https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=Dechontelle 2026-04-16T01:34:25Z User contributions MediaWiki 1.30.0 https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=VOD2_Boot_Board&diff=5676 2007-06-09T02:52:07Z

<p>Dechontelle: /* Members */</p> <hr /> <div>==Facilitator==<br /> <br /> Nancy Schill, M.A.<br /> Founder and Executive Coaching for Executive Intelligent Coaching - a unique approach to happines in the workplace.<br /> <br /> nschill AT executiveintelligentcoaching DOT com<br /> <br /> [http://www.executiveintelligentcoaching.com Executive Intelligent Coaching]<br /> <br /> newsletters at: [http://eicoachingblog.blogspot.com Intelligent Coaching E-Letter]<br /> <br /> Bootstrap Contributor - The Connector Initiative<br /> <br /> ==Members==<br /> <br /> *Jason Myers<br /> *Beth Schmitz<br /> *Dee Copeland. Principal, http://www.CopelandGroupRealty.com Visit our blog at http://www.texasrealtyblog.com<br /> *Eric Stober<br /> *Paul Carew<br /> *Tom Baum<br /> <br /> ==Meeting Times==<br /> Our first meeting will be Thurs. May 17th from 4-7 pm. Thank you, Eric S. for securing your conference room for our meeting: 620 Congress ste#320.<br /> <br /> <br /> Meeting the third Thurs. of the month from 5-8 pm at 620 Congress ste#320.</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=VOD2_Boot_Board&diff=5675 2007-06-09T02:47:45Z

<p>Dechontelle: /* Members */</p> <hr /> <div>==Facilitator==<br /> <br /> Nancy Schill, M.A.<br /> Founder and Executive Coaching for Executive Intelligent Coaching - a unique approach to happines in the workplace.<br /> <br /> nschill AT executiveintelligentcoaching DOT com<br /> <br /> [http://www.executiveintelligentcoaching.com Executive Intelligent Coaching]<br /> <br /> newsletters at: [http://eicoachingblog.blogspot.com Intelligent Coaching E-Letter]<br /> <br /> Bootstrap Contributor - The Connector Initiative<br /> <br /> ==Members==<br /> <br /> *Jason Myers<br /> *Beth Schmitz<br /> *Dee Copeland. Principal, Copeland Group at Keller Williams Realty. http://www.CopelandGroupRealty.com. <br /> *Eric Stober<br /> *Paul Carew<br /> *Tom Baum<br /> <br /> ==Meeting Times==<br /> Our first meeting will be Thurs. May 17th from 4-7 pm. Thank you, Eric S. for securing your conference room for our meeting: 620 Congress ste#320.<br /> <br /> <br /> Meeting the third Thurs. of the month from 5-8 pm at 620 Congress ste#320.</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=Issue_two&diff=3619 2006-10-20T13:41:27Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Meeting Venue ==<br /> <br /> I was wondering what you would all think about having the venue be the '''Austin Club''' or '''UT Club'''. I am a member of the Austin Society as well as the UT Club. The UT Club has a '''free happy hour buffet''' from 5-7pm every day and $2 Margaritas. <br /> <br /> http://utclub.com/dining/happy_hour.htm<br /> http://austinsociety.com/clubs/university_club.htm<br /> <br /> At the UT Club, we'd have free meeting space and they provide projectors. They can also helps set up the room. It would be a more quiet place to go and the rooms are cool. Free food is also a plus. :-)<br /> ----<br /> <br /> '''(I'm not sure how to change page titles on the Wiki...)'''<br /> <br /> <br /> Dee Copeland, CRS, GRI, e-PRO<br /> Keller Williams Realty<br /> Phone: (512)-697-9140<br /> Hotline/Fax: (877)-TEAM-DEE<br /> http://www.DeeCopelandTeam.com<br /> http://www.TexasRealtyBlog.com</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=Issue_two&diff=3618 2006-10-20T13:40:42Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Meeting Venue ==<br /> <br /> I was wondering what you would all think about having the venue be the '''Austin Club''' or '''UT Club'''. I am a member of the Austin Society as well as the UT Club. The UT Club has a '''free happy hour buffet''' from 5-7pm every day and $2 Margaritas. <br /> <br /> http://utclub.com/dining/happy_hour.htm<br /> http://austinsociety.com/clubs/university_club.htm<br /> <br /> At the UT Club, we'd have free meeting space and they provide projectors. They can also helps set up the room. It would be a more quiet place to go and the rooms are cool. Free food is also a plus. :-)<br /> <br /> <br /> P.S. I'm not sure how to change this title, so jump in and help if you want...<br /> <br /> Dee Copeland, CRS, GRI, e-PRO<br /> Keller Williams Realty<br /> Phone: (512)-697-9140<br /> Hotline/Fax: (877)-TEAM-DEE<br /> http://www.DeeCopelandTeam.com<br /> http://www.TexasRealtyBlog.com</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3617 2006-10-20T13:28:18Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know '''when''' to start marketing, average '''cost''' ranges, and what's the '''advice''' from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> == General Advice ==<br /> <br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend too much in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> 4. Again, your branding and expenditures in these areas will depend on how many '''employees''' and '''income''' you have. If you have a single employee ''and'' are in the Valley of Death, you should spend as little as possible without hurting your image. If your company is in a growth phase, it may be time to expand your image/brand, so the investment could be worth it.<br /> <br /> == Website Design and Programming ==<br /> <br /> 1. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Expect around $75/hour for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent, good-looking website that doesn't include heavy programming.<br /> <br /> == Branding and Logo ==<br /> <br /> 1. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A good price for full branding would be $3k-5k. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> <br /> 2 A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. Corporate IDs usually range from $5-25k unless you are a mid-cap company or Fortune 500 firm, in which case it would be more expensive.<br /> <br /> == PR and Marketing == <br /> <br /> 1. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. $75/hour would be a good deal. Average cost is $100-125/hr for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> <br /> 3. '''Monthly retainers''' are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement. Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> <br /> 4. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> <br /> 5. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> ----<br /> <br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but '''let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers!'''</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3616 2006-10-20T13:28:08Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know '''when''' to start marketing, average '''cost''' ranges, and what's the'''advice''' from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> == General Advice ==<br /> <br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend too much in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> 4. Again, your branding and expenditures in these areas will depend on how many '''employees''' and '''income''' you have. If you have a single employee ''and'' are in the Valley of Death, you should spend as little as possible without hurting your image. If your company is in a growth phase, it may be time to expand your image/brand, so the investment could be worth it.