To say what you mean and mean what you say is a very basic concept and one that’s been used to describe a wide array of strategies, from parenting to relationships. But what about when you’re building a brand?

The world of brand marketing and web site design is one that is based on collaboration. Without input, the process doesn't get anywhere fast. That’s why clear communication is a key component of successful marketing. At first it starts with communication between company and client, and then it evolves into the communication you have with your customers. If you’re not being honest, you’re not helping your brand or your bottom line.

Luckily, Sisarina can provide a few tips to guide you through the process.

The Request for Proposals

Recently, CDG Interactive blogged about how to Write an RFP for Results, advising that an RFP is “an opportunity for you to outline your needs, identify your challenges, and articulate your goals.” We couldn’t agree more.

If you’re not upfront in your RFP, chances are the entire process will be clouded with inaccuracies and miscommunication. However, we understand that as a company seeking marketing and design expertise, you may not know exactly what you’re looking for. That’s why it’s even more important that you say so.

As CGD says, the RFP “should give potential vendors a solid understanding of what you want to achieve with the project and what their role will be.”

You’ll get the company that’s right for you by saying what you mean. Too many times RFPs are full of carefully crafted sentences that leave more questions than answers. Designers are people too and they don’t need superfluous language to guide them.

The Contract

Once you’ve met with and selected the agency or firm with whom you want to work, you’ll be sent a contract outlining the goals and timelines of the project. Most contracts have some flexibility that allow for organizational hiccups on both sides, but generally it’s an outline of what to expect. If you have questions or concerns, asking sooner than later will help keep the project on track.

At Sisarina, our customers are assigned one project manager who will guide them through the whole process and serve as their point of contact. This ensures that customers get the attention they deserve as well as the consistency the project needs.

Identity Development

Before the project enters the design phase, many agencies will take the time to get to know the client so as to decipher likes and dislikes and enable them to tell their story. At Sisarina, clients are given a worksheet designed to elicit responses to help us design and build the best website for you.

Clients are asked to name characteristics of their company and tell us about their favorite customer interactions. These exercises engage our clients with the identity of their brand.  Helping you to define your true identity helps us design with you in mind.

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Part 2 of this blog will continue on Wednesday. Stay tuned for more tips that will keep your project on track. We will cover the remaining parts of the process: design and development process, the design and development of your website, as well as content management and website launch.