The five must-haves for a successful new client relationship

Starting a new client partnership is an exciting but slightly daunting part of working in agricultural PR and communications.

Every company and organisation brings its own story, challenges and opportunities. But no matter the size or sector, some things make the relationship stronger, the work smoother and the results more meaningful from day one, all while helping to build a strong client and agency relationship. 

After years of launching campaigns, navigating crises and helping clients build trust with their audiences and stakeholders, here are the five things we look for when starting work with a new client.

Logos, style guides, past campaign materials, boilerplates, audience research and product details may seem basic, but they are incredibly valuable in the opening weeks. Having these resources up front eliminates guesswork and ensures consistency from the start. It also allows us to identify gaps in messaging or branding we can help strengthen.

The strongest agricultural comms isn't built in conference rooms; it comes from firsthand insight. Early access to farmers, technical and R&D teams, executives and customer-facing staff gives us the authenticity needed to craft compelling storylines. These voices ground messages in real-world experience and expertise and help us understand nuances only people in the field can provide. Farmers want to hear from farmers.