Category Archives: Thoughts
Navigating the Cookie Chaos: What does Google’s update mean for advertisers?
Head of Operations Gabby Krite shares thoughts on Google’s latest update on third-party cookies.
How to act on ad inaction during an election period
What does the upcoming election period mean for us as advertisers?
Is hate speech being addressed at the same rate as privacy concerns on social media platforms?
Digital Business Director Simi Gill raises concerns over social media platforms prioritising user privacy over tackling hate speech and online abuse.
How to measure the ‘messy middle’
Data and Insight Director John Clarvis, identifies five key measurable stages in the mid-funnel.
White Claw launches ‘Refreshment Like No Other’ summer OOH campaign
We’re thrilled to see the launch of White Claw’s summer OOH campaign!
Debunking five myths of programmatic buying
Chief Digital Officer Ben Foster presents five counterarguments to preconceptions surrounding programmatic buying.
Navigating the MFA minefield: Avoiding clickbait sites in programmatic advertising
Programmatic Executive Revanth Rajendran shares key insights on identifying and filtering out MFA sites in the digital advertising landscape.
Cookieless series: #2 Shifting from pragmatism to proactivity
Digital Account Director Mo shares an update on Google’s timings and why brands must avoid the overreliance on cookies to avoid long term impact.
TKF’s Head of People shortlisted in IPA’s iList 2024
We’re thrilled to see our Head of People, Eleanor Manual, shortlisted in this year’s IPA iList!
Cookieless series: #1 Transitioning through transformation
Digital Account Director Mohini Lakhani shares an insight into what the deprecation of the third-party cookie means and how best to prepare.
The glaringly obvious gap in the subscription market and why should you care
Senior Digital Account Director Megan Ashdown explores the glaringly obvious gap in the subscription services landscape.
Mastering the art of impactful creatives
A recap of Kite Studio’s standout work from the last year, that helped more clients than ever to develop, improve, and evolve their creatives to get ahead.
Commercial Christmas in a troubled economy
Senior Digital Account Director Megan Ashdown shares how retailers can position themselves sensitively amidst another Cost-of-Living Christmas.
Tailwinds over headwinds: Retail outlook for 2024
Head of Client Services Anthony Abou-Zeid shares his thoughts for retail in 2024.
Diwali celebrations at The Kite Factory
Catch up on this years Diwali celebrations at TKF. hosted by our brilliant Inclusion & Belonging committee.
Charity gifting in a troubled economy
Senior Digital Account Director Megan and Programmatic Account Director John share how to leverage your creative arm to help consumers give meaningful gifts this Christmas.
My Working Day with Managing Director James Smith
MD James Smith joins Business Leader to share an insight into how he effectively manages his daily work routine.
Navigating peak periods of the year with a Prioritisation Framework
Senior Digital Account Director Simi Gill highlights the importance of prioritising campaigns efficiently during crucial seasonal times.
How can we balance sustainability with performance across our media buying?
Senior Digital Account Manager Naomi Linturn explores where improvements can be made across our media buying.
The complexity of balancing social responsibility with digital marketing goals
Head of Digital Operations Gabby Krite explores the complexity of balancing social responsibility with marketing goals.
A day with… Rochelle Morgan-Smith, People Assistant
For this month’s day in the life, Rochelle shares an insight into her typical day as our People Assistant at TKF.
Will personalisation feel the greatest impact from AI in the digital marketing world?
In this episode TKF’s digital gurus unpack by personalisation will feel the greatest impact from AI in the digital marketing world.,
A day with… Tom Price, AV Executive
For this month’s day in the life, Tom shares an insight into his typical day as an AV Executive at TKF.
The (scary) potential of AI in Search
Head of Digital Operations Gabby Krite shares her thoughts on the potential of AI in Search.
The world of AI technology
In this episode, Christian Taylor and Ben Foster sit down to discuss the world of AI technology, its role in transforming the way we work as marketers and their advice for integrating AI to enhance campaign efficiencies.
What does AI mean for marketers?
Managing Partner for Digital Ben Foster explores how AI technology can improve marketing campaign efficiencies.
