Let’s start with some transparency because that’s important to us. You are reading a blog about what to look for in a presentation design agency which is written and published by, well, a presentation design agency. Can we humble brag for a second? The following 5 things are things that our company, Ethos3, does well. But we truly believe these things are important whether you choose to collaborate with us or not.
So if you’ve come to the point at which you need some help telling your story, designing your slide deck, or elevating your presentations, here are the 5 things you should expect out of a presentation design agency.
1. Content Strategy
Any great presentation design agency will be able to articulate a clear content strategy. Many companies have teams of designers who can create some amazing visuals for you. But we suggest looking for an agency who also has a dedicated content strategist. Experts in content will help you maximize the impact of each idea while also tailoring it to your specific audience. They will also understand how different types of presentations affect content development. At Ethos3, we believe content strategy is the precursor to great design.
2. Amazing Design
One of the primary reasons people seek the help of presentation design agencies is because they want to update and elevate the look of their presentation media or slide decks. Many companies understand that their slides are important, but they don’t have the resources to hire a designer. So they do what they’ve always done. They send the content over to Chuck in accounting who is the resident PowerPoint “expert” with hopes that he’ll create something acceptable. A presentation design agency breaks this pattern by offering companies like these the chance to achieve amazing design without having to hire a full-time graphic designer. They bring in educated and experienced designers who understand data visualization and visual storytelling. This allows the company to work with designers on contract basis without settling for slides that are just acceptable.
3. A Commitment to the Client
As with all businesses, you want to make sure to hire a presentation design agency that listens to your needs and then strives to meet them at every point in the process. Don’t be afraid to look for customer reviews on the company’s website. Also search for reviews of the agency online on sites like the Better Business Bureau. If a company has a bad track record, you can usually find some digital evidence of that. Don’t be afraid to reach out to multiple companies to get a quote. When you do, take note of the time it takes companies to respond and whether or not the response is personal (an employee directly reaching out) or standardized (an automated query response email). Look for agencies that make you feel valuable right from the beginning, because you are.
4. Results
We already talked about how important amazing design is. If you are about to hire a design agency to help with your presentation, you want to make sure your investment will be worth it. But how do you know if a company makes good on their promises? Check the company’s website for a portfolio to see evidence of their previous work. If they don’t have one readily available, ask to see some samples of past projects. Really take time exploring a variety of portfolios. Companies tend to have different “looks” that they excel in. So the portfolio is your best indication of what you’ll be getting. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for a list of previous clients or any data they may have on customer satisfaction and presentation results.
5. Creativity
When hiring a presentation design agency, you are obviously paying for their presentation expertise. But an added bonus of contracting help outside of your company is that you get a fresh perspective. A great agency will be able to see your presentation from the perspective of the audience—a perspective that is often hard for you to get a grip on since you already know your story, your idea, your product, or your company so intimately. In fact, adopting or hiring outside perspectives is one of Psychology Today’s 6 steps to fostering creativity. So look for an agency that is able to understand your needs and to approach them with innovative and creative solutions.
We know we aren’t the only presentation design agency on the market, but we’d love a chance to collaborate with you. Either way, we hope you’ll use these 5 guidelines to help you pick an agency that’s perfect for you.
If you’d like to read more about our content strategy, amazing design, commitment to our clients, results, and creativity, check Ethos3 out now.
