Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # CreativeRace Uniting brands with buyers ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://creativerace.co.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [News](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/) - Our latest news, from performance marketing tips and strategic insights, to content best practices and inspiring creativity - fuelled by passion. - [Navigating disruption](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/navigating-disruption-3/) - How should brands adapt when things go wrong internally and the brand is under fire? - [Navigating disruption](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/navigating-disruption-2/) - How can brands find their voice and remain distinctive in a world that lurches from crisis to crisis? - [Navigating disruption](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/navigating-disruption/) - How do some of the strongest brands respond to reach their buyers with creativity, consistency, authenticity and intent at a time of uncertainty? - [Marketing to Women](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/marketing-to-women-online/) - How can brands better reach women online to create a shift from buyer to community member, and advocate? - [Marketing to Women](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/marketing-to-women-creative/) - How can brands better reach women creatively? How can they work to understand women and therefore drive engagement and future recommendations? - [Marketing to Women](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/marketing-to-women/) - How can brands better reach out to women buyers - what do they want to see and how do they want to feel? - [GLP-1s Reshape Consumption](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/glp-1s-reshape-consumption/) - We are firmly in the weight-loss drug era. Moving from a niche solution under suspicion to a worldwide phenomenon, GLP-1 drugs are mainstream. This presents a challenge for brands and retailers who have to navigate new buyer behaviours whilst maintaining the integrity of their brand identity and purpose. There is no hiding from the tidal - [GA4 vs Universal Analytics: How do they compare?](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/google-analytics-4-vs-universal-analytics-how-do-they-compare/) - Over a year since its launch, GA4 is still met with reluctance and trepidation from many. To help, we're running a series of blogs on the basics of GA4. - ["Christmas is a f***ing pain": Why championing unpopular opinions could be your route to success](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/christmas-is-a-fing-pain-why-championing-unpopular-opinions-could-be-your-route-to-success/) - Senior Strategist, Ed Steele, explores how tapping into some of the more unpopular Christmas opinions may unlock a brands ability to connect with an audience. - [Auto-apply ads: review auto-applied recommendations before opting-in](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/auto-apply-ads-review-auto-applied-recommendations-before-opting-in/) - Google and Microsoft are shortly launching auto-applied recommendations for ads. Which ones should you opt-in to? - [8 Things to consider when preparing your Black Friday PPC campaigns](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/8-things-to-consider-when-preparing-your-black-friday-ppc-campaigns/) - With Black Friday approaching, here are eight things to consider when preparing your PPC campaigns for the peak period. - [Real life is complicated, like it or not](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/real-life-is-complicated-like-it-or-not/) - Sometimes what people say, isn't the whole story. Our Strategy Director explains more. - [3 Tips to Reach Buyers this Black Friday](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/3-tips-to-reach-buyers-this-black-friday/) - Often scarier than Halloween, Black Friday is nearly upon us. The emails and ads have started already, filling in-boxes and creating noise. For even the savviest of buyers, navigating Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals can feel like a chore. According to YouGov, although around 1 in 3 Brits are likely to take part in Black Friday, - [Rethinking Value in UK Retail](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/rethinking-value-in-uk-retail/) - Value doesn’t always mean cheap, and cheap doesn’t always scream value. In fact, the whole idea of value is undergoing a stylish makeover in UK retail. No longer just about slashed prices or red discount stickers, value is being redefined by design, sustainability, and experience. Why does red mean sale? Let’s start with the colour red. It’s a curious thing. In design, red - [More Than a Bargain: Value through Search](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/more-than-a-bargain-value-through-search/) - For brands looking to gain from the shift in consumer values that put quality and experience before price, it’s tough to convey through the screen. To win your business, consumers need reassuring that your value exchange promise is true. How can you meet their expectations from the moment your first search impression comes into view? - [More Than a Bargain: What 2025 Buyers Really Want](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/more-than-a-bargain-what-2025-buyers-really-want/) - The start of a new year or the coming of Spring often sparks reflections and predictions - and one trend that’s been impossible to ignore over the past few years is money. More specifically, the lack of it. From the Cost-of-Living Crisis to the political decisions shaping the economy- money, budgets, and value have dominated - [55 Isn't Old: But Your Creative Might Be](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/55-isnt-old-but-your-creative-might-be/) - The numbers should make every marketer sit up and pull out their Parker pen. As mentioned in our previous Silver Pound pieces, over-50s control £320 billion in spending power and are responsible for half of all UK consumer spend. As ever though, most brands are still chasing the shiny, enchanting nonchalance of Gen Z - - [Winning the Over-50s with your Media Strategy](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/winning-the-over-50s-with-your-media-strategy/) - Continuing from our recent post on the Silver Pound and how it’s important to rethink the approach to the over-50s, we’re going to delve into how you can do this through strategic media planning and activation. At its core, as with all successful campaigns, understanding the audience is crucial. Did you know that the average - [Beyond the Grey: Why Brands Must Rethink Their Approach to Over-50s](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/beyond-the-grey-why-brands-must-rethink-their-approach-to-over-50s/) - Looking at advertising and brands currently, it would be easy to think we live in a world solely populated by people in their early 20s, and that the only people that bought anything were Gen Z. However, there is a large group that is overlooked, misrepresented and sick of being served ads for funerals and - [Your Christmas buyer is not your usual buyer](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/your-christmas-buyer-is-not-your-usual-buyer/) - Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for