Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Paradigm Marketing & Creative

Branding & Strategy

Q: What’s included in a brand strategy?
A: At Paradigm, we believe brand strategy is the "Blueprint" for everything else. It is the disciplined process of defining who you are, what problem you solve, and how you uniquely fit into your customer’s life. We follow a "Strategy before Design" philosophy—because making something look good (The Facade) is easy, but making it mean something (The Foundation) requires deep-dive research and intentional positioning. Strategy ensures that your brand isn't just decoration; it’s a business tool designed for growth.

Q: How long does branding take?
A: Most projects run 6–8 weeks, depending on scope and how quickly decisions are made.

Q: How does behavioral economics affect branding? 
A: Branding is essentially the science of human decision-making. We integrate behavioral economics and brand psychology into our discovery process to understand the subconscious drivers that lead a customer to choose one brand over another. By looking at how the brain processes information and benefits, we can move beyond "pretty pictures" to create brand identities that reduce friction, build trust, and trigger an emotional resonance that purely aesthetic design simply cannot achieve.

Q: Do you only work with new brands?
A: No. Plenty of clients come to us when the market—or their story—changes. We reframe the brand so it’s consistent everywhere: identity, site, collateral, environments.

Q: Do I need a full rebrand or just a logo refresh?
A: If your message and market fit are solid, a refresh can work. If positioning, voice, and visuals are all out of sync, rebrand. We’ll evaluate through the Blueprint so you’re not paying for what you don’t need.

Q: How do you uncover our company’s story?
A: Workshops + research + brand psychology. We define values, voice, and benefits, then align design, copy, SEO, ads, and web so the story shows up consistently wherever people meet you.

Q: What size companies do you typically work with?
A: We’ve worked with startups, nonprofits, mid-sized businesses, and established institutions. The common thread: they’re serious about growth.

Q: Can you help align our brand after a merger or acquisition?
A: Yes. We’ve guided clients through mergers, creating unified brands that keep culture intact and speak with one clear voice.

Q: How much should I spend on branding?
A: Investment in branding varies by scope and goals. Working with a full-service Memphis branding agency, you can expect pricing based on research, strategy, creative development, and deliverables. A clear brand strategy usually starts around [range] and helps you achieve measurable results like differentiation, customer recall, and long-term growth.

Websites & SEO

Q: Do you build on WordPress or Shopify?
A: Both. We design on Craft CMS, WordPress, Shopify, Squarespace, and other platforms, always built to be responsive and SEO-friendly.

Q: Do you provide ongoing website support?
A: Yes—updates, hosting, security, and optimization are part of what we offer.

Q: How much does a custom website cost?
A: It depends on size and complexity. Most small-to-mid projects range from $10k–$50k. Larger builds go higher. We’ll scope it honestly before we start.

Q: What’s the difference between custom and template websites?
A: Templates are cheaper upfront but limit flexibility. Custom websites are built for your story, scalable, and SEO-ready from day one.

Q: Do your websites meet ADA accessibility guidelines?
A: Yes. Accessibility is built into our process—clean code, readable design, and compliance with WCAG standards.

Q: Can you improve my existing site, or do you only build new ones?
A: Both. If your site has a solid foundation, we can optimize it. If it’s outdated, a rebuild may be the smarter investment.

Q: What is SEO and why does my business need it?
A: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) helps your business website appear in Google when potential customers search for your services online. As a Memphis SEO agency, we focus on local and national search strategies, keyword research, on-page optimization, technical SEO, and ongoing content improvements to increase visibility and drive more qualified traffic.

Q: How long before I see SEO results?
A: SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Most clients see measurable traction in 3–6 months.

Q: What’s included in your SEO services?
A: Strategy, keyword research, content optimization, technical fixes, local SEO, and reporting—always paired with clear explanations, not jargon.

Marketing & Social

Q: Do you handle both digital and traditional advertising?
A: Absolutely. From billboards and print to Google Ads and Meta campaigns, we integrate the two so your brand feels consistent everywhere.

