When we started with “Client X” their website developer turned out to be, ‘not so ‘straight-up’. The client didn’t even have a backup of their website and the developer wouldn’t provide the files. We and the client had to start over. After finishing the new website, we placed a copy of the website files in a website backup folder on Dropbox. We also created a photography folder and a collateral folder to organize all the critical marketing assets in a DropBox folder and shared it with the client. We told the client, “It’s in case we get hit by a bus.”
When it came time to redo the client’s brochure, the old files were hard to come by. No one was quite sure who’s computer they were on. We dug. We asked. We got some files that we were able to get something out of and banged out a much better brochure for the client, and didn’t have to completely reinvent the wheel or rewrite any copy. Upon completion, we placed the old brochure files in an archive Dropbox folder for reference. In addition, we uploaded and shared the files for the new brochure we did.
We learned to organize assets from this experience.
We learn from each client. That helps all our clients.
Since then, we make a point to centralize and organize photographs, graphics, data, case histories, design elements, branding assets and other files in the centralized DropBox folder that the client can go to for all things marketing. We make this a practice for all Construct Marketing clients today.
This is not a very common practice to marketing firms, however, the client spent time on it. The client paid for it. Therefore, the client should be able to access it.
Since then our works on the client’s behalf have been as much about building this asset for our client, as they have been about marketing. To us, it is a matter of being the difference between a company ‘doing some marketing’ and doing what is necessary to construct their marketing. To leave a client in better shape than when we found them is the fingerprint of our value. Yes, Construct Marketing will produce professional collateral and create and grow channels for promotion. However, to build an engine that perpetuates an organization’s marketing efforts, its mundane things like helping a client organize that matter.
“Be an asset to the client”
Check.