brands, and for their buyers. No matter how prepped you think you are with the Christmas shopping, the run up to Christmas is always busy, stressful and full of competing demands - all shouting for your time and attention. And whilst it might feel a - [Bayfields New Creative Agency](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/bayfields-new-creative-agency/) - We are pleased to announce we have been appointed as Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists new creative agency following a competitive pitch process. Our impressive track record in the retail sector and bold creative vision for the future of the Bayfields brand drove the decision. As Bayfields continues to grow its national footprint and evolve its - [Gifting Trends this Christmas](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/gifting-trends-this-christmas/) - Christmas gifting can be a minefield. When you’re a brand or business looking to connect with buyers, you need to start planning ahead. Waiting until November might see you missing the boat. But we’ve got you covered, with some hints, tips and trends to kick start your festive thinking: Sustainable and Second Hand: According to - [Appointment of a new CEO for CreativeRace](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/appointment-of-a-new-ceo-for-creativerace/) - CreativeRace Chairman, Gordon Bethell announces the appointment of Rob Shaw as CEO to lead the evolution of the agency. - [CreativeRace partner with Asda to design sustainable store](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/creativerace-partner-with-asda-to-design-sustainable-store/) - As Asda begin work driving sustainability in store, they turned to long-term partner CreativeRace to help bring the concept to life in their Middleton store. - [CreativeRace announce significant 2020 appointments to secure growth into 2021](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/creativerace-announce-significant-2020-appointments-to-secure-growth-into-2021/) - CreativeRace announced a number of key hires in 2020 to support the delivery of their growth plans into 2021. - [CreativeRace appoints new SEO Director, Malcolm Slade](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/creativerace-appoints-new-seo-director-malcolm-slade/) - Malcolm Slade joins CreativeRace as SEO Director, joining the senior leadership team to head up the new integrated performance offering. - [CreativeRace appointed by Crown Paints](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/creativerace-appointed-by-crown-paints/) - Crown Paints has appointed independent Leeds agency CreativeRace following a multi-agency pitch in 2020. - [Former Social Chain Creative Director joins CreativeRace](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/creativerace-hires-former-social-chain-creative-director/) - CreativeRace has announced the appointment of Tim Donald as Executive Creative Director, further strengthening their senior leadership team. - [Multiple client wins for CreativeRace](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/multiple-client-wins-for-creativerace/) - CreativeRace has announced a number of major client wins from competitive pitching processes and across multiple services. - [In the press: Go Car Credit appoint CreativeRace for digital services](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/in-the-press-go-car-credit-appoint-creativerace-for-digital-services/) - CreativeRace has been appointed as the new integrated digital marketing partner for Go Car Credit following a competitive pitch process. - [CreativeRace adds colour to Crown Decorating Centres through strategic store redesign](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/in-the-news-creativerace-adds-colour-to-crown-decorating-centres-through-strategic-store-redesign/) - With the support of integrated agency CreativeRace, Crown Decorating Centres has opened its first new retail concept store. - [Awards: CreativeRace and Asda win Best Retail Campaign at the Prolific North Marketing Awards](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/awards-creativerace-and-asda-win-best-retail-campaign-at-the-prolific-north-marketing-awards/) - CreativeRace was named Best Retail Campaign winner at the Prolific North Marketing Awards for our work on Asda's sustainable store initiative. - [In the press: CreativeRace announce latest client win, payment provider Nochex](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/in-the-press-creativerace-announce-latest-client-win-payment-provider-nochex/) - CreativeRace has announced a further client win with leading payment provider Nochex. The agency will be supporting with several performance services. - [CreativeRace develop concept for inaugural Centurion Corporate Challenge](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/creativerace-develop-concept-for-the-inaugural-centurion-corporate-challenge-and-raise-funds-for-disadvantaged-children/) - CreativeRace has partnered with London Youth Rowing’s three-time Olympic Rowing Gold Medallist Andrew Triggs Hodge OBE, in a fundraising initiative. - [In the press: CreativeRace announce two senior leadership hires](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/in-the-press-creativerace-announce-two-senior-leadership-hires/) - CreativeRace has announced two key additions to their leadership team, Victoria Aspinall as Strategy Director and Tori Lorence, Client Services Director. - [CreativeRace partners with Leeds Arts Uni for VMC design brief](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/creativerace-to-complete-brand-design-for-the-visual-media-conference-for-a-second-year-while-supporting-young-creative-talent/) - Leeds-based integrated agency CreativeRace is partnering with Leeds Arts University to develop new branding for this year's Visual Media Conference. - [CreativeRace partners with Engage Leeds for Operation Santa](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/creativerace-engage-leeds/) - CreativeRace has partnered with Engage Leeds to ensure more children in the region do not go without presents this Christmas. - [The Manifest names CreativeRace among most-reviewed PR agencies](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/the-manifest-names-creativerace-among-most-reviewed-pr-agencies/) - We're pleased to share that The Manifest has recognised us as one of the most reviewed global public relations companies for 2022. - [CreativeRace offers marketing leaders the chance to tour Production Park](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/in-the-press-creativerace-offers-marketing-leaders-the-chance-to-tour-production-park-the-norths-only-live-experience-campus/) - CreativeRace has teamed up with Prolific North to give marketing leaders an exclusive tour of Wakefield's Production Park. - [CreativeRace joins C4 creative scheme for young people in Yorkshire](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/in-the-press-creativerace-joins-channel-4-creative-scheme-for-young-people-in-yorkshire/) - Channel 4 has announced the launch of a new initiative to offer creative career opportunities to young people in Yorkshire. - [22 incredible women to inspire & empower you this IWD](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/22-incredible-women-to-inspire-empower-you-this-international-womens-day/) - To celebrate International Women's Day, we