So earlier this week a reporter asks what I considered to be “some interesting agency trends?” Aside from the chronic spread of social media expert-itis, oh and some Grade-A Twitter shilling, the one I felt the strongest about was what I’ll just call, for now, the “rise of agency apps.” Net-net, I think we’re starting to see some early signs of agencies developing all sorts of custom-built web apps — each app designed specifically for the way it does business and packaged up as a value-added service/perk for clients and prospects. Converseon’s been doing this for a while now (see “Conversation Miner“), Edelman got in the game too (see “StoryCrafter“), WaggEd as well (see “Twendz“), and yeah, Voce’s keeping in step (see “Bridge“). I think we’ll see a lot more firms roll their own apps this year, probably suites of apps too. Watch this…
April 29, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Hi Mike – -good perspective. Our view over at Converseon is that technology and communications have become so intertwined that the “agencies of the future” need strong development skills. It’s no longer “are you a services or technology company?” It’s both. They’re inextricably intertwined. Im sure we’ll be seeing much more out of agencies like Voce and Converseon over time. Appreciate your insights.
April 29, 2009 at 11:43 pm
I’m not sure. If there’s a viable and robust third-party solution then why not use that?
It’s the PR person’s job to make sense of the data not gather it.
April 30, 2009 at 1:48 pm
why does it have to be an “either-or”? i still use paid services and tools where it makes sense, but in those places where the paid services and tools fall short (or don’t exist), i think there’s a *huge* advantage to be gained through a little innovation…
April 30, 2009 at 1:42 am
I couldn’t agree less – software from agencies like KMP (press room) and the ones you mentioned are all light weight, poorly designed (and built) with no long term dev. plans or strategy – in the case of press room why do we need an application to distribute the same, bland press release onto multiple platforms – do we really think it’ll fool google? isn’t that what links are going to do?
why do businesses, with strategic anchors based in servicing clients marketing needs, think they can become tech. development agencies – its the quickest way to bankrupcy
these are good examples not of technology, but of agencies scrabbling for a different business model cos they know the lick and stick they’ve done (and over charged for) for the last 10 years isn’t going to keep the lights on anymore!
very much enjoy your blog btw…
April 30, 2009 at 1:51 pm
in the immortal words of my patron saint ron burgundy: “let’s agree to disagree,” mark…
May 6, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Twitter Comment
The Rise of Agency Apps [link to post]