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How do you choose a good advertising agency? (Part 1 of 2)

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Somehow you've been appointed the unnerving task of selecting the right agency to deliver your company's message effectively. This can be tricky because there's so many to choose from and they all promise marvelous results. So, how do you evaluate them and make a good decision? We'll discuss a total of five tips in this two part series to make sure the "fit" is right for your unique needs.

1. KNOW YOUR GOALS
A reputable agency shouldn't let you enter into this business relationship without knowing what your objectives are. This is probably going to require some homework on your part. Without a definite understanding of your expectations, your agency can't provide you with a clear, strong strategy that's measurable.

2. COST vs VALUE
"You get what you pay for" certainly rings true in the world of marketing and web development. Trying to cut costs to save a dollar now might not reap as much value in the long-term when it comes to delivering the results you planned for in step one. Research to see what you've spent in the last several years in marketing and advertising. Have those efforts brought a return on your investment, and how much?

Also, remember that larger agencies will most likely charge more than smaller ones because they have more services to offer and higher overhead. Whereas smaller firms are more likely to provide more personalized attention as well as access to their most talented staff and CEO. Your budget will allow them to tailor the correct marketing formulas to your financial plan which could involve implementing it in logical increments. This will give you peace of mind so you don't have to worry about budget creep.

Watch for three more helpful tips in our next blog.

  • “As a Chamber of Commerce, it is important to work with companies who are not only professional and trustworthy, but also provide accurate, prompt and courteous service. The staff at Graphic Impact have accomplished all of these traits during our relationship of over 10 years.”

    “Graphic Impact did an incredible job in creating our city map and “Simply Troy” Quality of Life book. It has been a real pleasure working with the professional and courteous staff at Graphic Impact. Even under some of the toughest deadlines the quality is unsurpassed and the attention to every detail makes the ultimate difference.”

    Sabra Johnson, Executive Director, Troy Area Chamber of Commerce

  • “I engaged Graphic Impact on several projects that included brand development, marketing brochures and advertisement development. They have consistently exceeded my expectations with creative, timely and competitive solutions to my organization’s marketing needs.”

    Bill Murphy, Assistant City Manager, Piqua, OH, Piqua Economic Development Director, Director of Grow Piqua Now

  • “We have been working with Graphic Impact for many years with wonderful results. Our nonprofit has strict national branding standards, and they always follow the set guidelines while offering creative and eye-catching marketing materials. They are quick to respond to our needs and truly work with us to reach our goals while staying on budget and on time.”

    Jessi Graham, Director of Marketing and Communications, YMCA

  • “I have worked with Graphic Impact for over 10 years and can always count on them to be timely and responsive to our needs. Our logo is recognized throughout our community due to branding which is creative and effective. Our marketing portfolio even won second place at the Hermes Awards!”

    Anne Beane, retired Superintendent, Mound Street Academies

  • “I appreciate how Graphic Impact continues to help strengthen Chaminade Julienne's branding in our community. Beginning with a logo redesign, the firm's artists have successfully expanded our unique look into an array of marketing materials that strongly supports the school's mission as well as admissions and development efforts.”

    Tina Wagoner, Communications Coordinator, Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School

  • “Both the Fairborn Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Fairborn were overjoyed with the stunning Quality of Life publication that was produced in collaboration with Graphic Impact. The Chamber has received rave compliments on the publication from a myriad of sources and the positive comments continue every time a new viewer gets a chance to pour through its pages.”

    Paul Newman, Executive Director, Fairborn Area Chamber of Commerce

  • “The Graphic Impact staff were very attentive in learning about our business and ultimately became quite committed to the mission of the agency. They designed a fabulous billboard and literature campaign for us which carried into a redesigned website as well. We were able to achieve just the look that we wanted and just the campaign that we wanted to run and ultimately succeeded in passing a levy.”

    Rhonda E. Reagh, Ph.D., retired Executive Director, Greene County Children Services

  • “As a Chamber of Commerce, it is important to work with companies who are not only professional and trustworthy, but also provide accurate, prompt and courteous service. The staff at Graphic Impact have accomplished all of these traits during our relationship of over 10 years.” “Graphic Impact did an incredible job in creating our city map and “Simply Troy” Quality of Life book. It has been a real pleasure working with the professional and courteous staff at Graphic Impact. Even under some of the toughest deadlines the quality is unsurpassed and the attention to every detail makes the ultimate difference.”

    Sabra Johnson, Executive Director, Troy Area Chamber of Commerce

  • “Graphic Impact was able to take the Troy Development Council’s marketing efforts and our TROY OHIO USA logo to an entirely new level. Our directions to Graphic Impact were very simple: ‘Create a set of marketing materials that will make our competition beat a path to your door.’ They did and the rest is history.”

    Chuck Cochran, retired President & CEO, Troy Development Council

  • “I picked up the (Troy) Community Book this morning before coming into the office and I really could not put it down. It is really really great! Not only is the content outstanding but even the ads provide excellent information and look fantastic! I know it was a great deal of work but what a success. Congratulations! ”

    J.C. Wallace, President, Troy Area Chamber of Commerce, Troy Development Council