A social media agency set up during lockdown is beginning to see the fruits of its labour with a string of big client wins. Leeds-based FUTCOM Group, which specialises in paid social management, has been at the helm of several successful campaigns for a diverse range of brands including Moda in Pelle, Kit & Kaboodal and Daniel Footwear.
FUTCOM is also celebrating a fruitful 3-year relationship with Crafters Companion, owned by entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den investor Sara Davies. The brand tasked FUTCOM with raising the profile of its Crafter’s TV channel amongst UK and US audiences, resulting in a bespoke campaign that earned the channel a 24% increase in viewership and a notable boost in sales.
This project, as well as other UK and US based campaigns, led to Davies approaching the agency to support her Dragons Den investments, including online virtual escape room brand Trapped in the Web.
Personal approach
FUTCOM Founder and Director, Gianni Casagrande, puts part of the success of his company down to his team’s ability to take a more personal approach, becoming an integral part of each client’s wider team. Other notable clients include the Fraser Group, 883 Police, Moshulu, Seat Unique and Graham & Green, highlighting FUTCOM’s talent and expertise in the online fashion and retail landscape.
Casagrande is also a believer in taking risks, which is something FUTCOM has done from day one. Born during the COVID pandemic at a time when businesses were cutting back on social media spend, FUTCOM quickly established itself as an industry firebrand that could think outside the box.
Before setting up FUTCOM, Casagrande graduated from Teesside University in 2016 with a Marketing degree and began honing his craft as a founding member of the paid social team at local digital agency Visualsoft.
He then moved to Leeds to take up the role of Marketing Manager at Moda in Pelle, where he left such an indelible mark that the fashion brand later became a key client at FUTCOM – a relationship that’s still going strong today. In 2022, Casagrande won the coveted prize for Social Media Marketing Managing Director of the Year at the SME News Awards.
Ever-evolving digital landscape
Recognising the importance of innovative technology in the ever-evolving digital landscape, Casagrande has made several investments to help shape the future of ecommerce tech. In 2023, FUTCOM invested in digital SaaS product Salesfire, a smart conversion rate optimisation solution designed to convert site visitors into customers.
FUTCOM has also reaped the benefits of collaborating with various agencies and partners across the UK. As well as forming close working relationships with fellow Leeds-based agencies Circus PPC and The Mill Group, FUTCOM is a platinum partner with Klaviyo and a top-tier partner with Meta and Pinterest.
Speaking of FUTCOM, Casagrande said:
‘’I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved in close to four years of solid graft. The grit and determination to seize opportunities and make bold moves has powered FUTCOM from day one and defined us a brand.’’
‘’Despite all the problems faced during economic downturn, the digital industry is really thriving in Leeds and it feels good to be at the forefront of this trend alongside so many other agencies I admire and respect.’’
‘’Our hands on approach has allowed us to enjoy some incredibly successful campaigns and built some lasting friendships along the way. In a world where many are playing safe and cutting back, never has it been so important to use your instincts and experience to take risks and shake the industry up. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for the remainder of 2024.’’
