Advertising agencies in Asia and Asian-focused agencies are used to advertise non-Asian products to Asians in the US and Asian countries. An Asian advertising agency can bring the cultural nuances of the Asian culture to its marketing and advertising. Asian-focused advertising agencies advice and ratings will give you the top Asian ad agencies and advice from advertising gurus about advertising in Asia.

Advertising agencies in China had hoped that the potential of this huge market would come to fruition during the Olympics. The reasons why this has not turned out to be so is debatable. Know that:

1. Advertising agencies in China are extremely creative but need to measure the effectiveness of their work as opposed to being merely creative.

2. Advertising agencies in Asia were affected by the change in the world economy, which brought down profits.

3. Asian-focused advertising agencies are putting their faith into the huge market represented by China.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for the highly rated advertising agencies in Asia

US advertising agencies do a lot of work in Asia to sell American products. However, there are Asian ad agencies that are doing really incredible work. The winners of advertising award competitions are the best of Asian-focused ad agencies.

I recommend: The Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of Hong Kong 2008 Kan Fam Awards list the winners in print, multi-media and video mediums. The Longxi Awards is the global Chinese advertising awards organization and you will find a mixture of American and Asian ad agencies winners.

Get advice on advertising agencies in Asia

Use first-hand perspectives from knowledgeable sources about advertising agencies in Asia.

I recommend: The Business Mirror has a long article on the current situation for Asian advertising firms, suggesting that technology has moved so quickly that agencies have not been able to compensate for it in their marketing. Tom Doctoroff, CEO of J. Walter Thompson China, writes at length about where the opportunities lie in China and how to use them.

Get advice for Asian-focused advertising agencies for marketing Asian-Americans

The Asian-American market is the most affluent ethnic group in the US. Any Asian-American advertising agency that engages in Asian market targeting needs to integrate the core values and buying habits of Asian-Americans into advertising campaigns, branding and so forth.

I recommend: XL Concepts advises on the American-Asian market and what you need to do to break into it. Reuters' article on the American-Asian market advises on the values and buying habits that motivate this marketing segment.

American advertising agencies in Asia, or Asian advertising in the US, exist to help your business promote your products and services to your target market. Asian Americans make up a large percentage of the United States' population and offer high income potential.

If your business currently targets or would like to start targeting the Asian market, choosing an advertising agency that understands the unique trends and qualities is a must. Work with traditional print or broadcast advertisements, billboards, online marketing and direct mail to connect your products and services to your consumers.

Hire an Asian American advertising agency to:

1. Increase profits in a new market. Asian American advertising agencies raise brand awareness with creative promotions.

2. Gain a new perspective from a professional advertising expert.

3. Introduce a new product or re-introduce an existing product. Agencies use Asian market targeting to ensure you place your ads in the right spots.

4. Compete with other companies to increase your market share.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Identify what your business needs from Asian American ad agencies

Consider your previous ad campaign strategies and budgets when deciding what you need for your latest venture with an Asian advertising agency. Establish a realistic budget and make a list of the types of strategies you require, such as media planning, press releases, multilingual copywriting and editing and sales training materials.

I recommend: Search for Asian-focused advertising agencies like Admerasia and ASB Communications in New York City, NY, and Ameredia in San Francisco, CA. These firms offer services in market research, television and print advertisements, ethnic branding, translation and media planning and buying.

Search for advertising agencies in China and the United States

Find Asian ad agencies locally, nationally or internationally depending on where you want to place your advertisements and where your business is located. Travel and communication can be expensive, so consider working with an agency in your area that focuses on the Asian market, allowing you to spend more on advertising and less on overseas communication.

I recommend: Make a list of about 12 to 20 advertising agencies in Asia-focused markets such as AdAsia Communications and 66 Communications in New York City, NY and C2 Advertising in Los Angeles, CA. These firms offer services in logo design, packaging, corporate and brand identity, event marketing and strategic planning.

Contact the top Asian-Focused advertising agencies from your list

Browse agency websites to view online service lists and portfolios. Pay close attention to the research information and types of ads shown on the websites and begin to narrow your list to a more manageable 6 to 10 Asian advertising company options. Contact representatives to discuss phone interviews, portfolio viewings and, if possible, client meetings.

I recommend: Consider advertising agencies like Cultural Marketing Communications in Chicago, IL, and Spark Media Lab in Singapore. Choose Asian online advertising options as well as promotional services like ethnic marketing strategy, photography, online marketing, print design and multilingual communications.

Choose an Asian American advertising agency and begin work on your new campaign

Finalize your budget and list of requirements for services and deadlines. Discuss the timeline of your ad plan and work with the Asian advertising agency to break into the Asian market. Task the firm with a new website design, business stationery creation and press releases to offer information about your multilingual or multicultural venture.

I recommend: Begin working immediately with Asian-focused advertising agencies like Wasabi Kikaku and K & L Advertising in New York City, NY, and InterTrend Communications in Long Beach, CA. These agencies focus on broadcast, online and print ads, event planning and marketing, consulting and website development.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Start with a couple small projects before embarking on a large campaign. American advertising agencies in China are expensive, so communication and trust is key to a strong campaign. Add projects once you know the firm works well with your budget and timeline.