reached out to find out more about the women who inspire the CreativeRace team. - [CreativeRace welcomes new Communications Director](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/creativerace-welcomes-new-communications-director/) - CreativeRace welcomes Amy Airey as its new Communications Director to head up the communications team, as well as overseeing all comms work at the agency. - [CreativeRace welcomes Channel 4 digital marketing trainees](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/channel-4-content-creatives/) - We're delighted to be working alongside two trainees from Channel 4's Content Creatives programme, who will be joining us for an eight-week work placement. - [Motorhome hire platform Camptoo appoints CreativeRace to manage its SEO](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/motorhome-hire-platform-camptoo-appoints-creativerace-to-manage-its-seo/) - Motorhome hire platform Camptoo has appointed CreativeRace to manage its SEO services, as it drives forward plans for organic growth. - [Content Creatives: reflecting on eight weeks in the CreativeRace studio](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/content-creatives-reflecting-on-eight-weeks-in-the-creativerace-studio/) - Our two Content Creatives trainees reflect on their time working within the CreativeRace studio. - [CreativeRace offers free solutions to marketers & business owners](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/creativerace-offers-free-solutions-to-marketers-business-owners/) - CreativeRace is giving brands and business owners the chance to have their marketing questions answered for free this summer. - [CreativeRace named as Northern's lead creative agency](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/creativerace-named-as-northerns-lead-creative-agency/) - Integrated, independent agency CreativeRace has been named as the lead creative agency for Northern Trains, following a highly competitive tender. - [CreativeRace appointed by adult education provider City Lit](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/creativerace-appointed-by-adult-education-provider-city-lit/) - Adult education provider City Lit has appointed CreativeRace for PR, as it aims to amplify its brand & engage with potential students outside of London. - [Introducing CreativeSpace - our new webinar & podcast series](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/creativespace-webinar-podcast-series/) - The first CreativeSpace event is set to take place on Wednesday November 2nd at 10am, giving marketers & brands a first-look at upcoming industry trends. - [Helping Operation Santa support vulnerable children in Leeds](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/operation-santa-2022/) - For the second year running, we’ve chosen to support Engage Leeds’ Operation Santa initiative rather than taking part in the traditional Secret Santa with colleagues. Operation Santa is an initiative designed to make sure no child of the parents it supports goes without a present at Christmas and is running for its seventh year in - [Quorn appoints CreativeRace for Retail Marketing](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/quorn-appoints-creativerace-retail-marketing/) - We are thrilled to announce that we have secured a significant new retail account with Quorn, the globally renowned meat-free brand. - [COVID-19 on digital](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/covid-19-on-digital/) - COVID-19 on digital – The Trends, The Facts & The Winners Having worked in search for over 13 years I’ve felt the pressures of a global recession, the emergence of a boom time and now a pandemic. Arguably we are only just starting to see the pressures of a pandemic on digital budgets and user - [Create space](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/create-space/) - It was only a month ago that we were in a very different world and social distancing wasn’t the buzzword it is today. We never discussed our personal toilet roll stocks or lack thereof with friends and seeing loved ones was done without a second thought. Like everyone else across the world, we’ve flexed and - [Punch above your weight](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/punch-above-your-weight/) - The marketing and media landscape has changed. Getting mainstream consumer attention used to be easy, you could simply pay to get your message out and there be reasonably sure it would reach your audience. But then things started to shift, the media landscape slowly fragmented. Today there are thousands of TV channels, but they’re dwarfed - [More leverage please...](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/more-leverage-please/) - Out of the tragedy and loss that wraps the entire Covid-19 period, there has been, in my view, some extraordinary changes of mindset in society that are frankly uplifting. I could refer to national clapping and the fact we have finally recognised the true value of our NHS being the people on the front line - [Do you really understand your audience?](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/do-you-really-understand-your-audience/) - As marketing people, we often like to think that we naturally ‘get’ our customers/audience/consumers, whatever you want to call them. Our years of experience mean we instinctively know what people like. We believe that we can easily put ourselves in the shoes of the person on the street and therefore know which messages will get - [Don’t try to change the world](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/dont-try-to-change-the-world/) - Quite a few of my leisure activities involve purposefully making life hard for myself. I like rock climbing, wild camping, cycling up steep hills and snowboarding (anyone who has tried using a ski lift on a snowboard knows ski-ing is definitely the easier option). In these pursuits, you look at the challenging path that lies - [Did they help?](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/did-they-help/) - The Coronavirus pandemic has seen amazing humanitarian responses from organisations and individuals around the globe. But what did your favourite brand, politician or celebrity actually do in the crisis? Did They Help? (didtheyhelp.com) sets out to provide a comprehensive, easy-to-access online database that reveals how companies and public figures behaved during the Covid-19 outbreak and - [Marketing, it’s a mind game](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/marketing-its-a-mind-game/) - There's a lot of power in a nudge. Our Strategy Director explains why marketing is about people, and more specifically, changing their behaviour. - [Time for a change](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/time-for-a-change/) - People are defined by habits. So are brands. Are you happy with the habits that define your brand? - [Seize the moment](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/why-fanning-the-flames-of-trends-on-the-rise-is-your-window-of-opportunity/) - Our Strategy Director explains why fanning the flames of a trend on the rise is your window of opportunity. - [Let's hear it for the rule breakers](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/lets-hear-it-for-the-rule-breakers/) - Our Design Director, Pat Hawkes, explores what it takes to avoid your brand disappearing into the background. - [It pays