Building trust as a marketing partner

As an agency that is project-based (not on a retainer with clients), we know we are only as good as the last experience delivered. To keep clients coming back for more, we must not only do our very best strategic and creative work but also ensure every experience is top-notch. A client once told me, “You’re only as good as your most recent work for us,” and that struck me.

This comment underscored the need to do it right every time. Today, with more than 2,000 projects a year, it’s still our goal to build trust at every turn. 

We recognize that trust isn’t given—it’s earned. Over time, clients come to trust an agency when the team shows up consistently, communicates honestly, and cares about our clients’ business as much as we do. 

Beyond our culture and values, we work hard to build win-win partnerships by:

Taking time to truly understand our client’s business

• We don’t just pitch ideas—we ask thoughtful questions and listen closely.
• We understand our client’s business goals, challenges, audience, and industry.
• We recommend specific and measurable strategies.

Bringing smart, strategic thinking to the table

• From day one, we offer insights that sharpen our collective thinking.
• We balance bold creative with real business logic and present evolutionary and revolutionary concepts when desired.
• We don’t need to be “pushed”—we’re already thinking ahead.

Being transparent and communicative

• We make sure clients know where things stand—good or bad.
• We are up front about budgets, timing, and expectations.
• If something goes wrong, we don’t hide it. We fix it.

Delivering results

• We focus on performance, not just pretty work.
• We measure (or the client measures) our impact in metrics that matter.
• We track, report, and adjust as needed.

Acting like a partner, not just a vendor

• We are dependable—we don’t need to be chased down.
• We check in regularly, keep the client informed, and bring ideas proactively.
• We understand the client’s internal pressures and help them look good.

Operating with integrity

• We are not afraid to say no to things that won’t work.
• We recommend what’s best for the client’s business, even when it’s not the easiest path.
• We keep our word.

In short, we aim to show each client—project after project—that we’re in it with them. This is how trust is earned—every single day.