Getting customers in the door is a priority for all of the business owners we know. Unless you’re an experienced marketer, getting your message + your look + your branding just right in your advertising will likely go awry. This is definitely something you want to get right and an area where you should look for help. But what should you look for in a creative ad agency?

First, ask yourself whether you need a creative ad agency. As mentioned, if you’re an experienced marketer, or if you have one on your staff, the answer may be no. More than likely, though, if you’re asking yourself this question, you need a pro’s help.

Next, think about your project and/or goals. Do you need to take the advertising load off your staff? Are you looking to expand the audience for your product or service? Is this a short-term solution or are you looking for a long-term relationship? What’s your budget? Knowing these answers will help you look for a creative ad agency with the hands-on skills to complete your work at a price you can afford.

Once you have that big picture, it’s time to start narrowing down. Many creative ad agencies have specific niches on which they focus. You’ll want to find an agency that specializes in your industry and/or your locale. You’ll also want to consider where you want to spend your budget (outside of what you’re paying the agency). Do you want a digital agency? Are you looking for traditional advertising outlets? Do you want both so that a full-service creative ad agency best fits your bill? At this point, you may also want to consider paying a consultant for an audit to help you determine where your audience is, where your dollars would be best spent, and what type of agency you need.

Before you make your final decision, you’ll want to make sure that the creative ad agency you choose is the right fit for you on more than just a skills and knowledge level. You’ll want to make sure they’re a good fit for your company culture, too.

• If you have expectations on communication (like how soon you’ll get a response to your questions, how often you should expect reports, how many meetings or calls you’re allowed per month), find out now – not after you’ve signed a contract.
• For expectations on transparency (like the types of communications you expect on work being completed, how you work with deadlines and approval processes, etc), again, find out if the agency you’re talking to can work with that structure now.

If you don’t take this important step, all parties on all sides are going to be miserable while you work together, and you want your creative ad agency to be excited about promoting your business!

When you’re looking for a creative ad agency, the team at Asterisk Creative would love to be considered! We have a host of case studies and knowledge in various industries. And we would love to be the right fit for you!