Discuss with staff what your company needs from a California full-service ad agency

Whether you have a small advertising or marketing staff or do it all yourself, meet with your creative staff to discuss your past and future promotion needs. Make a list to take with you when meeting with California advertising companies - identify your preferences for a new ad campaign. Let the ad agency know what appeals to you and also advertising promotions that you don't like.

I recommend: Ask colleagues which agencies they have used in the past and whether they recommend them. Make a list of about 6-10 California advertising agencies to research. Consider Vivid Candi in the Malibu area and BrainBlaze in Fairfax, which both incorporate advertising design and marketing.

Consider possibilities focusing on the California advertising firms' online portfolios and services

Browse agency websites to see which give access to online portfolios. Search through the samples and look at the services the California marketing agencies offer clients. Make note of what you like from each website.

I recommend: Look at professional marketing agencies in California like Executive Marketing Consultants and Star Marketing, which show portfolios including television spots, brochures, print ads and website designs. Dawson Barnett offers assistance with branding, identity and electronic media.

Contact representatives from California ad agencies to set up meetings

Narrow your list to about 3-5 possible media agencies in California and contact the agencies online or by phone to schedule meetings. Ask to see portfolios and price lists for your specific industry and business needs, to get the most from the meeting

I recommend: Schedule meetings with firms like Fernandes Advertising & Design to discuss services like logo and business card design, postcards, print ads and outdoor advertising. Look at Benham Advertising for custom publishing and promotion events assistance.

Hire the best of the advertising agencies in CA to start your new campaign

Once you meet with your top choice agencies and go over the services and creative styles with the staff in charge of your account, choose the full-service advertising agencies in California that best suits your company. Make sure you get along with the staff and share a creative vision.

I recommend: Look for ad agencies in California that focus on the services you really need. Halogen offers assistance in packaging, trade show design and a variety of other advertising and marketing services. Ashford in Fresno also helps you with illustration, public relations and bus advertising to give you more options.