Agency Structure
Agency Structure
An advertising agency is a business that manages marketing efforts for brands, helping them to reach their
target audiences effectively. While brands might have some in-house capabilities, they often rely on ad
agencies for expertise across various media channels, from traditional platforms like TV and radio to
digital avenues like social media. This guide breaks down the types of ad agencies, each with a unique
structure, role, and focus within the broader advertising ecosystem.
Types of Ad Agencies
• Media Agency
Primarily responsible for the placement of ads across different media channels, media agencies optimize
ad spend by determining the best platforms and timing for a brand’s audience. Many media agencies now
offer a broader scope of services, covering creative production, strategy, and data analytics. In Japan,
notable media agencies include Dentsu, Hakuhodo, and ADK, all of which have evolved to provide
integrated services beyond media buying.
• PR Agency
PR agencies work to shape public perception by securing media coverage, generating positive press, and
managing public relations crises. Their strategies often blend paid media (sponsored content), earned
media (media coverage), and owned channels (brand websites or social media). PR agencies help brands
tell their stories in a way that resonates with audiences and positions them favorably in the public eye.
• Creative Agency
Focused on the production of ad content, creative agencies develop the visual, audio, and text elements
for campaigns. They range from boutique agencies that specialize in niche areas to global networks that
cover a wide spectrum of creative needs. Creative agencies may collaborate closely with media and PR
teams to ensure consistency across all platforms and maximize the impact of their visuals and messaging.
• Other Types of Agencies
• Digital/Performance Agencies handle online campaigns, targeting audiences through
digital platforms such as Google, Facebook, and e-commerce sites.
• In-House Agencies are part of a brand’s internal team, allowing for closer collaboration
and understanding of the brand’s needs.
• Boutique Agencies are smaller and may specialize in specific services or industries,
offering flexibility and unique insights for their clients.
Ad Agency Teams
Each team within an agency plays a distinct role in creating, launching, and monitoring campaigns,
working together to provide a cohesive strategy for the brand.
This guide provides an overview of each agency type and the critical roles within their teams, showing
how each component contributes to the success of a marketing campaign and supports the brand’s reach
and resonance with its target audience.