Trust the Process
That's what we always tell our clients. Most people just use that as a turn of phrase, not referring to an actual built-out process. But when we say that, we're talking about our very real, very intentional process that we walk our clients through.
We're not asking you to fly blind here.
We want you to feel comfortable, taken care of, and well-informed from the moment you call us for a consultation to the moment you receive your end-of-project gift, and at every step in between. That's just what a good partner does.
So, here is your in-depth guide to your brand buildout with us:
Step 1: You Reach Out
You've filled out our contact form or reached out directly (however you get to us, we're so glad you're here). From there, you'll schedule a consultation with the big boss, Shannon, to see what you need and decide if we'd be a good fit for each other. She'll ask you a lot of questions about your business, goals, timeline, budget, etc. to get a good feel for what you need.
At this stage, it's okay if you don't have all the info, but the more you have the better! Even if you just come with a loose idea of budget and timeline, we can help you figure out the rest.
Step 2: Scope + Contracts
After the initial meet + greet, we'll put together an in-depth scope for your project based on the info you've provided. This could be a full out one-time project plan or we could break it up into phases – it all just depends on what you need at this point. We'll chat through this with you to make sure we're all on the same page, and make any agreed upon adjustments.
Once the scope is approved, we'll get our legal paperwork in order to ensure that everything is done by the book on both sides. When the contract is fully executed, we get to work!
Step 3: Logistics + Discovery
Our team then starts our internal kick-off process. We chat internally and set up our project management software so we're all fully prepped to start the work. At this point, we'll set up a logistics + discovery session with you and send over some homework to work on in the meantime (don't worry, it's fun stuff!). We're aiming to get all the due diligence done in advance so everything is seamless by the time we start work on your strategy.
Between the homework and the discovery session, we'll ask you questions about everything - from your aesthetic tastes to your meeting availability. This part helps us all get our creative juices flowing, and make sure we're all communicating on the same frequency. This stage of the project is also a huge help in mitigating some of the common issues that arise in this type of work, and gives everyone a chance to talk through our needs and expectations.
Step 4: Strategy
Depending on your project scope, this stage could take a few different shapes. For instance, if naming is a part of your project, we'll work through some activities on that. Or if you need help with defining your audience, we'll help with that too.
No matter what, though, this part of the project is always firmly routed in strategy. This is our opportunity to lay the groundwork for a brand that just knocks it out of the park. This is the foundation for everything else that follows. We'll walk you through a few exercises, do quite a bit of research, and discuss different tactics available to you to help you put your best foot forward. This stage is where the magic begins!
Step 5: Design / Messaging
As we finish up the strategy process, we'll start working through the more tangible pieces for your design and messaging. Depending on your project, this could mean logos, templates, website copy, collateral, a copy bank for social media, packaging, and more. There are so many different things we can do in this stage. We'll work through all that in the scope and discovery phases so we can jump right into this when it's time!
Here, start putting together options for all the deliverables you need, and then we'll meet with you to decide what works and work doesn't until we end up with an identity that is just right.
At the end of this stage, we'll work with you to get approvals from everyone that needs to be involved and schedule some time with all the decision makers to review together and ensure everything is ready to finalize!
Step 6: Project Wrap
Now it's time for us to export everything and share it with you to implement! We prep all the files so they are easy to use and in the formats you need to hit the ground running. If we worked with you on packaging, we'll make sure every detail is taken care of so you can confidently work with your printers. If we're making templates, we'll work with you team on training so everyone is up to speed on how to use them. If there is any other loose end that needs to be tied, we'll find it and make sure you are 100% ready to launch your shiny new brand to the public.
This is when you'll get your printed workbook and all the digital files, as well. Everything you need is thoroughly packaged up and handed off to your team. It's not goodbye, it's just bon voyage – we are always here to help in the future!
Step 7: Brand Management
For all of our brand development clients we also offer ongoing brand management services. This includes everything from social strategy to design one-offs to ongoing creative direction for marketing efforts. We can make a plan to show your brand off to your target audience and really make a splash in your market, and we love partnering with our clients like this for long-term results.
And that's it!
As you can see, there is so much that goes into working with us, but we are there to walk you through the process at every. single. stage.
Let us be your guides through all of this so you can come out on the other side with a brand you can be proud of. There are so many possibilities waiting for you on the other side of this process!
If you've made it this far and you're ready to get started, we can't wait to hear from you! Drop us a line and let's get this party going!