Branding

Understanding the Brief: The Seed of Every Successful Project

Blog
Branding
October 4, 2023

At The Potting Shed Agency, we believe that every great project starts with  a clear, well-understood brief. For small business owners navigating the world of branding and marketing, understanding the brief is the first step towards cultivating success.

What is a Brief?

In its simplest form, a brief is a document that outlines the objectives and deliverables for a particular project. Think of it as a blueprint for your brand's growth. It provides direction, sets expectations, and ensures that both the client and agency are on the same page.

Why is the Briefing Process Important?

  1. Clarity: A well-defined brief provides clarity. It ensures that the agency understands the client's vision, goals, and expectations.
  2. Efficiency: With a clear brief, the agency can allocate resources more effectively, ensuring that the project stays on track and within budget.
  3. Alignment: It ensures that the client's vision aligns with the agency's execution, minimising revisions and streamlining the creative process.

How to Answer the Brief

  1. Be Specific: The more specific you can be about your goals, target audience, and desired outcomes, the better.
  2. Provide Context: Share any relevant background information or past experiences that might influence the project.
  3. Be Honest: If there are certain design styles or strategies you don't like, it's essential to communicate that upfront.

Questions You Can Expect in a Brief

  1. Business Overview: What is your business about? What products or services do you offer?
  2. Goals: What are you hoping to achieve with this project?
  3. Target Audience: Who are you trying to reach? What are their preferences and behaviours?
  4. Brand Voice & Personality: How do you want your brand to be perceived?
  5. Competitors: Who are your main competitors? What sets you apart from them?

The Potting Shed Agency's Approach to Briefing

At The Potting Shed Agency, we've tailored our briefing process to cater specifically to small businesses, and in today's digital age, we've made it even more convenient for our partners. Recognizing the dynamic nature of small businesses and the need for flexibility, we've introduced an online briefing document. This digital approach allows our partners to fill in the brief wherever they are, whenever they can, ensuring that distance or busy schedules don't hinder the flow of crucial information.

We start by asking the right questions in our online document, ensuring we capture the essence of your brand and business goals. Once submitted, our team delves deep into the brief, ensuring we've understood every nuance. This meticulous approach ensures that our solutions are not just creative but also strategic, aligning with your business objectives and setting the stage for growth.

By blending technology with our passion for understanding brands, we've streamlined the briefing process, making it more efficient and responsive to the needs of our partners.

Much like understanding the soil is crucial before planting a seed, getting the brief right is essential for every small business aiming for growth. It lays the groundwork for a project's success. At The Potting Shed Agency, we recognise the unique challenges and aspirations of each small business. We're committed to guiding you at every step, ensuring your brand not only takes root but flourishes in the digital world