Building a powerful brand is key and, yet, far more challenging than people think. This is why there is a branding agency on every corner of the globe, prepared to jump in and help. But with so many options, how do you make the right choice?
There are a variety of things you should be thinking about when considering different agencies. This list should help make your choice far easier.
Is the cost aligned with your budget?
First and foremost, it is not worth your time to seek out options that will blow your budget. In all honesty, many brand agencies have surprising, and shocking, price tags. So, before setting out on your search – sit down and outline how much you are willing to spend. Narrow down your options to the agencies you can afford.
If your realization is that most, if not all, agencies have intimidating costs – consider other options. Read our article on agencies to help decide whether an agency is really worth it for you.
Other options include freelance work, in-house work, or websites like DesignBro, that offer branding services for less than a thousand dollars, but with the quality you’d find at an agency.
Where are they? How much does this matter to you?
There are branding agencies around the world, and it is your choice whether you prefer one nearby, that you can visit in person, or would rather open up your options to others around the world.
Of course, with a branding agency nearby – you can have personal meetings, arguably more oversight and clear communication. However, going for a nearby option may limit how picky you can be. The reality is that there are, perhaps, cheaper and better quality branding agencies out of your state, or country.
Consider how important it is to you to have the branding agency be nearby, and allow this choice to limit, or expand, your search.
Is their past work aligned with what you want for your own brand?
Nothing will give you a better indication of an agency’s skill and quality than their past work. Take a look through their portfolio and consider whether their past projects are in a style you like, and want for your own brand. Consider the quality and whether this is at the level you want it to be.
If the answer is yes, you’ve found a branding agency that is likely to develop the right design for your brand. If the answer is no, keep looking.
Do they understand your brand?
Being able to interpret what you want is key in delivering your vision in the final result. However, doing this the right way is often trickier than expected.
When you begin talking with a certain branding agency, evaluate how apt they are at interpreting what you are looking for, and understanding both your business and vision. Consider their capacity to understand the industry you operate in, and the needs of your business in order to succeed.
If you are under the impression that they are missing the mark with what you are looking for, or fail to understand your industry or business, then they are probably not the right choice for you.
Allow these initial conversations to help guide your decision, and follow your gut.
Are they reliable and professional?
A branding agency, like any other business you work with, needs to be reliable and professional. They should meet deadlines, deliver well-crafted work, and communicate effectively throughout what can be a daunting and long process.
From the very first conversations, you should be evaluating their reliability and how professional they are. You should be confident that whoever you choose to work with will make the process easier, not complicate it.
Ready to choose a branding agency?
After considering all these different points, conducting some Google searches and taking into account your friends’ recommendations, you should be prepared to make your choice, and begin the right relationship with the right branding agency.
And, once again, if you fail to find a branding agency in your budget, or are seeking something different, DesignBro offers design agency quality, for a much lower price. All designers on the platform are hand-picked by a team of experts, and required to have considerable experience. Learn more, and get started today.
Besides having grown up in the design Industry, Christiaan has advised some of the world’s largest companies on their branding & packaging designs. Has been the resident judge for design awards, and has spoken at numerous global design & marketing events. Christiaan founded the London office of the award-winning Cartils agency, and has founded the DesignBro.com platform.