<br /> <br /> == Website Design and Programming ==<br /> <br /> 1. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Expect around $75/hour for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent, good-looking website that doesn't include heavy programming.<br /> <br /> == Branding and Logo ==<br /> <br /> 1. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A good price for full branding would be $3k-5k. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> <br /> 2 A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. Corporate IDs usually range from $5-25k unless you are a mid-cap company or Fortune 500 firm, in which case it would be more expensive.<br /> <br /> == PR and Marketing == <br /> <br /> 1. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. $75/hour would be a good deal. Average cost is $100-125/hr for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> <br /> 3. '''Monthly retainers''' are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement. Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> <br /> 4. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> <br /> 5. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> ----<br /> <br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but '''let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers!'''</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3615 2006-10-20T13:27:21Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know '''when''' to start marketing, what are the average ranges of '''costs''', and '''advice''' from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> == General Advice ==<br /> <br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend too much in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> 4. Again, your branding and expenditures in these areas will depend on how many '''employees''' and '''income''' you have. If you have a single employee ''and'' are in the Valley of Death, you should spend as little as possible without hurting your image. If your company is in a growth phase, it may be time to expand your image/brand, so the investment could be worth it.<br /> <br /> == Website Design and Programming ==<br /> <br /> 1. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Expect around $75/hour for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent, good-looking website that doesn't include heavy programming.<br /> <br /> == Branding and Logo ==<br /> <br /> 1. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A good price for full branding would be $3k-5k. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> <br /> 2 A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. Corporate IDs usually range from $5-25k unless you are a mid-cap company or Fortune 500 firm, in which case it would be more expensive.<br /> <br /> == PR and Marketing == <br /> <br /> 1. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. $75/hour would be a good deal. Average cost is $100-125/hr for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> <br /> 3. '''Monthly retainers''' are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement. Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> <br /> 4. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> <br /> 5. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> ----<br /> <br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but '''let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers!'''</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3614 2006-10-20T13:26:28Z

<p>Dechontelle: /* General Advice */</p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know when to start marketing, what are the average ranges of costs, and advice from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> == General Advice ==<br /> <br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend too much in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> 4. Again, your branding and expenditures in these areas will depend on how many '''employees''' and '''income''' you have. If you have a single employee ''and'' are in the Valley of Death, you should spend as little as possible without hurting your image. If your company is in a growth phase, it may be time to expand your image/brand, so the investment could be worth it.<br /> <br /> == Website Design and Programming ==<br /> <br /> 1. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Expect around $75/hour for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent, good-looking website that doesn't include heavy programming.<br /> <br /> == Branding and Logo ==<br /> <br /> 1. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A good price for full branding would be $3k-5k. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> <br /> 2 A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. Corporate IDs usually range from $5-25k unless you are a mid-cap company or Fortune 500 firm, in which case it would be more expensive.<br /> <br /> == PR and Marketing == <br /> <br /> 1. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. $75/hour would be a good deal. Average cost is $100-125/hr for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> <br /> 3. '''Monthly retainers''' are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement. Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> <br /> 4. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> <br /> 5. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> ----<br /> <br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but '''let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers!'''</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3613 2006-10-20T13:25:43Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know when to start marketing, what are the average ranges of costs, and advice from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> == General Advice ==<br /> <br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend too much in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> 4. Again, your branding and expenditures in these areas will depend on how many '''employees''' and '''income''' you have. If you have a single employee ''and'' are in the Valley of Death, you should spend as little as possible without hurting your image. For those of you in a growth phase, it may be time to expand your image/brand, so the investment is worth it. <br /> <br /> == Website Design and Programming ==<br /> <br /> 1. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Expect around $75/hour for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent, good-looking website that doesn't include heavy programming.<br /> <br /> == Branding and Logo ==<br /> <br /> 1. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A good price for full branding would be $3k-5k. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> <br /> 2 A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. Corporate IDs usually range from $5-25k unless you are a mid-cap company or Fortune 500 firm, in which case it would be more expensive.<br /> <br /> == PR and Marketing == <br /> <br /> 1. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. $75/hour would be a good deal. Average cost is $100-125/hr for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> <br /> 3. '''Monthly retainers''' are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement. Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> <br /> 4. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> <br /> 5. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> ----<br /> <br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but '''let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers!'''</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3612 2006-10-20T13:25:18Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know when to start marketing, what are the average ranges of costs, and advice from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> == General Advice ==<br /> <br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend too much in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> 4. Again, your branding and expenditures in these areas will depend on how many '''employees''' and '''income''' you have. If you have 1 employee AND are in the Valley of Death, you should spend as little as possible without hurting your image. For those of you in a growth phase, it may be time to expand your image/brand, so the investment is worth it. <br /> <br /> == Website Design and Programming ==<br /> <br /> 1. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Expect around $75/hour for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent, good-looking website that doesn't include heavy programming.<br /> <br /> == Branding and Logo ==<br /> <br /> 1. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A good price for full branding would be $3k-5k. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> <br /> 2 A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. Corporate IDs usually range from $5-25k unless you are a mid-cap company or Fortune 500 firm, in which case it would be more expensive.<br /> <br /> == PR and Marketing == <br /> <br /> 1. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. $75/hour would be a good deal. Average cost is $100-125/hr for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> <br /> 3. '''Monthly retainers''' are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement. Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> <br /> 4. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> <br /> 5. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> ----<br /> <br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but '''let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers!'''</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3611 2006-10-20T13:23:53Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know when to start marketing, what are the average ranges of costs, and advice from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> == General Advice ==<br /> <br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend too much in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> 4. Again, your branding and expenditures in these areas will depend on how many '''employees''' and ''income'' you have. If you have 1 employee AND are in the Valley of Death, you should spend as little as possible without hurting your image. For those of you in a growth phase, it may be time to expand your image/brand, so the investment is worth it. <br /> <br /> == Website Design and Programming ==<br /> <br /> 1. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Expect around $75/hour for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent, good-looking website that doesn't include heavy programming.<br /> <br /> == Branding and Logo ==<br /> <br /> 1. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A good price for full branding would be $3k-5k. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> <br /> 2 A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. Corporate IDs usually range from $5-25k unless you are a mid-cap company or Fortune 500 firm, in which case it would be more expensive.<br /> <br /> == PR and Marketing == <br /> <br /> 1. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. $75/hour would be a good deal. Average cost is $100-125/hr for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> <br /> 3. '''Monthly retainers''' are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement. Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> <br /> 4. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> <br /> 5. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> ----<br /> <br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but '''let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers!'''</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3610 2006-10-20T13:22:11Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know when to start marketing, what are the average ranges of costs, and advice from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> == General Advice ==<br /> <br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend too much in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> 4. Again, your branding and expenditures in these areas will depend on how many ''employees'' and ''income'' you have. If you have 1 employee AND are in the Valley of Death, you should spend as little as possible without hurting your image. For those of you in a growth phase, it may be time to expand your image/brand, so the investment is worth it. <br /> <br /> == Website Design and Programming ==<br /> <br /> 1. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Expect around $75/hour for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent, good-looking website that doesn't include heavy programming.<br /> <br /> == Branding and Logo ==<br /> <br /> 1. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A good price for full branding would be $3k-5k. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> <br /> 2 A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. Corporate IDs usually range from $5-25k unless you are a mid-cap company or Fortune 500 firm, in which case it would be more expensive.<br /> <br /> == PR and Marketing == <br /> <br /> 1. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. $75/hour would be a good deal. Average cost is $100-125/hr for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> <br /> 3. Monthly retainers are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. ''Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement.'' Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> <br /> 4. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> <br /> 5. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> ----<br /> <br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but '''let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers!'''