Why is there a boom in search automation?
Digital Account Director Jodie Brookton unpacks the pros and cons of automation and how brands can utilise it effectively.
Spotify Wrapped: a genius marketing campaign
Digital Account Manager Naomi Linturn explores Spotify’s genius annual marketing campaign, as it reaps the glory of being the talk of the town.
Factory Setting: Expanding your career from single to multispecialism
In the next instalment of Factory Settings, Digital Account Manager Naomi Linturn looks at how to expand your career from single to multispecialism.
The state of data privacy in the UK
This week, Head of Digital Operations Gabby Krite shares what data privacy currently looks like in the UK.
I guess now it’s time: The importance of age in 2023
Rik chats to Campaign about why the over-60s are becoming just as important to brands as Gen Z.
The history of automation in paid search
This week, Digital Account Director Jodie Brookton takes a look back at the history of automation in Google ads since its launch in 2002.
Factory Settings: Leveraging your own psychological power to grow in digital
In the next instalment of Factory Settings, Senior Digital Account Manager Mohini Lakhani looks at the role of psychology in digital career success.
What does Musk-induced Twitter chaos mean for brands?
With many headlines flying around digital guru Gabby Krite unpacks the rumours vs facts, and what this means for brands’ marketing plans.
Factory Settings: Unpacking the “digital” stereotype and owning your transferrable skills
In the second instalment of Factory Settings, Digital Account Director, Megan unpacks the ‘digital’ stereotype and how to own your transferrable skills.
Addressing the misconception that ‘digital can’t do brand’
Digital Account Director Simi Gill explores why digital should be considered a significant part of cross-channel brand planning.
A day with… Justine Parillon, Client Account Executive
For this month’s day in the life, Justine shares what her typical day looks like as a Client Account Executive at TKF.
Ideation session: how charities can get the most out of commercial calendar moments
With Black Friday round the corner, Milly and Megan share an insight into our latest digital ideation session, looking at how charities can approach key commercial calendar moments.
Factory Settings: Myth-busting misconceptions about working in the digital industry
Head of Digital Operations Gabby Krite shares an introduction to our brand-new content series, Factory Settings, and an insight into her career in the digital industry.
Black History Month: The Art of Appreciation
New Business Manager Hannah Samuels shares a wrap up review of Black History Month.
What does Netflix’s new ad-support plan mean for brands?
Head of Broadcast, Gregor Chalmers explains what Netflix’s latest Ad-supporter tier launch means for brands.
Opportunities from the last five years’ digital buying trends
Managing Partner for Digital, Ben Foster takes a look at the last five years of aggregated client digital investment, identifying trends and opportunities.
Performance planning: How to ride the crisis wave, not drown beneath it
In the latest Performance Planning series, Niki Grant shares the importance of how a brand is marketing in the current climate via The Media Leader
How charities can prepare for the future of fundraising
In our latest report, Digital Account Manager, Mohini Lakhani and Digital Planner Buyer, Tobie Jackson take a look at the fundraising landscape and how charities can get ahead of the game.
How can we all improve our digital eco-footprint?
This week, Digital Account Manager Naomi Linturn takes a look at the impact of digital marketing on the environment and how we can improve our eco-footprint.
Search Automation with Squared.io
Niki and Jodie sit down with Kirsten Pistor, VP of Operations at Squared.io, to unmuddle the world of Automation.
International Day of Charity with WaterAid
In celebration of International Day of Charity, Rik and Charley are joined by WaterAid’s Wanji Wambari Kairu to discuss the current state of charity in the UK.
3 lessons in charity loyalty that marketers can tap into
Strategy Director Charley Day looks at the lessons marketers can take from the crowded charity sector.
Performance planning: How to plan for a Christmas like no other
Digital Planner Buyer Alice Stapleton explains how being early and flexible is key to media planning during a festive season with a cost-of-living crisis and a World Cup around the corner.
A day with.. Camilla Hay, Senior Digital Account Executive
For this month’s day in the life, Camilla shares what her typical day looks like working as part of the Digital Team at TKF.
