How to Start a Successful Creative Agency: Essential Business Guide for Graphic Designers, Copywriters, Filmmakers, Photographers, and Programmers

by Andy Strote

This book • Give you the business foundation you need for starting and running your solo freelance or agency business.• Help you transition from one-off projects to steady clients where you don’t have to pitch for each job.• Show you how to identify professional clients, avoid amateurs and why it matters.• Explore options for business niches. What should you become known for?• Surprise you with what clients are really looking for from freelancers and creative agencies. (It’s not the lowest price.)• Give you a proven template for estimates that win jobs, build client confidence ,and result in profitable projects.• Reveal the secret to getting projects from major corporations and government. (It’s not who you know.)• Help you manage clients.• Clarify confusing business structures. (Including whether or not you should incorporate.)TABLE OF CONTENTSThese 23 chapters will help you build your successful Starting Your Own Creative Agency2. Taking Advantage of School3. Amateur Creator vs. Professional4. Getting a Job—You’re in the Business5. Starting Your Freelance Business6. Preparing to Launch Your Company7. Business Structures—Which One is Right for You?8. Writing a Business Plan9. Your Money Attitude10. Starting Up11. Running Your Agency12. Decision-Making13. Defining Your Services14. Working with Clients15. Managing Your Agency’s Growth16. Talking to Clients About Money17. Your Estimates Can Make or Break You18. Billing and Payment Terms19. Adding People20. Managing Employees and Benefits21. Take Time Sheets Seriously22. Growing Your Agency23. Legal and InsuranceABOUT THE AUTHORI have been a copywriter, creative director, and founder of three creative agencies in Toronto.Before I started my agencies, I wrote for six Toronto ad agencies.I was a successful freelancer for six years. I got so busy and couldn't grow any further on my own, so I started a larger creative agency. I found a compatible graphic designer who became my partner. Together, we founded Fireworks Creative, one of Canada’s first truly integrated creative agencies.In five years, we grew the company from two to 30 people. We were on the radar of two companies interested in buying our firm and sold it to an IT company for $3 million.Six months later, I started Context Creative with another partner. We grew that company to 30 people. A few years ago, I sold my shares to my partners. Context Creative still prospers today.Through all of this, I’ve learned the nitty-gritty of running a business, how to find the best clients, and the most practical ways to work with staff and partners. Some of this I learned the easy way, some the painful way.HOW WILL THIS BOOK HELP YOU?Many freelancers or small agencies run into problems, not because their creative output isn’t good enough, but because they don’t know how to run a business.This book will help you build a solid foundation for your business. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to focus your creativity on what you love doing.WHAT THIS BOOK WON’T DO FOR YOUThis book won’t teach you creative skills. I assume you are either learning your craft or are already delivering your services at a professional level.As a freelancer or agency owner, you have to excel at both your craft and business.

Genres: Business

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 12, 2021

Reviews

[Joshua Perna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly organized and easily referenced book. Starts from the most simple freelance structure to a fully fledged multi-employee agency.

[Kjell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful book for everyone looking to start an agency or freelance business.

Andy describes in clear detail how you can make more money and run a successful business by sending clear estimates and billing information.

In some aspects, I felt it was geared more towards designers than writers, which is why it's a 4-star book for me and not a 5-star one.

I do recommend it and will refer back to it myself in the future.
If you want more information before making a purchase decision, you may want to read this interview with the author: https://coffeeandpens.com/andy-strote...