Does Working with a San Francisco-Based UX Agency Mean More Trouble?
For years, big companies have worked with big UX design agencies to work on their branding, marketing, and UX needs. However, the size of these companies has proven to be counterproductive for some. Their top-heavy processes, people, and systems can slow down the process and even do the service, resulting in less client-focused. This has meant an increase in the lookout for boutique UX agencies–like the ones you can find in San Francisco. These agencies can help you achieve your goals at a fraction of the price.
What’s a Boutique UX Agency?
As its name indicates, a boutique UX agency is a small, highly specialized firm that solves businesses’ UX design needs. It runs with only a small group of professionals and usually focuses on a limited client base to provide high-quality service.
Although their most significant advantage–small–can also be a limiting factor. Not having worldwide locations, a considerable workforce, or a huge portfolio can give the impression they are not prepared to manage an account, but this is just an impression.
Boutique agencies can exceed expectations thanks to their highly specialized employees and narrow focus on their clients. Even better yet, San Francisco UX agencies are known as the apex predators of the design industry. Working with them is like buying a ticket straight to success.
Why Choose One?
Of course, a big UX agency will have loads of resources and a workforce to deliver what the client wants. However, when working with boutique agencies like the ones in San Francisco, you are getting top-quality talent and working much more closely with the agency. This can help both parties better understand what the other needs and deliver a solution that is even more bespoke than the ones a big company could provide.
Let’s look at the benefits of working with a boutique UX agency Bay Area, according to medium.com:
Low-Cost
Large UX design agencies will incur many more employees, utility costs, large offices, overhead and fees, etc. So, their service will not come cheap. Although not necessarily ‘cheap,’ a boutique UX agency is more affordable than a large firm and much more cost-effective. They provide the perfect solution for your business, especially when you have a budget to take care of.
This budget-friendliness from San Francisco agencies is ideal for small or medium-sized companies looking to make their UX design great without breaking the bank. Additionally, the team that makes the boutique agency can always grow when needed, as they’ll pull in the necessary talent to achieve the successful results they know they can deliver. Anything from copywriters, web developers, photographers, illustrators, brand strategists, and any other required people will be hired as freelancers to solve your needs–making sure you are paying for only the people used on your job. You are guaranteed to see the results you want–even above and beyond them–with the money you pay.
They Move Fast
When thinking of a boutique agency, many people expect it to be slow and take their time with each client. They spend time with each customer, but this does not mean their turnaround is slow. As their team is smaller and more focused, they can adapt and move quickly, providing real solutions in a fraction of the time.
Approving prototypes or strategy phases is way quicker when only a few people are involved instead of a whole battalion of workers. Bigger usually means more roadblocks, approvals, signatures, sticking to lengthy processes, etc. Working with a boutique agency will save you money and time.
Even troubleshooting is quicker at a boutique agency. You know exactly who to call and who is involved. Instead, a larger company might be much more inflexible, and reaching the right person when an error has been spotted might be trickier.
Specialized Talent and Skills
Large companies might be great at providing results for various companies and industries, but this won’t equal specialized knowledge in any sector. On the other hand, boutique agencies specialize in one niche sector or industry, delivering better solutions to the companies they work with. Their approach won’t ever be cookie-cutter; their size does not allow them to do that.
For example, finding it in a larger company will be challenging if you look for a particular design style. Instead, you can immediately see their portfolio on a boutique agency and realize if they do the kind of design you are looking for. Their more minor team will understand you better and work to accomplish what you had envisioned.
After all, boutique agencies are named like that because they offer a highly specialized service.
Tighter Relationships
Reaching the Secretary of a larger company–no matter how prepared the person is–won’t ever be the same as contacting the Managing Director.
The higher personalization of the service with an SF boutique UX design agency is genuinely priceless. This direct communication with the people genuinely involved in your project will mean you are not just an invoice but an active part of the project–and a valued client.
Additionally, large agencies might neglect you if you are a small to medium-sized company. They will be more focused on their big-name customers. Every client is unique and special for a boutique agency, including your company. Working with a San Francisco boutique agency means working alongside an agency that is just as invested in your company as you are.
Looking at the larger companies that can help you with your UX design needs is not a bad idea, but neglecting the boutique UX agencies, especially in San Francisco, is. These agencies can help you build your dream branding, marketing, and design. Your budget will be better used, and your relationship with the agency and the project will be closer, noticeable in the results. Working with a smaller agency will help you design the perfect solutions for your business and build valuable relationships to help you grow.
