Getting Started Guide

Everything you need to know to work together

A good creative is one part business consultant/strategist, one part designer, one part technologist, one part programmer, one part therapist, one part business person… that’s a lot of parts, so it’s important we are a good fit.

I’m interested in working with exceptional people who:

Have goals
If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll have no idea you’ve arrived if and when you get there. If you don’t have clear goals, be prepared to work with us to define them.
Have passion
Building a brand/business is hard work and takes time. Passion is the fuel you need to keep going when all the chips are down and you feel like you’re smashing your head against a brick wall.
Have a target audience
Building a brand is not all about you – it’s about ‘them.’ Building an audience through blogging, podcasting, interviews, white papers, presentations, speaking and education is the only way to generate new customers online. If you don’t already have an audience you should be prepared to build one. If you don’t know your target audience, we can help you define it.
Have a team
We don’t enjoy watching our clients implode, so if you don’t have a team (or you’re not prepared to build one) you might have some trouble convincing us to take your project on. It could be as simple as a virtual assistant to help out a few hours a week, an incredibly devoted and supportive spouse or a fully-fledged content production team, either way you’re going to need help.
Have time
We want to help you grow your brand and your business and we can’t do that without your participation. When we work together, we will demand your attention throughout the project. From providing timely feedback, to being available for chats, shooting marketing videos or answering questionnaires, you’re going to need to have the time to get stuff done.
Have a reasonable budget
If you really want to knock one out of the park, you’re going to need to make an investment. That’s just the way it is. You don’t need to re-mortgage your house but you are going to need to treat this as an investment. We will be building the foundation of your brand/business here — done right, you’ll get a positive return.

To request a quote, please complete the project worksheet by clicking the Let's Get Started Button. The more info you are able to share, the better we can define a solution to achieve your goals.

If you are unable to complete most of these questions, you may not be ready. Instead, simply request an initial consult to discuss your ideas.

Let's get started

Jodi Hersh

Smartist

I help others grow their brands and their businesses with smart creative. I am personally involved and invested in every project. I work with a network of experienced strategic partners to create an all-star project team to fit your needs.

Get in touch and let’s see how my team and I can help you.

[email protected]
404.377.2555

Our Process

1. The Brief

We get nosy about your business goals and where you’re headed. We then hash out our shared vision and expectations for the project. This sets the stage for everything we do together to make your project a success.

You provide: honest answers and a clear vision for your business and how you serve your audience.
Outcome: We formalize a plan, we both sign the proposal, and you complete the down payment.

2. Strategy

With a firm understanding of the results you need, we’ll research solutions and strategize ways to achieve your goals. We’ll collaborate to flesh out your website sitemap, global elements, competitive landscape, marketing strategy, mailing list and revenue goals. You may also create or provide a Pinterest mood board of the style and aesthetics that represent your brand.

You provide: availability to talk for 1-2 hours.
Outcome: strategic roadmap and design production plan to achieve your goals.

3. Design

Careful planning is transformed into creative designs. We’ll present mockups to you and, with your feedback, refine these into finished designs.

Once designs are approved, we’ll move into production. Depending on the project, this may be going to print, creating final logo files, or moving a website into development. We will keep you updated as your project moves through each stage.

You provide: timely & actionable feedback on each round of design review.
Outcome: a finalized design.

4. Development

Depending on the project, this may simply be going to print, or moving a website into development where we’ll create your responsive, mobile-friendly, WordPress website.

We require that you have provided all of your content prior to the start of web development so that we can keep our projects on schedule. If you are unable to do so, we will build out and you will be able to add your own content into the beta site prior to launch.

You provide: design approval.
Outcome: start the presses! or a functioning beta website.

5. Delivery & Launch

Depending on the project, this may be mailing your print piece to your list, installing vehicle wraps, or delivering your new tradeshow materials to your door.

For websites, we’ll deploy your new site to your hosting server and train you on how to use your new site. You begin to promote it.

You provide: launch promotion and engagement with your audience.
Outcome: finished print/branding assets and/or a live site with ongoing strategy recommendations.

6. Ongoing Support

Growing a brand and a business is a continual process, so we work with most of our clients on an ongoing basis. Our support packages, tailored to fit your specific needs, make us your own in-house creative team who is on hand and ready to jump in when you need it most.

Whether you need help with website maintenance or you’re looking for ongoing design work, digital strategy and consulting, or simply a trusted expert to optimize and publish your new blog posts, we’ve got your back.

See our support plans