A web retainer is a long term agreement between an agency and a client, reserving a set amount of time for a certain rate, to allow for updates, content amends, bug fixes, etc. as opposed to one-off projects.

The benefits of having retainer clients for the agency are pretty obvious. More retainers means less need to go and pitch to new clients, it means a regular income, and a greater understanding of the client’s needs only means a better output.

But why does a retainer work best for the client?

1. Priority treatment

First off, is the priority treatment that they will receive. With a long term agreement and relationship in place, and pre-booked set hours, clients will likely have their needs tended to well before any new, or one off customers. Agencies want to look after their retainer clients in order to maintain their business levels, and for a client this means priority treatment.

1. Saved time

Second of all, this long term relationship will allow the agency to get to know their clients pretty well, and in turn, this strengthened relationship will save a load of brainstorming and planning time that may be required of a new agency. 

Pair this with priority treatment, and your work is pretty likely to be delivered fast!

1. Lower cost per project

‘Time is money’ right? Saving time also equals saving money. Less hours wasted, means less hours to pay for. So when you use a retainer agency that knows you pretty well, not only are you getting the results you need faster, but you will achieve a lower cost per project.

1. Better content

Finally, if it wasn’t obvious already, a web retainer works for a client to produce better content. Using the same designer/designers, and the same developers, means greater consistency. As you know, clarifying your message and keeping your offering clear is key to building a website that sells, and jumping between different agencies using different styles and artwork isn’t going to help achieve that. When you have a web retainer who knows your values inside and out, they’re less likely to make mistakes by not reflecting this in your content, and more likely to continue producing amazing work. 

So to summarise, using a web retainer means that you can achieve amazing content and results, in great timing, and for a better price.