Identify what your small business needs from advertising companies in Montana

Look at your previous advertisements and promotions. Establish a realistic budget for a new campaign, considering what you liked and didn't like about the past strategies. Make a list of specific services you require, such as television ads or event planning.

I recommend: Begin looking at agencies like Right Angle Communications in Bozeman, Banik Communications in Great Falls, Affiliated Design in Livingston and Chapman Advertising in Missoula. Choose a MT advertising firm like these for services in corporate video production, logo and identity design, outdoor advertisements and radio spots.

Search locally for an ad agency Montana businesses trust

Find an ad firm in Montana close to your place of business to cut communication and commuting costs. Take advantage of the local agencies' knowledge of the ways in which state residents and vacationers spend their money.

I recommend: Make a list of about 12 to 20 agencies in your area. Consider advertising companies in MT like Blevins Creative in Bozeman, Gibson in Billings and Common Ground Marketing Communications in Livingston, which offer services in website design, direct mail, catalogs, banners and vehicle graphics.

Contact representatives to set up meetings with MT advertising agency staff

Browse agency websites to look at portfolios and service lists online and to get a glimpse into the type of agency you may want to hire for your projects. Narrow your list to a more manageable six to ten full-service advertising agencies in Montana and contact them to set up meetings to discuss possible partnership.

I recommend: Ask to see updated physical portfolios and discuss possible projects with each advertising agency. Montana firms like Obvious Advertising and 45 Degrees North in Bozeman and Full Moon Concepts in Missoula focus on services like print advertising, web hosting, copywriting and special print projects.

Hire a firm and begin working on your new plan for advertising in Montana

Pick the Montana ad agency that you feel best represents your company's values and price range and start discussing your final project plan. Finalize your budget and deadlines, allowing plenty of time for promoting events or new product launches.

I recommend: Start small with your chosen ad firm in MT, working with small projects before committing to large campaigns, to see how the agency deals with your budget and timeline. Choose agencies like Heins Creative in Billings, Mercury Advertising in Bozeman and Creative Image Design, which work quickly to deliver catalogs, brochures, illustration, packaging and print ads.