">
Contact Now
cookie not set
Marketing & Advertising
9 commandments to zeroing in on the best creative agency in India

9 commandments to zeroing in on the best creative agency in India

                                                                                                                           Published at: 24.9.2023

So, you're equipped with bait, line, & tackle, and all set to fish for the ideal Creative agency! Well, best of luck to you. But what is this mystical concept called creativity? Presenting my very own heretical definition. Creativity is simply the ability to think differently and come up with original innovations, or better still, innovatively adapt others innovations! So, in a nutshell, a creative guy is a cat in thinking and a copycat in execution. How's that for a definition? But enough, let's move on to the serious business of the Agency Swayamvar.

But hang on.

Doesn't the Indian groom need grooming before setting out to snare his potential bride? In our humdrum context, you need to specify the services required to achieve the company's goals. So, before zooming off on your fishing sojourn, i.e., looking for a creative agency, apne girebaan mein jhankke dekhiye. Revisit your business plan and check your marketing objectives. Next, do a deep dive into the capabilities (or the lack of them) of your internal team. Only then will you unearth the gaps that a third-party service (aka a creative agency) could fill. HOW TO FIND THAT AGENCY?

The ten commandments:

  1. They invested in the time to meet you


    Oh! Darling, yeh hai India! Did the top thinkers of the agency meet with you either in person or virtually? If no, then this is a trailer of things to come. If they cannot commit time at the beginning of the process, how available will they be when actual work starts? We believe relationships are a contact sport!

  2. Their proposal is amazing- actually understanding your challenges and pain points


    Forget the audio-visual and credentials razzmatazz. The meat of any proposal is upfronting the price of services, and more importantly, the bespoke blueprint of what they will do for you/your brand. Generic proposals are not worth the paper they are written on. Does the potential agency's proposal display a basic articulation of your unique needs and challenges? If so, bingo!

  3. They have all-round expertise


    Marketing creatives involve a host of connected activities. So, your creative agency should be an all-rounder, having a basic level of expertise in all aspects of marketing.


    They may be working on your website, but can they appreciate how it will work in your social media context? In case they are executing content marketing for you, do they have clarity on how your branding materials will be integrated?


    A good creative agency need not be able to offer all the marketing services you require, but they should be able to recommend vendors and advise you on marketing aspects other than their specialization.

  4. They are creative!


    This is where a creative agency's rubber meets the road! Copy, design, headlines, AND the implementation, there should be no compromise. Their online portfolio will provide cues regarding execution; is it professional and fresh? Do you find their work for other clients inspiring? If so, you've struck gold!


    Don't be cent-wise and dollar-foolish by choosing an agency with sub-par creativity. Design and ideas are the cornerstones of your brand, and a great creative partner will build on this equity and find innovative avenues to make it even more valuable.

  5. Market Buzz


    References, awards, certifications, and affiliations are tricky, yet valuable indicators of the potential agency's standing in the creative scape. Choose your sources with care, they should be in the same ballpark as you w.r.t. size, budgets, and credibility. Often sources from other industries and personal connections offer more honest and real feedback. The answers to these 5 simple queries should be enough meat for your evaluation:


    • Was working with them enjoyable?

    • Were they process-oriented?

    • Did they adhere to the committed timelines?

    • Was the client happy with the result?

    • Would the client work with them again? (key question)

  6.  

  7. The ultimate litmus! A creative test


    A major caveat here! Do not rely solely on their past work, references, or the creative pitch to judge the agency's creative potential. As a creative litmus, give them varied case scenarios to analyze and then propose effective idea building and strategy solutions targeting your unique brand requirements while sharpening your competitive edge.

  8. They have industry experience


    There is no need to reinvent the wheel is the greatest advantage of an agency with previous expertise in your sector. They will:

    • Not need education on the dos and don'ts of the business 

    • Be generally aware of what the prospective customers want

    • Be familiar with the distinguishing features of the competitors in the domain

    • Have established relationships with essential media members of your sectors beat

  9.  

  10. They lay down realistic expectations


    They cover promise and under deliver is the most disparaging remark one can make about an agency. If an agency agrees to your deadlines and budgets with just a superficial understanding of what's entailed, either they didn't understand the scope of the brief or, they are saying what's pleasing to your ear. Either way spells disaster.


    A good agency will not shirk from telling you what's realistic, articulate the reasons, and suggest an alternate strategy if required. That is a far more palatable scenario than to have false promises, unplanned costs and missed deadlines.

  11. There is chemistry


Remember, your grandma always shopped from the same grocer, though it was evident that he was charging a premium? The reason? His disarming smile! Client-agency culture-fit is crucial. Plus, relationships are a contact sport!  Do they meet you, even if virtually, for important discussions? Do you feel comfortable bandying about ideas with them, and are you receptive to the heretical ideas they come up with? Meet the team. If they seem genuine and the type of people you'd enjoy spending time with- go for it! 

