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Checklist: What belongs in a good agency briefing?

08.08.2025 — 

Many companies feel overwhelmed when creating an agency brief - especially if previous agency projects were disappointing or the collaboration did not produce the desired results. An unclear start can lead to misunderstandings, frustration and unnecessary costs. But with the right structure and clear guiding questions, the risk can be minimized. This overview shows you how to structure your briefing in a targeted and successful way - so that your agency really understands you and your goals are achieved.

A good agency briefing is the common thread in every successful marketing project.

Employee explains in front of whiteboard

The most important facts about the agency briefing in brief

  • Many companies feel overwhelmed when it comes to agency briefings, which often leads to misunderstandings, frustration and avoidable costs.
  • A clearly structured briefing with precise goals, target groups and requirements forms the indispensable basis for targeted and efficient advertising measures
  • A professional agency briefing clarifies the task transparently for all parties involved and provides guidelines on the basis of which relevant marketing channels and objectives can be defined
  • The more comprehensive the briefing is, the more concrete and time-efficient the creation of the marketing strategy can be

Definition: What is an agency briefing?

An agency briefing summarizes all the important information for a planned cooperation between company and agency. All relevant information on objectives, project requirements, competitors and target groups is recorded in writing for both parties. The agency briefing forms the basis of the collaboration.

What forms of agency briefing are there?

When?
Purpose
Optimal shape
Duration
Points discussed
Project start
Initial briefing
before the start of the project
Clarify the initial situation, define the framework
Meeting (on site or digital)
1-2 hours
Course of the project
Rebriefing & Updates
Short exchange (frequency may vary depending on the project)
Increase efficiency, ensure targets are achieved
Meeting (on site, digitally or by telephone)
15-60 minutes
Feedback, status, next steps
Project completion
Debriefing
after project completion and data analysis
Meeting (on site or digital)
30-60 minutes
Result, potential for improvement, feedback

The advantages of a good agency briefing

Clear communication & target definition

A good agency briefing ensures clear communication and prevents misunderstandings, as all project goals, expectations and requirements (e.g. budget) are clearly set out.

Efficient collaboration & resource planning

It enables structured and efficient collaboration, saves time and resources and facilitates the planning of processes, budgets and deadlines.

Understanding of brand & target group

The agency gains a deep understanding of the company, its target group and brand values, which promotes the development of tailor-made, creative solutions.

Lea Sandmann, Online Marketing

Are you looking for an agency that communicates openly with you?

Transparent and honest communication is the key to successful collaboration. We are not simple yes-men, with us you will experience open, clear and trusting communication - so that you always know where your project stands, what you really need and how we can achieve the best results together with you. Get to know us - personally, reliably and fairly.

Why is it worth investing time in a good agency briefing?

Yes, creating a comprehensive briefing can be time-consuming. However, good preparation not only ensures that misunderstandings are avoided and everyone involved shares the same expectations, but also gives you as a company a much clearer idea of the desired collaboration, the relevant marketing channels and the most important KPIs. During the briefing process, internal questions are clarified and goals are specified - this not only helps the agency, but also your own team to make strategic decisions with confidence and make the success of the project measurable. A well thought-out briefing is therefore a win-win situation for both sides and forms the basis for efficient, creative and targeted collaboration.

What are the most common internal problems in companies?

Unclear or missing target definitions

Strategic goals, target groups and expectations are not clearly defined.

Lack of internal coordination

Important departments and stakeholders are not sufficiently involved.

Time pressure & insufficient preparation

The briefing is prepared hastily and superficially and too late.

Too vague or unstructured information

Requirements are imprecise or contain too many irrelevant details.

Incomplete background information

Important data on the company, market and previous measures are missing.

Lack of written documentation

Briefings are often only communicated verbally, which makes traceability difficult.

Agency briefing checklist

The perfect agency briefing to download

Document for briefing agencies

When does it make sense to rebrief an agency?

Especially if you have already had bad experiences with agencies, feel overwhelmed in the briefing process or see opportunities to increase efficiency, a rebriefing can be decisive for the success of the project. A rebriefing always makes sense if requirements have changed or the previous results do not meet your expectations.

In these situations, a new agency briefing makes sense:

  • Unclear requirements: If you have the feeling that the agency has not understood your request correctly or misunderstandings arise, a rebriefing helps to create clarity and bring everyone involved up to the same level.
  • Changed goals or framework conditions: If your goals, priorities or the market environment change during the course of the project, a rebriefing is necessary to adjust the strategy and measures.
  • Feedback &

Frequently asked questions about the agency briefing

Lea Sandmann, Online Marketing

Enough theory - we look forward to receiving your briefing!

Simply use the download template from this article or send us an email with the most important information about your project. We look forward to getting to know you and working with you to develop ideas into real campaigns that work! Don't want to take any risks? Get to know us at your leisure, our introductory meeting is free of charge and without obligation.