Some people have asked us, “Do you actually DO the work?”
Are we actually creating work? Who do you use to create those graphics, websites and advertising?
What a puzzling and slightly disturbing question we thought at first. Then we found out, there are many companies in our area that use freelance designers, web designers, etc – many not even local, to produce their work. These designs are re-packaged under the company’s name and sold as original work.
When we first relocated to Southwest Florida we found it puzzling (and slightly disturbing) of the numerous people either claiming to be marketers or graphic designers. What is surprising is the vast majority of these so-called agencies are nothing more than “General Contractors” farming out the marketing, graphic design and pr and simply marking it up.
It’s a bit of a stretch and a questionable practice since these folks aren’t employees of the company, yet their skills are pitched to potentials as standard offerings, yet the owners of those companies lack the talent to produce the original designs, marketing programs etc. It’s sort of like a general contractor offering services of his subcontractors as his own, with the exception that they do not disclose this to their clients.
At SplashWrench we are all active designers. We work either both independently of collaboratively on projects to completion with no account managers.
Recently, I was sitting down with a potential client who had a one-person operation in the automotive services industry. He told me how he didn’t have a marketing plan yet and was just getting started with his business. He asked my advice on promotion, publicity and things he could do to get the word out about his business and I shared some free advice with him.
Then came a moment of truth.
I asked if he would like a website for his new business and he said he has someone working on it. Without my asking, he told me how a local high school teacher is pushing the skills of a 9th grader as a talented designer who is pumping out websites for practically nothing.
I said to myself: If I had invested thousands of dollars and months of my time getting my new business off the ground, would I trust one of the most important visual and communication tools to someone who isn’t even old enough to drive?
Clearly some strong consideration for one’s future must take place at this point. My potential client may be pleased with his $25 website but in short order I expect he will have some issues that will not take priority over soccer practice, the freshman dance or Saturday at the mall.
Please consider your future, your reputation and your investment in your own business when thinking about having a website. You have too much at stake to risk on someone who’s not even old enough to drive.
The professionals at SplashWrench are dedicated to your success. We offer free consultations when you fill out our contact form. Ask us the tough questions and we’ll give you our best advice, even if we have to do a little digging to get it.
SplashWrench
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239 206-4487
One thing that SplashWrench encourages clients to do is to take advantage of all the print processes that are available. Many times, whether it be because they are in a rush or it just slips their minds, customers opt for more typical printing methods: four-color process on a standard house sheet. Maybe using a spot color if the project warrants it.
With the advancement of interactive communications such as email, online advertising, blogging, etc., print has taken it on the chin. Fewer clients request print and fewer agencies recommend print. Therefore, when starting a print project, you should look at the variety of techniques available: emboss, spot varnish and UV, custom bindery, metallic inks, laser cutting, custom diecutting, etc. Don’t just use it because it’s there, but look for opportunities where the use of a non-standard printing technique fits the goals for the project and supports the strategy behind the creative.
They should be used sparingly and with great care.
On your next print project, take a step back to review all the different options that you can employ. If you are our client, consult with us for ideas. If you not a client, ask your agency if additional print techniques could be used to push your projects further for little or small additional costs.