to be popular](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/it-pays-to-be-popular/) - Our Senior Strategist Ed Steele digs into the idea that people don't like being told what to do. - [Brand experience is not blind](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/brand-experience-is-not-blind/) - Ed Steele, our Senior Strategist, discusses the power of context in influencing people's experiences - [United you stand](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/united-you-stand/) - While news sources would have us believe that we are a divided nation, in truth there is much that connects us. - [People want more value, not lower prices](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/people-want-more-value-not-lower-prices/) - Marketing is about providing something that your customers’ value. To win during a recession you need to give them more value. - [Fact, fiction or both?](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/fact-fiction-or-both/) - The truth about how people really behave, or think, is often far more interesting than black and white statements. - [Novelty bias, our friend and our enemy](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/novelty-bias-our-friend-and-our-enemy/) - ‘Novelty Bias’ has many, many implications for how we live our lives and also how we market. Some good, some less so... - [If you want your brand to be heard, start by listening](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/if-you-want-your-brand-to-be-heard-start-by-listening/) - If you really want an audience to engage with you, you have to listen to them. - [When it comes to data, better answers require better questions](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/when-it-comes-to-data-better-answers-require-better-questions/) - When everyone has the same data, it’s how you interpret it that can throw up surprising directions and new lines of enquiry. - [Everyone’s talking about…. Clubhouse](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/everyones-talking-about-clubhouse/) - Clubhouse is the latest hot new social app being talked about. Rebecca Jones looks at what it is, and the benefits for marketers. - [The Future of Relationships Between Marketers and their Agencies](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/cmo-survey/) - In this CMO survey prepared with YouGov, we surveyed 1,000 marketing decision makers to explore how agencies can best serve their evolving needs. - [A non-technical site speed primer for marketers and business owners](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/a-non-technical-site-speed-primer-for-marketers-and-business-owners/) - Site speed is a hot topic at the moment but it is important to be realistic. Read our Performance Director Malcolm Slade's views on the matter. - [Weather: a marketer's friend](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/weather-a-marketers-friend/) - According to YouGov, 41% of people check the weather forecast on their phones every day. Yep, us brits are obsessed with the weather. - [Together apart](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/together-apart/) - As we all start eyeing up what a return to normal may possibly look like, has lockdown affected the way that creatives work together? - [All new regex: Google Search Console](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/all-new-regex-google-search-console/) - Google has finally released Regex filtering for the performance report in Google Search Console. Here's what that means. - [Fortune favours the agile: how brands will win post-lockdown](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/fortune-favours-the-agile-how-brands-will-win-post-lockdown/) - As we reach the beginning of the end of COVID restrictions, the brands that will win are the ones that can adapt the quickest... - [What’s the story morning glory: how storytelling will cut through](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/whats-the-story-morning-glory-how-storytelling-will-cut-through/) - Why does storytelling work to set brands apart, and how we can use it to cut through the ever-increasing noise of life to help brands punch above their weight? - [Wellness: thinking beyond the hype](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/wellness-thinking-beyond-the-hype/) - How can brands help the need for better health without alienating people who think ‘wellness’ is not for them? - [Are you ready for Google’s match type update?](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/are-you-ready-for-googles-match-type-update/) - As of July, Google advertisers will no longer be able to edit existing BMM keywords, or create new BMM keywords. Are your campaigns ready? - [Ritual, habit, routine. Why brands should get the habits habit](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/ritual-habit-routine-why-brands-should-get-the-habits-habit/) - Exploring the theory that perhaps, future brand success depends on helping people think less and focusing on habits and rituals. - [New campaign? Don't let PR be the last one to the table](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/new-campaign-dont-let-pr-be-the-last-one-to-the-table/) - While PRs fight against the ‘last one to the table’ role, Communications Director, Rebecca, asks 'does it have to be this way?'. - [Brand Strategy: why the fame game works](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/brand-strategy-why-the-fame-game-works/) - The most effective approach a brand can take is to build fame, because after all, it's uncommercial to be lukewarm. - [How offline retailers can overcome brand challenges right now](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/how-offline-retailers-can-overcome-brand-challenges-right-now/) - Senior Strategist, Ed Steele, explores why retailers who start with understanding real people are the ones who will continue to thrive. - [Give it some flex](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/give-it-some-flex/) - In 2015, I was interviewed by MMB Magazine, a network of online and printed publications for working parents, about my work life balance as a mother of two very young children. 6 years and a global pandemic later, I thought I’d revisit the interview and although my children are older and working patterns have changed - [Dirty words](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/dirty-words/) - Our Executive Creative Director, Tim Donald, runs through the 5 'dirtiest' words in the creative industry. - [In-depth analysis: connecting with consumers in the post-lockdown world](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/in-depth-analysis-connecting-with-consumers-in-the-post-lockdown-world/) - As we move out of lockdown people’s lives and their shopping behaviour are changing, and at pace. Here's our deep dive into changing consumer behaviour. - [Don't be cool, be effective](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/dont-be-cool-be-effective/) - Our Senior Strategist, Ed, discusses why trying to be cool might seem appealing to brands, but it could be counterproductive to achieving your objectives. - [I am an introvert: personality and inclusivity](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/i-am-an-introvert-personality-and-inclusivity/) - With diversity and inclusion high on the agenda for most businesses, is personality