You need a new logo, some new packaging, a piece of market research or a new website or social media campaign and have to work with an external supplier to get the job done.
In most cases they will not know much about your business, your vision, objectives or your brand and it is up to you to brief them. You are under time pressure and simply want to get on with it, so you arrange a meeting and say “I don’t like my logo, please design me a new one”.
The trouble with this approach is that you are asking the designer or supplier to fly blind, so they could end up flying off in the wrong direction which can mean increased time and costs – not to mention an outcome that does not meet your needs.
To ensure everyone involved in a project is flying in the same direction it is important to have a well thought out and detailed Project Brief.
3 reasons you need a well-written project brief
- It leads to better, more effective outcomes
A supplier cannot deliver what you need if they do not understand what you want. So the better you define, What problem is this project solving? What are my objectives and expectations? What is my brand positioning? the more successful the outcome will be. - It saves time and money
Most suppliers estimate the cost of projects based on how long it will take and make an allowance for a specific number of changes. If you have not given them a clear brief there is likely to be more too and froing to get it right, which can delay the project and increase costs. - It makes managing costs easier
If your supplier does not have to spend time on researching your business, competitors and target audience before they start work then the cost of the project should be lower. Also should there be any dispute when it comes to invoice time if you have both been working to an agreed brief then you can legitimately hold them to account.
At InHouse Marketing we are experienced at writing Project Briefs so if you want to save yourself time and money and ensure an effective outcome talk to us about how we can help you nail your next marketing project.