Working with full-service advertising agencies in Connecticut is a great way to enhance sales and profits of your business. As they create a strategy that covers multiple advertising platforms, you'll see the awareness of your product grow immeasurably if it is done correctly.

But before you go off and start meeting with Connecticut ad agencies, there are some things you should learn about working with them first so that you and your company get the most out of the experience. Here are some tips on how to successfully work with advertising firms in Connecticut so that your business, sales and career thrives.

1. Learn what to expect and how to interact with advertising firms in Connecticut to further your business.

2. Contact and attend association events held by full-service advertising agencies in Connecticut.

3. Educate yourself on what a comprehensive product portfolio looks like when designed by Connecticut Ad agencies.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Educate yourself on what it's like to work with Connecticut ad agencies

Before contacting an ad agency in Connecticut, do some cursory research as to what the experience might be like for you as a potential client. Many ad agencies in Connecticut offer comprehensive information on their websites in regard to their specialties and rates. A full service agency will typically provide solutions from print, to the Internet and even television and radio concepts.

I recommend: Check out the website for Image Path. They are a reputable full service advertising agency in Connecticut. On their website, they offer an education detailing what working with their agency will be like, inclusive of responsibilities and what you can expect from the experience. Also check out the website for Digital Surgeons. They are a full service online marketing firm with excellent educational tools on their website in regard to how to advertise over the Internet.

Go to events held by full-service advertising agencies in Connecticut

Another way to further your relationship when potentially working with Connecticut ad firms is to attend industry events where you can compare and contrast different firms. You'll get to see what marketing solutions they can provide to your company. Also you can meet other business owners and learn about what advertising solutions they employ.

I recommend: Check out one of the events hosted by the Ad Club of Connecticut. They hold "meet and greet" events from time to time where you can network with advertising agencies in Connecticut. There you'll be able to educate yourself on what working with one of those firms will be like for your business. Also check out the Connecticut Chapter of the American Marketing Association. They hold industry events for advertisers and potential clients as well.

Find out how advertising agencies in Connecticut put together portfolios

The biggest measure of success of a full service advertising agency is how they combine several forms of advertising into one campaign to sell your product. For instance a slogan and graphic is designed that is incorporated into advertisements online, inserted into a radio commercial, printed in a mailer and even made into a television commercial. Full service ad agencies brand their clients' products so that they are stuck in the zeitgeist of the consumer.

I recommend: Check out the website for DesignCom, as they provide a comprehensive look at portfolios offered by Connecticut advertising agencies. Also check out the website for Mediassociates. A large full service advertising firm, they too offer a look at various ways of marketing from gorilla to snail mail to the Internet.

Your business doesn’t promote itself, so whether you have one person or a team of people working on promotions, sometimes you need more help. Consider hiring professional ad agencies in Connecticut to advertise your product or service locally and nationally.

Use a full-service advertising agency in Connecticut for one small project or a whole campaign—and do it all with one team of creative and business oriented people. Full-service advertising agencies in Connecticut work on all aspects of promotion, from creative design and photography to press releases and media kits. Instead of trying to do it alone, trust Connecticut ad agencies to:

1. Help promote the business you work so hard to keep running. Advertising agencies in Connecticut take away the burden, allowing you to focus on your work.
2. Give you a fresh perspective on advertising and promotional techniques, using a team of creative and business-minded people.
3. Show your clients, consumers and colleagues how great your product or service is, using the latest technology while promoting local economy.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use advertising firms in Connecticut to meet your promotional needs

Look at your current promotional schedule and plan and decide what you need from a full-service ad agency. In Connecticut, you have an opportunity to promote locally and in the surrounding states. Think about the specific ways you would like to advertise your business and how far you would like those advertisements to reach.

I recommend: Consider the right type of agency for your business. Many firms focus on technical advertising and market research while others focus more on entertainment or product marketing. Make a list of your business needs, including media planning, designing, placing and event marketing. Contact Barbeau-Hutchings Advertising, Inc. and Design Images in Connecticut.

Find Connecticut ad agencies in your area

Research promotion agencies in your local area to find the best fit for your business. Ask colleagues which firms they have used in the past and what they liked about them. Make a list of about 10 to 12 advertising agencies in Connecticut to begin your search.

I recommend: Search local Connecticut-based advertising agency listings. Narrow the search to specific towns or areas to find those agencies closest to your business. Use an agency match from Respond.com to connect to agencies that fit your specific criteria with regards to location and type of services offered.

Speak with the ad agencies in Connecticut that seem to meet your needs

Browse websites and ask colleagues about the firms on your list. Narrow your list to about 6-8 possibilities and contact a representative for more information. Set up appointments with the creative team to discuss the direction of your promotion plan.

I recommend: Contact firms online to ask specific questions or to set up a meeting. Most advertising firms in Connecticut have websites with location maps, contact information and portfolios from current and past client work. Ask about marketing coaching or online webinars to help you better understand the advertising game. Contact Maier Advertising or Tweedy & Company, ad agencies in Connecticut.

Make the most of your meeting with a Connecticut ad firm

Bring your list of needs, questions and a sample of your product to the interview meeting. If you are busy, ask that the agency representatives meet at your office-they're often flexible and willing to work with your busy schedule. Listen to the pitch and ask questions about the agency's experience and eagerness to succeed.

I recommend: Always ask for a portfolio of previous and current work. Make sure you point out pieces you like and campaigns that are similar to your own vision. Many full-service advertising agencies in Connecticut prefer to work directly with you on every piece of the project while others take note of what you need and present only a finished product for approval. For ideas, look at the portfolios of companies like Keiler & Company.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Start small and work your way into a larger campaign. With a small budget, you may be able to test a couple print ads or a radio spot before committing to a larger plan with a Connecticut ad firm.
• •  Establish your budget and timeframe and make sure the advertising agency in Connecticut adheres to it. Be realistic with your numbers and look for other free forms of advertising--like word of mouth, a MySpace page or business partnerships to compliment the paid ones.