Sideways: A Digital-First Branding and Creative Agency Review

Sideways is a digital-first branding and creative agency that has carved a niche for itself in the competitive world of branding. With over a decade of experience, Sideways has worked with some of the most prestigious boutique hospitality brands, including Equinox Hotels, Freehand, The Line, and Marriott’s Autograph & Tribute Collection. Their expertise extends beyond hospitality, encompassing lifestyle industries such as travel, real estate, music, entertainment, consumer products, and fashion. Known for their guest-centric, experiential approach, Sideways infuses a touch of magic into every project they undertake.

Pros and Cons of Sideways

Quality of Work

Sideways has consistently delivered high-quality work, as evidenced by their impressive portfolio and client testimonials. One client highlighted the agency’s ability to build a "rock-solid" website that handles nearly a million visits per month. This level of technical expertise is a testament to the agency’s commitment to quality. Another client praised the agency’s iterative and collaborative approach, which made them feel more like a partner than a client. This collaborative spirit ensures that the final product aligns perfectly with the client’s vision.

Pros:

• Exceptional technical skills, particularly in programming and web development.
• Collaborative and iterative approach to projects.
• High-quality deliverables that meet client expectations.

Cons:

• While their technical skills are top-notch, some clients feel that the agency could benefit from additional creative support, especially for clients without a UX background.

Project Management

Sideways excels in project management, offering a structured and organized workflow. Clients have praised the agency’s use of tools like Trello and Pivotal Tracker, which facilitate seamless communication and task management. One client noted that Sideways was always in frequent communication, whether through Gchat, phone calls, or in-person meetings. The agency’s ability to meet deliverables on time and provide regular updates has been a significant advantage for clients.

Pros:

• Highly organized project management with clear schedules and deliverables.
• Flexible communication methods, including in-person meetings and digital tools.
• Consistent on-time delivery of projects.

Cons:

• None reported in this area.

Innovation and Entrepreneurial Mindset

One of Sideways’ standout features is their entrepreneurial mindset. Unlike many developers who simply follow instructions, Sideways’ team members actively contribute ideas and suggestions from a business perspective. This proactive approach has been particularly appreciated by clients who value innovation and strategic thinking. However, this same trait can sometimes lead to a need for constant challenges. One client noted that the team thrives on new and exciting projects but may lose interest in repetitive tasks.

Pros:

• Strong business sense and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Proactive in offering innovative ideas and solutions.
• Thrives on new challenges and technologies.

Cons:

• May require constant challenges to maintain engagement.
• Less suited for repetitive or mundane tasks.

Communication and Collaboration

Sideways’ communication skills have been a highlight for many clients. The agency’s ability to maintain open lines of communication and work collaboratively has been praised repeatedly. One client described the experience as feeling like a partnership rather than a traditional client-agency relationship. This level of collaboration ensures that clients are involved in every step of the process, leading to more satisfactory outcomes.

Pros:

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Iterative and conversational approach to projects.
• Clients feel like partners rather than just customers.

Cons:

• None reported in this area.

Conclusion

Sideways is a highly skilled and innovative branding and creative agency that excels in technical expertise, project management, and communication. Their ability to deliver high-quality work on time and their proactive, entrepreneurial mindset make them a valuable partner for any project. However, their need for constant challenges and potential gaps in creative support may be areas for improvement.

Final Verdict: Sideways is an excellent choice for businesses looking for a technically proficient and collaborative agency. Their ability to handle complex projects and their innovative approach set them apart from the competition. However, clients without a strong creative vision may need to provide additional direction to ensure the best results. Overall, Sideways is a top-tier agency that delivers exceptional value and quality.