Top 5 tips for getting more out of your budget

With the latest Bellwether report highlighting that 49% of senior marketers have been forced to cut their budgets, a productive relationship and strong chemistry between your business and your marketing agency is more important now than ever.

With the pressure on to drive down costs, get more for your money and still, somehow, achieve ever improving results, getting closer to your agency is the key to increasing your response rates.

Here are five ways to help you make the relationship with your marketing agency more productive when budgets start getting tight:

Decide whether you are looking for a supplier or a partner.

Ideally, before you begin working together. Choose an agency that wants that same type of arrangement as you do.

Decide whether you are looking for a supplier or a partner.

Ideally, before you begin working together. Choose an agency that wants that same type of arrangement as you do.

Treat the relationship with your agency like any other relationship.

Both sides have to be willing to work at it to get the most out of it. Good, honest communication is paramount. If there’s a problem, talking about it with the agency early will make it easier to resolve any issues.

Get to understand each other.

Ask your agency for an induction so you understand how they work. Equally, offer them the opportunity to learn how you and other parts of your business operate – for example, sales and customer service. The better you understand each other, the better the results.

Never assume anything

Manage expectations and ensure the agency is kept informed of timing changes; sign off procedures; individual stakeholders’ agendas; likes and dislikes; and budget issues. Being specific with instructions or amends will also save time, money and stress in the long run.

Work with your agency on each brief

Face to face if possible. A comprehensive brief that you both have the same understanding of gives both parties a clear, objective reference point to work from. You’ll reach your goals more quickly and efficiently.

The Black Hole is renowned developing close working relationships with its clients. It is one of the most highly recommended British agencies outside London, and has been awarded Recommended Agency status by the Recommended Agency Register.