Navigating your charity through a low trust society
As the world navigates a period lower trust, Strategy Director, Charley Day shares her guide on increasing trust in the third sector.
Five ways brands can thrive in the age of Search automation
Actionable insights and our top tips on embracing and utilising Search automation to your advantage.
A conversation on Cookies with Accord Marketing
In this episode we are joined by Dan Ward, Head of Performance at partner agency Accord Marketing to discuss all-things cookies.
Why your digital creative is costing you conversions
MP for Digital Ben Foster shares an insight into TKF’s Kite Studio and the key three areas to look at when an assets framework.
Making Market Segmentation Accessible
An overview of our lightweight, robust, and customizable segmentation solution to empower your marketing decisions.
Why will TikTok be the most important digital marketing platform in two years time?
We hear from the winners of the digital departments recent debate, on why they believe TikTok is the most important digital media platform.
Five opportunities created by the revolution in measurement
MP for Digital Ben Foster shares the key opportunities created by the revolution in measurement.
Planning for Attention
In this episode, Christian and Lydia sit down to discuss our latest insight report on planning for attention.
What Can Brands Learn About ‘Experience’ From Glastonbury
MP for Strategy Rik Moore dives deep into the key learnings brands should take away from Glastonbury, as originally featured in Advertising Week.
Performance planning: testing roadmaps and frameworks
Head of Search, Niki Grant’s latest instalment in her Performance Planning series for Mediatel.
Navigating the ‘Cost of Giving’ crisis
Why and how charities should adapt their fundraising strategies in response to the cost of living crisis.
A day with.. Liz Whitworth, AV Investment Executive
For this month’s day in the life, Liz shares what her typical day looks like working as part of the AV team at TKF.
Why tech stacks aren’t the antithesis of creative planning
With 38 tech partners in our toolbox, Managing Partner of Digital Ben Foster shares the importance of scattering your tech tools throughout a response to brief as an integral part of the planning process.
NGOs vs. Sensationalism
In today’s volatile online environment, Digital Account Director Megan Ashdown shares why building trust is vital for charities when communicating the importance of their work with their audiences.
In marketing, as in comedy, originality is the key to success
Managing Partner for Strategy Rik Moore shares why there are huge parallels between brands identifying their ‘why’ and comedians finding their voice as featured in Shots.
The DTC Playbook with Mike Stevens
In this months episode, Head of Planning Christian Taylor sits down with author of ‘The Direct to Consumer Playbook’ Mike Stevens to discuss the challenges facing DTC entrepreneurs.
The cookieless and programmatic landscape – where are we?
This week, Senior Programmatic Account Manager John Downs shares where we are in the cookieless and programmatic landscape.
Where does brand marketing fit into the world of e-commerce?
Digital Account Executive Annabel Crook takes a look at brand marketing in the e-commerce world.
Performance planning: what you need to know about cost per acquisition
Head of Search, Niki Grant’s latest instalment in her Performance Planning series for Mediatel.
5 top tips for discovering your brand purpose
Strategy Director Charley Day shares 5 top tips when looking at why your brand exists and what you stand for as an organisation.
Coping with the uncertain future of ad automation
Head of Search Niki Grant shares her top tips to help brands survive and thrive in the uncertain age of automation, as featured in Performance Marketing World.
A day with.. Naomi Linturn, Digital Account Manager
After a recent promotion, Naomi shares her typical day as a Digital Account Manager at TKF.
Is Google Analytics 4 privacy compliant?
Digital Account Director Simi Gill takes a look at Google Analytics 4 and the key features ensuring data privacy.
The great Purpose debate
In this episode, Niki, Charley and Christian sit down to discuss whether every organisation needs a brand purpose and their advice when it comes to communicating an authentic ‘why’.
Why Elon Musk’s recent acquisition is continuing to raise eyebrows
This week, Digital Account Executive Jordan Naghten shares some further insight into the story and why it is still continuing to raise eyebrows amongst the public.
Performance planning: Diminishing returns and taking action
Head of Search, Niki Grant’s latest instalment in her Performance Planning series for Mediatel.
