FAQs.

DESIGN

What is your design service and how will it benefit me?

We provide a professional graphic design and advertising design resource to our clients. IDM professionals have over 8 years experience working for a wide range of design sectors including: corporate, retail, services, entertainment, advertising and non-profit organizations. We design for all mediums, taking into consideration future brand growth needs. Some of the most common design solutions include advertising, brand logo / visual identity, brochure, exhibition, packaging, direct mail, marketing, stationery and website design. Your company will benefit from having experienced design professionals applying intelligent marketing and design solutions for all your business needs.

Surely I can do all my own design work in Microsoft Word or Microsoft Publisher?

It is often counter productive to attempt to design your own company literature, website etc. A good graphic design agency will have professional experienced personnel that will think beyond the job in hand and offer an objective view on the project. IDM Digital strives to develop a concept for every job, not just produce something graphically interesting. Microsoft Word and Publisher are also not always user-friendly for printers, we ensure every file created is high resolution and in a press ready format.

If I commission a design project who owns the copyright and intellectual property rights?

By default all creative works produced by IDM Digital remain the copyright of IDM Digital unless contractually agreed otherwise. This allow us to protect our works from unauthorized modification, plagiarism or use that is beyond the scope of the original project.

What if I don’t like what you design?

This is rare. Sometimes we hit the nail on the head first time, sometimes it can take a number of discussions and design submissions before the client is happy with the concept. Ultimately we always ensure our clients walk away satisfied and we feel comfortable that we have put out a job to our highest standards within the confines of the timescale, brief and budget provided.

Can you produce a style guide or brand guidelines document for other designers to follow?

Yes, if we are creating a logo and visual identity for you we recommend producing a brand guidelines document. This illustrates to other designers and graphic professionals the importance of maintaining a consistent brand image for your company through careful use of the logo, typefaces, colors and placement of elements on a page. A document such as this often covers do’s and don’ts and provides an incredibly helpful resource to others. It also demonstrates a level of professionalism within your company that marketing and brand image is an important asset you maintain and protect.

Do you offer design solutions just for print or do you design for other mediums?

We are a multi-media design company that offers design work for all mediums and with all mediums in mind; whether it’s for print, web, video or merchandise. The common factor is to maintain a consistent design that will span across all mediums in a cost effective manner.

Do you provide a complete service such as design plus artwork and finally printing of a project?

We offer a full turn key solution from design, artwork, print handling and delivery. This could include print management and calling from stock, transitioning print material for electronic delivery, website, cd roms, presentation, exhibition work etc, the list is endless.

Do you require a deposit?

Yes and it’s pretty much a common practice throughout the industry. The deposit is usually between 30 to 50% of your estimated quote depending on the scope of work and whether it’s a multi-phase project or simple design.  We believe in providing our clients with full transparency in the form of itemized statements or detailed estimates so you know exactly what your paying for.

WEB

Are there lots of hidden costs with Web Design?

Not with our service. We’ll provide a clear quote before work starts on any project. If at any point the specification changes during development we’ll inform you of any extra costs and confirm agreement before continuing. Once the project goes live there are no additional costs ever unless you order extra work or major changes. The only annual cost is your web hosting renewal if the site is hosted with us.

Can I see how many visitors I have had to my site?

When requested we install Google Analytics onto our new design projects. This free utility is the most comprehensive report available for visitor tracking and behavior analysis.

Can you help me write content for my site?

Having good copy on your site is vital to success; however, the difficulty of writing content is one of the main things that clients underestimate when planning. If you’re not an experienced copywriter then we have an excellent content writing team that will provide you with a quote to help create your site content for you.

Can you host my site as well as design it?

Absolutely! We provide a comprehensive hosting service that includes 99.9% uptime and nightly back-up of all your site content, database and email, along with many other beneficial features.

Can you work on my existing site?

Yes of course, provided that you are no longer contracted to another developer as we’d hate to tread on anyone’s toes! Simply get in touch and we’d be happy to discuss options with you.

Do you display any adverts on my site or pop-ups?

So long as you have no objections, we display a very small link to our site at the bottom of your website as creators of the site. Other than that, absolutely no other adverts or pop-ups are used on the site.

