TLDR: If you want speed, AI-enhanced creativity, and unlimited design services for a single flat fee, then look no further than Penji. However, for hyper-local strategic branding, or if you want to print something rather than design it digitally, you may want to consider Creative Repute or Blanc instead.

Did you know that you can get agency-level creative work for 70% less cost than a traditional hiring model? Finding the right partner to visualize your brand is crucial, but with so many options in the Keystone State, it’s tough to know where to start. Whether you need a graphic design service for a massive rebrand or just need quick social assets, we’ve piloted the ship through the industry to find the top contenders for you.

1. Penji

Ready to experience the future of design? Penji isn’t just a graphic design agency; it’s the HQ of your creative team. By blending top 2% talent with AI-powered engines, Penji delivers creativity at the speed of light. You get a dedicated team that works on your designs immediately, ensuring fast turnarounds and jaw-dropping results without the complicated proposals.

• Pros: Unlimited projects, flat monthly fee, AI-enhanced variations, and 1-day turnaround.
• Cons: No in-person meetings (100% remote platform).

2. Creative Repute

Next, a classic agency model: Creative Repute is an agency located in Philadelphia that seeks to provide designs that drive results! If you’re interested in research-based designs with regard to mobile applications and complex websites, these are the designers for you. They specifically target mission-driven brands and non-profits.

• Pros: Research-based branding approach, and team diversity + deep commitment to social impact.
• Cons: Classic agency pricing models can be a little bit more unpredictable than a flat fee model.

3. Graphics and Design

Next up is a veteran in space. Established in 1986, Graphics and Design brings decades of experience to the table. They cover the full spectrum from research and writing to design and print. If you want a graphic design service that has stood the test of time and offers a “dream, explore, create” philosophy, they are worth a look.

• Pros: Extensive industry longevity and full-service print capabilities.
• Cons: May be less focused on rapid, high-volume digital asset creation.

4. Blanc

Finally, we have Blanc! Located in Canonsburg, they self-describe as a full-service marketing agency. They have a department dedicated to printing as well. They’re a great agency choice if you want to be strategic about getting something physical out into the world rather than just a digital design – durable documents, promo items, commercial printing + digital!

• Pros: One integrated approach to strategy that considers both infrastructure designs as well as physical (print/promo items).
• Cons: Potentially more infrastructure than desired if you’re only interested in digital designs.

Credit for Cover Image: Photo by Tony Schnagl

Looking for the best design agency in California is no easy feat. Aside from looking at each agency’s creative prowess, users also need to pinpoint their goals, budget, and unique needs to ensure that the option they choose is the best fit.

If you’re looking for the best design agency in California and don’t know how to filter options, you’ve come to the right place! We rounded up the top four options and the type of client who can make the most out of their services. You’re welcome!

1. Penji

Best for: Growing brands across various niches, high-volume design

If it’s your first time working with a creative agency, Penji is an ideal service provider that can offer you the best creative services in the simplest way possible. Offering unlimited graphic design at a flat monthly rate, this company only hires the world’s top 2% designers who are well-versed in all things related to design, including logo statistics.

2. Ramotion

Best for: Startups and tech companies

A well-respected agency in the tech industry, Ramotion takes pride in offering SaaS product design as well as UI/UX for both web and mobile. Ramotion is a go-to agency for startups that need creative support for their digital-first products as well as improvements in usability.

3. Wunderdogs

Best for: Brand storytelling and venture-backed organizations

Wunderdogs, meanwhile, is an award-winning agency known by clients for its work grounded in creative narratives. Catering to B2B ventures, digital brand platforms, and just about any client with a strong focus on marketing, Wunderdogs takes storytelling seriously, and their work and accolades prove it.

4. Clay

Best for: Enterprise digital brands 

Last but not least is Clay, considered by tech giants as the best design agency in California. This agency provides strategy-driven campaigns for the world’s top brands, but its premium services also come at a premium rate, with most projects starting at $100,000.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by fauxels from Pexels

Any entrepreneur that’s just starting out will tell you that one of the most difficult things you need to face is the challenge of reaching and retaining customers. Marketing a new product can be a costly and time consuming task, which are some things many entrepreneurs do not have. Business marketing is basically the process of letting your customers know about your product. Small businesses and startups generally do not have the luxury of outsourcing their marketing needs to the professionals. But instead of waiting around for your product or service to get noticed, there are things that you can do to promote your business and drive business to your door. Here are great examples of marketing practices that don’t require you to burn through your valuable resources.

Local Awareness

Start educating your customers by starting locally. Get local news coverage and build a website. Starting small can help increase name recognition early and educating customers about your business will help with customer acquisition. Many big businesses will not shy away from hiring expensive business marketing agencies and public relations firm. However, small businesses and startups can get a start with simple DIY PR.

Start by doing research on your local paper. Know which writer covers local businesses. Once you know who’s in-charge, get to know them and create a pitch around your business to pique their interest. For example, you’re a local web design company. Explain how your business will impact the local economy and how other businesses in the area will benefit by subscribing to your service.

Be Present In Social Media

Social media is not just about reconnecting with your old high school buddies. If leveraged correctly, social media can become a powerful and affordable business marketing tool. You can maintain identities in all social media platforms or a select few. Whichever you choose to establish a presence, be present and active. According to a study conducted by Mashable and their webcam eyetracking study, Facebook users spend the most time looking at a brand’s wall compared to other elements on the page. Being active on social media allows you to engage your customers better. Better engagement allows you to be on top of your brand while encouraging positive reviews and dealing with negative ones.

Using social media also gives you the platform to provide your customers with something useful, sharable and interesting. Start with a few posts per week to know your audience and understand who is using your content. Once you find out what they want, you can ramp up your efforts.

Use Your Customers

Satisfied and happy customers are the best business marketing tool. You can make personal connections with brand advocates and turn this into a mutually beneficial relationship. For example, you can pitch you business to a well-known writer. In exchange for your services or products, the writer will mention you in his or her blogs. This tactic can lead to a stronger relationship between you and your customers. Once you have an army of satisfied customers telling other people about your product, you can save a lot of money on PR and marketing because happy customers will be very glad to tell other people about your product.

According to marketing experts, a customer singing your praises to other people is the cherry on the icing. This is free marketing at its best.  When you take care of your customer, they can take care of you by telling their friends about your product. However, this is the tricky part. You need to keep them happy and build a brand they can trust. If they don’t trust you and are not happy, they will not endorse your product to other people.

Marketing is a sensitive but vital part of a business’ growth. If you have a new startup you probably have not broken even yet. This is the time to be extremely smart about your marketing budget. Frugality is a skill many new entrepreneurs need to learn and by looking for smart and affordable ways to market your business, you are cultivating a habit of wise spending. The marketing strategies outlined above require little time and money. However if they are done correctly, they can be successful without draining your precious funds.