Advertising Age Ranks Olson In Top 3 U.S. Independent Digital Networks

Client wins, organic growth and acquisitions have transformed agency into a digital force

News provided by

Apr 30, 2014, 11:00 ET

MINNEAPOLIS, April 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A streak of client wins, steady organic growth and a strategic acquisition have propelled Olson into the top three independent digital-agency networks in the U.S., according to Advertising Age's 2014 Agency Report.

With reported digital revenue of $66.5 million, nearly 70% of its total revenue, Olson trailed only specialist firms Merkle (database marketing) and Intouch Solutions (pharmaceutical marketing) among independent firms in the ranking, which was published April 28. Olson had the most digital revenue among independent, full-service agencies.

The agency's digital growth has been bolstered by an impressive run of new business since late 2013, including digital assignments for brands such as Sharp Electronics, Supercuts, Commerce Bank and Wet n Wild Beauty. Organic growth on digital clients such as Amtrak, Bauer and Saucony have also played a role in the rise. It also reflects the growing role of digital and social media within Olson Engage, the agency's PR, social and experiential division, as well as large-scale development work within loyalty/CRM group Olson 1to1.

Olson also further bolstered its digital offering with its December acquisition of Austin-based digital strategic consulting firm PulsePoint Group, which has proven a valuable addition to the agency's offering.

"This ranking is an affirmation of Olson's emergence as a major digital agency dedicated to Revolutionizing Engagement™," said Olson Chief Executive Officer John Partilla. "We're committed to leading our clients in this dynamically changing marketplace."

About Olson
Committed to Revolutionizing Engagement™, Olson is one of the top three independent digital agency networks in North America. With a digital core and deep expertise in digital, advertising, 1:1, PR, social and mobile, the more than 500-person-strong agency builds community and creates advocacy for some of the world's most respected brand marketers, including Best Buy, General Mills, MillerCoors, Target and Wrigley. Olson has offices in Minneapolis, Austin, Chicago, Toronto, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York. For more information, visit olson.com, join us at facebook.com/Olsonagency and follow us on Twitter at @Olsonagency.

SOURCE Olson