</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3609 2006-10-20T13:21:39Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know when to start marketing, what are the average ranges of costs, and advice from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> == General Advice ==<br /> <br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend too much in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> 4. Again, your branding and expenditures in these areas will depend on how many ''employees'' and ''income'' you have. If you have 1 employee AND are in the Valley of Death, you should spend as little as possible without hurting your image. For those of you in a growth phase, it may be time to expand your image/brand, so the investment is worth it. <br /> <br /> == Website Design and Programming ==<br /> <br /> 1. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Expect around $75/hour for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent, good-looking website that doesn't include heavy programming.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Branding and Logo ==<br /> <br /> 1. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A good price for full branding would be $3k-5k. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> <br /> 2 A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. Corporate IDs usually range from $5-25k unless you are a mid-cap company or Fortune 500 firm, in which case it would be more expensive.<br /> <br /> <br /> == PR and Marketing == <br /> <br /> 1. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. $75/hour would be a good deal. Average cost is $100-125/hr for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> <br /> 3. Monthly retainers are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. ''Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement.'' Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> <br /> 4. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> <br /> 5. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> ----<br /> <br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but '''let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers!'''</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3608 2006-10-20T13:21:28Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know when to start marketing, what are the average ranges of costs, and advice from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> == General Advice ==<br /> <br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend too much in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> 4. Again, your branding and expenditures in these areas will depend on how many ''employees'' and ''income'' you have. If you have 1 employee AND are in the Valley of Death, you should spend as little as possible without hurting your image. For those of you in a growth phase, it may be time to expand your image/brand, so the investment is worth it. <br /> <br /> <br /> == Website Design and Programming ==<br /> <br /> 1. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Expect around $75/hour for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent, good-looking website that doesn't include heavy programming.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Branding and Logo ==<br /> <br /> 1. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A good price for full branding would be $3k-5k. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> <br /> 2 A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. Corporate IDs usually range from $5-25k unless you are a mid-cap company or Fortune 500 firm, in which case it would be more expensive.<br /> <br /> <br /> == PR and Marketing == <br /> <br /> 1. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. $75/hour would be a good deal. Average cost is $100-125/hr for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> <br /> 3. Monthly retainers are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. ''Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement.'' Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> <br /> 4. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> <br /> 5. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> ----<br /> <br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but '''let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers!'''</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3607 2006-10-20T13:20:42Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know when to start marketing, what are the average ranges of costs, and advice from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> == General Advice ==<br /> <br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend too much in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> 4. Again, your branding and expenditures in these areas will depend on how many ''employees'' and ''income'' you have. If you have 1 employee AND are in the Valley of Death, you should spend as little as possible without hurting your image. For those of you in a growth phase, it may be time to expand your image/brand, so the investment is worth it. <br /> <br /> ----<br /> == Website Design and Programming ==<br /> <br /> 1. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Expect around $75/hour for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent, good-looking website that doesn't include heavy programming.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Branding and Logo ==<br /> <br /> 1. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A good price for full branding would be $3k-5k. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> <br /> 2 A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. Corporate IDs usually range from $5-25k unless you are a mid-cap company or Fortune 500 firm, in which case it would be more expensive.<br /> <br /> <br /> == PR and Marketing == <br /> <br /> 1. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. $75/hour would be a good deal. Average cost is $100-125/hr for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> <br /> 3. Monthly retainers are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. ''Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement.'' Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> <br /> 4. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> <br /> 5. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> ----<br /> <br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but '''let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers!'''</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3606 2006-10-20T05:36:33Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know when to start marketing, what are the average ranges of costs, and advice from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> '''General Advice'''<br /> <br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend too much in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> 4. Again, your branding and expenditures in these areas will depend on how many ''employees'' and ''income'' you have. If you have 1 employee AND are in the Valley of Death, you should spend as little as possible without hurting your image. For those of you in a growth phase, it may be time to expand your image/brand, so the investment is worth it. <br /> <br /> ----<br /> '''Website Design and Programming'''<br /> <br /> 1. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Expect around $75/hour for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent, good-looking website that doesn't include heavy programming.