TKF continues winning streak with host of new clients
Following a remarkable year of growth in 2021, TKF is celebrating its continued new business success.
Unpacking the IPA’s Making Sense Report
In this pilot episode, Rik, Niki and Christian sit down to unpack the IPA’s aptly-named Making Sense report and what this means for marketers in today’s climate.
Harnessing technology to create a positive hybrid working culture
Our resident IT guru James Mooney shares how technology has supported the new hybrid life at TKF.
Performance planning: avoiding ‘analysis paralysis’
In her monthly series with Mediatel, Director of Search Niki Grant shares part two of her guide for performance planning in 2022.
Don’t click on this article
Today, on National Anti-Click-Through Rate Day, Senior Digital Account Executive Maria Tudor shares why CTR isn’t a measure for campaign effectiveness, as featured in IAB UK.
A day with.. Jonathan Blake, AV Investment Executive
JB shares his typical day as an AV Investment Executive at TKF.
Mitigating media inflation in 2022
With the price of media on the rise, we take a look at how to mitigate the impact of inflation in 2022.
Brand purpose in the media agency landscape
This week, Client Account Manager Verity Tennant takes a look at what brand purpose means for both agencies and brands.
Last call for Christmas 2021
This week, we take a look at consumer spending and what to expect as we begin the countdown to Christmas Day.
Could consumer travel budgets be a pot of gold for marketeers next year?
As travel rules continue to return to a new normal, we take a look at what this could mean for marketeers in 2022.
Facebook’s donor tools for advertising: Looking beyond the surface
Digital Planner Buyer Mohini takes a look at Facebook’s latest addition in their host of dedicated fundraising tools.
Marketing in a post pandemic world: Get ahead or fall further behind
Director of Digital Ben Foster shares top tips to ensure your marketing strategies don’t fall behind in the new post-pandemic world.
The future of attribution is data-driven
Digital Account Director Gabby Krite talks through the pros and cons of Google’s latest updates to it’s reporting and attribution.
The importance of culture in a growth minded business
MD, James Smith talks the importance of company culture and building a pleasurable and productive working environment with Startup Observer.
Top tips to execute efficient marketing strategies
Director of Search Niki Grant shares three top tips to execute efficient marketing strategies, designed to reduce churn and increase efficiency.
Paralympics may be over, but our workplace challenges remain
Director of Search Niki Grant shares some of her daily challenges in the hope of spreading empathy and consideration via Mediatel.
Why is it so hard to convince your CEO to invest in brand building?
This week we take a look at long term brand building and why CEO’s often need convincing to invest.
Why are so few brands casting differently-abled actors?
With the Paralympics in full swing, Director of Search Niki Grant takes a look at what brands have excelled in this element of inclusivity via Mediatel.
Let’s honour the Paralympics by binning the word ‘disabled’
Director of Search Niki Grant shares why she thinks the word ‘disabled’ should be binned via Mediatel
Why brands should write their Christmas list early this year
With just 122 sleeps till Christmas, we take a look at what brands should be aware of as we approach the big day.
How to ensure advertising is a positive influence on the next generation
This week Digital Account Director Gabby Krite takes a look at how advertising can be a positive influence on the next generation.
Beware the risks of staff absorbing digital media tasks
Director of Search Niki Grant explains why giving digital tasks to offline media people is risky business via Mediatel.
Understanding consumer mindset via keyword intent
Digital Account Director Jodie Brookton takes a look at the benefits of understanding your consumers mindset via keyword intent.
Three strikes and you’re out: Google’s new ad policy pilot
Director of Search Niki Grant takes a look at Google’s recent three-strike penalty pilot scheme to better police the products being promoted through the Google Ads platform.
Customer Moods, Mindsets and Mental Capacity
Director of Digital Ben Foster looks at the importance of media plans adapting as customers’ moods change.
It’s time social giants stepped up to the tackling-racial-hate plate
Senior Digital Account Manager Simi Gill looks at the responsibility social platforms need to take to tackle online hate.
