When you need something designed, hiring a design and branding agency is the best way to make it happen. Whether you need a new website or marketing graphics, a design agency can help turn your brand into something extraordinary, provided you find the right company.
How to Find the Right Design Agency for Your Business
Hiring the right branding agency requires a lot of in-depth research. If you want to find a reliable, experienced, and cost-effective design agency, ask the following questions.
Question 1: “Will you come to our office to understand our brand?”
Your design agency isn’t just drawing a picture; they’re actively involved in your branding. To create a product that suits your brand, they need to know who you are and what you represent.
If you’re hiring a remote team, this may not be an option, but you can still offer them a tour of your office with video conferencing software. Take them through a typical day, introduce them to your colleagues, and let your personality shine through the aesthetics of your office.
Question 2: “What input can I have in the design process?”
Taking the “silent client” approach can be detrimental to the finished product, your brand, and your wallet. That’s why it’s important to ask if you can offer input during the design process.
The best creative agencies will ask you for input at every stage of the project because they want to make a product you’re happy with. Regular meetings are necessary for the designer and the client to throw away or rework bad ideas, conduct meaningful edits, and share feedback.
Question 3: “How can I contact you? When can I contact you?”
Working with an agency can be stressful because you don’t get to see what work they’re doing. You’re relying on the agency to complete an essential task in a specific way before a deadline.
To make up for this, design agencies will set up a schedule for how, when, and who to contact when you have questions about the project. They’ll typically give you a point of contact, which may be the designer or receptionist, who can relay information and keep you updated.
Don’t expect the agency to answer your question on evenings and weekends. Read your contract carefully to make sure you know when you can and can’t contact the designer.
Question 4: “How long will the project take? How much is the project?”
Both questions should be asked together because the length of the project is tied with its complexity. If a project is complex, it’ll cost you more and likely require more editing.
If you have a deadline to make, be aware that design agencies will charge you extra for a rush order. It’s in your best interest to give your designers enough time to work on your project and account for any editing or mishaps that could happen. Be sure to budget for extra edits.
Question 5: “If you were me, what should I do to improve this project?”
It’s hard to look at our own work with a critical eye, but you won’t have to if you hire a design agency. These experts should know if your design will sell or if it needs a lot of work.
Remember that the design agency you choose should be looking out for your best interests. If that means scrapping the project and working on it from the ground up, that’s more ideal than paying for something that could fail. Find an agency that can be honest and direct with you.
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