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''Branding and Logo'''<br /> <br /> 1. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A good price for full branding would be $3k-5k. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> <br /> 2 A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. Corporate IDs usually range from $5-25k unless you are a mid-cap company or Fortune 500 firm, in which case it would be more expensive.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''PR and Marketing''' <br /> <br /> 1. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. $75/hour would be a good deal. Average cost is $100-125/hr for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> <br /> 3. Monthly retainers are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. ''Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement.'' Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> <br /> 4. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> <br /> 5. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> ----<br /> <br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but '''let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers!'''</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3605 2006-10-20T05:30:53Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know when to start marketing, what are the average ranges of costs, and advice from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> '''General Advice'''<br /> <br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend too much in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> 4. Again, your branding and expenditures in these areas will depend on how many ''employees'' and ''income'' you have. If you have 1 employee AND are in the Valley of Death, you should spend as little as possible without hurting your image. For those of you in a growth phase, it may be time to expand your image/brand, so the investment is worth it. <br /> <br /> ----<br /> '''Website Design and Programming'''<br /> <br /> 1. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Expect around $75/hour for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent, good-looking website that doesn't include heavy programming.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''Branding and Logo'''<br /> <br /> 1. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A good price for full branding would be $3k-5k. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> <br /> 2 A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. Corporate IDs usually range from $5-25k unless you are a mid-cap company or Fortune 500 firm, in which case it would be more expensive.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''PR and Marketing''' <br /> <br /> 1. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. $75/hour would be a good deal. Average cost is $100-125/hr for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> <br /> 3. Monthly retainers are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. ''Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement.'' Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> <br /> 4. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> <br /> 5. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> ----<br /> <br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers!</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3604 2006-10-20T05:29:31Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know when to start marketing, what are the average ranges of costs, and advice from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> '''General Advice'''<br /> <br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend money in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> 4. Again, your branding and expenditures in these areas will depend on how many ''employees'' and ''income'' you have. If you have 1 employee AND are in the Valley of Death, you should spend as little as possible without hurting your image. For those of you in a growth phase, it may be time to expand your image/brand, so the investment is worth it. <br /> <br /> ----<br /> '''Website Design and Programming'''<br /> <br /> 1. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Expect around $75/hour for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent, good-looking website that doesn't include heavy programming.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''Branding and Logo'''<br /> <br /> 1. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A good price for full branding would be $3k-5k. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> <br /> 2 A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. Corporate IDs usually range from $5-25k unless you are a mid-cap company or Fortune 500 firm, in which case it would be more expensive.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''PR and Marketing''' <br /> <br /> 1. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. $75/hour would be a good deal. Average cost is $100-125/hr for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> <br /> 3. Monthly retainers are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. ''Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement.'' Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> <br /> 4. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> <br /> 5. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> ----<br /> <br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers!</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3603 2006-10-20T05:29:06Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know when to start marketing, what are the average ranges of costs, and advice from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> '''General Advice'''<br /> <br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend money in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> 4. Again, your branding and expenditures in these areas will depend on how many ''employees'' and ''income'' you have. If you have 1 employee AND are in the Valley of Death, you should spend as little as possible without hurting your image. For those of you in a growth phase, it may be time to expand your image/brand, so the investment is worth it. <br /> <br /> ----<br /> '''Website Design and Programming'''<br /> <br /> 1. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Expect around $75/hour for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent, good-looking website that doesn't include heavy programming.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''Branding and Logo'''<br /> <br /> 1. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A good price for full branding would be $3k-5k. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> <br /> 2 A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. Corporate IDs usually range from $5-25k unless you are a mid-cap company or Fortune 500 firm, in which case it would be more expensive.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''PR and Marketing''' <br /> <br /> 1. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. $75/hour would be a good deal. Average cost is $100-125/hr for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> <br /> 3. Monthly retainers are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. ''Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement.'' Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> <br /> 4. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> <br /> 5. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> ----<br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers!</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3602 2006-10-20T05:27:36Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know when to start marketing, what are the average ranges of costs, and advice from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> '''General Advice'''<br /> <br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend money in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> 4. Again, your branding and expenditures in these areas will depend on how many ''employees'' and ''income'' you have. If you have 1 employee AND are in the Valley of Death, you should spend as little as possible without hurting your image. For those of you in a growth phase, it may be time to expand your image/brand, so the investment is worth it. <br /> <br /> ----<br /> '''Website Design and Programming'''<br /> <br /> 1. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Expect around $75/hour for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent site.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''Branding and Logo'''<br /> <br /> 1. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A decent price for full branding would be $3k-5k. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> <br /> 2 A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. Corporate IDs usually range from $5-25k unless you are a mid-cap company or Fortune 500 firm, in which case it would be more expensive.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''PR and Marketing''' <br /> <br /> 1. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. $75/hour would be a good deal. Average cost is $100-125/hr for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> <br /> 3. Monthly retainers are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. ''Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement.'' Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> <br /> 4. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> <br /> 5. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> ----<br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers!</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3601 2006-10-20T05:26:38Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know when to start marketing, what are the average ranges of costs, and advice from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> '''General Advice'''<br /> <br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend money in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> 4. Again, your branding and expenditures in these areas will depend on how many ''employees'' and ''income'' you have. If you have 1 employee AND are in the Valley of Death, you should spend as little as possible without hurting your image. For those of you in a growth phase, it may be time to expand your image/brand. <br /> <br /> ----<br /> '''Website Design and Programming'''<br /> <br /> 1. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Expect around $75/hour for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent site.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''Branding and Logo'''<br /> <br /> 1. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A decent price for full branding would be $3k-5k. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> <br /> 2 A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. Corporate IDs usually range from $5-25k unless you are a mid-cap company or Fortune 500 firm, in which case it would be more expensive.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''PR and Marketing''' <br /> <br /> 1. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. $75/hour would be a good deal. Average cost is $100-125/hr for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> <br /> 3. Monthly retainers are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. ''Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement.'' Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> <br /> 4. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> <br /> 5. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> ----<br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers!</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3600 2006-10-20T05:21:51Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know when to start marketing, what are the average ranges of costs, and advice from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> '''General Advice'''<br /> <br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend money in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> ----<br /> '''Website Design and Programming'''<br /> <br /> 1. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Expect around $75/hour for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent site.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''Branding and Logo'''<br /> <br /> 1. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A decent price for full branding would be $3k-5k. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> <br /> 2 A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. Corporate IDs usually range from $5-25k unless you are a mid-cap company or Fortune 500 firm, in which case it would be more expensive.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''PR and Marketing''' <br /> <br /> 1. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. $75/hour would be a good deal. Average cost is $100-125/hr for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> <br /> 3. Monthly retainers are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. ''Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement.'' Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> <br /> 4. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> <br /> 5. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> ----<br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers!</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3599 2006-10-20T05:21:22Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know when to start marketing, what are the average ranges of costs, and advice from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> '''General Advice'''<br /> <br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend money in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> ----<br /> '''Website Design and Programming'''<br /> <br /> 1. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Expect around $75/hour for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent site.<br /> <br /> '''Branding and Logo'''<br /> <br /> 1. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A decent price for full branding would be $3k-5k. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> <br /> 2 A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. Corporate IDs usually range from $5-25k unless you are a mid-cap company or Fortune 500 firm, in which case it would be more expensive.<br /> <br /> '''PR and Marketing''' <br /> <br /> 1. