What Creatives Want From Strategists (And Brand Tracking 101) - James Hurman, once the world’s number 1 planner
Sep 24, 2024
auto_awesome
James Hurman, the former world's top planner and director of the innovation studio Previously Unavailable, shares his insights from 18 months spent in the creative department. He discusses the toxic elements of marketing that can hinder collaboration between strategists and creatives. The conversation shifts to the importance of brand tracking, including innovative methodologies for gathering actionable data. James emphasizes the transformative power of creative collaboration and the significance of measuring brand metrics for effective marketing.
Collaboration between planners and creatives is vital for impactful advertising, leading to effective campaigns through strong partnerships and shared insights.
Simplicity in strategy is essential for clear communication, requiring planners to distill complex ideas into actionable insights that resonate with audiences.
Empathy for the creative process allows planners to support and inspire their teams, fostering innovative advertising through a collaborative environment.
Deep dives
Rising Through Collaboration
The importance of collaboration between planners and creative leaders is emphasized as a key factor for success in advertising. A strong partnership can lead to effective and impactful campaigns, as exemplified by the relationship between James Herman and his creative counterpart at Colenso. This synergy allows planners to influence creatively while ensuring that strategic insights translate into compelling ideas. Ultimately, nurturing these collaborative relationships enables both planners and creatives to achieve greater advertising effectiveness.
The Necessity of Simplicity
Simplicity in strategy is crucial for effective communication and execution in advertising. Planners must distill complex ideas into understandable and actionable insights, a process often achieved through sacrifice. By focusing on what to eliminate rather than include, planners can create more relevant and focused messaging. This approach ensures that the core ideas resonate clearly with both creatives and consumers alike.
Empathy Towards Creatives
Having empathy for the creative process is presented as essential for planners to effectively support and inspire their creative teams. By understanding the challenges creatives face, planners can better articulate strategies that empower them. This fosters an environment of collaboration rather than criticism, ultimately leading to more innovative and effective advertising. The shared experience of having worked within the creative department can enhance this understanding significantly.
Articulating Value to Clients
Planning involves not only creating strategies but also advocating for creativity's value to clients. Planners should equip clients with an understanding of how creative work can substantially boost brand performance. Furthermore, by establishing a strong emphasis on the long-term benefits of brand awareness and perception, planners help clients appreciate how effective advertising transcends mere product promotion. Engaging clients with clear proofs of creativity's effectiveness fosters a collaborative atmosphere for future projects.
Understanding Brand Tracking
Brand tracking is crucial for assessing consumer awareness, consideration, and preference over time. It involves regular surveys that provide insights into how consumers perceive a brand compared to competitors. With tools like Tracksuit, brands can gain real-time data to inform their marketing strategies efficiently and cost-effectively. Understanding these metrics allows brands to diagnose issues and identify improvements needed to optimize their market position.
James Hurman was once the number one planner in the world. Now, he runs an innovation studio called Previously Unavailable, he teaches a Master of Advertising Effectiveness with the crew at WARC and Cannes Lions, and he directs brand-tracking company Tracksuit.
In this episode, we discuss James’s 18 months in the creative department and what he learned that can help strategists.