We approach each project a little differently based upon our relationship with the client (new friend or old pal), their position in their industry (startup or established behemoth), and their specific goals and needs (comprehensive marketing or special project). The process basically works like this:
GATHER INFORMATION
First we meet to learn more about you and the scope of your project. We take a look at the marketing tools you have in hand and find out what you like or dislike about them and how successful they were with your audience. Are you married to a color palette or signature font? Are you conservative or daring? What feelings do you want your brand to evoke? This meeting also determines goals and needs, or, if those are provided to us up front, allows time to explore something you may not know you need.
Next we research what your peers in the industry are doing. Marketing gurus like to call this “benchmarking best practices,” but it’s really just seeing what’s out there so we can differentiate you from your competition.
BRAINSTORM
This is where it gets really fun. Ideas can come to us while we’re driving, in the shower, while we’re reading a novel or watching the news. Sometimes we’re in the office in front of our computers when the right solution hits us. Sometimes we’re on the tennis court. Or we may not even be in the same city.
The point is, we’re both thinking about it all the time. Then, when we schedule time to officially brainstorm together, we push one another to find the appropriate creative solution for each situation.
PRESENT & APPROVE
This can be the hardest part of the process when a client is new and unknown, however, we’re both intuitive types who work hard to anticipate our clients’ preferences. The vast majority of the time, we get it right the first time! When we don’t, we regroup quickly, come up with a new idea, and meet deadlines.
EXECUTE
Whether we’re rebranding or establishing a new brand for a client, it all begins with the logo. Once the new logo is finalized, execution of all of the elements of the job stems from there. Sally gets input from the client and works on copy. Once it’s finalized, we search for images or work with our photographers to shoot proprietary images. Lauren also creates images herself, drawing them by hand or on her computer. She chooses paper, envelopes, and stamps, finds the right printer for the job, and manages the job to completion.
For a website, the process is similar. Together we brainstorm how the site should be organized and present navigation for approval. Then comes copy input and copywriting, followed by home page design and then interior pages. When the whole site is approved, it goes to our programmer. Lauren and Sally stay involved, working until the new website is ready to present.