We need to get real about ‘art vs science’ in digital media
Direct of Search Niki Grant talks all things digital media via Mediatel.
Why % of marketing spend just doesn’t work for Search
Director of Search Niki Grant looks at digital marketing management and why a percentage of marketing spend doesn’t work for Search.
Brands have lost the power struggle
Director of Search Niki Grant takes a look at how marketing audiences have become judge, jury, and executioner.
The Kite Factory Announces Record 35% Growth Rate and £15million new billings
We are so proud of our brilliant team who have come together and helped us achieve a record year of growth.
Ensuring card days are not hard days
As proud members of Bloom & Wild’s Thoughtful Marketing Movement, we’ve put together three tips on how marketers can be more mindful of their audience.
New TGI data takes a step towards more inclusive planning
A look at inclusive media planning and what this means for us as advertisers.
Three trends that will determine whether you reach your audience this summer
A look at how you can reach your audience this summer.
Is anyone paying attention to a word you’re saying?
Director of Digital Ben Foster shares his advice on how to maximise quality attention for your campaigns.
Our formula for a successful subscription launch
In the first of our TKF Hacks series, we share our formula for launching a successful subscription product.
From the team: Starting a job during lockdown
Marketing Executive Lucy Prince shares her experience in starting her media career from her bedroom.
Our city centres may be fuller sooner than we expect
We take a look at how different generations have ‘thrived’ or ‘survived’ lockdown and what it means for advertisers as we slowly return to the office.
Prices may rise but efficiencies can still be found
As prices rise for TV advertising, how can performance-led advertisers mitigate the impact of this inflation on their costs per acquisition?
We may not be locked up (or down), but will all of us leave our cells this summer?
With shops, bars and restaurants back in business, are we finally on the road back to normal?
Unpacking Google’s post-cookie roadmap announcement
Director of Digital Ben Foster shares his thoughts on Google’s latest Chrome update.
Plan for “Disturbances in the Force” this spring
Our advice for performance advertisers as lockdown restrictions begin to ease.
Fireside: Principles & Practices of Fundraising
Founder Mike Colling joins Jayne George and Adrian Sargeant to discuss fundraising in 2021 in the lead up to their new book release.
The Spotify Audience Network: A New Era for Podcast Advertising
A look at podcast advertising and what the new era means for us as advertisers.
Could Covid-19 have changed our listening habits for good?
How the pandemic has changed our listening habits, and what impact this has for radio.
Will heritage newspaper brands thrive in a post cookie world?
A look at the rising importance of ‘old fashioned’ media owners coming late to the digital party.
What separated the best from the rest in fundraising in 2020?
A look back at fundraising in 2020 and how charities can drive growth this year.
What does Boris’s roadmap mean for UK advertisers?
Our signposts to BoJo’s recovery map and the implications for brands and their media plans.
How can you stop your marketing budget being seen as a cost?
Our tools to ensure your boardroom is speaking the same language when it comes to marketing investments.
Unlocking the high-value heartland of legacy givers
A whitepaper on how to tap into the heart land of high-value legacy givers.
Clash of the tech titans: Who’s really in control?
A look at the big five’s ever-expanding stature of influence and implications for consumers in their fight to the top.
Is Apple’s ongoing crusade against tracking in consumers’ best interest?
Director of Digital Ben Foster shares his view on the consequences of the latest iOS update via New Digital Age.
Events dear boy, events.
Why Howard Macmillan’s response to a journalist in 1961 is more relevant than ever in January 2021.
Is anyone paying attention to a word you’re saying?
Actionable insights from Lumen Research’s latest report on measuring consumer attention.
The next 10 years for subscriptions
Strategy Director, Christian Taylor gives his verdict on the subscription market.
Consumer report: The Lockdown subscriber
Our proprietary report on who to avoid and others to prioritise when it comes to subscription acquisition.
Christmas 2020: Why are diverse ads still facing unacceptable backlash?
Senior Digital Account Manager, Simi Gill on the Sainsbury’s Christmas ad backlash and minority representation in mainstream media.
