BDB Becomes the First Influencer Marketing Agency with IPA Effectiveness Accreditation

We’re proud to announce a milestone moment: Billion Dollar Boy is the first and only influencer marketing agency to achieve IPA Effectiveness Accreditation for 2025-2027.

The accreditation is only awarded to agencies that prove their work delivers measurable business results. It’s proof that influencer marketing is not just powerful in culture; it’s powerful in business.

The programme, chaired this year by Alessandra Bellini, former Chief Customer Officer at Tesco, recognises agencies that put effectiveness at the heart of their culture. To qualify, agencies must show strength across five key areas: Focus, People, Process, Data, Tools & Measurement, and Impact.

Why the IPA Effectiveness Accreditation matters

Creator marketing is commercial.
For too long, our industry has been underestimated – seen as creative but “fluffy.” This accreditation proves creator-led campaigns don’t just spark conversation. Creators drive measurable growth.

It earns a seat at the top table.
Influencer marketing now stands alongside established brand-building channels like TV. It’s a discipline clients can trust to deliver accountable, strategic impact.

It raises the bar.
By passing the toughest test in advertising, we’re helping to set a new benchmark for influencer marketing. This builds greater trust in creators and their ability to deliver real business results.

Simon Harwood, Global Effectiveness Director at BDB, says: “Achieving the IPA Effectiveness Accreditation shows that creator marketing can meet the highest standards in advertising, and set a new benchmark for the industry in proving and improving the work. We’re proud to be leading that shift, and even prouder of the team who made it possible.”

Alessandra Bellini, Chair of Judges for the IPA Effectiveness Accreditation, says: “It is a remarkable and incredibly important achievement for agencies. The Accreditation gives you the opportunity to assess where you are as a business and allows you to benchmark yourself against competitors.”

Looking ahead

At BDB, we’re committed to sharing lessons on how influencer marketing can be used more effectively.

This accreditation validates our approach and cements creator marketing as a mature, essential part of the marketing mix.

We also want to congratulate our fellow accredited agencies. And finally, thank you to everyone who helped us reach this moment.