In theory, getting great design and marketing work should be as simple as choosing the right agency, giving some input, and then watching the creative results come flowing in. The reality, however, is that there are a lot of things you can do as a client to influence the process and improve the final product.
To get a sense of what we mean, here are five things you can do to get the most from any creative agency you work with:
1. Treat your agency like a partner. Vendors take money for a specific task or project; partners work with you to find the right long-term solutions. Treat your agency like a partner and give them the insight and resources they need to get the job done.
2. Set clear and understandable expectations. There are a lot of things a great creative team can do for your business, but they probably can't turn around a flagging marketing campaign in a couple of weeks on a shoestring budget. Let your team know what you realistically expect, and then hold them to that standard.
3. Work on reasonable deadlines. Very few people do their best work when they're under constant time pressures. Work with your creative team before the project begins to establish a reasonable set of deadlines that keep things moving forward and allow for them to give you their very best.
4. Trust your creative team. There's a fine line between continual feedback and micromanagement. You hired your creative team because you liked their portfolio and instincts. Trust them to get the job done and give you an end product that will help your company grow.
5. Keep the lines of communication open. You shouldn't let questions or concerns linger for too long, and you don't want to go long stretches of time without having any input in the creative process, either. Keep your creative team in the loop, and ask them to do the same with you.
Looking for a better relationship –and better bottom-line results –from your creative agency? Call Bull’s-Eye today at 404.352.3006 for a free consultation or check out our website: www.bullseyecreativecommunications.com.
