Why over what: how to brief your integrated agency

When something feels off in your business, you want to get things moving again so you can stop the guesswork and start making confident decisions. And if you’re considering working with a full-service agency to solve the problem, you’re on the right track. But before you start drafting a detailed brief, let us share something:

You don't need to know the solution to your problem before you ask for help.

You don’t need a campaign idea, content strategy, or specific plan in place. You don’t need to know if you need a website, SEO, or a full rebrand. You simply need a sense of why you’re reaching out.

A good agency will take the time to research and discover the real issues, so they can figure out what’ll actually make the difference. Here’s why it matters.

Why we diagnose before we prescribe

It’s totally normal to go to an agency with a solution already in mind. Maybe you’re thinking, “We need a new website,” or “We need to be on TikTok.” And you might be right. But, to get the most out of your budget and make sure you’re tackling the root cause, there could be a better solution out there.

At The Bigger Boat, we don’t just take your ask and run with it. We ask questions. We dig deep. And we diagnose first. We want to know why you’re asking for a new website, SEO strategy, or marketing campaign.

Only then can we figure out what will make the most impact, and where your hard-earned money will work hardest, so that we can prescribe the best solution. Sometimes it’s a new website. Other times, it could be a refreshed content strategy, a more fitting visual identity, or even a small shift in your metrics that opens up new opportunities.

Don’t sweat the brief

So many businesses spend precious hours trying to figure out the ‘right’ task to brief an agency on. But really, the best place to start is by talking about your challenges and considering why you’re seeking help in the first place. That’s how you’ll save time and avoid headaches working out formats, deliverables, or pre-defined solutions.

This is a useful framework to follow if you’re reaching out to us, or any good agency:

• What’s not working right now? Think about the specific challenges or obstacles you’re facing. (It might not be what you think.)

• What’s changed in the business? Are you navigating a merger or acquisition, targeting a new market, or preparing to sell? Maybe there’s new competition in the market, or internal shifts happening?

• What outcome are you hoping to see? Be specific: is it more leads, stronger authority, or something else?

• Who are you talking to? And what do they need from you?

• What would success look like if this worked? More sales? A larger share of voice? More time spent on high-value work?

Ready to make waves?

If you’re still unsure what you need, don’t stress. Let's have a chat and we’ll help you identify the best next step for your business, so you can start tackling challenges with confidence. No need to have it all figured out beforehand – that’s what we’re here for.