Ykone’s Bold Move into the UK: Can It Outmaneuver the Big Networks?
In the ever-evolving landscape of advertising where large networks have traditionally reigned supreme, a notable trend has been emerging — independent influencer agencies carving out their unique spaces and challenging the status quo. Despite a flurry of acquisitions by media giants seeking to bolster their influencer marketing capabilities, not all independents are keen on being absorbed. A prime example of such autonomy is the French-founded influencer marketing group, Ykone.
With a strategic perspective on influencer marketing that diverges from traditional approaches, Ykone has established a significant presence worldwide. Their recent expansion into the UK marks another ambitious step in their journey. We caught up with Paula Albuquerque, Ykone’s first Managing Partner and UK Vice President, to dissect the evolution of influencer marketing strategies and how independent agencies like Ykone can stand toe-to-toe with the industry’s behemoths.
Albuquerque’s role involves spearheading Ykone’s establishment in its 18th global market. With the company boasting 300 employees and revenues exceeding €100m, it’s clear that Ykone is not just another player in the field but a formidable one at that. Albuquerque is under no illusion about the challenges of penetrating the saturated UK market. However, she believes Ykone’s unique proposition and global perspective will allow them to diversify agency operations and bring fresh competition to the table.
“The UK is inundated with notable competitors, which made us deliberate our entry carefully,” Albuquerque shares. “Our European foundation gives us a distinctive stance as we offer a global reach akin to that of a large network without the associated inefficiencies.”
This global reach and efficiency are particularly relevant in an era where digital marketing has matured significantly. Clients now demand not just execution but strategic guidance. According to Albuquerque, this is where networks often falter — their acquisitions can bring in specialist knowledge, but integrating this into their overall strategic offer can be cumbersome and slow. Ykone, with its lean and specialist model, aims to be quicker on its feet, thus more capable of responding to the rapidly evolving market demands.
Flexibility extends beyond strategy to billing, with Albuquerque noting that the “incrementally bureaucratic” nature of large networks can often stifle project momentum. In contrast, Ykone’s approaches to compensation and project management are designed to be more adaptable, potentially offering a more seamless experience for clients.
Ykone’s foray into the UK isn’t merely a geographical expansion but a strategic one aimed at diversifying and enriching the influencer marketing space. With a successful track record in luxury and expanding into sectors like sports, health, wellness, and beauty, Ykone’s approach seems to resonate with big clients like Procter & Gamble, indicating a clear appetite for what Albuquerque describes as a “global-but-independent” influencer offering.
Despite Ykone’s specialized focus, Albuquerque is quick to mention that influencer marketing should not be siloed but integrated across marketing strategies. “We’re seeing influencers intersect across the entire marketing spectrum,” she says. “It’s about leveraging influencer strategy as a driver for the broader marketing funnel.”
As Ykone embarks on its UK journey, the question remains: Can it indeed rival the networks? While the answer will unfold with time, Ykone’s strategic positioning and Albuquerque’s confident vision suggest that the agency is well-prepared for the challenge.