type something that needs to be taken into consideration? - [Google’s drive on automation continues, with the latest update affecting Expanded Text Ads (ETAs)](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/googles-drive-on-automation-continues-with-the-latest-update-affecting-expanded-text-ads-etas/) - Google has announced that advertisers will no longer be able to create new Expanded Text Ads (ETAs) or edit existing ETAs, as of July 2022. - [Pulp fiction and the art of the edit](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/pulp-fiction-and-the-art-of-the-edit/) - Our Senior Copywriter, Bill Lyne, shares a classic tale from the golden age of pulp. - [Is traditional PR dying? Some thoughts on the future](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/is-traditional-pr-dying-some-thoughts-on-the-future/) - Our Communications Director Rebecca Jones explores, 'Whether PR is really dead.' - [Webinar review: What brands should ask their agencies about Digital PR](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/webinar-review-creativerace-discusses-what-brands-should-ask-their-agencies-about-digital-pr/) - Prolific North and CreativeRace tackled the question of what brands should be asking their agencies about digital PR in 2021 at a dedicated webinar. - [Tree-mendous tips to spruce up your Digital PR this Christmas](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/tree-mendous-tips-to-spruce-up-your-digital-pr-this-christmas/) - With Christmas around the corner we’ve collated a few ways in which brands can maintain link results with top tips and low-risk tactics. - [The C word and its use in modern marketing](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/the-c-word-and-its-use-in-modern-marketing/) - Tim Donald, our Executive Creative Director looks at what we mean when we talk about cultural relevance for brands and why is it important to get it right. - [Best practice for starting paid social in 2022](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/best-practice-for-starting-paid-social-in-2022/) - Megan Proctor from our Paid Social team gathers together her thoughts on Paid Social best practise going in to 2022. - [New year/new start… Or not?](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/new-year-new-start-or-not/) - With January well underway, Creative Race's Strategy Director Victoria Aspinall discusses 2022 predictions, long-term brand growth and success. - [indexifembedded: what does this new meta tag do?](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/indexifembedded-what-does-this-new-meta-tag-do/) - CreativeRace's Performance Director Malcolm Slade and the SEO team had a chat about Google's latest robots tag. Here are their thoughts on indexifembedded. - [AVE & the challenge of PR measurement](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/ave-the-challenge-of-pr-measurement/) - CreativeRace's Communications Director Rebecca Jones muses over an ongoing challenge - PR measurement and how to report on the success of a campaign. - [Unlocking messy tensions* (*it’s where the best insights are)](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/unlocking-messy-tensions-its-where-the-best-insights-are/) - Strategy Director Victoria Aspinall discusses the subject of tension, and why exploring and unlocking tensions can help you uncover customer insights. - [What does Facebook's drop in users mean for paid social advertisers?](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/what-does-facebooks-drop-in-users-mean-for-paid-social-advertisers/) - This week, Facebook announced a drop in its daily average users, for the first time ever. But what does this mean for advertisers? - [Security headers for your site: where to start](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/security-headers-for-your-site-where-to-start/) - Our Head of SEO has put together a walkthrough of the most common security response headers, which can be used to secure your website from cyber-attacks. - [How to maximise the performance of paid advertising](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/how-to-maximise-the-performance-of-paid-advertising/) - Our Paid Advertising team discuss Paid Social & PPC, exploring the benefits of running both channels alongside one another, whilst treating them separately. - [8 golden rules for trendjacking on social media](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/8-golden-rules-for-trendjacking-on-social-media/) - For brands to stay relevant on social, jumping on trends and popular news is an easy place to start. But when is it clever, and when is it just plain cringe? - [Writing with SEO in mind: 7 things to consider](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/writing-with-seo-in-mind-7-things-to-consider/) - Our Performance Director Malcolm Slade explains seven actionable tips for copywriters to bear in mind when writing for SEO. - [6 questions to ask to keep your Digital PR campaigns hyper-relevant](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/6-questions-to-ask-for-hyper-relevant-digital-pr-campaigns/) - Head of Digital PR, Kira, explores why it's crucial to maintain hyper-relevancy across your campaigns, and lists the six questions to ask to do just that. - [How to humanise your brand on social media](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/how-to-humanise-your-brand-on-social-media/) - People connect with people. CR's social media manager, Millie, explains why it's important to humanise your brand on socials, along with tips on how to do so. - [Resilience, persistence, and… Ronan Keating](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/resilience-persistence-and-ronan-keating/) - Our Head of Outreach explains why, in the world of Digital PR, it's important to be persistent and resilient. Buckle up, this one's a rollercoaster... - [The importance of auditing your paid media accounts](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/the-importance-of-auditing-your-paid-media-accounts/) - Our thorough Paid Media audits will provide you with an insight into the true performance of your account, identifying areas of opportunity and growth. - [The dawn of GA4: how to respond to the sunsetting of Universal Analytics](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/the-dawn-of-ga4-how-to-respond-to-the-sunsetting-of-universal-analytics/) - Last month Google announced the sunsetting of Universal Analytics. Here's how we suggest you respond to the news, and how to adapt to using GA4. - [The evolving art of PR evaluation](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/evolving-art-pr-evaluation/) - Evaluation is still a huge hurdle the PR industry needs to overcome. Our Comms Director explores the different options when evaluating your campaigns. - [5 brands that are killing it on social media in 2022](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/5-brands-that-are-killing-it-on-social-media-in-2022/) - With the right strategy and well-planned execution, brands can see huge success on social media. Here are five brands that are killing it on social right now. - [Stand out from the crowd by understanding your distinctive brand assets](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/stand-out-from-the-crowd-by-understanding-your-distinctive-brand-assets/) - Understanding and leveraging your distinctive brand assets