How to Compare Advertising Agency Services

Advertising agencies are businesses that help other businesses promote their goods and services. They do as little as write copy for a radio advertisement or as much as run an entire national or international ad campaign. Follow these steps to learn how to compare and choose the correct services and advertising agency for your product.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Look in the yellow pages of a local phone book to find advertising agencies in your area. Also search online for choices on the American Association of Advertising Agencies and American Advertising Agencies websites. (See Resources).
2. Decide which type of advertising you may want to use, as certain agencies specialize in specific areas. Many advertising agencies work with all types of promotion, such as television, newspaper and magazine and outdoor advertising. Also decide whether you need any other marketing or promotions such as direct mail or press releases.
3. Follow your budget and be clear with all agencies what that budget is. When calling various agencies, trying to decide which to choose, price should be a factor. However, keep in mind that many times you do get what you pay for when it comes to creative work.
4. Compare time line quotes from the agencies. If you have a media schedule already in mind, make sure the agency can work with it. If you need something quickly, make it a priority when you question the agency.
5. Seek high quality in artwork and copy. Look at the agency's previous campaigns and show them your previous campaigns. Collaborate to make sure the agency places your image in a favorable and fresh light.
6. Check agencies with reputations for creativity and innovation. Ask about the development of the campaign, telling how much direction you need and finding the company who can deliver. Let the company know if you need to create, promote or reposition your brand or image, launch a new product or reinforce an existing one.
7. Get a feel for the competitiveness of the agency and the friendliness of the staff. If you have a good feeling that the staff is listening to you and really wants to get started on the project, the agency and your company are most likely to want to do business again.