What should you look for when hiring a Graphic Design Agency?

So, what should you look for when considering hiring a Graphic Design Agency? The most important thing is trust. As the Client, you are entrusting this Agency with your name or brand, something perhaps that has taken many years to build up. Your reputation can be ruined in days if the Agency make a mistake or simply don’t put in the time and effort required. You have to be sure that they can deliver what they promise and fulfil your expectations.

Some key things to look for are:

• Make sure they put you first . . . always. The Agency must believe that YOU are their number one priority and not just a number on their order book. They should always keep you in the loop with regards to communication, even if they have to admit to making a mistake and regardless of the size of the Agency, they should also always know who you are when you call.

• They should be prepared to take the time required to gain some knowledge of your business and requirements so that they are more aware of the challenges you face. It’s unrealistic to expect an Agency to know everything they need to know about any one specific business sector, but a willingness to do what is required to find out should be clearly shown.

• They should place significant value on what you know about your business and never dismiss or undermine the fact they you are closer to it than they are. After all, it’s YOUR business . . . you know it better than they do.

• They should be completely transparent with their business practices in terms of quoting and billing, and being clear what is and is not included in any project they work on for you. Make sure they have comprehensive Terms and Conditions of service and that YOU are happy with them. If you have any concerns, talk to the Agency about them and make sure you BOTH understand what is expected.

• They should love what they do and you should be able to see it. You should be able to see that it’s not just a job to them and that you are not just another client and they should show you that they will go above and beyond to get things right for you.

• They should be completely loyal to you and consistent in their dealings with you. Telephone calls and emails should be answered promptly and queries or complaints responded to immediately.

• Finally and most importantly, they should leave you with the conviction that they CAN do what they promise and that you can trust them with your business.

If all these key points have been satisfied then you may well have found the right Design Agency for you. Good luck!