The Future of Social-First Creativity: Our Own Brand

Technology

 

Our Own Brand (OOB), founded in March 2018 by Sarah Fulford-Williams and Richard Fulford-Williams, is a London-based creative agency operating at the intersection of creativity, culture, and strategy. Early on, OOB set out to help brands engage audiences in meaningful and authentic ways, leveraging the power of social media to drive brand awareness at scale. A social-first approach tailors strategy to each individual channel (Instagram, TikTok, Snap, etc.), identifying online communities and helping brands to show up in social media’s unexpected corners of culture, from trending moments and viral comment sections to subcultures and niche fandoms. In recent years, OOB has become a global creative partner to both established businesses and new challenger brands, running campaigns across multiple industries.

The story of Our Own Brand began at a time when brands were shifting their focus toward digital advertising. Traditional advertising was losing relevance, putting pressure on companies to adapt to online channels and connect with audiences in ways that felt personal, relevant, and culturally attuned. Recognising this shift, Sarah and Richard Fulford-Williams founded OOB, an agency shaped from the outset by a social-first approach to creativity.

Since its inception, OOB has focused on delivering campaigns that are both visually striking and culturally attuned. By combining an understanding of emerging trends with confident creative execution, the agency quickly built a reputation for work that not only captures attention but sparks meaningful conversation. The founders’ vision was clear: to create an agency where creativity, authenticity, and strategy come together to help brands thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

One of OOB’s key strengths lies in its ability to work across a diverse range of sectors. While the agency initially established itself within the fashion and beauty sectors, it has since expanded into luxury, wellness, F&B, music, and women’s health. Describing themselves as industry agnostic, OOB takes a flexible approach that allows its strategies to adapt and resonate with a wide range of audiences.

Notable international clients include TikTok, Sonos, Ann Summers, Knickerbox, O’Neill, ZAGG, Caterpillar, Natural Cycles, and Tern Bicycles. By working with both global enterprises and emerging brands, OOB has developed a distinct ability to identify the core of a brand’s story and deliver creative solutions that are fresh, sharp, and compelling. Its blend of strategic insight with bold design ensures that each campaign not only reaches its audience but also leaves a lasting impression.

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At the core of OOB’s approach is the understanding that social media is no longer just a channel for content distribution; it is both a cultural arena and a strategic business tool. The agency focuses on creating stories that tap into how people actually use and shape platforms, from the humour of comment sections to the influence of private group chats. Rather than pushing out content for the sake of visibility, OOB builds strategies that combine an always-on presence with cultural activations and campaign moments designed to spark meaningful conversations. Each project is grounded in audience insight and creative relevance, ensuring that brands not only participate in culture but also contribute meaningfully to it.

A standout element of the agency is its Creator Collective, a curated network of content creators and influencers. This network enables brands to tap into authentic storytelling and user-generated content strategies that feel genuine and relatable to target communities. By involving creators directly in the campaign planning process, OOB helps brands build stronger connections and expand their presence in today’s socially connected world.

OOB is a full-service creative marketing agency with social at its core. Every service they offer is designed to help brands connect, grow, and thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Their expertise spans five core areas:

  • Social Media Strategy and Management – From content calendars to community management, OOB combines paid and organic growth strategies to keep brands visible, engaged, and relevant.
  • Influencer Marketing – By partnering with creators, OOB builds authentic, impactful campaigns that foster meaningful relationships with audiences.
  • Campaigns – From concept to execution, the agency develops social-first campaigns rooted in cultural insight and audience trends.
  • Branding and Design – OOB creates visual and verbal identities, packaging, websites, and brand positioning strategies that reflect a company’s values and connect with target audiences.
  • Production – Managing everything from campaign shoots and brand films to digital content and TV advertising, OOB ensures high-quality creative at every stage of the production process.

While creativity and strategy remain central to OOB’s work, the agency is equally committed to ethical business practices and sustainability. Guided by the philosophy of “great work, good people,” its approach emphasises collaboration, integrity, and responsibility. OOB carefully selects the partners it works with, avoiding industries such as oil and tobacco, and actively supports sustainable initiatives. This includes offering discounts to certified B Corporations and partnering with Ecologi to offset its minimal carbon usage, part of a broader ambition to create a positive impact beyond business performance.

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This commitment to ethics is reflected not only in client selection but also in the development of campaigns and creative partnerships. By prioritising quality and social responsibility, OOB seeks to set a higher standard within the industry while delivering meaningful, measurable results for its clients.

OOB has been recognised within the industry through nominations at the UK Social Media Awards, including categories such as audience engagement and small agency excellence. It has also been ranked as one of the Top 10 Social Media Agencies by Startups.co.uk, and rated highly on listings platforms such as Clutch, Sortlist, and DesignRush, which feature creative and social media agencies globally. In addition to awards and rankings, OOB and its leadership have contributed to broader industry discussions. In September 2025, CEO and Co-founder Sarah Fulford-Williams joined a panel at The Drum Live to discuss the future of influencer marketing alongside executives from Unilever and Hypetap.

Beyond awards, OOB’s impact is evident in the way it helps brands engage with audiences, build communities, and achieve measurable results. Its campaigns are designed not only to capture attention but to inspire action, spark conversation, and foster long-term loyalty. This approach highlights how agencies can successfully blend creativity with commercial outcomes.

With the digital environment constantly evolving, Our Own Brand will continue to push the limits of what social-first marketing can accomplish. The combination of strategic thinking, cultural understanding, and creative brilliance ensures that the agency has been helping brands tell stories that are resonant, inspiring, and enticing.

In the years ahead, OOB will continue to focus on innovation, authenticity, and ethical creativity. With a strong foundation, a growing international client base, and a team of skilled creators and strategists, the agency is well-positioned to shape the future of digital marketing and creative storytelling. Its work demonstrates the power of combining tactical thinking with cultural insight, ensuring that brands not only connect with audiences but also leave a lasting impact in an ever-changing landscape.

 

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