As the city comes off a collective high from the Tulane Green Wave’s first bowl game win since 1934, I’ve been reflecting on another tide that’s turning – the New Orleans marketing scene. Here’s a look at the industry’s evolution and why now is a great time for marketers to work and live in the Big Easy.
The NOLA Tech Sector Heats Up
New Orleans has long been known for its vibrant culture and creative industries, but in recent years it has also become a hub for tech start-ups and digital businesses. The city’s thriving tech scene was given a boost in 2012 when it was chosen as the location for Google’s annual developers’ conference. This, coupled with major investments and incentive programs post-Hurricane Katrina, put New Orleans on the map for entrepreneurs and enterprises alike.
Today, NOLA is home to a growing number of successful tech businesses such as Accruent, DXC Technology and Revelry, as well as two recently acquired units – inXile Entertainment (Microsoft Studios) and Lucid, which sold for $1.1b.
As a result of this activity, New Orleans now ranks 7th in the nation for tech growth, 2nd for percentage of tech jobs held by women, and 9th for percentage of African Americans in tech jobs.
As these global businesses and their employees arrive at our port, more opportunities arise for local businesses of all types – especially New Orleans’ tech marketing agencies.
New Orleans’ Marketing Industry Takes Flight
Once upon a time, a few large agencies like Zehnder Communications and Peter Mayer Advertising dominated the city’s marketing scene. A time when TV was still the main source of advertising, tourism was basically the only successful industry in the city and the geographic location of your agency played a huge factor in your decision to work with them. But today, there is a thriving community of small and medium-sized top marketing firms, all of whom are doing great work for their global clients.
A lot of factors have driven this evolution, including:
- Our Central Time Zone is ideal for supporting bi-coastal client needs.
- The rise of digital marketing has leveled the playing field, making it easier for NOLA’s local agencies to compete with their larger peers in NYC, LA, etc.
- Loyola, LSU and Tulane both offer top marketing programs. Moreover, a Wall Street Journal report found that staying in New Orleans is the most popular destination for graduates – fueling our city’s talent pool.
- A recent influx of Tier I talent as marketers migrated to our city-of-choice during the pandemic.
As a result, over the past decade NOLA has given birth to a diversity of digital and creative agencies. As I write this, there are over 500 open New Orleans marketing positions listed on indeed.com. Several of those open jobs are for – you guessed it – Alloy.
What it’s like to work at Alloy New Orleans
With roots in New Orleans since 2013, Alloy’s team members are as passionate about their work as we are about keeping Thoth parade route on Magazine St. or Jazz Fest (IYKYK). They constantly strive to push the boundaries of what’s possible and deliver outstanding results for their clients. But you don’t have to take my word for it alone; you can hear it directly from one of our newest NOLA team members, Ann Marshall Tilton:
“New Orleans has certainly had its influence on Alloy – in the best way. As a new employee, I’m encouraged to be myself and follow my passions, which allows me to do my best work. Our clients can sense that there’s something different and exciting about working with us. And you can’t help but come up with bold and creative ideas when you live and work in New Orleans. I find inspiration in the shotgun houses in the Marigny, Big Freedia’s bounce shows, and global cuisine infused with our local creole flavors.”
This month, we expanded our office footprint – moving into this beautiful space in the Warehouse District:
If you’re looking for an opportunity to learn and grow in your career at a top marketing agency, Alloy is the place for you. Awarded Best Place to Work 10 times and counting, we offer a supportive environment where you can take risks and try new skills, filled with talented and ambitious people who will inspire you to Think Beyond Tomorrow. Join Our Crew!
