Ad Agency Software Company, Advantage Software, Sees 2011 Trends for Ad Agency Growth!

With the month of January 2011 already behind us, we at Advantage Software are seeing some ad agency industry trend predictions start to take shape through our agency’s client eyes!

We work very closely with so many agencies every day across the country, and we hear about new trends, directions and news that shapes the advertising and agency business.  We would like to pass some of this news along to you from time to time.  And with everybody talking in January about what 2011 could bring, we thought it was appropriate to share with you what trends ad agencies are talking about for 2011!

Growth in Social Media

There is no ignoring the power of social media that is affecting businesses of all types, including ad agency software companies like Advantage.  The reach of social media is stretching beyond the obvious Facebook and Twitter posts.  Consumers are embracing many different social media choices to interact and form relationships with brands, products and companies that they consume and purchase.  MerchantCircle, FourSquare, Mojo Pages, QR Codes and Microsoft Tags, LinkedIn, Hot Frog, Digg and more!  We see this as a natural avenue for ad agencies to extend campaigns and resources on behalf of your clients in 2011.  We even hear that agencies

Growth in Internet Marketing

Google, Yahoo and Bing, oh my!  Marketing and advertising on the Internet in 2011 will grow for most agency clients.  As consumers are flocking more and more to their desktops, iPads and iPhones, advertising dollars and brands are reaching out to touch these consumers.  Purchase decisions are now being made by consumers on the web.  Traditional media plans are including Internet components.  And we see this as a smart move.  Here at the Advantage Software Company, we invest every month in the Internet through social media, blogs, and keyword advertising.  We feel that the Internet is an extremely important part of our overall marketing effort to reach our customers and serve their needs on their schedule.

Growth in Video & Smart Phone Marketing

YouTube is enormous with popularity.  Google owns YouTube.  Thus, Google embraces video in organic search results!  We see that video is an enormous opportunity for agencies to help their clients grow Internet presence and increase organic search results!  Actually, the search engines have separated video into its own category…again showing how important video is to consumers and search engines.

And with the gigantic surge in Smart Phone purchases we saw in 2010, this year will likely top last year’s sales.  Ad agencies and clients are starting to embrace an extension of advertising campaigns and dollars into mobile marketing.  SMS messages…mobile couponing…mobile contests…mobile video…websites designed for mobile platforms…mobile applications…we see this as a very natural growth area for agencies in 2011.

We at Advantage Software also want you to know that our incredible agency-building and agency software products are keeping in-step with the evolving Internet and mobile phone technologies.  Our robust software will help your agency manage each of these new growth areas in 2011.  If you would like more information about Advantage Software and our powerful agency financial, resource and workload report capabilities, please call us at 800.841.2078 or contact our Regional Sales Managers: Dominique Lacerte or Mike McGee. We look forward to working with your agency soon!

 

Technorati Tags: ad agency software,ad agency project management software,ad agency trends,ad agency 2011 trends,2011 growth trends for ad agencies

Ad Agency Project Management – 3 Ways Our Advantage Software Can help Your Agency!

Advantage Software is designed by agencies, for agencies.  You’ll find customizable desktops, menus and applications that conform to your agency brand or individual preferences.

Innovative and flexible ad agency software applications meet the needs of mid to large-size agencies with multiple offices or profit centers but also serve smaller agencies with easy-to-use features and efficient design. 

Role-based methodology and extensive collaboration tools ensure that everyone benefits; making your agency more efficient, productive and profitable.  Extend connectivity beyond typical boundaries with tools such as Webvantage Mobile and the Client Portal!

3 Ways Our Advantage Software Project Management Software Can Help Your Agency

1.  A good Agency Project Management system includes Resource Management tools that allow you to see into the future and predict both short-term and long-term staffing needs.

2.  A good Agency Project Management system provides accurate task lists and project timelines and calendars without making your project manager a data entry clerk.  It automates the task routing through intelligent workflow templates that you define.

3.  Agency Project Management systems that centralize all information, communications and documents allow companies to stay informed, up-to-the-minute on important events, changes, or problems that may affect the timing or accuracy of the finished product.

If you would like more information about Advantage Software Project Management software, please call us at 800.841.2078 or contact our Regional Sales Managers:  Dominique Lacerte - dlacerte@gotoadvantage.com or Mike McGee - mmcgee@gotoadvantage.com .  We look forward to working with your agency soon!

 

Technorati Tags: ad agency project management software,agency digital management software,ad agency project scheduling,ad agency software,ad agency business management software

Software to Save Your Ad Agency Money & Resources!

The overall goal of the Agency Management System from The Advantage Software Company is to automate and streamline business processes within your agency.