 

To conclude, today's fast-changing market dynamics require companies to value creativity and innovation over profitability and ROI. Therefore, the time is right to invest in the right creative agency to explore future avenues of success.

I hope the above 9 commandments (one lesser than Jesus!) has given you enough tips to choose wisely, because the cost of alimony may be too heavy a cross for you to bear.


The author is Dibyendu Deb, MD of Brandbajade.com a Delhi-based creative communications consultancy and an intrepid innovator and entrepreneur. You can contact him at info@brandbajade.com

Related blogs

Get to know the best ways to implement specific strategies for your online marketing

Publish Time: 2022-10-18 13:56:38

How to make a successful rebranding?

Publish Time: 2022-11-24 13:36:01

8 steps to create great billboard advertisements

Publish Time: 2022-12-12 16:37:22

Psychology of colours in branding

Publish Time: 2023-02-20 18:00:18

Growth marketing for startups

Publish Time: 2023-02-25 13:27:24

What is marketing automation?

Publish Time: 2023-03-03 19:11:22

A new era of podcast marketing

Publish Time: 2023-03-08 17:49:03

Difference between a brand and a company

Publish Time: 2023-03-18 17:44:12

How to do competitive analysis?

Publish Time: 2023-03-20 16:34:25

The fundamentals of design theory

Publish Time: 2023-03-22 18:46:37

Tips to make a customer-centric work-culture

Publish Time: 2023-03-29 13:37:24

A beginners guide to display advertising

Publish Time: 2023-04-13 16:33:31

The role of branding in creating a strong online presence

Publish Time: 2023-05-14 22:13:09

The importance of visual branding 

Publish Time: 2023-06-15 10:06:15

Branding Trends to Watch in [2023]: Staying Ahead of the Curve

Publish Time: 2023-06-19 12:45:43

Mastering Social Media Marketing: Leveraging Platforms for Brand Growth

Publish Time: 2023-06-20 14:54:57

The Art of Storytelling in Branding and Creating a Compelling Narrative

Publish Time: 2023-06-23 22:14:41

Unlock Digital Marketing Strategies Boosting Your Brand's Online Presence

Publish Time: 2023-06-28 01:21:57

The Future of Branding Exploring Emerging Trends and Technologies

Publish Time: 2023-07-01 10:57:53

Becoming a Thought Leader Establishing an Advertising Agency's Authority in the Industry

Publish Time: 2023-07-05 00:36:32

Driving Organic Traffic: SEO Strategies for Online Success

Publish Time: 2023-07-09 10:16:23

Mastering Customer Support: Strategies for Building Stronger Customer Relationships

Publish Time: 2023-07-11 22:24:00

The Power of Customer Retention: Building a Foundation for Business Success

Publish Time: 2023-07-22 02:25:47

Capturing Brilliance: The Art of High-Quality Photography

Publish Time: 2023-07-25 23:18:49

Building Customer Loyalty through Exceptional Support Experiences

Publish Time: 2023-07-29 08:58:46

Digital Marketing Communication: Building Consistency across Channels

Publish Time: 2023-08-02 23:27:11

Tapping into Influencer Marketing: Leveraging Online Influencers for Enhanced Brand Exposure

Publish Time: 2023-08-06 10:30:58

Navigating the World of Programmatic Advertising: Benefits and Challenges

Publish Time: 2023-08-09 08:03:08

Adapting to the Mobile-First Era: Optimizing Advertising for Mobile Devices

Publish Time: 2023-08-14 01:02:47

The Art of Active Listening: Enhancing Communication in Customer Support

Publish Time: 2023-08-17 12:29:39

Embracing the New Era of VFX and Graphics: Unveiling Creativity with Brandbajade

Publish Time: 2023-08-21 12:47:08

The Role of Music in Advertising: How Sound Enhances Brand Messaging

Publish Time: 2023-08-27 23:03:02

YouTube Ads: Unleashing the Potential of Modern Advertising

Publish Time: 2023-08-30 14:52:48

Utilizing Chatbots in Marketing: Enhancing Customer Interactions and Engagement

Publish Time: 2023-09-09 10:24:57

Advertising for E-Commerce: Boosting Sales and Conversions

Publish Time: 2023-10-04 09:24:55

How To Use Content Marketing To Improve Brand Loyalty

Publish Time: 2023-12-13 05:44:53

Relationship Marketing for Your Business: Building Connections for Success

Publish Time: 2023-12-29 00:30:09

Crafting Connections: Building Brands for Gen Z

Publish Time: 2024-01-10 18:51:40

The Power of CGI : Transforming Brand Marketing now and next

Publish Time: 2024-02-16 16:27:46

Tips to make a customer-centric work-culture

Publish Time: 2024-02-23 17:12:38

The importance of a logo

Publish Time: 2024-02-23 17:24:33

How to respond to customer complaints

Publish Time: 2024-02-23 17:39:29

What is performance marketing - A know how

Publish Time: 2024-02-23 17:57:58

What is contextual marketing and why is it important?