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. $75/hour would be a good deal. Average cost is $100-125/hr for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> <br /> 3. Monthly retainers are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. ''Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement.'' Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> <br /> 4. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> <br /> 5. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> ----<br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers.</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3598 2006-10-20T05:19:59Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know when to start marketing, what are the average ranges of costs, and advice from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> '''General Advice'''<br /> <br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend money in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> '''Website Design and Programming'''<br /> <br /> 1. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Expect around $75/hour for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent site.<br /> <br /> '''Branding and Logo'''<br /> <br /> 1. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A decent price for full branding would be $3k-5k. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> <br /> 2 A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. Corporate IDs usually range from $5-25k unless you are a mid-cap company or Fortune 500 firm, in which case it would be more expensive.<br /> <br /> '''PR and Marketing''' <br /> <br /> 1. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. $75/hour would be a good deal. Average cost is $100-125/hr for a good firm.<br /> <br /> 2. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> <br /> 3. Monthly retainers are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. ''Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement.'' Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> <br /> 4. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> <br /> 5. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> <br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers.</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3597 2006-10-20T05:19:05Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know when to start marketing, what are the average ranges of costs, and advice from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> '''General Advice'''<br /> <br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend money in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> '''Website Design and Programming'''<br /> 1. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Expect around $75/hour for a good firm.<br /> 2. Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent site.<br /> <br /> '''Branding and Logo'''<br /> 1. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A decent price for full branding would be $3k-5k. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> 2 A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. Corporate IDs usually range from $5-25k unless you are a mid-cap company or Fortune 500 firm, in which case it would be more expensive.<br /> <br /> '''PR and Marketing''' <br /> 1. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. $75/hour would be a good deal. Average cost is $100-125/hr for a good firm.<br /> 2. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> 3. Monthly retainers are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. ''Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement.'' Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> 4. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> 5. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> <br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers.</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3596 2006-10-20T05:17:46Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know when to start marketing, what are the average ranges of costs, and advice from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> '''General Advice'''<br /> <br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend money in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> '''Website design and programming''' <br /> 1. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Expect around $75/hour for a good firm.<br /> 2. Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent site.<br /> <br /> '''Branding and Logo'''<br /> 1. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A decent price for full branding would be $3k-5k. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> 2 A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. Corporate IDs usually range from $5-25k unless you are a mid-cap company or Fortune 500 firm, in which case it would be more expensive.<br /> <br /> '''PR and Marketing''' <br /> 1. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. $75/hour would be a good deal. Average cost is $100-125/hr for a good firm.<br /> 2. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> 3. Monthly retainers are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. ''Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement.'' Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> 4. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> 5. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> <br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers.</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=PR_and_Marketing&diff=3595 2006-10-20T05:12:29Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap businesses will need PR and Marketing at some point. How do you know when to start marketing, what are the average ranges of costs, and advice from fellow Bootstrappers? <br /> <br /> '''General Advice'''<br /> 1. Identify where you are in your company's cycle. As a startup, you should focus on selling your product and getting customer input. To save money, barter for services or do them yourself as best you can. You wouldn't want to spend money in this area before you really develop your customer base.<br /> <br /> 2. Ask for referrals from Bootstrappers or successful firms in your industry. Make sure the professionals that you hire understand and work in your industry. You don't want to be their ginnea pig or teach them about your business when they should be the experts.<br /> <br /> 3. ALWAYS get it in writing. Don't just sign the contract provided by the firm. Make sure goals, timelines, objectives, and deliverables are provided. Don't pay up front. Instead, try to bargain to pay at pre-agreed intervals that are based on percentage of completion. <br /> <br /> '''Website design and programming'''. Prices range from $50/hour on the average end to $75-$95/hour for high-end programming and graphics (Java, Flash, backend tool). Sites can range from $1000 on the low end to $25k depending on how advanced the interface is. Expect to spend $2500-3k for a decent site.