Automation and streamlining of processes in any business can bring many benefits that include:

• Increased productivity and efficiency in every department

• Minimization of errors that cost time and money

• Increased access to management information to aid in making important decisions

• Added value to your clients which makes you more competitive

Advertising agencies often experience difficulties automating departments and bringing them together due to the nature of the business. With the focus on the client, internal procedures are often bypassed in lieu of getting jobs completed. To make things more difficult, systems available (such as Advantage) are constantly changing and growing. It is difficult to keep up. But the agency client also benefits when an agency takes steps to improve internally. Agencies know that they need re-structuring of procedures and further automation when they find themselves completing many tasks manually or more than once.

Before you can make recommendations as to what processes need to be automated and/or modified, it is important to review them in their current state. Review as many of your existing processes as possible and discuss your overall goals for improvement. If automation is in place, determine if the procedures are as efficient as they can be. If automation is lacking, determine if there is an application or feature available in Advantage that will bring significant benefits and will justify making a change.

We would like to talk with you about how our Agency Management System  and our suite of powerful Advantage Software tools can help your agency. Please call us today at (800) 841-2078 or email our Regional Sales Managers: Dominique Lacerte - dlacerte@gotoadvantage.com or Mike McGee - mmcgee@gotoadvantage.com . We look forward to serving your agency needs soon!

Ad Agency Software - How to Handle Freelancers within Advantage Software

Advertising and PR agencies outsource quite a bit of work to freelancers of all types - creative, copy writing, accounting, video taping, production services, etc.  But you have to account for the freelancer's time and cost to give you a total job cost picture.

Our Advantage and Webvantage products from The Advantage Software Company give ad agencies options for easily tracking and recording expenses with your freelancing professionals.

Our first option is fairly straight-forward:  Enter the freelance time to the job through timesheets including a cost rate; post the freelancer’s accounts payable invoice to an operating expense account in accounts payable. The freelance costs will be reported as Direct Service Costs on the Client P&L report.

Our second option for recording freelance time and costs:  Enter the freelance time to the job through timesheets with NO cost rate; post the freelancer’s accounts payable invoice to a non-billable function on the job. The freelance costs will be reported as Direct Expenses on the Client P&L report.

And our third option for recording freelance time and costs:  Post the freelance invoice directly to the job with a markup if applicable. The freelance costs will be reported as a Cost of Sale on the Client P&L report.

We have developed our Advantage and Webvantage products to be entirely flexible for your agency's specific needs and reporting desires.

We invite you to join us for a free tour and online demonstration of our Project Management tools and our suite of powerful Advantage Software tools. Please call us today at (800) 841-2078 or email our Regional Sales Managers: Dominique Lacerte - dlacerte@gotoadvantage.com or Mike McGee -  mmcgee@gotoadvantage.com . We look forward to serving your agency needs soon!

Ad Agency Project Management Software Eliminates Multiple Manual Systems

Project management capabilities at your agency help you manage information and communications.  Your clients demand it.  A successful launch and management of a client campaign demands it.  Yet project management is many times an elusive goal that we chase because "we're way too busy."

Now imagine a single source for tracking everything from the creative process to job specifications, work orders, change orders, cost estimates, schedules, events, alertassociated documents and more. View media calendars and schedules online. And, view project and media budgets compared to actuals from a single online desktop object.  Pretty cool, huh!

The Advantage Software Company has developed one of the most flexible and powerful project management software suites that virtually eliminates multiple manual systems and brings important time-saving information to the fingertips of every staff member.

It all starts with our unique Job Jacket templates which you design to go with "your" workflow, based on the type of work being done. From there, add your own creative briefs, job specifications, work orders and changes orders based on your company's specific requirements. Budgets and media are managed along with projects from the browser-based interfaces that allow you to work from anywhere, anytime. Media is full-featured and completely integrated providing streamlined and managed control.

Project Management Key Features:

• Campaigns for tracking individual budgets for both production and media projects.
• The Job Jacket is the central point for all activities. Create your own job "templates" that allow you to open and track jobs based on the type of work being done. Store multiple versions and revisions and access all job-related information from a single screen.
• Job Orders include the creative brief, production specifications, media specifications, work orders, change orders and schedule information on a single report which may be distributed electronically.
• Creative Briefs store the creative instructions in your format for centralized access.
• Job Specifications provide staff members and vendors with detailed specifications about the project.
• Job Versions allow you to track Work Orders or Change Orders as they occur in the workflow process.
• Document Attachments allow you to attach and track documents, files and other digital assets.
• Alerts, topic management and Wiki-type features provide communication and collaboration tools to organize and track information that include your internal and client comments.
• Project Scheduling streamlines the traffic process with dozens of time-saving features designed to automate this important aspect of your business.
• Estimating helps you create more accurate client estimates using advanced features such as vendor pricing sheets; vendor quote/bid requests and estimating based on job history. Track an unlimited number of vendor bids for comprehensive comparison and analysis.
• Purchase Order Tracking enables you to control and track costs assocated with project vendors as well as house vendors. Purchase Order Approval ensures control.