is the key to standing out in a sea of marketing communications. Here's why DBAs matter so much. - [Be outstanding - how to build a standout brand](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/how-to-build-a-standout-brand/) - Neon colour and a bold logo may give you standout; however, it’s up close at shelf level your brand needs something else - something more than pretty pictures. - [Transcreation: the power of marketing across cultures](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/transcreation-the-power-of-marketing-across-cultures/) - Transcreation connects storytelling and narrative to resonate with cultural sensitivities, helping brands expand their marketing to an international audience. - [5 content types to help you stand out on LinkedIn](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/5-content-types-to-help-you-stand-out-on-linkedin/) - LinkedIn is possibly one of the trickier social media platforms to navigate, but can be very rewarding when you do. Here are 5 content types to share and why. - [Featured snippets: how to optimise for 'position zero'](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/featured-snippet-how-to-optimise-position-zero/) - The featured snippet, aka 'position 0', has long been considered the new 1st position by SEOs. How important is it to land the coveted featured snippet? - [How to set up a GA4 property alongside your existing UA property](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/how-to-set-up-a-ga-4-property-alongside-your-existing-universal-analytics-property/) - Ahead of the sunsetting of Universal Analytics, it's important that users migrate to GA4 ahead of time. Here's our guide on how to set up a GA4 property. - [Making brave happen](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/making-brave-happen/) - It's great to be brave and distinctive, but it's hard to get other people on board. What can you do to start building a braver, more distinctive brand? - [A mature view on Google's Broad Core Updates](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/a-mature-view-on-googles-broad-core-updates/) - May 25th saw the official acknowledgment of the May Core Algorithm update. Malcolm Slade explores what we as SEOs really know about Broad Core Updates. - [Measuring the true value of paid media in the luxury sector](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/measuring-the-true-value-of-paid-media-in-the-luxury-sector/) - In order to measure the true value of paid media in the luxury sector, it's crucial to consider multiple touchpoints besides purely sales and bookings. - [Why PR strategy is more than just channel recommendations](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/why-pr-strategy-is-more-than-just-channel-recommendations/) - It’s all too easy to fall into the rabbit hole of getting a campaign off the ground without really thinking about the strategy. Here's why PR strategy matters. - [4 authentic Digital PR examples to inspire your next campaign](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/4-authentic-digital-pr-examples-to-inspire-your-next-campaign/) - Creating authentic Digital PR campaigns is a great way to connect with your audience. Here are four of our favourite campaigns and why they're so effective. - [Stop worrying about your brand's USPs](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/stop-worrying-about-your-brands-usps/) - Senior Strategist Ed Steele discusses USPs and why they don't matter - what really matters when it comes to long-term success is being thought of first. - [How to make your influencer collabs count](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/how-to-make-your-influencer-collabs-count/) - We all understand the power of influencers in today’s online landscape. But how do you make sure you’re getting the most out of your influencer collabs? - [7 Digital PR ideation techniques to spark your creativity](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/7-digital-pr-ideation-techniques-to-spark-creativity/) - Ideation is hard. If you’re stuck in a brainstorm rut, we’ve compiled some of our top toolbox techniques for generating fresh and engaging digital PR campaigns. - [Winning in a recession – a guide for marketing and brand managers](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/brand-guide-to-winning-in-a-recession/) - Marketing is tough at the best of times - but it's far easier when those times are good. We've put together a brand's guide for winning in a recession. - [To stunt or not to stunt?](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/to-stunt-not-to-stunt/) - We all know that ideas [generally] win pitches. But are big all-singing and all-dancing stunts always the answer to a brand’s comms challenge? - [When it comes to value, ‘no frills’ doesn’t have to be ‘no fun’](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/when-it-comes-to-value-no-frills-doesnt-have-to-be-no-fun/) - There’s only so much that design can do to help customers choose in a cost crisis. But when designing for value brands, ‘no frills’ doesn’t have to mean ‘no fun’. - [When times are hard, brands win by making people’s lives easier](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/when-times-are-hard-brands-win-by-making-peoples-lives-easier/) - During hard times, the brands that make life easier for people by removing decisions - being the ‘no brainer’ option - are the ones that will win. - [5 ways marketers can harness that back to school feeling](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/back-to-school-marketing-tips/) - Research shows that no matter how old we are, that ‘back to school feeling’ permeates well into adulthood. Here's how to harness that feeling in your marketing. - [Honest marketing, accessible OOH & the continued rise of BeReal](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/honest-marketing-accessible-ooh-and-the-continued-rise-of-bereal/) - Welcome to issue 005 of CriticalReading - your place for the sharpest insights across Strategy, Performance, Creative & Communications. - [Content isn't always king](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/content-isnt-always-king/) - There’s a time and a place for everything. Content isn’t always king. Yet the pressure on marketeers to have an opinion or comment on key events is mounting. - [What's new in paid social: 3 big changes for Meta](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/whats-new-in-paid-social-3-big-changes-for-meta/) - Meta has been busy, with many new features and changes that paid social advertisers need to be aware of. We take a look at three of those changes. - [Is it newsworthy?: Creating editorials, not advertorials](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/is-it-newsworthy-creating-editorials-not-advertorials/) - When it comes to outreach and newsworthiness for Digital PR, it's important to create editorials, not advertorials. Will your story appeal to the journos? - [Brighton SEO Day 1: Faceted nav, GA4 & more](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/brighton-seo-day-1-faceted-nav-ga4-more/) - We sent Malc down to Brighton for the hottest date in the SEO calendar. Here's a round up of the best bits from Brighton SEO day one. - [Brighton SEO day 2: networking, topical authority, quality & more](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/brighton-seo-day-two/) - It's