Founded in 1997, BLITZ is a privately owned digital marketing agency focused on interactive solutions that enable brands to connect with their target audience.  The company helps its clients establish unique brand identities through rich Internet applications and user interfaces that engage their customers across all major platforms and devices. Dedicated to delivering personalized consumer experiences, BLITZ’s innovative approach to digital advertising allows brands to realize their true potential while enjoying the maximum return on their investment.

Contel Bradford of DMB recently spoke with Ivan Todorov, co-founder and CEO of BLITZ, to learn more about this award winning agency and get his thoughts on the fast moving digital marketing segment.

You guys stand out from other ad agencies on first glance. What makes BLITZ different?
A few years back we spent a ton of time talking about how BLITZ is different, only to find another agency using the same 5 keywords to describe themselves. Instead, we focused on being really, really good at what we do and showing our clients the value we create for them.

Today, we pride ourselves in having evolved beyond a “digital shop,” and into an integrated agency with digital DNA. We believe digital should be in the center - leading, connecting and measuring all other channels, be it print, TV, on-line or mobile. We invest in great creative, R&D and polished execution. I believe this is why our work stands out.

We are also very resourceful. Not only do we get more done within a budget, but because our staff is multi-disciplinary, we also have more effective and practical solutions to both business and creative problems.

Can you provide insight into some of the unique challenges your clients are facing today and how BLITZ is helping resolve them?
Some reoccurring questions from our clients center on how they can actively participate in social media and harness its full potential. We help our clients by guiding them through why they should be there and what they can accomplish, in the most appropriate or disruptive manner. There isn’t a magic bullet for all clients — every brand has its own voice and appropriate conversation threshold that needs to be part of the strategy when planning its participation to become “social.”

For example, we’ve seen evidence that consumers crave and rely on peer reviews, input, opinions, more than solely brand destinations. As a result, BLITZ has developed digital platforms that connect consumers to relevant social conversations - from Twitter, Digg, Facebook, YouTube — directly into the brand’s homepage and individual product pages. We have seen phenomenal results with this type of implementation with gamers on GuitarHero.com.

After all the awards and triumphs, what are some of the most important things you’ve taken from the business?
We learned how to hug our clients. Over the past 2 years, we really focused on providing our clients with the best possible service with a deeper view into the client’s strategic plans. What we’ve received in return has been invaluable. Healthy relationships that are true partnerships, loyalty during uncertain economic times and trust which allows for engagement to be completed smoother and on strategy. Thus our commitment and investment in quality and service has resulted in more long-term accounts. It has truly been a win-win.

2009 was an interesting year for the digital marketing industry. What do you think 2010 has in store?
We will see more digital agencies taking the lead with bigger brands. I believe this because social media is playing a larger role. We’ll also see mobile marketing pick up significant momentum, and augmented reality is still exciting for brands to adopt. These 3 big digital channels, along with the need for an integrated multi-channel campaigns, will push digital agencies to the front; not only because we have the creative and strategy, but also the much needed technology know-how.

Looking at your impressive portfolio, it’s clear to see that you guys stay pretty busy. Any interesting projects we should keep an eye on?
We are incredibly busy this first quarter of 2010, many of our new work will launch March/April. Our site and blog are constantly updated with our work, successes, events and news so stay-tuned to www.blitzagency.com for updates.