Frequently Asked Questions
Work
What is integrated marketing?
Integrated Marketing simply means making use of all the channels available to you. Typically this includes your website, email newsletters, digital ads, social media content and any print design and in-person networking you’re engaging in. To effectively maximize your impact through all of these different vehicles, an appropriate Integrated Marketing plan must be developed. This plan will empower your team to share effective, cohesive messaging to your audiences.
Integrated marketing is a comprehensive process, but it doesn’t need to be daunting. DATUM can work with your team to develop a complete strategy that will empower your business to reach your marketing goals.
Want to learn more about Integrated Marketing? Contact Jonathan for a free, no commitment consultation to get started!
Does DATUM work with startups and new companies?
Every business or organization will benefit from expertly designed marketing materials and sound communications planning.
DATUM works with business big or small, for profit or charities to help them achieve their marketing goals.
Visit the Work page for examples of the different clients we’ve supported.
What services can DATUM provide?
DATUM serves clients in a range of services and marketing material, everything from brand strategy, digital marketing, and print/packaging design. Visit the Services page for a detailed look. DATUM is your multi-pass for Marketing tools.
Why choose an external designer for our work?
ON when you need it, OFF when you don’t. As an independent resource, you can benefit from class leading design and marketing without committing to a fulltime employee or long-term agency agreement. This gives businesses the flexibility to make use of these tools as often as they need, but minimizes overhead and costly commitments.
By working with DATUM you’ll unlock:
Over 15 years of design and marketing experience
Professionalism - having worked internally in a range of roles, we understand business operations
Strong strategic thinking for your brand and communications planning
A proven track record across multiple disciplines and market types
Frequent check-ins, and access to client side Project Management Software to track your project’s progress
Diverse thinking (DATUM serves a range of markets, and applies that learning to other areas)
Close ties with printers, suppliers and other creative specialists
The benefit of an in-house team without the hassles
An investment to your business (all your operations benefit from communications)
Do you release source design files?
When possible all source design files (typically Adobe Creative Suite) are released to the client upon request and after final payment is received for the project. In some cases, licenses for materials used in the source files cannot be transferred. If your project would benefit from retaining the source files, please include that in our initial kickoffs.
DATUM also securely stores and backs up client design files for two years after project completion. You can request a copy of these files at no charge.
Can DATUM help train or coach my team?
Marketing can be daunting, between best practices and staying up to date with requirements and market trends. It doesn’t have to be - DATUM works with internal resources already present to help equip your team to succeed.
We practice planned obsolescence - our work is designed to outlast our time together. Everything we create is intended to continue being effective without our ongoing engagement, and a big part of that is training and encouraging your team to make the best use of those resources. DATUM strives to build long-term connections with our clients, but understand not everyone is looking for something serious.
Visit the Services page to learn more about our coaching and consulting.
Billing
What is a Scope of Work, and how does it direct our project?
Every DATUM project begins with a Scope of Work document outlining all of the steps involved, who is responsible for what, the entire scope of work / deliverables and the payment schedule.
You can see an example of the Scope of Work used with new projects.
If you’re new to working with DATUM, there will also be a Master Service Agreement that helps to define the business relationship and provide clarity for our work together. Subsequent projects only require a Scope of Work.
What are DATUM’s billing policies?
The project timeline and billing schedule are outlined in your Scope of Work. Typically single projects require a 25% deposit to begin work, with the remaining 75% due upon delivery of the completed work to the client. DATUM is flexible however, if you require a specific billing plan we can accommodate most requests.
Contact Us with any questions you may have regarding payment plans.
How do you accept payments?
DATUM is able to accept credit card payments, Interac e-transfers and paper cheques.
(credit card payments subject to 3% transaction fee)
What happens if the project is no longer needed?
Typically project cancellation by the client results in payment for work completed to date being immediately due.
Pricing
How are project costs determined?
Custom projects begin with a tailored estimate provided by filling out the Request an Estimate page or by Contacting Us directly for a phone consultation. These costs are based off of market rate, hours required to complete the project, complexity or the project and any special requests such as rush charges or or unique requirements.
Are there any hidden charges?
There are no hidden charges. In the event that rush charges, change requests exceed Scope of Work etc. these will be made clear, in advance of any work being undertaken. Costing is transparent - you will receive an itemized estimate which is strictly adhered to, and can be confident knowing your project will be delivered to spec at the cost quoted.
Is DATUM affordable for small business or non-profits?
Project pricing is designed to allow every business access to high quality, effective design and marketing. DATUM also offers sliding scale and payment plan options for businesses or charities who require it. It’s our mission to Be Good, and our pricing is designed to ensure everyone has the ability to contribute to that change.
If you have a special request, please Contact Us and we can develop a plan to fit your needs and situation.
Does DATUM provide “one off” projects?
Yes - common examples of this are digital marketing graphics (banners, ads, newsletter graphics), logo revisions, and consultations. DATUM projects are designed to support you long-term, whether you need a hands on partner long-term or not. First time, one off clients receive the same level of support and quality of work that longtime clients do.
Our business will require ongoing support, what is the best way to set things up? Retainers.
Depending on your needs, a Retainer Agreement is often the most effective and affordable way to ensure your marketing needs are met throughout the year. Retainers are designed to suit the unique of each business following a consultation, and can be adjusted month to month. Your projects are prioritized with a retainer agreement.
Compare DATUM’s support, expertise and economical value with hiring an ad agency ($2,000 - $5,000/mth, for a year), or a fulltime employee starting at $60,000/yr for comparable service.
If a Retainer will provide the support and flexibility your business requires, please Contact Us to schedule a free no-commitment consultation to determine the details.