A new North East agency is challenging the way ecommerce brands approach affiliate marketing. Michael Grahamslaw sat down with Studio Two co-founders... Ross Longhorn and Shaun Brown to look at the story so far.
What inspired you to start this business ?
Shaun: I worked for another agency and saw a gap in the market to link digital PR and affiliate marketing. Having met Ross we had a lightbulb moment and decided to test the process on that basis and give it a go. Over the past 6-8 months we have experienced rapid growth.
What challenges have you faced so far?
Ross: There have been constant challenges as we have gone along. Initially nobody knew who we were and many thought affiliate PR didnt exist. We have also had to establish where we need resource within the business and put consistent focus in for growth.
What sets you apart from your competitors?
Shaun: There is only one similar agency to us in the country and that uniqueness puts us in a great place to be super flexible with clients. Blending traditional channels under one roof has been brilliant and our performance model helps. If results are down we won’t hide.
Where would you like to see the business in 3-5 years?
Ross: After hitting the ground running we need to keep momentum, build the team and consistently beat targets and milestones. We are very ambitious and there is no reason why we can’t grow to a 5 to 10 million turnover and be the biggest marketing agency in the North East.
What key strategies have you found most for growing the business?
Shaun: There is a growing trend for companies to use fractional marketing officers so we nurture and get leads from them. We are also building great relationships with journalists. In more recent times we have ran a guerilla marketing campaign sending empty cassette cases into businesses aimed at cutting through the noise and asking if you are still doing marketing like the 90s. We are also embracing AI whilst retaining our human touch.
What are you currently working on?
Ross: We have recently delivered a 71% year on year increase in affiliate revenue for Hornby Hobbies, revitalising performance across Hornby, Scalextric, Airfix and Corgi.
Elsewhere we are working with the William Smith Group, a leading trade supplier to the sign and graphics industry, as well as the Edinburgh based retailer TBCo and Relish who have a range of products that help people with Alzheimer’s live happily at home for longer.
We are on the cusp of winning our biggest client and have a great pipeline in place across the e-commerce, lifestyle, food and drink and travel sectors.
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
Shaun: You dont have to be the brightest candle in the room, you just have to burn the longest.
Ross: Surround yourself with likeminded people.
Who are your Heroes and Mentors?
Shaun: My late Grandmother who had a huge impact on me as she was always buoyant in every situation.
Ross: My father who passed away at the age of 56. This has taught me time is short and it is important to push on from an entrepreneurial perspective.
How do you like to unwind?
Shaun: Going to the gym, enjoying a sauna and watching my son play football.
Ross: Going to the gym and spending time outdoors to escape the noise.
For more information visit studiotwoagency.com