Five Things to Consider When Hiring a Nonprofit Creative Agency

Unlike most organizations, nonprofits aren’t selling a product but rather a mission. And due to this fact, they often need to be strategic and think outside the box in order to . By working with a creative agency to produce content, you can bring your important message to life and inspire others to become involved.

Here are five things to keep in mind during your search for a creative agency.

1.     Establish Your Goals

Before you start the RFP process, work with your team to identify what you want to accomplish for your nonprofit. Perhaps it’s to increase donations or raise awareness and reach more people. To ensure your goals are clear and results-oriented, follow the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) framework.

Once you start working with an agency, be sure to track the progress of these goals through key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics. Reporting is one way to measure growth. Connect with your agency on both a reporting schedule and what will be included as part of it. For example, some nonprofits may need these summaries for quarterly Board meetings or request monthly website impressions.

2.     Identify Budget

While there’s a lot that creative teams can do, aligning on budget is crucial to setting realistic expectations and allocating resources. According to statistics, nonprofits increased their digital advertising spending by 23%. Whether you have a large or small budget, be transparent with agencies and ask them how they can maximize your budget. During these conversations, you can also discuss whether to pay the agency on an hourly rate or on a retainer basis.

Not sure if you can afford a creative agency? Research grant opportunities that could support your marketing and advertising efforts.

3.     Nonprofit Experience

As you research and interview different agencies, make note of their current and previous clients to make sure they have expertise in your field. With its growing roster of nonprofit clients – including Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation, Ronald McDonald House New York, New York Edge, Global Kids, and DKMS – Marino helps organizations promote their cause through integrated marketing services including video production, advertising, social media, and traditional media relations. Hiring an agency with relevant experience ensures they have an understanding of the opportunities and challenges that your organization faces.

Be sure to review case studies and past award wins on an agency’s website or reach out for more information.

4.     Full-Service Capabilities  

When you think of a creative agency, it can mean many different things. Creative work encompasses everything from paid media and digital advertising to graphic design and photography/videography.

While some agencies specialize in a certain service, full-service agencies like Marino offer several advantages. Drawing from previous experience and diverse skillsets, creative teams recognize the differences between each platform. If you’re planning a comprehensive campaign, they can bring ideas together across multiple platforms for a holistic approach. In addition, working with one agency for all your creative needs streamlines communication and strengthens efficiency.

5.     Develop Timeline

As you finalize the scope of work, don’t forget to consider a timeline of deliverables. In doing so, you can determine which projects should be prioritized over others. Whether you need a nonprofit creative agency for a major event or a long-term campaign, a timeline will serve as a useful outline for when each activity should be started and completed. Given the unpredictable nature of nonprofit work, it is always best to have this timeline serve as a living document with flexibility as time goes on.

Nonprofits of all sizes face challenges ranging from tight budgets to staff limitations, but having a creative agency on retainer can make a great difference. As you look toward this transition, consider these factors so you can adapt to the digital age and inspire action.