While branding is important in shaping your company’s image and enhancing a memorable impression on consumers, having a specialized branding partner is also crucial. You might be wondering where to start. How to invest in the right agency? What are the basic criteria for choosing a branding agency?

You are always close to the ANSWER; we will guide you. As a branding agency, Aimstyle aims to direct you with suitable guidance for choosing the right branding agency that would fulfill your brand’s needs.

Above all, you must acknowledge the need for a branding partner. Many businesses need to pay more attention to hiring a specialized party to conduct branding or rebranding for their company. Your internal marketing department can use best marketing practices to grow your business. But when it comes to branding, many still need to achieve the main goals behind this whole process.

Here are the simple steps that we recommend you follow in choosing the right branding agency:

• Identify your Options

When defining a suitable agency, you may want to conduct your research. For example, companies that appear first in the SERP can be defined as leaders in their industry. Moreover, you can get insights into their work and proficiency based on reviews and recommendations from their clients. It is important to look at their portfolio and the projects they have worked on. Testimonials can also be a great indicator of how they proceed with projects and measure their outcomes and results.

It is also advised to seek recommendations from your circle, team, and partners. Referrals are an excellent example of how to get the best recommendation. Getting insights from partners with prior experience with certain branding agencies doesn’t mean you need to go with that agency but can help you define your options properly.

Focus on finding an agency that serves your needs, fosters your brand’s identity, and accomplishes your goals. It’s not about how large an agency is. It is about how creative an agency can go beyond your brand and flourish its elements to enhance your brand’s value and business growth.

• Assess the Agency’s Suitability

Assessing how much an agency would fit your needs might take a while. You are required to determine certain aspects, which include:

• Location

Nowadays, it is no longer important to partner with an agency based in your region or country. Location is no longer a big issue for branding and rebranding projects. The meeting can be conducted remotely. Work can be done and delivered on time without the need for physical presence for both parties. You can expand your search to cover regional and international agencies. 

• Offered Key Services

Branding services can vary from agency to agency. Moreover, here comes the important part: a branding agency doesn’t mean it can conduct all branding services. You must be clear about what your company needs to benefit from branding. Some key services focus only on brand identity, while others focus on branding strategy. 

• Work Process

A well-defined, clear work process saves time and money. Usually, a branding agency should conduct research and analysis before applying strategies. Ask for a pre-defined process to ensure that each step is done on time and that your brand is served well. 

• Culture of the Partner Agency

Something great to consider is measuring the alignment of the values and culture between you and your branding agency. You likely need a partner that is collaborative, diligent, and passionate about delivering the best outcome for your brand.

Look for an agency willing to take your brand to the next level. An agency that aims to allocate all the needed efforts to achieve creative work with your brand.

• Set your Budget

Each project has its budget. You probably have a pre-defined budget for branding. Make sure you weigh each offered service. Prepare well-defined goals that meet your budget and communicate it with your branding partner. Be patient. This process might take time, but it is worth every minute since you invest in your brand.

• Check Proposals Carefully

When you decide on a particular agency, ask for a pitch. Usually, there isn’t any associated cost or fee for it. Consider the points when analyzing the proposal:

• The connection between offered services and your goals
• The offered Prices (make sure that it matches your budget)
• Key deliverables
• Constraints that may affect the project
• The designed time frame for each process