Launching your own business or marketing project is an exciting time. There’s freedom to take your brand or marketing campaign anywhere you want and bring your vision to life. At Stride, we can help you take that next step.
We understand it can be daunting knowing where to start when it comes to picking a graphic design agency. We are approachable, cost-effective and pride ourselves in offering big agency creativity but with the personal service of a small business.
If this is your first time working with a graphic design company, the following tips can make your investment worthwhile.
1. INVESTIGATE
We live in a world of choices. There are not one but multiple graphic design agencies in the market. You need to keep your research strong to pick the one that best aligns with your brand’s identity.
Your aim is to find a credible agency with good and real-time client testimonials. There’s no point in hiring a graphic design company that lacks a proper portfolio.
So, your first step into hiring a good graphic design company is to get a rundown of all the designs they have done to date. A visual representation of the designs can give you an idea of what you can expect.
Digging a little deeper also helps you assess whether the company’s experience and design match your expectations and the brand’s identity.
2. FIGURE OUT YOUR NEEDS
As a brand, having a clear vision is crucial. What do you need a graphic designer for? Do you want them to create posters for your brand’s social media platforms? Do you want the designs for physical promotion in stores?
The better you know what you want, the better you will be able to express your needs to the designers. Instead of expecting the graphic designers to “just know”, putting the expectations out in the clear makes all the difference.
When working with a graphic design agency in the UK, you want to convey the requirements of the projects clearly to the designers with a well-constructed brief for the desired outcomes.
3. LOOK FOR A DIVERSE RANGE OF SERVICES
When hiring a graphic design company, you want to invest in a comprehensive company specialising in different design needs.
Instead of hiring a design company with expertise in only social media marketing, hire a company that will elevate your brand presence in the digital space.
Working with a marketing agency offering multiple services allows you to fit them into your design goals. It enables you to establish a better narrative for your brand that escalates your business's overall value.
4. PROMOTE COLLABORATION
Even though you are hiring a graphic design company for your brand, their work is an extension of your brand. So, as a brand, you must welcome them as an extension of your team.
Instead of treating them as removable assets, treat them as team members and make them part of your creative brainstorming. Getting a peek into this process allows the designers to understand the brand’s expectations, which reflects optimally on the final design.
Besides promoting a collaborative environment, you also need to provide the team with the same leniency and freedom you’d give your company’s regular employees. Giving the graphic design team access to the company’s backend work, sales analytics, marketing personas, etc., gives the design team a better understanding of the brand’s repertoire and placement in the market.
5. BE FORTHCOMING WITH CONCERNS
When hiring a graphic design company in Belfast, you want to communicate your concerns with the design team.
Creative concepts are subjective. So, as a brand, you might have certain expectations from the final designs. Disconnection between the design agency and the brand will reflect on the designs.
The majority of the design misinterpretations boil down to one thing – poor communication between the company and the design agency. When choosing a graphic design company, pick one with a guided communication process.
Be clear and upfront about the modes of communication and support the same with proper references. If you aren’t clear about certain design terms and jargon, don’t hesitate to ask them. There’s nothing wrong with clarifying your confusion.
6. IDENTIFY SKILLS YOU WANT IN A GRAPHIC DESIGNER
When hiring a graphic design company, prioritise the skills of the individual designers. If you intend to conduct traditional and digital marketing campaigns, hire a design company that can fulfil those requirements.
A versatile designer with knowledge about print design and the use of virtual tools can make a valuable impact on your brand’s online identity.
7. START WITH A TRIAL PROJECT
If you are sceptical about choosing a graphic design company, start with a trial project. As a client, it allows you to gauge the design company’s expertise. It also gives you an insight into the designer’s ability to tailor their design to the brand’s identity and the given brief.
Keep the trial projects short and simple. The intent of the trial project is to gauge if the designers mesh well with your company and deliver as per expectations.
FINAL WORDS
As a leading design and marketing agency in Belfast, Stride personifies all these requirements. Having worked with some of the leading brands across the UK, our intent is to help get your brand in front of your audiences. Our focus is on creating a visual image of your brand that resonates with your audience.
Considering kickstarting your branding journey? Take your first Stride with us!
This is your story
Let's tell it well
Let's stride out together
For queries and further information, contact us.