and amenities to help your team thrive. With flexible rental options, we provide the ideal environment to support your success.

Brittany Ferries has launched a bold new creative platform, ‘Uncommon Holidays’, across the UK, Ireland, France, and Spain. It celebrates the rare, quirky, and unforgettable holiday experiences that set its journeys apart.

Developed by McCann Bristol, this multi-channel campaign taps into the insight that Brittany Ferries’ audience seeks off-the-beaten-track adventures as opposed to unremarkable ‘cookie-cutter’ package holidays.

This concept is backed by McCann Truth Central’s recent global study, Truth About Escapism, which surveyed over 16,000 people and found that 89% of Europeans believe it’s important to travel and experience how different people and cultures live, while 82% of Brits consider travelling the best form of escape.

Rooted in Brittany Ferries’ independent spirit, ‘Uncommon Holidays’ showcases how travel is about connection – especially through language. By creatively playing with words, it brings to life ‘uncommon phrases’ – expressions you won’t find in a typical phrasebook – to inspire fresh, unexpected travel experiences along Europe’s west coast.

McCann’s campaign will run across TVC, VOD, Cinema, and OOH, alongside radio, podcasts, display, social, and search.

McCann Bristol’s Executive Creative Director, Zane Radcliffe, said: “Brittany Ferries is so much more than just a ferry operator, it’s the start of an unforgettable experience. Our new campaign platform reframes the brand’s role, celebrating the charm, quirks and uniqueness of their uncommon holiday experiences.”

Floriane Chauvin, Group Head of Marketing at Brittany Ferries, added: “Uncommon Holidays encapsulates the very essence of Brittany Ferries – offering travellers an experience that’s rich in character and authenticity. Partnering with McCann Bristol, we’ve created a campaign that encourages people to see our destinations and onboard experience through a fresh and inspiring lens.”

Uncommon Holidays is the first fully integrated creative campaign from McCann Bristol since it was appointed as Brittany Ferries’ lead creative agency following a competitive pitch process. The win strengthens a three-year brand partnership, where McCann previously led Brittany Ferries’ media planning and buying. With media and creative working seamlessly together, the new campaign maximises the power of an integrated approach.

I read something today about retail media and how people were using it poorly. It mentioned Attention and Influence and that really grabbed me.

The slope towards hyper short term ROAS figures & daily sales targets against daily media spent. Adjustments made in real time always following data, blindly.

A slope driven by those who stand to profit from it, those whose employment depends on it and those that clearly don’t truly understand the relationship between the advertising £ and ROAS.

If there is spreadsheet or dashboard with figures that seem to correlate, well that is the box ticked for those that read the reports. Job done.

Much has been written about ‘Short and Long’ and its incredibly compelling, yet still it’s a daily battle for those of us advising on the best use of a client’s advertising budget.

There are undoubtedly low consideration products with massive latent demand that can build healthy businesses in a short term ROAS world, but in my experience of 30 years in the game and seeing the results of all sorts of campaigns, these are the exceptions not the rule.

There are so many categories that are hugely competitive or have longer consideration windows. This is where relying on solely short term ROAS is frankly a nonsense. There may be data, but the data is most definitely being interpreted wrongly to the detriment of the brand spending the money.

If we want someone to buy a product, one that’s been around a long time and has multiple competitors, or a new product that no one has heard of, we must influence the purchaser in our brands’ favour and we do this by grabbing their attention.

This is what the Mad Men did it in the 60’s. Grabbing the attention of the consumer and influencing them, turning them on to products they never even knew existed and didn’t know they needed. They told compelling stories that drew the audience in. This process didn’t happen in one day, it was a process that occurred over time, and it most definitely wasn’t linear, but you can be sure that healthy sales built over time. In modern talk, they were building the top of the funnel with thousands if not millions of potential customers. In those days the demand was harvested in bricks and mortar retail but let’s not be mistaken the bricks and mortar were the last step on the journey not the first.

There is so much talk about Offline and Online when it comes to ROAS. Offline is largely unattributable, it doesn’t fit the short term ROAS model, so is inefficient. I’ve been in meetings and heard countless stories of marketing departments discounting media choices based purely on the fact it was unaccountable in a short term ROAS model, it clearly had little if any worth to the bottom line. Online is clickable & measurable and that dashboard looks amazing. There are short term ROAS figures aplenty. We can see the sales right here and now.

In my world there is a shift towards understanding that the likes of YouTube don’t really sell product today. Thank goodness, it’s a drum I have been banging for years. But, but, but it’s a digital medium so it must work on a short term ROAS basis, it’s digital, that’s what digital does right? We have a dashboard. Sadly, the danger is as soon as YouTube figures don’t look great in the dashboard it gets culled. Little thought of what YouTube may be contributing to the bottom line that we can’t attribute is taken into consideration. We can’t put it in a chart, so it doesn’t make the cut.

