Washington advertising agencies help you increase profits by raising brand awareness, creating, planning and producing advertisements and selecting the correct ad placements. You can attempt to advertise on your own but you may find hiring a company is worth the investment.

Full-service advertising agencies in Washington allow you to get assistance with advertising, marketing, public relations, research and design all in one place. Trust these firms with trade show exhibits, sales training and promotion materials, copywriting and editing, press releases and website development.

Before hiring the best ad agency Washington has to offer for your small business, consider the following:

1. Establish a budget. Washington advertising firms can be expensive, so plan ahead and stick to your budget.

2. Make a list of your current and previous advertising plans. Look at what worked and what didn't.

3. Consider your competitors. Choose design agencies in WA that can stand up to your competition.

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

Identify your small business's promotions needs before contacting Washington ad agencies

Take a hard look at what you've done in the past to promote your small business. Make a list of the types of ads you'd like to see included in a new campaign plan and note any special interests you have, such as creating a brand new website or conducting market research.

I recommend: Keep your notes, as they will be helpful when meeting with Washington ad agencies. Begin thinking of services you require from firms like Radarworks and DDB in Seattle, which offer advertising, marketing and website design.

Promote the local economy by hiring strategic advertising firms in your Washington area

Search locally for the best advertising agencies Washington has to offer. In-state firms understand the ways residents and visitors live, work and spend their money. Use their expertise to boost your brand awareness, customer loyalty and increase your profits.

I recommend: Make a list of about 12 – no more than 20 – ad agencies. Consider firms like Hadley Green Creates in Seattle and Image Ink Studio in Bellevue to help you with packaging, signage and event planning and designing.

Narrow your choices and contact the top advertising agencies Washington offers your business

Browse company websites to find online portfolios and service lists. Narrow your list to about 6 to 10 firms based on this new information. Take into consideration the type of agency - traditional or modern - and the types of services each agency specializes in.

I recommend: Contact full-service advertising agencies in Washington such as Purdie Rogers in Seattle and Stafford Creative in Edmond. Ask to see updated portfolios and price lists and to meet with the staff you'd actually work with on the project. Listen to presentations and take notes to make your decision easier later.

Hire the most qualified ad agency in Washington for your business and begin your campaign

Choose a firm and finalize a promotions plan. Discuss your needs again and listen to suggestions about specific services such as media planning, trade show exhibits, brochures and market research. Establish your final budget and timeline and start your project.

I recommend: Start with a small promotional project like a radio spot or press release identifying your latest product. Allow the staff show they can follow your directions and stay under budget. Task Washington advertising agencies such as Johnson Promotions in Vancouver and AdVentures in Seattle to update your website with search engine optimization and pay-per-click advertisements.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Continue to use other forms of free advertising such as business partnerships and a MySpace page. Combine the word-of-mouth services with the paid promotions from strategic advertising firms and watch profits soar.