Full-service advertising agencies in Georgia understand that you work hard to keep your business running. If you need a little help connecting your consumer with your product, consider hiring an agency to assist you with everything from media planning to public relations Internet marketing.

Many businesses prefer to advertise alone, creating their own websites or relying on word-of-mouth. However, by trusting a team of professionals to help you place the right types of ads, you can raise your brand awareness and ultimately your profits.

Before hiring a Georgia advertising agency, consider the following:

1. Establish the point of contact that will be the liaison between your company and the Georgia advertising agencies. Allow someone else to help with your marketing plan so you can go back to your job.

2. Look at your business funds and set a budget. Advertising agencies in Georgia charge fees based on their experience and creative expertise, so often you do get what you pay for.

3. Review your current advertising plan. Make note of what you like and don't like about it to make sure not to repeat past mistakes.

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

Identify your advertising needs before contacting Georgia ad agencies

Consider your current advertising plan before speaking with ad agencies in Georgia. Come up with some ideas about what you'd like to pursue, such as radio spots, billboards or a new website. Make notes concerning what your business absolutely needs and what you'd like to see if the budget allows.

I recommend: Look for full-service ad agencies Georgia such as Cypress Media Group, Lucas Design & Advertising and Robin Shepherd Group that combine public relations, advertising and marketing to give you the whole package under one roof.

Research the local advertising market looking specifically at Georgia ad agencies

Make a list of possible agencies in your area, narrowing the possibilities to about 8-10 choices. Ask colleagues which Georgia advertising firms they have worked with or heard good things about to help narrow the choices, and begin browsing agency websites.

I recommend: Look for agencies to create local catalogs, direct mailings other copywriting for newsletters or brochures. Browse Inspired 2 Design and Atlanta's Strong! Advertising websites to find out about these marketing services as well as web design and hosting to make sure your clients find you.

Contact and meet with Georgia advertising firm representatives

Look at online portfolios to see the types of ads the agencies create. You can start to see the various styles--modern, traditional, hi-tech--and can decide which best fit your business. Narrow your list to about 4-6 full-service advertising agencies in Georgia and contact them to set up appointments to discuss your advertising plan.

I recommend: Search Char Baxter Communications and Broadus Advertising online portfolios to find a GA ad agency that focuses on results. Schedule meetings with representatives and ask to see other work to find out if the company is right for your business.

Choose a GA advertising agency and implement your new plan

Decide to hire the GA advertising firm that best presents their ideas and shows you similar campaigns that have worked in the past. Appoint someone in your firm to maintain constant contact with the firm you hire, to make sure the team is on budget and on time with your ads.

I recommend: Hire the agency and work immediately to create your concept and time line. Work in audio/video production, music composition, book production, packaging, signage and event marketing with Creative Concepts Advertising.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep notes regarding your work with specific Georgia advertising agencies for future reference. Note how well the firm worked with your budget and deadline and whether you would work with the team again
• •  Use a Georgia ad agency to work on a few small projects or a large advertising and marketing campaign, depending on your funds. Start small and add as you begin to trust the agency.