What is a creative agency, what do they do and how to select one?

What is a creative agency, what do they do and how to select one?

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What is a creative agency, what do they do and how to select one?

What is a creative agency?

A creative agency is a type of service provider that specializes in creative projects. They focus on helping clients achieve their marketing and brand goals by creating compelling visuals and content. Good creative agencies are able to understand the client’s goals and deliver creative projects that align with those needs. 

Documents such as contracts, budgets and creative briefs are needed by creative agencies to ensure successful results. This article will cover the basics of what a creative agency is, what they do and how to find one that's reliable.

What do creative agencies do?

Projects which creative agencies may do can include website and graphic design, video production, animation, branding, marketing, and more. They work by analyzing the goals and objectives of the client and then develop unique, innovative ideas that can be used to meet those goals.

With the help of a good creative agency, clients can get the best results from their investments in marketing. Creative agencies often employ a team of professionals with expertise in different aspects of creative design and marketing, working together to find effective solutions for clients. These teams may include graphic designers, web developers, photographers, videographers, animators, and copywriters.

In addition to the creative work, creative agencies also provide services such as project management and budgeting. They also provide documents such as contracts, budgets and creative briefs that are needed to ensure successful outcomes. Marketing research, content strategies, and communications strategy may also be part of their offering.

What is the difference between a creative agency and a marketing agency?

The main difference between a creative agency and a marketing agency is the focus of their services. A creative agency is focused more on the creative aspects of marketing, such as developing and designing graphics, artwork, and videos for the campaigns. On the other hand, a marketing agency focuses more on the strategic planning, developing a plan for the marketing campaign and analyzing the results.

In addition to this focus, creative agencies are often more specialized than marketing agencies. Creative agencies often focus on one or two aspects of the creative process, such as graphic design or video production. Marketing agencies, however, usually offer a broader range of services such as social media marketing, search engine optimization, digital advertising and public relations.

Another difference between the two is that a creative agency is often more involved in creating and designing the content of the campaigns, while a marketing agency is responsible for developing the strategy to execute the campaigns. Creative agencies are also often responsible for creating the visuals and messaging of the campaigns, while a marketing agency is responsible for creating the plan to ensure that the campaigns reach the right audience.

In conclusion, the main difference between a creative agency and a marketing agency is the focus of their services. Creative agencies are more focused on the creative aspects of marketing, whereas marketing agencies focus on the strategic planning and execution of campaigns. Although both types of agencies can be used for marketing purposes, it is important to understand their differences before making a decision on which type of agency to use.

How can a creative agency help your brand?

A creative agency can provide a plethora of services that can help your brand become more successful. From the creation of a professional brand identity and website, to designing compelling visuals and content to help promote the brand, a creative agency can help in a variety of ways. 

Creative agencies can also help create effective marketing campaigns and provide strategic advice on how to reach your target audience. They can also provide market research, communications strategies, and project management. With the help of a good creative agency, your brand has a better chance of standing out from the competition and reaching the right people.

Which documents does a creative agency need from clients?

A creative agency will typically need the following documents from clients:

1. Creative brief – this should outline the project scope and objectives, timeline, budget, target audience, and desired results.

2. Contract – this outlines the terms and conditions of the project and the roles of each party.

3. Logo/branding assets – these should include the original logo files, fonts, and color palette.

4. Product/service information – this should include a description of the product or service, key features and benefits, photos, and customer reviews.

5. Brand guidelines – this should cover style and tone, values, mission and vision, and company culture.

6. Preferences or feedback – this should include notes from meetings, brainstorming sessions, and feedback from clients.

7. Budget – a detailed budget should be provided that outlines the costs for each task and project.

8. Timelines – deadlines for each phase of the project should be provided to ensure that all work is completed on time.

How to find a creative agency you can trust?

When looking for a creative agency to trust, it is important to do your research. You should look at their portfolio, read reviews, and ask for references. Get a clear understanding of their services, costs, and timeline before signing any contracts. You should also make sure the agency has a good reputation in the industry and has experience with the type of project you need. Finally, it can be helpful to speak with the agency directly to get a sense of their communication style and to make sure their values align with yours.

Useful templates when using creative agencies

Working with a creative agency is likely to involve regular meetings, so use this free meeting notes template from Craft to quickly record thoughts and action points during meetings, without worrying about how to lay out the document.

Craft template for meeting notes

Depending upon the project, expenses can mount up when working with a creative agency. This free expense report template from Craft lets you stay on top of spending. 

Expense Report.jpg

Make sure the creative agency you hire understands the values and priorities of your brand. Use this free company values template to express what matters most.

Company Values Template