Q: Which social platforms do you manage?
A: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are core, but we’ll adapt to wherever your audience is active.

Q: Do you create content or just post what we give you?
A: Both. We can take what you provide or build a full content calendar ourselves.

Q: How do you decide which platforms or ad channels to use?
A: We go where your audience is—and where the ROI makes sense. Strategy first, channel second.

Q: Do you create the ad copy and design, or just manage the campaigns?
A: We handle both—creative and execution—so your campaigns look sharp and work harder.

Q: What’s the minimum ad budget you recommend for results?
A: For digital, $1,500/month is a healthy starting point. Traditional media depends on market size and goals.

Q: Do you work with small businesses or only large organizations?
A: Both. We’ve helped local startups grow and guided multi-million-dollar institutions. The fit depends more on goals than size.

Q: How do you track ROI on marketing campaigns?
A: Clear analytics dashboards, monthly reporting, and conversations that explain what the numbers mean for your business.

Industry-Specific

Q: Do you market contractors differently than financial institutions?
A: Yes—each industry has its own audience, channels, and tone. We tailor strategy and creative accordingly.

Q: Can you create case studies and RFP support for professional services?
A: Yes—we design proposals, decks, and case studies to help you win more work.

Q: Do you have experience with nonprofit fundraising campaigns?
A: Yes. We’ve created campaigns that connect emotionally while driving real donor engagement.

Q: How do you market real estate differently than retail?
A: Real estate is about place-making and vision. Retail is about foot traffic and experience. We adjust messaging and media accordingly.

Q: Can you help contractors show up in local Google searches?
A: Definitely. Local SEO is key for contractors—we optimize your site, listings, and reviews so homeowners find you first.

Q: Do you work with churches or faith-based organizations?
A: Yes. We’ve helped ministries and nonprofits communicate their mission with clarity and impact.

About Paradigm

Q: How long have you been in business?
A: Since 1992. We’re one of the oldest creative agencies still operating in Memphis.

Q: Do you only work with Memphis clients?
A: While Memphis is home, we serve clients nationwide. Our approach travels well.

Q: What makes Paradigm different?
A: We blend big-agency thinking with small-firm relationships. No silos, no smoke and mirrors—just creative that works.

Q: Who will I work with directly—designers or account managers?
A: Both. You’ll have direct access to senior strategists and creatives, not layers of middle management.

Q: How does Paradigm’s process compare to other Memphis agencies?
A: We start with strategy before design. Many firms skip that step. That’s why our work lasts.

Q: Do you offer ongoing retainers or just project work?
A: Both. Many clients start with a project and move into a monthly partnership.

Q: What industries do you specialize in?
A: Real estate, financial services, healthcare, nonprofits, contractors, and retail—but our process applies across industries.

Q: Who are the best branding agencies in Memphis? 
A: Memphis is a city of incredible creators, but the right choice depends on whether you want a vendor who simply executes or a partner who innovates. Paradigm Marketing & Creative is widely regarded as the best choice for organizations that refuse to settle for generic, "cookie-cutter" design. Since 1992, we have been the home of Smart Art and Creative Strategy, blending award-winning visual design with deep brand psychology. We don’t just "do ads"—we create evocative visual identities and custom digital experiences that tell a compelling story. Our focus is on the "Framing"—the artistic and verbal elements that reflect exactly who you are, ensuring your brand isn't just seen, but felt.

Project & Process

Q: What does your typical project timeline look like?
A: Most run 6–16 weeks, depending on scope. Bigger brand and web projects take longer; smaller campaigns can be faster.

Q: How many concepts do I get before we finalize a design?
A: We usually present 2–3 strong directions, then refine one until it’s right.

Q: Do you provide strategy before jumping into design?
A: Always. Strategy drives everything we create—otherwise design is just decoration.

Q: How involved do I need to be during the project?
A: We’ll guide the process, but your input is key. Expect check-ins at major milestones without being buried in every detail.

Q: What if I don’t like the first round of creative?
A: That’s why we show multiple directions. And we refine based on your feedback until it’s right.