Research
Research, trends, best practices, benchmarks, perspectives and inspiration from the SoDA community.
Digital Outlook Study 2023
An annual collaboration with our brilliant colleagues at Forrester Research. SoDA’s Global Digital Outlook Study looks at spending trends, adoption of emerging technology, business outlook, perspectives on the future of digital and evolving priorities for both agency leaders and brand marketers.
Culture, Talent And Operations Study
With global economies in full recovery mode for over a year and the longer-term implications of a hybrid-remote working model settling in, agency leaders are now grappling with how to best navigate a hyper-competitive talent market while also re-tooling key aspects of their operations and culture. A collaboration between SoDA (Society of Digital Agencies) and Deltek, this study explores the impact of the current talent market, new operational priorities and agency performance in the first half of 2022.
The Global Agency Landscape STUDY 2022
The Global Agency Landscape Study looks at how well agencies have been navigating the pandemic and how their strategic and operational priorities have shifted in light of new challenges. We dig into financial performance in 2021, the impact of a hybrid-remote working model, the current market for talent, the outlook for 2022 and much more.
2020 Agency Tracking Study
SoDA conducted three tracking studies in 2020 to better understand how agencies were navigating the disruption, areas of operational readiness, financial performance for the year, and the initial outlook for 2021.
The SoDA Report and Digital Outlook 2020
SoDA has released an annual Digital Outlook Study for the past seven years. In this edition, we explore spending trends, adoption of emerging technology, perspectives on the digital landscape and evolving priorities for both agency leaders and brand marketers.
Agency Measurement Benchmarking Study, 2019
Running a creative agency is complex. It can be difficult to know which metrics to track closely without running into data paralysis. There’s also a natural tension between strictly managing to the numbers and designing a flexible workplace culture for your team to be at their best. This study takes a look at the state of operational and business performance measurement at agencies and provides some insight into the key metrics and benchmarks used by leaders in our industry.
Trends in Personalization
In this edition, SoDA and Sitecore explore the evolution of digital personalization and examine the strategies and tools required to produce the most effective consumer experience. Done right, personalization enhances customers’ lives and increases engagement and loyalty by delivering messages that are tuned to and even anticipate what customers really want.
Agency Operating Practices
If you can measure it; you can manage it. Measuring performance is a vital part of running a successful agency. The need to analyze and adjust, whether it be your people, cash flow or scopes of work, is the new normal and part of being a modern agency. For this edition, we've continued our partnership with Deltek to highlight industry trends as it relates to best practices for agency operations.
Global Digital Outlook Study, 2018-2019
An annual collaboration with our brilliant colleagues at Forrester Research. SoDA’s Global Digital Outlook Study looks at spending trends, adoption of emerging technology, business outlook, perspectives on the future of digital and evolving priorities for both agency leaders and brand marketers.
2018: Design for Change
Our annual trends publication featuring thought leadership, interviews and case studies from some of the world’s leading digital design, marketing, media and technology innovators. The 2018 Report focused on the theme of Design with Change and was guest edited by Wesley ter Haar, a Founding Partner at Media Monks in Amsterdam, Los Angeles and growing number of offices (and Monks) around the globe.
2017: Inflection
Our annual trends publication featuring thought leadership, interviews and case studies from some of the world’s leading digital design, marketing, media and technology innovators. The 2017 Report focused on the theme of Inflection and was guest edited by Michael Lebowitz, Founder and CEO of Big Spaceship in New York.
Global Digital Outlook Study, 2017-2018
An annual collaboration with our brilliant colleagues at Forrester Research. SoDA’s Global Digital Outlook Study looks at spending trends, adoption of emerging technology, business outlook, perspectives on the future of digital and evolving priorities for both agency leaders and brand marketers.
Agency Metrics that Matter
SoDA explored business performance measurement within agencies, production companies and design studios. We assessed the relative breadth, sophistication and transparency of measurement practices and compared several important benchmarks for 2017 performance
Salary and Compensation Benchmarking Study
SoDA’s annual benchmark study for salaries, bonus programs and non-cash based incentives (including equity/ownership) for more than 70 titles. Benchmarking data is also segmented by agency size and global region. This report is exclusive and available only to SoDA members.
Rate Card Benchmarking Study
SoDA’s annual rate card study looks at billable rates for more than 50 roles and functions. Benchmarking data is also segmented by agency size, global region and primary contract model (e.g. time and materials vs. fixed-fee project vs. retainer). This report is exclusive and available only to SoDA members.
KPI Benchmarking Study
SoDA’s annual analysis of financial and operating performance segmented by agency size and global region... revenue growth rates, EBITDA margins, gross margins, billable rates, sales/marketing investments, bonus programs and much more. This report is exclusive and available only to SoDA members.