Does anybody here own an agency?
Hey all, I was hoping to pick the brain of anybody that owns or works at a web dev agency (or creative agency of any kind, really).
How are you currently sending proposals? How are you keeping the client updated on the work that's being done?
In return - I'll help answer any sales questions you may have, or in any other way that would help you :)
I've co-founded a UX-Design agency for 18 years :O
How are you currently sending proposals?
E-mail with pdf or direct link to Google Docs.
How are you keeping the client updated on the work that's being done?
Project manager, weekly meeting on progress (skype/hangout including customer), during the scrum weeks daily standups (including customer), and reporting by project manager (progress) or setting up Basecamp or other online environment to co-create and work together. Bottom line: work together and they are updated.
This is great, exactly what i was thinking.
Would it be beneficial for you:
Do you mind hopping on a quick call to show you what I built? Would love to get your thoughts and see if it's applicable for agencies.
If you share what you've build somewhere/somehow I will give feedback when I find the time. And please give me some directions what to look for specifically so I won't give general feedback you already have/know.
Perfect, I just sent over an email. Looking forward to hearing your feedback! Let me know if I can help in any way.
I was partner at an agency for 7 years - still working there, but is now sold. We do the same thing. We strive to be create a work group with a project manager, designer, developer and communicator (usually the customer) that work together. Then updates will handle themselves.
If this is not the case, we do updates in mail, phone calls or meetings. These checkins are extremely valuable from a relational standpoint, so I wouldn't want to automate them.
That's awesome. Are you okay with hopping on a quick google hangout? I would love to get your thoughts and see if it's applicable for agencies.
It seems we're in completely different timezones (I'm in Sweden, you're in the US), so scheduling it would make it more than a "quick" hangout :) I'd be able to provide feedback in written format, on my own time, if possible. There's contact info in my profile.
Ha, yeah that's a hell of a timezone difference. Just sent you an email.
Basecamp offers a great option. Though it is a bit pricey but worth it if you're margins are good.
We like to create a SOW beforehand if they are a dev client. Usually, it's broken down in hours, and per month. I won't go into pricing, because that's a different beast altogether.
Marketing or community growth clients, there is a pre-determined SOW, but based on Daily/Weekly/Monthly tasks. I also create a 'Social Media Template' (You can call it whatever you like) but it contains a GANTT chart, keywords, SWOT, and other tabs that you can share with the client.
We like to have a more personal connection, so having them on Telegram or Ryver/Slack is a great option.
Yeah, Basecamp seems great. Love the team.
Is there anything you wish that Basecamp did, or offered as a feature? Metrics? Custom branding? etc?
Shoot away. I am a new agency owner but worked at agencies for years. Also I don’t send proposals I present proposals.
That's exciting! Ha fair enough. Do you have some time this weke to hop on a quick call? Would love to pick your brain.
Sure why not.
Thanks! Is there an email I should reach out to you?
Hey Mark - I don't currently, but I have in the past, most recently as 6 months ago. Happy to answer any questions you have, fire me a message if you'd like.
Hey what's the best email to reach you? Couldn't find it in your profile!
My bad! - charles.coppinger@gmail.com
Thanks - sent.
Sounds good, thanks!