<br /> <br /> '''Branding''' and Logo creation. Some companies that charge a flat fee of $250-500 with various degrees of success. <br /> 1. A true branding company will often charge $5-10k for a total marketing collateral package. This will include logos, stationary, a brand image, design fees, and brochures. <br /> 2. '''Logo'''. Expect at least $500 for a decent logo. A decent price for full branding would be $3k-5k.<br /> <br /> <br /> '''PR and Marketing'''. The average range is $50-$200/hour. Smaller or newer PR firms will charge less. The more high-end or successful the firm, the more they cost. A yearly cost may be $10-15k for a startup and $25-30k for the first phase of growth, perhaps when you are hiring employees and trying to keep up with business.<br /> <br /> 1. Event marketing and PR is often 15-25% of the total budget. If the event budget is a $100K, the firm may spend upwards of $15k in consulting services fees, if not more. <br /> <br /> 2. Monthly retainers are common, but not required. They're often $2k on the low end to 10k+ on the highend. ''Ask if the retainer fee includes all costs, such as writing and placement.'' Retainers below $2k/mo should be suspect.<br /> <br /> 3. You can hire a freelance PR person, but they won't have as much focus on your business. Press releases are about $500 each, which should include creation of the release and sending to the appropriate sources. <br /> <br /> Elance.com has a list of providers who can do all of these functions, but let's try to support our fellow Bootstrappers.</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=Issue_three&diff=3586 2006-10-18T19:43:11Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap Ambassadors. I was wondering if we can hold Ambassadors accountable for keeping up with their organization. Once they sign up, how do we know if they continue to create synergy and negotiate deals for us? One of the duties is to update our calendar with meeting times and events of these other organizations. I've been going through to update the calendar myself because I never see events from half the organizations even though I know they have them.<br /> <br /> Solution: Ambassadors should be polled every few months to make sure they're informing the Bootstrap community of their organization's events. We can also ask whether they are still involved enough in the organization to continue serving as ambassador.<br /> <br /> <br /> ------<br /> Dee Copeland, CRS, GRI, e-PRO<br /> Investment Specialist<br /> Keller Williams Realty<br /> Phone: (512)-697-9140<br /> Hotline/Fax: (877)-TEAM-DEE<br /> http://www.DeeCopelandTeam.com<br /> http://www.TexasRealtyBlog.com</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=Issue_three&diff=3585 2006-10-18T19:42:39Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>Bootstrap Ambassadors. I was wondering if we can hold Ambassadors accountable for keeping up with their organization. Once they sign up, how do we know if they continue to create synergy and negotiate deals for us? One of the duties is to update our calendar with meeting times and events of these other organizations. I've been going through to update the calendar myself because I never see events from half the organizations even though I know they have them.<br /> <br /> Solution: Ambassadors should be polled every few months to make sure they're informing the Bootstrap community of their organization's events. We can also ask whether they are still involved enough in the organization to continue serving as ambassador.</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=Issue_two&diff=3581 2006-10-18T14:14:48Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Meeting Venue ==I was wondering what you would all think about having the venue be the Austin Club or UT Club. I am a member of the Austin Society as well as the UT Club. The UT Club has a '''free happy hour buffet''' from 5-7pm every day and $2 Margaritas. <br /> <br /> http://utclub.com/dining/happy_hour.htm<br /> http://austinsociety.com/clubs/university_club.htm<br /> <br /> At the UT Club, we'd have free meeting space and they provide projectors. They can also helps set up the room. It would be a more quiet place to go and the rooms are cool. Free food is also a plus. :-)<br /> <br /> <br /> P.S. I'm not sure how to change this title, so jump in and help if you want...<br /> <br /> Dee Copeland, CRS, GRI, e-PRO<br /> Keller Williams Realty<br /> Phone: (512)-697-9140<br /> Hotline/Fax: (877)-TEAM-DEE<br /> http://www.DeeCopelandTeam.com<br /> http://www.TexasRealtyBlog.com</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=Issue_two&diff=3580 2006-10-18T14:08:28Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Meeting Venue ==I was wondering what you would all think about having the venue be the Austin Club or UT Club. I am a member of the Austin Society as well as the UT Club. The UT Club has a '''free happy hour buffet''' from 5-7pm every day and $2 Margaritas. <br /> <br /> http://utclub.com/dining/happy_hour.htm<br /> http://austinsociety.com/clubs/university_club.htm<br /> <br /> At the UT Club, we'd have free meeting space and they provide projectors. They can also helps set up the room. It would be a more quiet place to go and the rooms are cool. Free food is also a plus. :-)<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Dee Copeland, CRS, GRI, e-PRO<br /> Keller Williams Realty<br /> Phone: (512)-697-9140<br /> Hotline/Fax: (877)-TEAM-DEE<br /> http://www.DeeCopelandTeam.com<br /> http://www.TexasRealtyBlog.com</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=Issue_two&diff=3578 2006-10-18T14:04:16Z

<p>Dechontelle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Meeting Venue ==I was wondering what you would all think about having the venue be the Austin Club or UT Club. I am a member of the Austin Society as well as the UT Club. The UT Club has a free happy hour buffet from 5-7pm every day and $2 Margaritas. http://austinsociety.com/clubs/university_club.htm<br /> <br /> At the UT Club, we'd have free meeting space and they provide projectors. They can also helps set up the room. It would be a more quiet place to go and the rooms are cool. Free food is also a plus. :-)<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Dee Copeland, CRS, GRI, e-PRO<br /> Investment Specialist<br /> Keller Williams Realty<br /> Phone: (512)-697-9140<br /> Hotline/Fax: (877)-TEAM-DEE<br /> http://www.DeeCopelandTeam.com<br /> http://www.TexasRealtyBlog.com</div>

Dechontelle https://wiki.bootstrapaustin.org/index.php?title=Issue_two&diff=3577 2006-10-18T14:01:35Z

<p>Dechontelle: Meeting Venue</p> <hr /> <div>I was wondering what you would all think about having the venue be the Austin Club or UT Club. I am a member of the Austin Society as well as the UT Club. The UT Club has a free happy hour buffet from 5-7pm every day and $2 Margaritas. http://austinsociety.com/clubs/university_club.htm<br /> <br /> At the UT Club, we'd have free meeting space and they provide projectors. They can also helps set up the room. It would be a more quiet place to go and the rooms are cool. Free food is also a plus. :-)<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Dee Copeland, CRS, GRI, e-PRO<br /> Investment Specialist<br /> Keller Williams Realty<br /> Phone: (512)-697-9140<br /> Hotline/Fax: (877)-TEAM-DEE<br /> http://www.DeeCopelandTeam.com<br /> http://www.TexasRealtyBlog.com</div>

Dechontelle