day two of Brighton SEO. Here's Malc's roundup of talks, tools and tech. Find out what stood out from a highly-organised and insightful event. - [How to harness the 'predictable irrationality' of consumers](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/predictable-irrationality/) - Harnessing the predictable irrationality of your audience can be very powerful. Strategy Director Victoria Aspinall explains how to do just that. - [7 behavioural nudges to help increase PPC performance](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/7-behavioural-nudges-to-increase-ppc-performance/) - Understanding and manipulating consumer behaviour can help increase PPC performance. Here are 7 behavioural nudges to try in your PPC ad copy. - [Halloween: scarily good engagement, or not worth the risk?](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/halloween-scarily-good-engagement-or-not-worth-the-risk/) - When it comes to digital PR, should you be using the scare-factor in your Halloween campaigns, or is it not worth the risk? - [How to align paid social creative with the user journey](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/how-to-align-paid-social-creative-with-the-user-journey/) - It’s important to align your paid social creative with the user journey, increasing user experience and helping to nudge those users further down the funnel. - [Untangling design and human behaviour: trickier than it sounds](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/untangling-design-and-human-behaviour/) - The relationship between graphic design and human behaviour has always been a complex one. Laura Siragher explores the three ways people react to design. - [How to combat rational unpredictability through comms](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/how-to-combat-rational-unpredicatability-through-comms/) - The current climate means it's crucial for brands to re-think their comms strategies and make sure they have a solid understanding of rational unpredictability. - [CreativeRace's ultimate guide to Black Friday](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/ultimate-guide-to-black-friday/) - We've put together an ultimate Black Friday resource, helping align your strategy in order to get the best results out of the sales season. - [5 tips for designing effective out of home ad creative](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/5-tips-designing-effective-out-of-home-ad-creative/) - Out of home media specialists Talon Outdoor dropped in to offer us an insightful presentation on creative practices for out of home advertising, showcasing some examples of effective ads. Out of home is a unique marketing channel, and it comes in many different shapes and sizes. OOH ad placements include everything from huge digital screens - [Being negative can be positive for your brand](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/being-negative-can-be-positive-for-your-brand/) - Including an element of negativity in your communications can be an effective way to grab attention. Here's why being negative can be positive for your brand. - [Designing for irrational behaviour](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/designing-for-irrational-behaviour/) - Consumers are not always rational. How can brands engage outside of the norm? Let's explore the interesting topic of designing for irrational behaviour. - [Not another trends, predictions, and how to cut through the noise post…](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/not-another-trends-post/) - While there's set to be a flurry of prediction posts in December, here are CreativeRace's Digital PR trends and predictions for 2023. - [The Real World Webinar - Episode 1: Unpopular Opinions](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/the-real-world-webinar-episode-1-unpopular-opinions/) - The Real World is a new webinar series from Creative Race where we explore a wide range of topics to see how people really think, feel, and behave; challenging received wisdom and assumptions based only on personal experience. As a strategy-first agency, we know that only by understanding what really drives people can brands - [Google Core Update March 2024: Our Thoughts](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/google-core-update-march-2024-our-thoughts/) - The March 2024 Google Core Update has arrived, what will this mean? Read the predictions from the CreativeRace SEO team and what the potential fallout will be. - [All Leads 2024 – What I Learned](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/all-leads-2024/) - Head of Media Strategy, John Michael, reveals his main takeaways from the All Leads 2024 event. Read here for more insight. ## Pages - [Home](https://creativerace.co.uk/) - CreativeRace is an independent, integrated marketing agency based in Leeds. We provide inspiring solutions that deliver predictable outcomes time after time.​ - [Careers](https://creativerace.co.uk/careers/) - It’s talent that makes this agency tick. That’s why we’d love to chat, whether you’re a hungry beginner or a polished guru. Take a look at our open roles. - [Finance Manager](https://creativerace.co.uk/careers/finance-manager/) - [Midweight Designer](https://creativerace.co.uk/careers/midweight-designer/) - [Senior Account Executive](https://creativerace.co.uk/careers/senior-account-executive/) - [Buyer Behaviour Trends Report 2026](https://creativerace.co.uk/buyer-behaviour-trends-report-2026/) - [Influencer Marketing](https://creativerace.co.uk/services/media/influencer-marketing/) - From strategy to ideation through to content creation and analytics, our approach to influencer activity helps deliver the best possible results for our brands. - [Organic Social](https://creativerace.co.uk/services/media/organic-social/) - From strategy through content creation and campaign management to evaluation and optimisation, our organic social media approach is tailored to each client. - [Paid Social](https://creativerace.co.uk/services/media/paid-social/) - Our paid social agency offers audience-led solutions to stop your target market mid-scroll. 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Powered purely by results, our performance capabilities are second to none when it comes to delivering predictable outcomes. - [Content](https://creativerace.co.uk/services/content/) - At CreativeRace we develop communications ideas designed to drive the right conversation in the right place at the right time for your business. - [Creative](https://creativerace.co.uk/services/creative/) - As an experienced creative agency, we generate the concepts, looks, and content that’ll really connect with your audience; getting them talking - and buying. - [Strategy](https://creativerace.co.uk/services/strategy/) - We build strategies that are powered by an understanding of both the emotional and the rational: the human and the data, the art and the science. - [About us](https://creativerace.co.uk/about/) - We are an independent, integrated Leeds marketing agency. Our unique perspective and collaborative working style leads to decisive, more purposeful work. - [Shopper Marketing](https://creativerace.co.uk/services/creative/shopper-marketing/) - With over 40 years' experience in shopper marketing our team can develop engaging creative for every step of the customer journey. - [Packaging