We invite you to join us for a free tour and online demonstration of our Project Management tools and our suite of powerful Advantage Software tools. Please call us today at (800) 841-2078 or email our Regional Sales Managers: Dominique Lacerte - dlacerte@gotoadvantage.com or Mike McGee - mmcgee@gotoadvantage.com . We look forward to serving your agency needs soon!

Better Ad Agency Software for Client Budgeting & Forecasting

One of our best features in both the Advantage and Webvantage Agency Software programs from The Advantage Software Company is our better client budgeting and forecasting program. This amazing tool helps you to eliminate manual tasks like spreadsheets once and for all!

Client Budgeting & Forecasting are creative and powerful parts of our Advantage and Webvantage Agency Software programs!

Advertisers are looking for cost efficiencies in the advertising budget, and you have been asked to manage more with fewer resources. Stay on top of your company’s profitability and financial goals with Advantage’s client budgeting and forecasting tools.

Project profit for the year with incomparable ease and accuracy! Create and manage your client budgets using this comprehensive tool and eliminate manual spreadsheets once and for all. Historical data is available with a single click to aid in formulating more accurate budgets. Time-saving features make anything else seem obsolete! Flexible reporting and online ‘Desktop’ objects bring it all together for the final analysis.

Client Budget & Forecasting Key Features from Advantage Software:

• Create unlimited budget variations.
• Create budgets in summary or detail for all income and cost types.
• Use special tools designed to simplify and expedite data entry.
• Track revisions and approvals.
• Report and analyze client budgets or forecasts vs. actual data in a variety of ways.
• Use Agency Builder and Budget Viewpoint Desktop Objects to monitor your goals with up-to-the-second accuracy.

If you would like more information about Advantage and Webvantage Software, please contact us at 800-841-2078 or email Dominique Lacerte dlacerte@gotoadvantage.com or Mike McGee mmcgee@gotoadvantage.com.

Ad Agency Software from Advantage Let's You Know if It's Time to Add Staff!

New projects can pile up quickly. When considering additional staff, determining when and who to hire are critical decisions. Do you need freelance talent for short term bottlenecks, or full time staff to manage permanent growth?

Advantage provides accurate, real-time information on workload requirements and employee utilization allowing you to project future staffing needs - without extensive data entry!

• Project Schedules: Plan and forecast workload using Project Schedules to manage approved and estimated work. The intelligent “Employee Finder” automatically analyzes existing workload and recommends the best candidate for project tasks.

• Workload Management: Assign staff members to projects by team or role with complete visibility into individual availability. Workload ‘Alerts’ provide warnings on over or under-utilized employees.

• Productivity Dashboards: Get the ‘big picture’ on current and future hiring needs using productivity dashboard tools that provide key metrics instantly. Workload projections provide information as to whether to add full time or freelance staff.

The Advantage Software Company is the leading provider of advertising workflow automation and media buying tools for advertising agencies and in-house marketing departments. For over 30 years Advantage has led the industry with a wide range of solutions including browser-based solutions that accommodate both PC and Mac workstations. Call us at 1-800-841-2078!

Ad Agency Software - Advantage Software Products

Total Agency Management means the right mix of browser-based and other tools that maximize productivity, efficiency and profitability. It means something for every agency associate in every role, including your clients. And it means a partnership with industry professionals that help to ensure your success.  We're all about providing ad agency software tools and resources for maximum profits!

Our products are organized into two different packages: Advantage Enterprise and Workflow Partner. Choose the one that best fits your needs as an agency. But all product packages include the same robust products described below.

Advantage

The Advantage Desktop is where you’ll find robust workflow, media and accounting/financial applications. Get a handle on everything from client budgets and forecasts, project management, media estimating and buying, and client billing while improving basics like accounts payables, check writing, cash receipts and even general ledger. You’ll find all our applications contain advanced features designed to streamline and simplify even the most tedious tasks.

Webvantage

The Webvantage Desktop delivers “need to know now” information and key applications to the fingertips of every staff member through a web browser. Immediately see alerts and communications from staff members and clients. View task lists, job status, calendars, media schedules, financial status and other key indicators without running a single report or sitting through a meeting. Open jobs, create estimates, manage schedules, assign resources, enter time, submit expenses, upload and track documents and files, collaborate and communicate from this easy-to-use portal.

Webvantage Mobile

Webvantage Mobile provides access to key applications through mobile devices such as Smartphones and Pocket PCs including Apple iPhone and Blackberry. Access and collaborate on important alerts, access and update your task list, enter your time and even input expense reports from anywhere, anytime. Webvantage Mobile provides the ultimate in accessibility.