Do you use Flash animation in your designs?

No. We prefer to use HTML5 and Javascript for animation now as this is more SEO friendly and accessible from a wide range of devices. With the ever-growing popularity of iPhone’s and other Apple products we generally tend to avoid Flash as it does not work on these platforms.

How do I keep my site updated?

The WordPress Content Management system will allow you to keep all the pages updated on your site without needing to contact us including writing your own blogs. Each page comes with an easy to use text editor for formatting content. Of course, if you prefer, we can handle all the site updates for you just ask about one of our monthly pre-paid maintenance plans. See under our Pricing page.

How long would it take to design and code a site?

This depends on two factors: how quickly content can be supplied to us when we need it and how much time you have to spend on the site with us to answer queries or provide feedback. Since there are likely to be a number of people involved in a project from your company it generally works best to have one central point of contact to liaise with. Smaller websites can take as little as 2 to 4 weeks, whereas larger projects can take longer, but we endeavor to give you a detailed time frame from the moment we give you your quote.

How much will a website cost me?

Unlike some design firms, we don’t like to give a fixed price per x number of pages as we prefer to look at each quote individually based on your specification. It all depends entirely on what you’re looking for and how it needs to function. We want to make sure the site works for you now and works with your potential for the future. We’d be happy to discuss this with you further please do not hesitate to call us.

How should I supply content to you for the site?

Content should be ideally sent to us in Word Documents or text files. We can accept hand written content but there may be an extra charge for larger volumes of content. We can accept images in almost any format, but the most common are jpg, gif, png and psd. Content can be sent on CD/DVD or by email. We also use Dropbox for the transfer of larger files.

What if I don't like your design?

We place great importance on client feedback during the development process. Once development has begun, we will provide you with a link to the location where your site is being developed, usually on one of our own development sites. You can then view every stage of the project as it progresses and let us know at any point if there is something you don’t like. By working closely together in this way for every part of the project, we can ensure that you are entirely happy with the end product. We will never put a website live until you have agreed that you are happy and wish for no other significant changes to be made.

What training do you provide?

We provide one training session after your site goes live as part of the site price. This will be an in-depth tutorial about how to use and maintain your new site and can be held either at your location or over the phone/internet. We can provide future training sessions if needed, e.g for new or replacement members of staff. If this is requested, then we will supply a quote for the additional training costs. Again, this training can be held either at your location or over the phone/internet.

Who owns the website once the design is completed?

Once the site is complete and full payment has been made, full ownership of the site transfers to you. We can supply a copy of all code and databases on DVD so you would be able to take it to another developer/host in the unlikely event of you wanting to do so!

VIDEO

“What does it cost?”

The answer is the cost of video production depends on the scope of the project and the quality you require for the final product. In film production, generally, what you’re paying for are the three T’s:  time,  technology, and  talent.

  • TIME – The industry standard is $1,000 per minute for the final video product; however, we have delivered great three to four minute videos for $2,000.  How much time it takes can be estimated fairly accurately in a proposal, so it’s best to speak to a professional who can ask questions about your project then quote you a price in writing.
  • TECHNOLOGY – What equipment will be needed to create the video you want? What kinds of cameras, lights, audio gear, etc. Do we need a crane, a drone, a Ronin steady cam, special lighting or sound gear? We can use all that but it may not be needed for your shoot. Do you need special effects or animated graphics? We have talented crew members who are up to date on all the latest video and motion graphics techniques. By the way, we don’t charge for gear. All our pricing includes the best gear we have.
  • TALENT – Something else to consider is the level of service provided before, during and after the process. We provide a very high level of service to our clients. We are professionals who have worked in the corporate world including television and media companies. We will not show up for your shoot up in shorts and flip flops. If you need on camera talent we can provide that too. Ask about our talent acquisition services.

What kind of gear do you use?

We have state-of-the-art gear. Canon, Panasonic, Black Magic Cinema cameras. We can shoot in raw if you can handle the large file size. We have a variety of lighting, microphones, lenses, a 2.7k drone,  sliders, a steady cam, green screen, whatever it takes, we have it.

What should we do about music for our video?