Publish Time: 2024-02-23 18:06:15

9 commandments to zeroing in on the best creative agency in India

Publish Time: 2024-02-23 18:10:41

As a branding agency In Delhi, our approach to the branding of LIC at Vaishali metro station, Noida

Publish Time: 2024-02-23 18:14:47

Analysis of the AV created for the video marketing of Jaquar shower tray

Publish Time: 2024-02-23 18:18:27

The impact of branding on customer loyalty                                                                

Publish Time: 2024-02-23 19:32:03

The importance of visual branding 

Publish Time: 2024-02-23 19:40:31

How to establish an impactful partnership with your digital marketing agency?

Publish Time: 2024-04-09 22:31:01

How AI can help a brand enjoy bigger returns while partnering with a Social Media agency 

Publish Time: 2024-05-02 18:05:46

The power of storytelling - How brands can connect emotionally with their audience

Publish Time: 2024-05-09 17:32:00

The Power of Digital Marketing in Branding: 5 Compelling Reasons You Can't Ignore

Publish Time: 2024-05-11 12:05:20

The Rise of Influencer Marketing and Leveraging Social Media for Brand Success

Publish Time: 2024-05-14 12:21:49

Elevating Growth: How an SEO Service Advertising Company in Delhi Propels Your Success

Publish Time: 2024-05-21 13:17:56

The Vitals for Your Viral Campaigns

Publish Time: 2024-05-29 13:22:49

Understanding the Potential of Metaverse for Branding: A New Frontier for Brands 

Publish Time: 2024-06-04 16:31:24

Why Building a Brand Community is Essential and How to Create Such Community

Publish Time: 2024-06-11 11:39:44

The Evolution of Advertising: From Traditional to Digital, an Incredible Journey

Publish Time: 2024-06-14 16:07:12

The Rise of Sustainable Design: How Brands Are Integrating Eco-Friendly Design

Publish Time: 2024-06-25 11:47:47

10 Steps to Building Your Personal Brand on Social Media: A Comprehensive Guide

Publish Time: 2024-07-02 11:21:44

The Role of Blockchain in Digital Marketing: Everything You Need to Know

Publish Time: 2024-07-08 12:07:55

Top 10 Influencer Marketing Trends to Watch Out for in 2024

Publish Time: 2024-07-16 13:22:50

Visual Branding, Designing Logos that stand out

Publish Time: 2024-07-23 11:35:07

Content Marketing Strategies for Startups: How to Build Your Brand from Scratch

Publish Time: 2024-07-30 11:11:51

Amazing Tips to Boost User Experience and Conversions on Your Website

Publish Time: 2024-08-06 10:59:55

10 Best Practices Every Business Should Adopt for Social Media Security

Publish Time: 2024-08-13 11:46:00

Decoding the Strategic Power of Design in Modern Business

Publish Time: 2024-08-20 10:40:34

Cross-Channel Marketing Integration: Maximizing Reach and Engagement

Publish Time: 2024-08-27 11:57:00

Brand Consistency Across Platforms: Build an Impeccable Brand

Publish Time: 2024-09-03 12:41:32

How AI is Revolutionizing Social Media to Drive Higher Engagement

Publish Time: 2024-09-10 12:12:21

10 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Web Design Agency

Publish Time: 2024-09-24 11:11:16

10 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Web Design Agency

Publish Time: 2024-09-24 11:11:19

8 Reasons Why You Need an SEO Agency to Grow Your Business

Publish Time: 2024-10-22 11:14:44

Emerging Trends in Digital Marketing: How an Agency Can Help You an Edge

Publish Time: 2024-10-30 11:25:18

What is Personalization in Advertising: A Key Component to Grow Your Business?

Publish Time: 2024-11-06 12:40:50

Why Choose Brandbajade as a Digital Marketing Agency?

Publish Time: 2024-11-14 16:25:00

Behind every beautiful business, there is wit. Talk to us.

Are you in a serious pickle with your business? Are you unhappy? Do not worry! All you need is a Jester who can lend you the helping hand you need. Let us put a smile on your face.

Handpick your needs and we will brew it perfectly.

Tell us what you need help with, the purpose of the project and the problem we are solving