In short, we help our clients win, communicate effectively with and keep their customers. This is effective marketing communications. We also help our clients become better marketers themselves. The way we do this is to work with clients where and how they need us most. However, what flows through everything we do is marketing strategy - a calculated approach to get positive results out of every marketing-related activity we undertake.

We don't think in terms of media, although we have the ability to effectively create and execute all kinds (e.g. websites, billboards, direct mail, interactive videos, print media, social media, truck fleet signage, etc.) Media is really just a means to an end. We don't lose site of this during the strategic and creative process. We also don't build our business on selling media, which makes us media-agnostic. Instead, we keep the focus on your goals.

Boy, we hope so. In fact, creativity plays a central role in effective marketing communications. But, we don't lose site of your strategic goals. In other words, we're not creative for creative's sake. Remember, when it comes to marketing, just because something's creative doesn't necessarily make it effective. So, if you're only looking for a good graphic designer and nothing more, we're probably not a good match. However, if you're trying to win and keep customers through better marketing communications, we'd love to talk with you.

We wish there were a one-size-fits-all answer, but there isn't. It really depends on the project and scope of work. However, we do have a system in place and it's not ambiguous. If the project is a typical project that we've executed in the past (for example, a logo design from scratch or a typical-size / functional website) there is usually a standard fee.

For projects that are not as defined (for example, requests like, "help me create a promotional campaign from scratch"), we provide a very specific and descriptive estimate of services, complete with projected hourly rates and timing, and according to the anticipated demands of each job or each step of the job process. Regardless of the need or project, we strive to be as clear and transparent as possible regarding costs before beginning any project. We're not into surprising clients with unanticipated costs. It makes no one happy.

Yes, we can work on retainer. However, we find most of our clients prefer to work on a project-by-project basis. Under such circumstances, we issue an estimate and working agreement for written client approval. We bill by the hour or based upon an agreed upon project cost, and work proceeds upon written client approval. We'd prefer you not have to worry about how much time we're spending on your project. Really, your and our focus should be on the end result. However, for unique jobs where hours and scope of work must be estimated, we estimate and track all our time accordingly and maintain open communication with you, the client.

Sorry, no. We do not engage in speculative creative work. Ideas, thought, expertise are what we sell, and we're not in the business of giving them away for free. It undermines the agency / client relationship and it's not fair to our existing clients. In the end, it's fair to no one, really. We believe our work merits a high value and speaks for itself.

That certainly does not mean that we're not interested in working with you, however. If you would like to see evidence of our work and results, we invite you to review it on this site, and if you'd like to see more, please contact us. We'd be delighted to show you more examples and talk with you further about it.

Slipher Marketing bills either by the project (when the project is clearly defined, with time frames or in measurable steps) or by the service hour (in the case of ongoing consulting and the like). Clients are typically billed at the close of each calendar month and/or at the completion of a contracted project.

We're not in the business of selling or re-selling media, and do not take commissions on media. That's good news for you. Smaller project media billing is passed through to clients as an expense. Larger, negotiated media buys are often billed directly to our clients from the media supplier (i.e. printers, broadcast media, etc.) with Slipher Marketing performing the media negotiations, directives and management of the media producer.

All Slipher Marketing invoices are due upon receipt. And, with new client relationships we typically ask for a non-refundable deposit on work to be performed (50% down).

Maybe, maybe not. We have experience working, both strategically and creatively, with a wide array of businesses and industries. However, we don't pretend to think we could know your business and industry better that you do. And that's not really the point.

We provide and bring to the table: (1) an ability to understand and act on the idea that marketing at its core is about bringing together customers and businesses in a mutually beneficial way, regardless of industry, and (2) an ability to think objectively, resourcefully and creatively (from an outsider's perspective) about your business, your customer and your marketing communications.

By the way, here are some business types and industries we do have experience working with: consumer packaged goods, beverages (alcohol / non-alcohol), manufacturing, automotive, residential / commercial green services, B2B service companies, hospitality / hotels, luxury pet services/products, wholesale / luxury boutique products & services, banking / bank consulting services, utilities, insurance, news media, upscale dining, municipalities, recruiting services, law services, telecommunications.

Yes, if it involves creativity and media, we can probably do it. However, we're not here just to design logos and create business cards and websites. We're marketers in the most strategic sense of the term. We bring value to our customers by helping them break through the clutter and connect with their customers in order to make a tangible difference in their businesses. That means we think - about you, your business and your customer - before we produce any creative. And, if you want to be successful we encourage you to think along these lines as well.

Think about it. Does it really make sense to spend money developing communications without thoughtfully considering who you're communicating with? Who are your customers? What are you trying to say to them exactly? What do you want your customer to do? How do you want them to perceive your business? What are you promising your customer? Why should the customer choose you over your competitors? These are all questions that effective communications address.

Well, maybe. Then again, maybe not. Every situation and request is a little different. And we're certainly not here to take our own sweet time. Everybody's short on time these days, no doubt. We do respect each client's time (or lack thereof.) However, effective marketing requires at least some degree of forethought and planning. This is not a question of manpower or resources. It is often a question of time and thought investment.

The same is true for creative. More often than not, the most effective creative is well-thought out creative. Please keep this in mind when thinking about your marketing communications. We recommend not leaving your marketing or the creative until last. You may only get as much out of it as you're willing to put into it.