16 May Top 5 questions to always ask your design agency
So you’ve shortlisted your design agencies, and now you’re trying to decide which one makes the cut. It can be confusing trying to decide which one to go for, so we’ve come up with the top 5 questions you should ask your potential design agencies to help make that perfect choice.
1) Are my objectives achievable & realistic to my budget?
Right from the start of a project, clear communication between a client and design agency is crucial.
By ensuring you are outlining the precise objectives that you’d like the design project to achieve, the agency will be better placed to help you meet those objectives within the given budget. You will also be able to get the most out of your budget by letting your design agency know what they have to work with.
That said, if your budget is unrealistic to what you would like to achieve, a good agency will be honest and let you know. They can then propose some more viable options that are achievable and in line with the available budget.
2) How much & in what ways will I be involved in the ongoing design work?
This will vary from project to project so it is worth ensuring you and your agency set out a clear process that you both adhere to before any work commences.
A reputable agency will be happy to offer guidance, keep you informed on how your project is progressing and, should you be happy for them to, make design decisions for you. Similarly, if you would like to be more involved and have clear ideas as to the direction you would like the project to take, let your agency know.
With every project, the design agency will always provide a proof to check and at this stage you will be able to make amendments.
3) I don’t understand design lingo – what are you talking about?
It’s very common for a designer or creative person to run away with all kinds of design terms, acronyms and lingo that goes straight over your head! If your chosen agency ever uses phrases that you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to ask!
As a client, it is important that you understand exactly what is happening, from start to finish. A good design team will be happy to go through anything that you are unsure of and explain it clearly in terms that are a lot simpler to digest.
4) How can I be reassured that I won’t be hit with any hidden charges?
The right design agency will ensure that no stone is left unturned when it comes to gaining a thorough brief from their client. This is the key to ensuring that all necessary information is gathered and quoted for accordingly prior to beginning any work – no nasty surprises at the end!
If, during your project, there are unforeseen aspects that might impact the project or should the brief change along the way, the agency should always inform you of potential changes to the cost in good time and ensure they are run by you before any further work continues.
5) Can you provide a few referees who you have carried out similar work for?
Whatever your project involves, you want to establish how much experience your chosen agency has in that type of project and for your sector.
Picking a design agency is like recruiting for a job role – you want the design agency you choose to be a good fit for your business. Don’t be scared to ask agencies to provide references from previous clients that they’ve worked with on similar projects. That feedback will help you to determine whether that agency is right for you.
Don’t forget to check out The Global Group’s very own design trends magazine, InBrief. It’s created and printed entirely by our own fair hands and it’s FREE, so head HERE to request your copy today!