Please, let us stop talking about Online and Offline. It’s misleading. The burgeoning TV streaming market is the perfect example. It is TV but its digital (the targeting capabilities are simply awesome), so is it ‘Online’ or ‘Offline’? It’s piped into your lounge and broadcast on that 55-inch TV, which also offers the viewer an option to watch YouTube, the legacy ‘online’ medium, alongside good old Linear TV, the bastion of ‘offline’ mediums. All three end up being viewed on the same TV in the same lounge – the difference is purely the type of content the viewer chooses to access. ‘Online’ or ‘Offline’ is irrelevant, each medium has incredible ability to grab attention and influence the viewer, but they all will look weak on a short-term ROAS Model.

Yes, we need to harvest demand that we are generating, 100%, that’s your short term ROAS right there. However, we must remember there will be far more demand to harvest and it will be far easier to convert at the bottom of the funnel if we grabbed their attention and influenced them further up the funnel.

saintnicks have been appointed by Mitsubishi Pencil Company UK (MPCUK), a leader in innovative writing instruments, to handle its POSCA and uni-ball brands.

Together, both MPCUK and saintnicks will harness the power of storytelling and dynamic creative content to bring MPCUK’s uni-ball and POSCA brands closer to its customers.

Through a series of innovative campaigns and brand activations, we will be reinforcing the brands’ trusted reputations for high-quality pens and creative markers, while fostering a connection with audiences through relatable, inspiring narratives.

“We’re incredibly excited to team up with saintnicks,” said Hannah Hurling, Head of Marketing at MPCUK. “Both uni-ball and POSCA have always been about enabling creativity and self-expression, and saintnicks’ expertise in storytelling and bold creative ideas makes them the perfect partner to bring our vision to life.”

The uni-ball brand was established in 1979 and is owned by the Japanese Mitsubishi Pencil Company, which has a rich legacy dating back to 1887. Today, uni-ball is a leading name in the UK stationery market, renowned for high-quality writing instruments that combine innovation with reliability. The brand’s commitment to quality, performance and design has made it a favoured choice among students, professionals, and creators, solidifying its reputation as one of the most well-known brands in the UK market.

For over 30 years, POSCA has accompanied creativity in all its forms, quickly becoming a favourite tool for artists worldwide. Initially embraced by graffiti artists, the brand’s popularity quickly spread beyond urban spaces. Today, POSCA markers are recognised globally for their vibrant colours and versatility, making them ideal for a wide array of applications—from street art and fine art to illustration, portraits, and home crafts.

The collaboration comes at a time when consumers are seeking more authentic connections with the brands they choose. MPCUK has long been a trusted name in writing and artist tools, offering consumers writing pens and creative markers that combine quality, style, and reliability. The new partnership is set to enhance the brand’s visibility, reinforce its connection with customers, and celebrate the art of writing and the power of creativity.

Average Agency Salary in the South West: Comprehensive Digital Marketing Salary Guide 2025

Understanding Agency salaries in the South West is pivotal for job seekers and employers alike in 2025. This guide provides essential insights into the factors influencing pay scales and highlights the importance of considering additional benefits beyond salary to attract top talent.

For a detailed breakdown of digital marketing salaries in the South West, view our comprehensive salary guide or get in touch for a chat.

How do we benchmark salaries and rates?

At ADLIB, we’re always keeping close to market trends and how things can fluctuate between organisations. Here, we aim to provide an overall range of salaries based on the spectrum of roles within the South West agency world. Factors that can influence one’s salary: the size of business and team, their location, the size and number of accounts you may be working on, management responsibilities, the industry sector, and specific marketing skills, will all have an impact.

What to consider when assigning a salary to a role

If you choose to make a comparison, consideration should be paid beyond job title. It is worth noting that salary isn’t everything, and there are lots of other important factors to consider.

Comprehensive Salary Guide for Agency roles in the South West:

This guide provides salary bandings for various sector roles and their respective job titles, including:

Conclusion

To attract and retain top-tier talent in the South West, consider the complete package: competitive salaries, hybrid working patterns, and a supportive, inclusive work environment.

Written by Tony Allen, Head of Marketing, Digital & eCommerce recruitment at ADLIB.
– Senior Appointments & Strategic Growth | Agency & In-house Marketing.

saintnicks has won two awards at the prestigious Transform Awards Europe 2025 for their work with Ascot Racecourse.