Finding the right creative agency for your organization can be a tough process. Choosing the wrong agency can mean delayed projects, increased cost and even bring mediocre results. While it may sound like a good idea to look for an agency based on their geo location, this may actually back fire, in todays electronic world typically face to face meetings can be conducted over the video conference. You want to find an agency that fits your organization in every way possible. Here are some of the things to look for.
1. The agency works on the project according to your needs.
Some companies are just look for an agency to take care of everything and there are some companies that want to collaborate with the creative agency they’ve hired. You’ll need to figure out how you want to go about the process and figure out which agency can approach the project the way you want to.
2. The agency is hands on.
Bigger agencies often have their hands full and outsource their clients’ projects. While this can sometimes work, you’ll find that agencies that outsource often have things get “lost in translation.” The final result may not match the quality of the portfolio you’ve looked through and there may be multiple iterations necessary due to miscommunication. Most serious problem would be if you end up with material that doesn’t match your brand’s logic, philosophy and culture.
3. The agency specializes in the services you need.
These days, creative agencies will offer everything, from interactive media to ad buying. They understand that adding more services means more sales and revenue streams. Many agencies that do this do a poor job for services that do not lie in their core competencies. That’s why it’s vital that you hire an agency that specializes in your needs whether its app design or responsive websites.
4. The agency has excellent communication.
It’s not uncommon to work with an agency that is slow in reacting to your communication efforts and slow in providing you with ongoing updates. Communication is important because it helps you see whether or not your project is coming along the way you want it to. It also decreases mistakes and helps fine tune all the little details that can make a big difference.
5. The agency has a strong team.
This is something that is hard to verify but ideally, you want to work with an agency that has a built a capable and experienced team. If possible, you’ll want to visit the agency’s offices and ask them about their team’s approach to working with clients and challenging projects. The answer you’ll get will really open your eyes to which agencies really have a team that can deliver the results you’re looking for.
As you can see, there are many characteristics to look for when searching for a creative team. Size, location and authority is important but it isn’t everything when it comes to figuring out which agency to work with. By doing your research and asking the right questions, you’ll be able to find the right agency for your organization.