How to Start an Advertising Agency

Even if you've gone to college and earned a degree in communications or advertising, it's still a challenge to get a job in your chosen field. If you have the education and experience, but are frustrated by a lack of opportunities, consider the possibilities if you were to start an advertising agency of your own. With any new business, there is a lot to learn, but the following steps to start an advertising agency can give you an idea of what you need to do first.

Steps

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   Develop a solid business plan. Running your own advertising agency is going to be much different than working for one, so the first thing you need to do is outline what your objectives are and a detailed plan of how you are going to accomplish them. You will need to factor in startup costs, office space, employees, payroll, and supplies.
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   Assemble your portfolio. If you don't already have one, put your portfolio together, including all of your best work and campaigns from your previous job. The portfolio should be taken with you on all of your appointments with prospective contacts and clients, using it as your calling card showing what you can do.
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   Cultivate contacts and professional relationships. As soon as you open an ad agency and begin to implement your business plan, visit newspapers and radio stations that you will be using in your day-to-day operations. When it comes time to launch an ad campaign, these meetings with sales representatives will pay off as you know who to go to get your client's message to the public.
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   Build your client base. Don't be intimidated by the cold call when you start an advertising agency. Do some background research on the companies in your area that are regular advertisers or companies that need an agency, and schedule appointments.
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   Keep current on industry trends. The advertising business is constantly changing and moving with society, so it's important to subscribe to industry trade publications and join industry trade associations. By attending conferences, you can also get an advance look at what your competition is planning and what companies may be ready for a change in advertising firms.
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   Start a comprehensive website. The Internet is rapidly becoming the tool for finding information. It's imperative that you design a dynamic site that lures potential clients in while providing them with all the information they need about your advertising firm to call you and set up a consultation.
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   Provide virtual advertising opportunities. More companies are interested in advertising on the Internet. You will need to develop contacts and know how to place ads for your clients on the Internet. This is an important area that should not be overlooked when you start an advertising agency