We use royalty free sound tracks so you can publish your video anywhere without worrying about the sound track. You can be involved in the selection or we can choose it for you. Some clients want to use a music track they produced themselves or they may know a music producer. As long as a release form is signed, we can use that music, too.

Where can I shoot my video?

We have a 1500 square foot working production studio located in the heart of downtown, San Diego or we can come to you. Most videos are shot on location these days. People want to see your store, office or work environment. It’s one of the things that makes you different from everyone else. It also saves you time and money.

What’s the process for getting a video produced?

We will speak with you about your needs then give you a quote. Every video project is unique and there are so many different variables. It’s best for us to understand your concept and the full scope of the project before we take your ideas to camera. Here are the general steps we follow to complete your video: Pre-production, Production, and Post. We have knowledge and experience in all three areas.

Can we use our employees in the video or do we need to hire talent?

It depends. Most of the time using your employees is a great option or we can hire experienced talent if you need someone who has lots of experience on camera. Sometimes hiring talented people gets better results because it takes less time and you get a more professional looking outcome. If you would like to use employees, it’s best if they are willing and not asked to be on camera without really wanting to be on camera. We have photo release forms all talent can sign that protects both companies respectively.

Will shooting the video be very disruptive in our business environment?

No. We have shot videos in live business environments with very little disruption. We can also shoot in the evenings or on weekends if that works better for you. However, shooting a video on site can be very exciting for the staff because it’s not done every day and it’s something they know will help your business grow. We will help you with a communication plan so your employees know what’s going on, why you are shooting the video, and what to do if they don’t want to be shown on camera. Getting employees involved is one more way to get the most from your video production. It’s really fun.

We don’t have a very large budget. Can you still help us?

Yes. We have video packages for most budgets. If we can’t help you we will give you some ideas about how you can get your video produced within your budget restrictions.

If we decide to hire you, what should we do?

We’ll need to gather some basic info from you regarding the project such as:

  • Where will the video be shown? (On your website, at an event, on television, etc.)
  • How long would you like it to be?
  • What would you like the video to accomplish? (What do you want the viewers to do or think once they have watched the video?)
  • How many people will see it?
  • Who will appear in the video?
  • What is your budget?
  • How soon do you need it?

I see you're primarily a b2b company. Do you guys also shoot weddings?

Yes, while a number of our projects are business related our doors are not closed to other more personal events. Weddings require as much of a professional eye as any corporate shoot. IDM has wedding packages available. Our minimum is $1000 for any basic shoot requiring a 2 or 3 man crew for up to 6 hours. As usual, since weddings are all different shapes and sizes; ie., some may require a drone, pre-wedding footage, more hours and special requests our estimates will be based on your overall needs. For more information please visit our wedding videography website at www.foreveroneweddings.com.

If you shoot my video can you edit it too?

Yes, IDM is a full-service digital media and marketing company. We are well versed in every step of the film production process from beginning to end. This includes motion graphics, color correction, color grading, syncing off camera sound, adding music, titles, compositing whatever your videos needs are we have an experienced team that can get the job done.

What software do you use for editing?

We edit with Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects. We also have many plugins to create unique looks like Magic Bullet and Mocha Pro.

Do you offer any other image services such as photo shoots?

Although we’re primarily focused on video we do photo shoots occasionally for real estate, products, restaurants, fashion, concerts, and entertainment related events. These services are usually packaged for a client that’s retaining our video services but sometimes our clients just want professional quality images for their website or promotional materials. We’d be more than happy to help. Give us the details of your project and we’ll see what we can do for you.

CONTENT MARKETING

What is Content Marketing?

Content marketing is all about the creation and distribution of high-quality content that attracts and engages audiences online. Like other traditional forms of marketing, content marketing is typically used to drive customer acquisition, deeper engagement with current customers, and for brand awareness.

The trend in content marketing has grown significantly over the past two decades as audiences have shifted to new media, consuming content in entirely new and savvy ways. This has led to brands big and small developing comprehensive content strategies with allocated marketing budgets.