The value of Earned Media in UK Vaccine take-up
Why the UK Vaccine task force’s £670,000 spend on PR may be their best investment.
Emerging donor trends from a Covid-19 Special Report
A look at how the pandemic has affected donor behaviour following the Charities Aid Foundation’s COVID-19 Report.
Lockdown 2.0: Tracking the seismic waves through the media market
What lockdown 2.0 might mean for you and what, if any, are the silver linings in this very black cloud.
Reasons to Be Cheerful with James Smith
James Smith shares what keeps him smiling with New Digital Age.
The key to effectiveness: Learnings from IPA Effectiveness Awards 2020
Key learnings from the Grand Prix Winner and actions that can be applied to any brand as a result.
What will impending job losses mean for sales this Christmas?
We explore what the impending job losses means for sales this Christmas.
Should you invest in media this autumn?
A look and why, how and where you should be investing in media this autumn.
OOH: Out of the effectiveness comfort zone?
A look at the changing role of OOH and how it can prove a powerful neighbourhood companion for brands.
A lesson from Saturday night at the (socially distanced) movies
How Mitsubishi showed that brands can change opinion and create word of mouth through real-world experience.
Subscription: The saviour combatting retail revenue decline
A look at the subscription market throughout Covid-19 and how a subscription product can lower the barriers to acquiring new customers.
Independents: The heroes of advertising in 2020
Commercial Director, Jonathan Leech reflects on how independents have proven the heroes vs the network giants during Covid-19.
Covid-19: Embracing change
A look at the IPA and Opinium’s latest studies on behaviour changes throughout lockdown and the implications for brands.
Overcoming barriers to donate
Our proprietary report on the barriers to donation, in partnership with YouGov.
The overlooked demographic: Under 25’s in lockdown
Mental Health Awareness: A perspective of the pressures under 25’s are experiencing in lockdown.
Why the rules of engagement are more crucial than ever
Why the concept of ‘right person, right message, right time’ is still paramount even during the pandemic.
Effectiveness lessons from BoJo’s boo-boos
Effectiveness lessons from BoJo’s boo-boos: How the multiple-media effect helped cut through the PM’s ‘Stay Alert’ confusion.
Capturing attention & response in a time of media overload
What channels to buy and where brands can find consumers both paying attention and prepared to respond during lockdown.
Marketing during COVID-19: It’s not all or nothing
Opportunities to gain cost-effective reach and frequency during the Coronavirus crisis.
We may be all in this together, but not in the same way
The significant differences in attitudes and behaviours of your audiences, and how to create value for them.
Challenges Bring Opportunities For Those Willing To Be Bold
Blending art and science to empower digital marketing in a post GDPR world.
RE:Purpose – driving new models of engagement for charities
Addressing the challenges facing traditional giving.
Help your customers live their best lives or be left behind
A deep dive into the well-being sector and best in class brands adopting to help consumers live their best lives.
2019: a year in TV and news
A roundup of TV and news from the past year from our trading experts.
What’s hot this week
Flight Centre & Expedia jump on the Harry and Meghan bandwagon, Fornite’s partnership with ICRC and a bus full of steel chairs to announce WWE’s move to BT Sports.
#PMA20: The Kite Factory on Winning Best Brand Engagement
PerformanceIn talks to Head of Insight, Planning & Strategy, Rik Moore on the award-winning WaterAid Untapped campaign.
The trust crisis and the sharing solution
Rik Moore, Head of Insight, Planning & Strategy on going beyond a “traditional” charity partnership to reverse trust in the sector.
Mindful money: How Triodos are revolutionising finance marketing
Mindful money: How Triodos are revolutionising finance marketing
How brands can win at e-gaming
By Emily Smith, Senior Business Executive on the role of brands in one of the biggest new sectors.
Your guide to the social media Donation Sticker
Your guide to the social media Donation Sticker
Coming out in support of Pride marketing
Cannes Lions 2019: Our pick of the winners
Brand Love in the 21st Century: A Guide
Effective Planning: Conquering your own bias
Solving Subscriptions: A consumer study
Solving Subscriptions: What consumers want and need from today’s subscription brands