Starting a Business
Starting an Advertising and Design Agency
Launching an advertising and design agency is a rewarding experience as long as you separate yourself from the competition. Here are nuts-and-bolts information that demystifies what it takes to be successful.
We've collected some good information on how to go about starting an advertising and design agency.
How to Write a Top Quality Advertising and Design Agency Business Plan
Your advertising and design agency's business plan is a blueprint that describes your company and the strategy you will execute to achieve specific goals.
In contemporary business culture, business plans are also litmus tests used by external interests to assess real world viability and marketability.
Learning how to write the market analysis section of a business plan is a critical skill for startup entrepreneurs. While a robust market analysis can be a selling point for an advertising and design agency startup, weak market research is a sure giveaway for a business that hasn't invested adequate effort in planning.
Assess Competitors
Well in advance of opening an advertising and design agency in your area, it's essential to determine what the competition looks like. Use the link below to generate a list of competitors in your city. After following the link, enter your city, state and zip code to get a list of advertising and design agencies in your area.
Is the established competition doing a good job? It's important to understand their strengths and weaknesses and think through how you'll stake up against those established businesses.
Learn from Others Who Are Already In This Space
After you've evaluated your local competitors, it's a smart move to have a conversation with someone who is in the business. It's very unlikely that the local competition will talk to you. The last thing they want to do is help you to be a better competitor.
Fortunately, somebody who runs an advertising and design agency in a different city may be more than happy to give you a few tips, after they realize you reside far away from them and won't be stealing their local customers. Indeed, many experienced entrepreneurs enjoy offering advice to startup entrepreneurs. If you are persistent, you can find a business mentor who is willing to help you out.
So, what can you do to find an advertising and design agency owner who is willing to talk to you but doesn't live nearby?
It's easy. Here's a link you can use to find a mentor outside of your area.
Entry Options for Advertising and Design Agencies
Would-be advertising and design agency business owners can either launch a new business or acquire an existing operation.
Startup advertising and design agencies can be attractive because they allow the entrepreneur to have more control and greater influence. Yet startups are also more difficult to finance because their nature is inherently risky.
Armed with several years of actual financials and a current asset appraisal, it is much easier to convince lenders to take a chance on an advertising and design agency acquisition. Although buying a business doesn't guarantee success, it substantially increases your odds of obtaining financing and achieving profitability.
Don't Forget About Franchising As an Option
For many entrepreneurs, franchises present a low-risk alternative to a traditional advertising and design agency startup.
Our advertising franchise directory (see link below) is full of advertising and design agency franchise opportunities.
Like any business, starting a franchised business requires hard work and dedication. But for the right entrepreneurs, a franchise can offer a streamlined path to small business ownership.
Entrepreneur Interviews
These interviews should be of interest to you.
- Interview with David Langton, Principal of Langton Cherubino Group
- Interview with Greg Corey, Principal of Porch Light Studio
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