Considerations For Hiring An Ad Agency:
 1. What type of advertising can you get in your price range? How is the financing done: by the medium, by the project, or hourly rate?
2. How does this ad agency compare to others for the price? What are the features and options, i.e., "Is there a basic package I can add on to at any time?" Does the advertising agency offer a 'beginner' package for you to test prior to making a commitment?
3. Can you see reviews of the work done for other companies? Check references and determine if the agency staff can understand your competition and goals for your business' growth.
4. Get to know the lot salesperson and team, i.e., "Who are the people I would be working with?" Evaluate if you can work with the various personalities on a day-by-day basis. Do you have access to upper management if a problem arises? 5. Has the ad agency worked with your type of business in the past? Does the advertising agency offer logo design, business branding, and promotion strategies for your type of business? Examine the advertising agency's portfolio for samples of similar work.
Small Advertising Agencies Offer a Personal Touch
Small advertising agencies offer just as many features as a large or top advertising agency with the exception of perhaps not having printing, recording, and publishing departments in-house.
However, some businesses like the personal touch of small advertising agencies. Often, the small ad agencies have 'connections' and price breaks with radio, television, studios, and newspapers that also offer more customized service.
Small advertising agencies are often located in the company's area or region(s) of their clients' businesses and are convenient to work with on a local and regional level.
Large Advertising Agencies – One-Stop Shops
Large advertising agencies do not necessarily have an exemplary track record so you need to be careful here. While large advertising agencies do most often create advertising using all mediums in-house such as printing, and radio and television commercial development, large advertising agencies may not offer the one-on-one communication that a smaller agency might.
Hiring a large advertising agency can be more convenient, however, because of its ability to create advertising using different mediums at one location.
Large advertising agencies often hire interns from universities. Therefore, ad agency personnel are often current with 'new and improved' advertising strategies and methods.
Top Advertising Agencies: The Biggest Bangs for the Biggest Bucks?
Top advertising agencies, such as McCann Erickson have proven track records, handled top clients in many types of business, offer a 'personal touch.'
Additionally, top advertising agencies are equipped with the means and personnel to give top-notch project development, performance evaluations, and ongoing communication and recommendations.
While large advertising agencies can have the ability to know international markets, top advertising agencies have departments and personnel dedicated to working with international marketing.
Web Advertising Agencies – How Are They Different?
Web-based advertising agencies are similar to other advertising agencies with the exception of their concentration and expertise is advertising through the internet market.
Web advertising agencies often do not have the overhead costs of their sibling 'brick and mortar' agencies and are able to offer bulk advertising at a much lower cost.
Web advertising agencies, such as Web Ad.vantage Online Marketing, cover ad campaigns for: blogs, website promotion, pay-per-click advertising, and online directory listings, just for starters. They can also offer discounts for business cards and other business commodities through any network or partner affiliations they may have.
Important Points to Keep in Mind:
- Compare-shop for advertising agencies that fit your budget.
- Review the agency's portfolio of similar work in your line of business.
- Check the ad agency's references.
- Interview the ad agency's staff to see if they understand your business objectives and you can communicate well with.
- Check your needs against what the ad agency has to offer according to medium(s) used: television, radio, newspaper, mailers, internet, etc.
Resources:
Find local advertising agencies
Adbrands Directory of Leading U.S. Advertising Agencies
Web Ad.vantage Online Marketing
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