Starting an advertising agency can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and strategy, it can be done. Advertising agencies offer services rather than products, so the initial costs are minimal. To get off the ground, you'll need an office, computers, an internet connection, and a printer. You'll also need experience in the marketing world and a lot of hard work and dedication.
If you have the financial security, knowledge, and drive to venture into advertising with your own agency, you can start by pursuing companies with a small or lackluster marketing presence. You can offer them a solution for busy entrepreneurs and business leaders who need help taking their advertising to the next level. Advertising agency services include branding, strategy and campaign development, website design, content production and dissemination, traditional and digital media buying, search engine optimization, email and social media marketing, and more. To learn what types of campaigns might be appropriate for your customers to place there, compile media kits that include advertising fees, demographics, and specifications.
When you're just starting out, it may be best to work as a contractor first to pay your bills before transitioning to a one-person agency. As you help build your clients' businesses through all your advertising efforts, don't forget to create your own. For best results, hire a legal representative who has experience starting advertising agencies such as a lawyer, accountant or tax specialist. David explains that when you start an agency from scratch, you have to find clients who are willing to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to work with you.
Brett McHale is the founder of Empiric Marketing, a digital marketing agency dedicated to scaling startups through paid search and social media. Starting an advertising agency is difficult but with the right strategy and accommodation for these important points, your company has the potential to get off the ground. With hard work and dedication, you can make it in the field.
