Understanding The Small Agency Advantage

Paul Rand once said, “Design is the silent ambassador of your brand”. This is a sentiment which we believe wholeheartedly to be true; except, design work is hardly silent. Rather, it speaks volumes about the brands it represents. And it is the job of design agencies to skillfully guide and curate the rhetoric of visual language on behalf of clients, as they promote their offering to the global consumer.

Of course, vetting and selecting the right agency for your brand is no small task. And although design agencies come in all shapes and sizes, we want to speak to the advantage of working with a smaller, boutique agency. Because, in our world, a small agency can inspire big results.

1. A More Personalized, Hands-on Service Model

Good publicity starts with a good design, but the design process in itself should be incredibly personalized, and hands-on. Although a large-scale agency may boast an overwhelming client list and an impressive office with sweeping city views, that perceived pedigree can also translate to a more rigid, hands-off customer service model.

Boutique design shops, however, are more focused on dedicated work for a limited client list. In the realm of creative work, this allows for a more collaborative and personalized approach across every touch-point of the design process (from initial consultations to packages, proposals, and more). Rather than adhering to a “we’ve always done it this way” mentality, smaller agencies are more willing to push the envelope, get to know each client on a deeper level, and innovate accordingly. They understand that the consumer landscape changes at a rapid pace, and what worked for a client last year may not work for another client today — a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach is, quite simply, the wrong approach. Moreover, their team members are personally connected to (and invested in) the brands which they work with, which lays the foundation for an effective, long-term relationship.

2. A Relationship-first Approach

Smaller agencies become a valuable extension of the brands they service. A lean company infrastructure attracts a team of uniquely qualified individuals who sit down and listen to each client, to identify their needs, customize proposed solutions, and identify any value-add opportunities along the way. Unlike larger agencies, flexibility is built into the operational framework, and every team member works hard to understand each client, readily adapt to their needs, and simplify and individualize the design process.

But perhaps more important is the commitment to client relationships. Smaller agencies are, fortunately, free from the distraction of an influx of clients competing for top priority. Instead, boutique shops are able to focus their attention on each brand relationship, and they genuinely care about their clients and the work they produce. Every client is a big client. This hands-on, relationship-first culture directly translates to client satisfaction, Oh, and did we mention small agencies are typically more budget-friendly? Without the high overhead and salaries dedicated to large teams, smaller agencies are often able to provide more value, without the large agency price-tag. 

3. Increased Agility

Oftentimes, a brand’s ability to maneuver in an agile manner will make or break its success. Yet, in the case of large-scale agencies, their sheer size often contributes to a more complex process, more degrees of separation, and more approvals. Fortunately, in the case of smaller design agencies, brands are not expected to engage in a game of ‘broken telephone’ in an effort to ask questions, or change direction on the fly.

Rather, they can always go right to the source, as they always have access to a direct line of communication. The work of small agencies such as ours is incredibly focused, and, rather than corralling a team of 50+ employees, we rely on an intimate team of all-stars. Not only does this make for incredibly quick turnaround (which, as any business owner knows, is paramount to success), but it also showcases our team members who offer wide-ranging experience to support clients across the full scope of their needs. Our use of resources is incredibly efficient, our company culture drives engagement and creativity, and responsive service is our mandate. In the event that additional expertise is required for a client project, we also have a vast network of industry resources which we can leverage accordingly. 

At Forthought, it is our mission to provide award-winning strategic branding and design that is directly tailored to each client’s needs. Want to learn more about how we can help? Click here.