Client Portal

The Client Portal is a browser-based application designed especially for your clients. Communicate and collaborate with your clients through alerts; deliver everything from project estimates, media estimates, art work and copy to invoices, invoice back up and A/R statements—track all comments and approvals. In addition to alerts, share project lists, project calendars and media calendars electronically.
Contact us today for a free tour of our software and see how "We work the way you work!"

Advantage Software - TASC Orlando Meeting Agenda for Monday, May 24!

MONDAY, MAY 24


7:00 - 8:30 AM BREAKFAST

8:30 - 9:00 AM  GENERAL SESSIONS

Advantage Advisory Council:  Are You Empowered?

9:00 - 10:00 AM EMPOWERING PERFORMANCE IN EVERY ROLE

Wow, what a year! Come and hear how the “Transformation” of the industry is affecting us all and requiring your agency to ”Transform” to effectively respond and re-position to meet the demands for the future. You’ll also gain insight in to understanding how your individual contribution can have a significant impact on the agency’s performance and your own personal growth. This session will provide an overview of the all that this year’s conference has in store.  (Nancy Hill, CEO, AAAA’s)

10:00 - 10:30 AM BREAK

10:30 - 12 NOON    ADVANTAGE & WEBVANTAGE - “We Work The Way Yo Work”

See the latest Advantage and Webvantage features and technologies which allow you to automate and optimize operations based on your own winning strategies. All possible because of the built-in flexibility and robust nature of the features you’ve helped design.  Advantage has drilled-down to address unique areas of your business and created software solutions that you can implement now without sacrificing your own distinctive workflow processes. We’ll touch on all the latest features and will cover them in more detail during the break-out sessions.

12:00 - 1:15 PM LUNCH

1:15 - 2:30 PM     HOW TO AFFECT CHANGE - A PANEL DISCUSSION

Hear from agency professionals on how to make a difference in your “individual” role by identifying areas that may need improvement, formulating a plan, presenting and implementing key strategies Hear real-life tips, strategies from panel members in accounting/finance, production, project management, media, agency leader and technology.

2:30 - 3:00 PM BREAK

3-4:15 PM BREAKOUT SESSIONS

TRACK 1 - DELIVERING VALUE IN AN ACCOUNTING ROLE

Learn to become more effective in your agency. You’ll receive tips from agency professionals and Advantage staff members on topics such as: 
Providing Management with Key Decision-Making Tools! Includes an overview of key reports. 
Going Paperless! It is possible.
Gaining efficiencies, which allows staff to focus on improving results! Includes tips for a Quick Close.

TRACK 2 - THE TRULY ELECTRONIC JOB JACKET

Cabot Brothers from Marlin Company teams up with Advantage to show how the Job Jacket and related workflow steps can be customized to work the way you do, and can fully replace other processes that hinder productivity and the dissemination of information.  Includes new Campaigns and further integration of Job Jackets and Media.

TRACK 3 - SURVIVAL STRATEGIES, FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Jerry Gibbons, Principal, A-Team Advisors, along with agency professionals will share what key strategies have been taken to survive the economic downturn.
Warning signs
Financial fine-tuning
Barometers / Ratios
Managing Revenue
Compensation models

TRACK 4 - THE BANNER IS ALIVE

Digital display media is growing up; data proves that display ads work, rich media and online video is allowing agencies to flex their creative muscles in new & exciting ways. But just because it’s growing up, doesn’t mean it’s growing easy!

In this session, Scott Portugal of TRAFFIQ will review the ecosystem and the players. He’ll discuss the tools that every sophisticated media team should be using, and conclude with a look at how display ad campaigns can leverage search-style tactics to ensure maximized return on ad spend.

TRACK 5 - TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW

We’ll cover technology changes that have occurred since our last meeting. These exciting new changes include Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, and SQL Server 2008 R2 among other items. We’ll explore how these changes will have an impact on you and Advantage. This session is appropriate for everyone interested in learning how current and future technology changes can impact Advantage.

6-9:00 PM   NETWORKING & COCKTAILS

Advantage Software Company Users Group Conferenece

The word for the Orlando weather next weekend at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is sunny and warm with highs in the upper 80's for our Users Group Conference!

Registration kicks off on Sunday afternoon at 3pm, May 23rd, with a wonderful welcome reception from 6-7:30pm.

Then the conference sessions, groups and workshops begin Monday morning, May 24th, and continue through 12 noon on Wednesday, May 26th!

Some of our breakout sessions include "Client Budgeting & Forecasting," "Specialty Media Buying," "Media EDI Tools," "Webvantage Estimating & Vendor Quotes," and "Project Management in a Digital Agency or Department."

Plus we have wonderful guest speakers appearing throughout the conference and plenty of time for networking and fun socializing around the Portofino Bay Hotel!

Follow us on our Twitter as we tweet "live" from the conference!