Design](https://creativerace.co.uk/services/creative/packaging-design/) - Packaging design carries a huge responsibility for delivering on the formula for brand growth. We take a strategic approach, helping your brand stand out. - [Brand Design](https://creativerace.co.uk/services/creative/brand-design/) - Whether you're looking to refresh an existing brand, or generate an entirely new one from scratch, we’re here for you at every step of the journey. - [PPC](https://creativerace.co.uk/services/media/ppc/) - Our data-led PPC service is designed to ensure your ad spend works harder. Here's a closer look at our pay-per-click advertising service. - [Packaging Strategy](https://creativerace.co.uk/services/strategy/packaging-strategy/) - We think broad and go deep, taking a rigorous approach to define unique packaging strategy that delivers tangible business impact for your brand. - [Marketing Strategy](https://creativerace.co.uk/services/strategy/marketing-strategy/) - Blending data with behavioural science, our marketing strategy team uncovers rich insights and hidden truths across audience, brand, culture and channel. - [Business Strategy](https://creativerace.co.uk/services/strategy/business-strategy/) - Our business strategy team blend data and creativity to help clients build future-proofed strategies that drive continued business growth. - [Brand Strategy](https://creativerace.co.uk/services/strategy/brand-strategy/) - Working closely with our clients, we build brilliant strategies that help brands stand apart and position them to win. - [Contact](https://creativerace.co.uk/contact/) - Want to find out more about any of our services? Get in touch using one of the methods listed on this page. We'd love to find out about your business goals. - [Creative Copywriter](https://creativerace.co.uk/careers/creative-copywriter/) - We have an exciting opportunity for a Creative Copywriter to join a highly successful integrated marketing agency working with national brands. - [Senior Account Manager](https://creativerace.co.uk/careers/senior-account-manager/) - We have an exciting new opportunity to join our Client Services team, for a Senior Account Manager to manage and support a portfolio of different clients with their strategic and creative requirements. - [Senior Paid Media Manager](https://creativerace.co.uk/careers/senior-paid-media-manager/) - We are looking for a strategically minded senior paid media manager to join our growing team with a strong understanding of current paid media platforms and trends. - [Social Media, Influencer and Content Manager](https://creativerace.co.uk/careers/social-media-influencer-and-content-manager/) - [Newsletter](https://creativerace.co.uk/newsletter/) - [CriticalReading](https://creativerace.co.uk/criticalreading/) - [Contact Support](https://creativerace.co.uk/contact-support/) - This is an example page where your customers could reach out to support. - [D&I Policy](https://creativerace.co.uk/di-policy/) - We believe that diversity of perspective makes everything better. 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Take a read of our sustainability policy ## Downloads - [Download Now](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/sdc_download/download-now/) ## Case Studies - [Majestic Wine](https://creativerace.co.uk/case-studies/majestic-wine/) - The UK’s largest specialist wine retailer, Majestic Wine, was starting to feel the effect of cheap imports, which were undermining its overseas wine tourism. - [The Ice Co](https://creativerace.co.uk/case-studies/ice-co/) - The Ice Co wanted clarity around the distinctiveness of each of its sub-brands, so we hosted a workshop and produced social playbooks to help guide the team. - [Beyond Housing](https://creativerace.co.uk/case-studies/beyond-housing/) - Two large housing associations were looking to merge, Coast & Country Homes and Yorkshire Coast Homes, and needed an identity for their new organisation. - [Asda Tickled Pink Rebrand](https://creativerace.co.uk/case-studies/tickled-pink-rebrand/) - Asda was looking to refresh its Tickled Pink brand to coincide with its 25th anniversary. A new look & feel was required to make things more modern & relatable. - [Leeds Teaching School Hub](https://creativerace.co.uk/case-studies/leeds-teaching-school-hub/) - We were tasked with developing a distinctive brand to capture the drive, energy and enthusiasm that the Leeds Teaching School Hub would bring to the region. - [Asda B&Q Partnership](https://creativerace.co.uk/case-studies/asda-bq-partnership/) - When Asda and B&Q partnered up, we were asked to create a multichannel campaign that launched this surprising but very practical partnership. - [Asda Sustainable Store](https://creativerace.co.uk/case-studies/asda-sustainable-store/) - We partnered with Asda to design and launch their first-ever sustainable trial store. The campaign was a huge success, picking up a Prolific North award. - [SPAR](https://creativerace.co.uk/case-studies/spar/) - Award-nominated footfall-driving campaign for retail and convenience store, SPAR. An immersive, integrated campaign case study from CreativeRace. - [Greggs](https://creativerace.co.uk/case-studies/greggs-2/) - [Greggs](https://creativerace.co.uk/case-studies/greggs/) - [Northern Rail](https://creativerace.co.uk/case-studies/northern-rail/) - [ASDA](https://creativerace.co.uk/case-studies/asda/) ## Categories - [News](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/category/uncategorised/) - [Strategy](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/category/strategy/) - Strategy sits at the heart of everything we do, blending data and insights with creative thinking to drive growth and innovation. - [Creative](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/category/creative/) - Take a look through some of our finest creative work. From brand identity and design through to artwork and packaging, we’ve got a vastly varied repertoire. - [Performance](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/category/performance/) - Powered by results & fuelled by passion – where performance meets brand at CreativeRace - [Content](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/category/content/) - Bring your brand to life with a story worth telling, through content strategy, production and delivery. ## Tags - [research](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/tag/research/) - [yougov](https://creativerace.co.uk/news/tag/yougov/) ## Categories - [Creative](https://creativerace.co.uk/case-studies/category/creative/) - Take a look through some of our finest creative work. From brand identity and design through to artwork and packaging, we’ve got a vastly varied repertoire. - [Strategy](https://creativerace.co.uk/case-studies/category/strategy/) - Strategy sits at the heart of everything we do, blending data and insights with creative thinking to drive growth and innovation. - [Performance](https://creativerace.co.uk/case-studies/category/performance/) - Our performance capabilities are second to none. From paid social and PPC through to SEO, Digital PR and data, we’ve got all bases covered - [Communications](https://creativerace.co.uk/case-studies/category/communications/) - We drive the right conversation in the right place at the right time to help deliver your business goals. From influencers to traditional PR, we’re experts.