The benefits of working with an agency that is a small-scale creative company and how they’re challenging the big agencies.
Over the years, large corporations have coveted big creative agencies in order to demonstrate their status in the market and only to find that they’re awash with procedures, staff and systems. There is a trend toward a smaller, more boutique agency that is able to be more in-depth with you in order to reach your goals that you wish to accomplish – but at only a fraction of the cost. We explore the advantages of working with smaller creative agencies and the ways they’re challenging the big guys.
Boutique creative agencies are flexible
Large agencies function like kingdoms that have rulers, serfs vendors and merchants. They have constructed systems and reporting structures that appear impressive, but they anchor the organization in process and routine. While clients are often faced with the fact that they must adapt to the methods of big agencies, smaller agencies tend to be more able to adjust to the style and speed at which they operate. A boutique agency can be the ideal partner for you to be flexible. They tend to provide an individual, customized service. They’re capable of moving quickly and are always eager to be better than the rest since they’re not relying on their repute. They’ll work with you to provide the most effective results for your business.
In a boutique agency, people work together
Large agencies are governed by a sense of hierarchy and division which is characterized by a high hierarchy of directors as well as associate directors and executives who all want greater power or recognition. I’ve attended meetings in big agencies with at least 20 people. most don’t participate because they are overwhelmed by the number of people – and that can limit the creativity.
Small-sized agency employees are more likely to collaborate more effectively by sharing ideas and skills at all levels. This means that skilled creatives can provide advice to the staff who are less experienced and help them develop the idea that is so brilliant. This also means that employees are able to cross-disciplinary and think laterally, often inventing more inventive work. I’ve witnessed it time and again when a brilliant idea originates from the least anticipated person. In larger agencies it’s not easy to make the idea come to light.
It’s easier working with a smaller agency.
Large agencies are staffed with several layers of account handlers and executives, strategists analysts, creatives and directors – hundreds of individuals who are involved at various phases of your project and whose appearances change depending on the meeting you attend. This often results in an absence of consistency, or even a system of conveyor belts to work that is creative.
If you work with a boutique agency it is more likely that you talk to those who are working on your project instead of an account handler that oversees the process. They will listen to your voice and opinions, rather than third-party interpretations, and they are able to more easily translate your ideas into words and pictures as well as packaging products, or experiences. In the smaller agencies that I’ve been for clients are incredibly involved in the process and take a leading role in generating concepts that are beneficial to their brands.
Smaller agencies are easier to streamline
If your company employs over 1,000 employees however, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll all be working for you! Perhaps there’s fifteen dedicated individuals but they’re certainly not with the enormous expenses of a large agency. If you work in a small-sized agency with 10-15 people it is possible to have a larger percentage of people working on a single task at a time, which means that you’ll get the same team, however with a less expensive price of course.
A boutique creative agency in Hertfordshire can save you money
Boutique creative agencies gather experts from outside as needed to create customized teams for your specific project, such as writers, web developers or strategists. This means that you pay only the individuals who will be working in your work. The larger counterparts are filled with teams of individuals that perform various tasks and support staff, large office spaces, fancy caterers and excellent expense accounts. The clients love all of this however it could hinder quick decision-making and add huge sums of money to their tally sheets – which they don’t realize they’ll pay.
Are you thinking about what you would like in an agency? Look beyond the image of a big agency to consider the versatility and efficiency of a small creative agency. Small changes could make a huge difference.
Creative Critters
14 Heathfield Rd, Hitchin SG5 1SY
01462 374043
creative-critters.co.uk
