Have a question about how we work?
Often clients have the same or similar questions about how the process works. See if the answer to your question is here. If not, contact me and I’ll get you an answer!
Q.1 How do you approach a project?
First, I need to understand what you’re looking to get from the project. What will make this a success for you. Together we set the completion date and final deliverables.
Then, it’s a matter of process. I gather information from you: About your business. Your business goals. Your competition. Target audience. Message and offer. Current marketing practices. I fill in the gaps through my own research. I send project deliverables to you for your review, changes if necessary, and approval. I arrange all the details with any others who might be involved, such as web or graphic designers, printers and more.
I have experience leading very small to very large teams, both in the agency and corporate environment. Why is that important? It means my focus is on getting the right people to do the job. Making sure they stay on task. Getting the job done the way you want.
Q.2 How long will my project take?
It all depends on the scope of the assignment. For instance, is it something that I can complete on my own or will it need to be a team effort? Smaller projects such as a sales letter or a newsletter article can be done in as little as 24 to 48 hours. A few pages of web site content, probably a few days. A web content overhaul will require a few weeks and may be a team effort. Marketing plan update might take a couple of weeks. Full blown marketing plan may be as long as 4 to 6 weeks.
The one thing you can count on is that whatever due date we set, your project will be delivered on time.
Q.3 What if I don’t like what you deliver?
Delivering quality work is my promise to you. And your involvement from the start is key. Every project proposal includes a revision process. That includes talking face-to-face or on the phone to make sure the project stays on target.
Q.4 Who owns the copyright?
All rights to the copywriting are automatically transferred upon payment of the final invoice.
I do reserve the right to include links and samples of my work on my website. If you prefer to keep your work confidential, I will respect your decision.
Consider JM Marketing Solutions to be your one-stop marketing & communications shop. While I don’t do things such as web or graphic design, I’ve developed relationships with several of the area’s best graphic designers, web designers and developers, PR specialists and other copywriters. That makes it easy for me to pull together a virtual team who can get you into the market quickly. For you that means one single point of contact who will keep the work organized and on schedule.
Most work will be quoted on a project basis. Meaning your final invoice will never be more than what you were quoted. What’s included? Your quote includes a summary of the final deliverables we’ve agreed upon. There should be no surprises.
If you have more of an ongoing need, you might want to consider a monthly retainer. This means you pay for a set number of hours each month. In the long run, it could save you money. Or, if you prefer, I can quote based on an hourly rate.
However if, for some reason, you increase the scope of the work, I will provide you with a Change in Project Scope for your approval. No additional expenses will be incurred without your knowledge.
Q.7 When will you invoice me?
That depends on you and the project. My standard practice is to bill you at the end of the month for any expenses incurred.
Other arrangements can be made. For instance, I can pre-bill a certain amount at the start of a project. We can set up a payment schedule based on when specific project deliverables are met. Or, if there is a large out-of-pocket expense, such as printing, that may be billed to you at the time it is incurred.
