San Jose, July 26th, 2023

Clear Digital is a B2B digital agency that combines over 20 years of Silicon Valley success with senior hands-on expertise to deliver websites and brand experiences that deliver real-world impact. The agency builds brand experiences that are impactful and meaningful, with a methodology that’s purpose-built to deliver successful results.

Annie Raygoza is the Director of Client Services at Clear Digital, based in San Jose, California. In an interview with TIA, she describes her role and how she spends most of her time, while highlighting the features that make the agency stand out. She also shared tips that can empower women to secure more prominent roles in their organizations.

To kick things off please, as a local, what “Non touristy” places would you recommend visiting in San Jose?

• Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
• Santana Row (although touristy, something locals enjoy going to)
• Rose Garden
• San Pedro Square Market
• 7 Bamboo (in Japantown, San Jose)
• San Jose Museum of Art

How did you get started in the industry?

At San Jose State University, I had the opportunity to take a variety of creative and marketing courses. I enjoyed the blend, and through good mentorship, I pinpointed advertising as the ideal major/industry I wanted to enter. Various internships solidified my passion for advertising and digital media. I took every opportunity to join companies that would broaden my perspective in this industry while also guiding me toward what I enjoyed within the industry – client services. At the root of every organization in the digital advertising space, I enjoyed working with people, building relationships, and finding trends and opportunities that would enhance a company’s presence.

Could you explain to us briefly what your role is as Director of Client Services at Clear Digital?

As the Director of Client Services, I oversee our Project Managers and Account Management team. My primary focus is ensuring the team successfully guides our clients and internal teams to ensure projects are executed properly, on time, and profitable. Providing the proper training and support allows our team members to have what they need and what a client expects from their partner agency. I am also responsible for ensuring our relationships with clients are continuously strengthened, despite the organizational changes and goals they may have. As an agency partner, I aim to have the client see us as an extension of their own team/company – and rely on us to strategically and proactively support them as time passes.

Where do you spend most of your time, and what does a typical day for you entail?

Most of my day is comprised of monitoring and evaluating the health of all our current ongoing accounts. Having a good pulse on client relationships is integral to our business and driving new revenue. Having touchpoints with team members to identify upcoming issues or project successes also allows us to learn and seek opportunities to enhance our processes continuously.

Can you describe Clear Digital in three words?

• Results-driven
• Collaborative
• Innovative

How do you balance the need for innovation and experimentation with the practical requirements of meeting client expectations and delivering successful projects?

Innovation and experimentation can be utilized without sacrificing client expectations and delivering successful projects. People and expectations are constantly changing. It’s imperative to always look at new, innovative ways to communicate and take on challenges as we grow. We’re setting up our accounts and clients for success by staying on top of these trends.

Speaking about clients, what’s the most common problem they approach you with?

We proactively connect with our clients monthly and during critical points of any project. That said, we generally get in front of potential concerns early on. If issues arise, they typically come from needing more understanding of an ask/request. Communication is critical and being open/honest when something isn’t understood will help both parties.

Can you provide insights into your strategy for content marketing in the B2B sector and your methods for developing content that truly engages a B2B audience?

Research is always essential. However, listening to our client’s needs – and identifying trends is the most valuable nugget of information for creating relevant B2B content. Finding out what’s important to them, identifying what causes them to lose sleep at night, and looking at opportunities to be a full extension of their team is where content should be derived from.

What metrics do you track, and how do you define success in your role?

• NPS Scores (we have consistently scored above 80 quarter over quarter)
• Project Health
• Utilization of Project Management team (to ensure workloads are balanced, and people are supported)

How meticulous are you with details?

Being meticulous is incredibly important in this role. You’re balancing many different projects and people and trying to ensure everyone (clients and team members) have what they need to be supported. Drilling into details to identify solutions to issues/concerns allows me to develop better processes and training for teams.

When looking at the technological landscape today, what makes you think “wow”?

AI and how it will provide more profound efficiencies across all teams in this industry. We’re at the tip of the “AI iceberg”, and I foresee many more opportunities in the near future.

What do you enjoy about working in brands’ digital ecosystems?

I enjoy the variety, complexity, and continuous changes that come from working in this space. Nothing is stagnant, and new technology constantly challenges us to stay on top of trends and provide unique solutions to our clients.

Do you think someone can get into the field without educational experience in a school environment?

Educational experience offers a multitude of benefits that are valuable in a workplace environment. How to manage timelines, work with others, hold yourself and others accountable, etc. Additionally, learning the basics and history of the industry is essential (and shouldn’t be downplayed). That being said, real-world experience is critical. Higher education without work experience puts people at a more significant disadvantage. Being immersed in the “hustle and bustle” of the day-to-day allows people to pick up the work/industry quickly (under different pressure).

Could you share some valuable tips or lessons you’ve learned that can empower women to secure more prominent roles within their organizations?

Being open, vulnerable, and confident in your traits as a woman. Allowing yourself to feel comfortable with how you lead, manage, and communicate could be your greatest strength. Often, coming at situations or issues from a different angle (as a woman) can make you stand out. It’s okay to go against the grain – your voice matters and should be recognized.

From your personal standpoint, what global issues are you most passionate about and why?

Challenges around gender bias are something I’m deeply passionate about, especially around women in tech. I actively like to speak on breaking these barriers and empowering women and organizations to overcome obstacles together.

What are your favorite ways to decompress outside of work?

I love reading (it’s my absolute favorite pastime). Also, when my husband and I take our dog on a long walk – it helps us (collectively) decompress from a busy day.

Please share a fun-fact that not many people know about you.

I thoroughly enjoy crocheting and doing embroidery. It’s become a bit of a problem since I don’t have many places to store my creations (and my husband may be getting slightly tired of seeing them around!)

Thanks Annie!

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Account ManagementB2BClient Servicesclients