Opinion | Brands: There May be a Better Way than the RFP to Find an Agency

The RFP process tends to be stale and can neglect the factors that usually make relationships sustainable and mutually beneficial. As advocates of connection and matchmaking, we believe an investment in discovery around the people-element (chemistry, communication, and capabilities) is equally crucial when determining a future agency partner.

Marketing Industry/TrendsSetup - marketing matchmakersJune 23, 2020RFP-Alternative, RFP development, RFP templates, RFP alternative, rfp, RFP, RFP-Resource, issue rfpComment

Alternatives to the RFP Process

Most of the time, companies view the Request for Proposal (RFP) as the only option for seeking help with a marketing project, program, or initiative. RFPs are not the only solution and can often be a waste of time, money, resources, and effort for both clients and agencies.

Clients want solutions to problems but, more often than not, the RFP does not provide answers to the difficult problems the client faces. Consider the multiple alternatives to the RFP Process before jumping in…

Marketing Industry/TrendsSetup - marketing matchmakersSeptember 25, 2018rfp, request for proposal, RFP, RFP-Alternative, RFP-Resource, issue rfp, first agency, types of agencies, agency-client relationship, scorecard, breakupComment

The Five Marketing Agency Compensation Models for Brands

If a brand is considering hiring a marketing agency, it is important to set aside appropriate budget. Depending on the scope of needs, some financial plans are more necessary than others but, ultimately, it is up to the client and agency to decide how they will price fees during their agency-client partnership. Read more about the pros and cons of different compensation models in the agency-client relationship.

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The Evolving Pitch Process - Why Brands Should Approach Agency Selection Differently

Finding “the one” is stressful, time consuming, and, to be honest, extremely hard. A romantic relationship is not exactly congruent to an agency-client relationship, but there is something to be said about agency selection and the evolving pitch process...

No need for romantic gestures with boomboxes, dance numbers, or flowers, but a sit-down conversation where the agency can interview the brand and the brand can interview the agency.

Marketing Industry/TrendsSetup - marketing matchmakersApril 11, 2018agency vetting and review, agency selection process, agency-client relationship, agency selection, agency of record, brand agency relationship, brand marketers, brand, Advertising Agency Selection, RFP, first agency, scorecard, breakup, marketing continuing educationComment

Questions Brands Should Answer Before Selecting A Marketing Agency

Here at AgencySparks we think a lot about how brands and agencies connect with each other and subsequently work together. Before we make connections for brands/clients with potential agency partners, we like to understand the brand needs. Here are questions brands need to answer to understand their own needs and what they require from potential partners.

The Marketing Budget - Where Marketers Go Wrong & How to Get it Right

Creating a marketing budget is not always a simple task. Many marketers pigeon hole themselves by narrowly focusing on the previous year’s plan and ignoring potential new sales goals and opportunities. It is also particularly difficult to map out a budget plan when brand awareness and impressions are not concrete numbers. Use this guide and free budgeting template to ease planning.

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A How-to Guide to Writing the Perfect Marketing Brief

A solid brief can make or break a marketing campaign. The brief provides a solid foundation to ensure that an internal or external team is aligned to execute the strategy. Follow the steps and download our free and comprehensive marketing brief to align your brand’s processes.

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