· 5 min read
How to choose a branding agency: 7 questions to ask before you sign
Portfolios all look good. These seven questions show how a branding agency actually works, what you will receive and whether the identity will hold up on your website, app and social media.
The easiest way to choose a branding agency is to look at the portfolio, but a portfolio shows only the result, not the process or what you will receive. These seven questions show the difference in a first call.
1. Does the process start with strategy?
A good identity starts with positioning before the logo: who you speak to, what you say and in which tone. If an agency jumps straight to logo design, ask what the visual decisions will be based on.
2. What exactly is delivered?
Just a logo file, or also colour, typography, image style and brand guidelines? Agree the file formats (vector, screen, print) and whether you receive the source files.
3. Will the identity work on screen too?
A first encounter with a brand today is usually a website, an app or social media. Can the agency apply the identity there, or does it work mainly for print?
4. How many directions, and how do revisions work?
Put the number of directions, revision rounds and approval points in writing up front. An unclear revision scope is the most common source of timeline and budget problems.
5. What support follows delivery?
Once the guidelines are delivered, is there help with the first applications (business cards, presentation and social templates) and questions? An identity is tested as it gets used.
6. Is there relevant experience and a reference?
An identical sector is not essential, but brand work of a similar size and complexity, and a reference you can speak to, is valuable. If a client name cannot be shared, the process should be explainable.
7. How are budget and timeline set?
Ask for a proposal where scope, deliverables, timeline and budget are agreed together. When those are discussed separately, surprises are almost guaranteed.
How we work
We start by talking through your brand and goals, write down the positioning, then present directions for the logo and visual language. Because the team that designs your identity also designs your website and app, the brand holds together on screen. See our brand identity page, and social media management for carrying it into your channels. You don't need a finished brief: an intro call is a good start. We work with UK teams remotely, within the same business day.
Want to talk about your project? Let's find the right path together.
