Swiss platform
Hosted in Switzerland, data processing compliant with the Swiss FADP.
Tool for finding an agency
Agency briefing template for SMEs in Switzerland
Fill it in right in your browser. Entries are stored locally. Print or save as PDF when you're done.
Why a structured briefing template
The most common cause of failed agency mandates in Switzerland is not poor agency work but an unclear briefing. When goal, scope and budget are not precisely defined, providers estimate inaccurately, the mandate starts with wrong expectations and ends in friction.
A standardised template helps you clarify all the key points before your first provider contact. You save yourself discussions, receive comparable proposals and make a well-founded decision.
This template is optimised for Swiss SME and mid-market mandates. Corporate mandates with WTO procurement or specialised verticals (pharma, banking) require additional sections not covered here.
Tips for an effective briefing
Be specific about KPIs. "More visibility" is not enough. Better: "20 qualified enquiries per month from organic traffic within 9 months". Specific KPIs let agencies draw realistic roadmaps instead of making vague promises.
Be honest about budget and timing. Don't overstate the budget and don't understate the timing. Both practices lead to mismatches that cost more later than honesty at the outset.
Define what is NOT in scope. What you don't want is just as important as what you do. It rules out post-pitch upselling, where agencies talk you into add-on services you don't actually need.
Fill in now
The template
Briefing metadata
These details appear on the print cover. Stored locally in your browser.
Agency briefing
Briefing for the agency selection
This briefing was created with the free template from mmesh.ai — the independent Swiss platform matching companies with over 1550 verified marketing service providers in German-speaking Switzerland. Neutral, free, FADP-compliant with hosting in Switzerland, no commission on completed mandates.
1
About the company
So the agency knows who it is dealing with.
2
Project goals and KPIs
What should be measurably better at the end of the mandate?
3
Scope and disciplines
Which services should the agency deliver? What is explicitly excluded?
4
Budget range
An honest range saves time on both sides.
5
Timing and milestones
What needs to be done by when?
6
Provider requirements
What should the agency bring to the table?
7
Application and selection process
What happens after the briefing?
Frequently asked questions about the briefing template
What makes a good agency briefing?+
A good briefing clearly describes: what you want to achieve (goals and KPIs), where you stand today (status quo), what budget and timing are realistic, and what you require from the provider (language, location, industry experience). The more precise the briefing, the better the proposals and match suggestions.
How long should a briefing be?+
For smaller SME mandates, 2-4 pages are enough. For mid-sized mandates, 4-8 pages. For complex corporate mandates or WTO procurement, 10-30 pages plus annexes. What matters is not length but the completeness of the relevant information.
Do I have to state a specific budget?+
Yes, at least a range (e.g. CHF 30'000-50'000). Without a budget range, an agency cannot judge whether it is even in the right mandate segment. You don't have to disclose the exact figure, but an honest order of magnitude saves time on both sides.
Which provider requirements make sense?+
Location (regional or across Switzerland), languages (DE, DE/FR, multilingual), minimum team size, industry experience, tool-stack compatibility, reference mandates of comparable size. Excessive requirements (10+ years of experience in your exact vertical) often exclude well-suited young boutiques.
Do I need a briefing if I call an agency directly?+
Yes, even then. You should have your briefing in writing before the first meeting at the latest. That way you avoid the agency talking you into its standard package instead of addressing your actual needs.
Can I adapt the template?+
Yes. Print the web template as a PDF or copy the content into your own document. There is no copyright restriction — the template is meant as a resource for SMEs.
What if I don't know all the answers yet?+
Leave the unclear sections open or mark them with '?'. A reputable agency will ask in the first meeting. But the more you pin down in the briefing, the faster the conversation gets to the point instead of bogging down in basics.
Straight to the providers in Switzerland
Advertising agencies
SEO agencies
Marketing agencies
Web design agencies
Branding agencies
Communications agencies
Communications agency SwitzerlandCommunications agency ZürichCommunications agency BernCommunications agency BaselCommunications agency WinterthurCommunications agency LuzernCommunications agency St. GallenCommunications agency ZugCommunications agency BielCommunications agency SchaffhausenCommunications agency Aarau
Creative agencies
Performance marketing
Performance marketing agency SwitzerlandPerformance marketing agency ZürichPerformance marketing agency BernPerformance marketing agency BaselPerformance marketing agency WinterthurPerformance marketing agency LuzernPerformance marketing agency St. GallenPerformance marketing agency ZugPerformance marketing agency BielPerformance marketing agency SchaffhausenPerformance marketing agency Aarau
About mmesh.ai
No commission
You contact providers directly after your briefing. No placement fee.
Neutral matching
Algorithmic recommendation instead of provider pitching.
Ready for the right agency?
Describe your project in a briefing. mmesh matches you with suitable Swiss providers. Free, no commission, no data shared without your consent.
Start briefing →