Around the world, companies and organizations of all shapes and sizes work with agencies. For many organizations, these agencies can be a key part of their strategic plan and how they serve their customers.
If you are interested in working with an agency, you will need to go through the process of finding the right partner. Here are several key factors to keep in mind when looking around.
1. Process: When you start working with agencies, it’s important to understand the process. You will not begin your engagement with them and in just a few days or weeks have your deliverable. Agencies will typically first go through a discovery phase where they spend time getting to know you, your audience, and your goals. From there, executing the work will take time.
2. Services: While there are many full-service agencies out there, some are better at key marketing tasks than others. The average number of services on offer is 5. For example, some agencies specialize in content or search engine optimization, while others — like Bungalow Creative — specialize in design and visuals. When you are considering which agency, you would like to work with, it’s important to be sure they have the necessary skills in the work that is most essential to you.
3. Team: Before you begin working with any agency, you will want to spend some time getting to know your team. During this process, you should ensure the team is made up of the right expertise, and that everyone on board understands your organization, your goals, and your audience. When meeting with your new team, do not balk if there are freelancers or contractors as part of the group. Working with freelancers and contractors is a normal part of the process for many agencies.
4. Cost: The average hourly rate varies based on the agency, location, and services. According to a recent survey, the average hourly rate is $138. For 60% of agencies, the cost is $100 to $149 per hour.
When you know what to look for in an agency, you will be sure to find the right partner for you.