I get it – when people hear “student-run advertising agency,” they often picture chaos. How can a group of college students who are juggling classes, internships and social lives possibly run a full-service agency? But after three years leading Main Hill Media, I can confidently say that assumption couldn’t be further from the truth. Student-run agencies aren’t just functioning – they’re thriving and delivering real results for brands looking to make an impact.
The 18-22 age group is a crucial audience for many brands, especially those operating in college towns. According to the Refuel Agency, college students spend nearly $500 billion annually and tend to be highly loyal to brands they connect with.
To stand out, companies need fresh insight from people who truly understand this demographic. Instead of going straight to big agencies with high price tags, brands should leverage creative, enthusiastic and innovative students. In this blog post, I’ll highlight why you should consider student-run agencies:
Cultural Understanding
Gen Z is one of the toughest demographics to connect with because we’re the first generation completely immersed in the digital world. With constant access to technology and entertainment, advertising has become an ever-present reality in our lives, making it easier to tune out, according to Sprout Social.
That’s where student agencies step in. We’re immersed in the culture that brands are trying to reach. We understand internet humor, social media trends and the power of influencers because we experience them first hand.
At Main Hill Media, we help brands connect with students through everything from graphic design and social media management to influencer marketing and consulting. Whether it’s collaborating with Greek Life, developing viral campaigns or crafting relatable brand messaging, we know what resonates because we’re the audience.
Cost-Effective and High-Quality Work
Hiring a top-tier agency can be expensive, ranging from $650 to over $20,000 each month according to LYFE Marketing. For small businesses and local brands, that’s often unrealistic. Student-run agencies offer high-quality work at a fraction of the cost, often supported by universities and faculty advisors who bring years of industry experience.
Take Main Hill Media for example. We offer consulting services starting at just $50 and customizable campaign packages to fit any budget. Last semester, our team developed a campaign for a dairy company that generated thousands of social media impressions and won First Place for Best Multimedia Advertising Campaign at a national media conference. The impact is real, and the price is unbeatable.
Passion and Dedication
What sets student-run agencies apart isn’t just our connection to college students and fresh ideas – it’s also our passion. Students aren’t just working for pay, we’re a part of the advertising agency because we love what we do.
At Main Hill Media, we’re driven by the challenge of solving a problem, the thrill of seeing a campaign succeed and the opportunity to prove ourselves in an industry we’re eager to break into. Every project is an opportunity to innovate, collaborate and connect with college students.
The next time your brand is looking for help with advertising and marketing, consider a student-run agency. With deep cultural insight, cost-effective solutions and an unmatched level of dedication, we’re ready to create unforgettable campaigns that make a lasting impact.