FAQs
What We Imagine Would Be
Frequently Asked Questions
If We Hadn’t Just Made Them Up
Q: So are you an ad agency?
A: Yes. Although sometimes we say we’re a strategic marketing and creative consultancy. Basically, though, we offer all the coordinated services an ad agency provides, and then some. Most of it we do in-house. Some of it we do through strategic partnerships with the best independent writers, designers, illustrators, photographers, and other creative professionals we know.
Q: So why do you want to do this?
A: Because we learned a long time ago that a significant percentage of the most talented people in the agency business end up working for themselves. (We were, ourselves, very successful freelancers for more than a decade.) So we get to work with the best people in the business—and so do our clients. Which is not what happens at most ad agencies.
Q: What’s wrong with ad agencies?
A: That depends on the agency. But we’re not going to go into that. (See our guiding principles, particularly #8.) We’re rather talk about what’s right with our model.
Q: Sigh. Okay, then. What’s right with your model?
A: Glad you asked. There’s plenty right with our model. First, we approach your business like businesspeople, not vendors with something to sell you. We tend to walk away from as much business as we accept because we’re not the right fit for everyone.
Second, we’re strategic marketers. We’re going to ask questions about pricing and distribution and manufacturing capacity and all sorts of stuff over which we have no direct control. If, for example, you have a great product but you can’t get it out the door, the best advertising in the world is actually going to hurt you.
Third, we grew up as writers, not graphic designers. We believe you should employ graphic design in service of clear communications—not fit what you’re trying to say around cool design.
Fourth, we’re not going to give you safe creative executions. We believe you deserve to stand out in the marketplace, not blend in with your competitors.
What we’re saying is that we’re going to challenge you: conceptually, strategically, and emotionally. We’re not here to get along. We’re not here to execute your ideas. We’re here to be your professional advisors, just like your attorney and your accountant.
Q: Do you handle project work, or just full-service accounts?
A: Being true to our freelance roots, yes, we take on project work. We do everything from great, big coordinated campaigns to one-off brochures, ads, and Web sites. We also provide time-and-materials consulting services. Mostly, though, we love it when we have the opportunity to do everything—and to keep doing everything so we can make it work even harder for you over time.
Q: How do you bill for your services?
A: What’s best for you? Project fees? Hourly charges? Retainers? Some combination of these methods? We’re open to whatever works best for you. No matter what we decide together, we’ll always provide estimates up front, so your invoice from Well Done Marketing will never be a surprise.
Q: Are you looking for additional associates?
A: Maybe. Are you fantastic at what you do?
Q: And why exactly should I hire you?
A: We could show you our work. We could refer you to our clients. You might like our principles. But the real test is, do you like us? Would you like to hang around with us? Why not contact us and find out?