JEL Media ensures that all projects are supported by efficient processes.

T h e r o l e o f J E L M e d i a

Jane Levin is the project manager on all JEL Media projects. Jane makes sure that each project runs smoothly and reflects the needs of the client. Jane brings together the relevant experts and ensures that they work with an understanding of the broader strategic aims and creative vision of the project. JEL Media takes the time to get to know each client's' business. The role of JEL Media is not just to offer a range of important services, but to offer professional advice and reasons for that advice.

I n i t i a l c o n s u l t a t i o n

JEL Media meets with the client at their office for an initial discussion. This usually consists of both an informal 'chat' to get to know the client's general needs and answer any questions, as well as going through a tailored list of questions to ensure that all relevant details have been obtained.

P r o j e c t b r i e f &q u o t a t i o n

JEL Media provides project plans and quotes that are based on the individual needs of the client. Each project is divided into 'stages', together with an anticipated timeline for the completion of each stage. This provides a useful guide for JEL Media and the client. The project plan contains an introduction, a brief and scope section, an estimate of fees, a suggested timeline and an approval section.

Work is either undertaken on a 'total price' or 'hourly' basis, depending on the project and the arrangement with the client. In any case, all prices are determined by the number of hours required to complete a project to the required standard. This is fair for all involved - as JEL Media only wants to produce quality results and our clients are those who want to invest in quality marketing and communications tools. JEL Media does not offer fixed price deals and packages, because we believe that each client's needs are different.

P l a n n i n g

Before launching into producing marketing and communications tools, it is essential to engage in some planning. This will help to ensure that the right messages are communicated via the correct medium and that strategies are implemented in a well-considered and cost-effective way.

As well as the basic planning undertaken with any project, JEL Media can also assist clients with strategic marketing and PR. For those clients requiring these higher-level strategic marketing services, an initial meeting occurs where a detailed agenda is discussed and 'brainstorming' occurs. Further research and clarification is then undertaken, with findings presented in a clear format, to be discussed with the client and then actioned as required. This process is undertaken in conjunction with a strategic marketing expert.

G r a p h i c d e s i g n

Depending on the project and the agreed scope, the design process usually involves presenting the client with one, two or three design 'concepts' or 'ideas', based on the project brief. The client then selects a concept, which is further developed to the 'finished art' stage. JEL Media designers work with the client to explain the reasoning behind the concept, including the use of certain colours, fonts, styles and imagery. JEL Media designers are also branding experts - they understand the broader marketing issues involved with designing marketing tools.

C o p y w r i t i n g

Depending on the project, written content can be collected from scratch, including interviewing relevant personnel and undertaking necessary research. Alternatively, clients can provide content, to be edited appropriately. In reality, most content is produced with a combination of these approaches, because it is important that content is not just accurate, but is written in a way that communicates key objectives, considers the relevant medium, and injects some creativity. Written content is first presented to the client in Word format for checking, rather than being laid directly into a design. This makes it easier for the client to closely check the text, without being distracted by anything else.

W e b s i t e / m u l t i m e d i ap r o d u c t i o n

Many clients can find the production of a website or multimedia tool daunting, because they may not fully understand the technology, the role a website should play in their specific business or what they want their website to do. Jane Levin's qualifications in website production and her abilities in information architecture allow her to ask all of the right question to ensure any website or multimedia project meets client needs.

As well as determining the sorts of content that needs to go on the site and what the site is to be used for, the initial consultation also usually involves sitting in front a computer with the client to look at the sorts of sites out there, what they do/don't do and what clients like or dislike about certain design styles and menu structures. Website and multimedia development is also divided into stages, including: design concept and approval, construction, content development and testing.

C l i e n t f e e d b a c k

JEL Media's ultimate goal is to ensure that the client is happy and to help clients achieve their goals. But more than that, JEL Media aims to offer each client an integrated, cost effective range of services that produce a quality result, a creative result and an effective result. JEL Media encourages client feedback at all times, and we keep in regular client contact throughout project production.

J E L M e d i a : A v i t a l i n g r e d i e n t i n t h e m a r k e t i n g m i x!

© JEL Media 2004.