Agency Size:
If you’re contemplating hiring an agency, you have a lot to consider. Deciding on an agency can be demanding, especially if you’re unsure about their role and how they can benefit your business.
The first question to ask is what specific role(s) you want the agency to play in achieving your business objectives.
A common misconception is that bigger agencies are better due to the abundance of resources at their disposal. However, it’s crucial to understand that the size of the agency doesn’t necessarily indicate their performance. What truly matters is the expertise and dedication of the individuals who will be working on your account daily.
Before finalizing your decision to hire an agency, it’s important to consider these 7 situations where a small agency can prove more valuable than a larger one.
1. When you want to work with an agency’s top talent
Large agencies often have numerous employees specializing in various roles across different departments. Each department may have separate directors overseeing them. This complex management structure can sometimes result in processes overshadowing innovation, leading to less groundbreaking end products.
In contrast, smaller agencies tend to have a focused team of highly experienced associates who thrive on creating and executing client strategies. These associates have exposure to senior staff and leadership, providing a wealth of information and fostering creative freedom to deliver projects aligned with your vision.
2. When you seek close collaboration with agency leadership
When working with large agencies, you may meet their top executives only once or twice. Subsequently, you’ll likely interact primarily with an account team who may not be intimately familiar with your goals.
In contrast, smaller agencies prioritize close contact with their principals. Success for small agencies hinges on meeting client targets, so their CEOs or Presidents become not just agency partners, but business partners who share your goals and are actively involved in day-to-day activities.
3. When you want to avoid being lost in the crowd
To put it simply, small agencies highly depend on your business. Due to their size, they intentionally limit the number of clients they take on, allowing them to go the extra mile for each client. Quick last-minute changes before an event or campaign are easily accommodated when the agency’s CEO is just an email away.
On the other hand, large agencies may restrict the scope of their work based on contractual agreements. Your business could become just one account among many, and additional requests may not fit into their schedule.
4. When cost is a consideration
Large agencies come with substantial price tags. Their extensive workforce and overhead costs, including executive time, contribute to higher expenses.
In contrast, smaller agencies have lower overhead costs due to their smaller team. This flexibility, combined with their ability to provide individual attention and close access to company leadership, offers value that larger agencies struggle to match.
5.When you require flexibility and quick turnarounds
The rigid structure of large agencies often leads to cumbersome production, creative, and administrative processes, resulting in unnecessary delays and high costs. Making swift changes becomes challenging.
Smaller agencies have developed efficient and effective client workflows to ensure faster turnaround times. Streamlined communication among project stakeholders ensures that everyone involved prioritizes your project. These systems and processes consistently deliver high-quality work within shorter timeframes.
6. When you need industry-specific solutions
While large agencies may have a fixed set of deliverables for their clients, small agencies are adaptable and tailor their approach to each client and project. This adaptability allows them to create specialized tools or services to meet unique needs.
For example, our agency developed RICON, a web-based application, for a retail client seeking an easy way to track the sales performance of specific products in their ad circulars. This specialized solution has been customized for other clients as well.
7. When you want an agency that truly values your business
To a small agency, your business carries significant value. They depend on client satisfaction for success, regardless of their size. Small agencies limit their client roster intentionally, ensuring they can go above and beyond for each client. Their personalized approach fosters a close relationship, often making clients feel like a part of the agency’s family.
Ultimately, when choosing an agency, it’s crucial to consider your business’s needs over agency size or the clients they’ve served. Focus on finding an agency that understands your objectives, challenges, and long-term goals. A small agency that can efficiently produce work aligned with your vision might be the best fit for your needs.
If you have further questions or need input on your project or ideas, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. As a small agency ourselves, we understand the value we can bring to your business.