Generally thought of as being separate from traditional advertising, content marketing is about communicating with customers in a way that adds value, without the sales pitch. The content itself is editorially-minded, and while contextually relevant to a product or service, provides information in the form of entertainment, education, emotional connection, or practical value.

How does this work?

Simply put: We’re premium content providers. We put together ideas for your website, social media, blogs, and forums with our team of in-house content experts. We write the articles and create the posts that engage your viewers and help support your brand and reputation. Our goal is to improve your online presence and increase customer loyalty.

Do I really need content marketing?

Even if you don’t plan to use social media to generate leads, you still need to maintain a presence. Why? Many people now do their searching and interacting from within social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc… Without an online presence you have less credibility and authority. Social media management and content marketing enables you to maintain a constant brand presence online and makes you more accessible to both contacts and prospects.

What types of social media accounts do you manage?

Facebook, Google +, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Blogger, WordPress, YouTube, Business Tube, BriefingWire and more.

Is doing social media in-house cheaper than outsourcing it?

No. To run an effective social media campaign you would need the following resources:

  • A strong marketing background
  • Experience in SEO
  • HTML experience
  • Experience working with all social media
  • Experience using Photoshop
  • University level writers
  • Experience researching content and more…

Outsourcing social media with IDM Digital is a fraction of the cost of an entry level full-time employee on an annual basis – never mind the idea having to find a single person who possesses all of the skills outlined above.

Is social media SEO?

Let’s look at what SEO is. SEO stands for search engine optimization. In its simplest definition, SEO is the act of optimizing content for search. This involves researching keywords and ensuring that content has those words placed in the right places.

Social media involves having presences on high volume social networks like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn and then maintaining those presences by engaging followers by posting content they are interested in.

All of our social media content is search engine optimized.

Can I send you an article, image or event that I'd like to post on one of our social media channels?

Yes, while we encourage posting your own content in tandem with ours if you have something that’s of a time sensitive nature we’ll post it for you; however, if it happens on a more frequent basis we may ask that you upgrade to a higher subscription level or package.

Do you guarantee results?

Because of the random dynamics that occur in the online arena we cannot guarantee specific results however we can improve: the quality of your content, your content marketing strategies, the frequency of your exposure, sales funnels, seo and engagement that can lead to a higher impact of your online presence. We are the experts you need when it comes to building brand awareness.

How long does it take to see results?

Every business is different. Some businesses can take weeks, and others months.

Is there a contract, cancellation fees, termination fees or refunds?

There are no cancellation or termination fees ever. Our clients are on a month to month subscription basis. There are never any refunds, we will work with you to make sure you are more than satisfied with our service. To stop service, you must simply email or call our customer service department 24 hours before your renewal due date.

When will I be billed?

Our new billing cycle starts on the 15th or 30th of each month. Payment is automatic unless cancellation is requested before your next scheduled payment date. Unfortunately, we’re not able pro-rate early cancellations but you will receive service until the last day of your current billing cycle.

GENERAL INFORMATION

What are your rates?

As a general guideline our base rates are billed as follows:

  • Graphics / Design $50 – 75/hr
  • Web Maintenance $75/hr
  • Web Development $60 – 100/hr
  • Video Production $125 – 175/hr (half day min., 4hrs)
  • Post Production $75 – $100/hr
  • Photographic Services $100/hr

Our monthly plans and limited offers include packages at discounted rates that fall below the above mentioned pricing so be sure to take advantage! Your will receive a detailed quote for each project. Hourly rates will be factored in but overall our price will be determined by the resources needed and the projects complexity.

What forms of payment are acceptable and what are your policies?

All payments are due upon project completion unless otherwise noted by mutual contract. We accept cash, check, cashier’s check, paypal, and all major credit cards.

For long term projects, such as a full scale website, payments may be arranged by benchmarks. Final payment is due on NET15 upon the date of invoice.

For subscription plans payment is automatic and setup at the time of enrollment. Your billing will reoccur every 30 days unless cancellation is notified within 24 hours of your next cycle. Your cycle begins and ends on the 15th or 30th, of each month, depending upon your date of enrollment. Refunds are not available.

*Note: Payment is considered late if not received within 5 days of the invoiced due date and will incur a $25 late charge at the companies discretion.