Agencies share the creative technology they cannot live without | ClickZ Indie Agency News

Plus, The rise of indie media agencies and the strategies helping them win new business

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Welcome to ClickZ Indie Agency News, your essential newsletter for marketing agencies and eCommerce professionals.

Prime Day Exclusive 📦

Prime Day 2025 smashed records. Extended to four days, it generated $24.1B in U.S. online sales — a 30% year-on-year surge.

But as brands dive into retros and kick off BFCM planning, one question looms: what actually worked? Which channels truly drove conversions — and how can we know?

That’s where understanding cross-channel halo effects becomes essential. New research from Fospha sheds light on how different platforms influence conversions across both DTC sites and Amazon.

TikTok leads with an 80% uplift in ROAS when Amazon sales are included, followed by YouTube (48%) and Meta (46%). These platforms ignite discovery and spark intent that may convert later — whether on your DTC site or on Amazon. Without visibility into cross-channel halo effects, that impact remains invisible.

👉 Explore Fospha’s Halo Effect research to uncover what really drove your Prime Day results.

Sector Spotlight 🎥

AGENCY GROWTH

Publicis reported a 5.9% organic net revenue growth for Q2 2025, driven by key business wins such as Coca-Cola. This growth has led the agency to raise its annual guidance, showcasing optimism for continued success. These insights are crucial for marketing professionals analyzing industry trends and the impact of new accounts on revenue growth.

INNOVATIVE MARKETING TECHNOLOGIES

Creative technology is advancing rapidly, with tools like 4D Gaussian Splatting, Seaweed-APT2, and AI-powered storyboarding transforming how marketers can visually engage audiences. While technologies like Apple Vision Pro and AI-driven audio platforms enhance emotional impact and creative efficiency, they also introduce ethical concerns about authenticity and representation. Marketers should focus on understanding and integrating these tools to deliver immersive experiences and maintain relevance in an evolving digital landscape.

INDEPENDENT MEDIA AGENCIES

Indie media agencies are gaining traction in the media landscape by leveraging unique strategies to secure large accounts, challenging traditional holding companies. Their approach includes a focus on principal-based buying and adapting quickly to shifting industry dynamics. This evolution offers valuable insights into navigating a market that prizes innovation and client adaptability.

BRAND BUILDING

Media agencies are transitioning from traditional banner ads to strategies focused on relevance, experience, and trust. This shift involves using native content, sponsored news, and intent-based placements to engage audiences more effectively and build lasting brand relationships.

By prioritizing high-quality content and precise timing, agencies ensure that advertising is not just about reaching audiences but creating meaningful impressions that align with modern content consumption habits.

Optimization Hub ⚙️

ECOMMERCE STRATEGIES

Google's evolving search landscape demands that eCommerce businesses prioritize structured data, mobile performance, and site speed to maintain visibility and competitiveness.

The AI-powered Search Generative Experience emphasizes clarity in product listings, with schema markup becoming crucial for ranking. To succeed, retailers must adopt a search-first approach, ensuring compatibility with Google's preferences to effectively reach their target audience.

RETAIL MEDIA STRATEGY

Retail media continues its growth in 2025, with advertisers focusing on full-funnel strategies across various platforms. As Amazon leverages its data dominance, competitors like Walmart and Instacart strive for their share. The landscape demands a unified approach to brand and performance budgets, emphasizing data-driven decisions and measurement incentives.

ClickZ is a ClickZ Media publication in the DTC Ecommerce division