Below is a list of our most commonly asked questions, it also includes general info on our work process, inclusions and exclusions, and contract and payment terms. Have a walkthrough and if you still have questions don’t hesitate to ask »
- SO HOW DO I KNOW IF YOU’RE RIGHT FOR ME & MY PROJECT? »
- WHAT’S WITH THE NAME THE SALTY OLIVE? »
- HOW DO YOU WORK, WHAT IS YOUR PROCESS? »
- CAN I WORK WITH YOU IF I DON’T LIVE NEAR YOU? »
- I’M REALLY EXCITED TO GET STARTED, BUT ALSO A LITTLE NERVOUS, THIS IS MY BUSINESSES MOST IMPORTANT MARKETING TOOL, AND I REALLY WANT TO GET IT RIGHT. CAN YOU SPEAK TO THAT? »
- DO I HAVE TO COME UP WITH MY OWN PHOTOS FOR MY SITE? »
- I HAVE HEARD HORROR STORIES ABOUT SKEEVY DESIGNERS WHO DIDN’T GET BACK TO THEIR CLIENTS, DIDN’T LISTEN, DIDN’T COMMUNICATE, AND LEFT THEM HANGING… ARE YOU ONE OF THOSE? »
- DO YOU TAKE CREDIT CARDS? »
SO HOW DO I KNOW IF YOU’RE RIGHT FOR ME & MY PROJECT?
You probably already knew it within moments of landing on this website… and that is why you’re still reading, instead of off onto the next one. You may now just be gathering more info to make sure it really IS a good fit. The truth is, if my work speaks to you on that kind of instant gut level, then we are likely already a great fit, cause your gut already called it 😉 Of course, the absolute best way to find out, is to send me an email, or call, or however you prefer to communicate, so you can better get a sense of that for yourself. I am not about convincing you of my value for you or your business, rather what I aim to do is display the value I have to offer as clearly as possible so that you can decide for yourself if it is just the thing you need, or not. No urgency, no bull, no underhanded tactics, and no ulterior motives… just the meeting of a genuine need with a genuine service. A simple exchange of value for both parties… no pumped-up promises to wade through, just the goods and a clear and honest connection, that’s what I aim to deliver. If that sounds good to you, get in touch! I’d love to be of service. Back to top »
WHAT’S WITH THE NAME “THE SALTY OLIVE”?
To be honest, it just came to me one day, and it felt absolutely right. Not only is it simple and easy to remember, but it speaks to the “flavor” that much of my work possesses. The ‘salty’ part works just like regular salt works in cooking – it brings out the NATURAL FLAVOR of the food – and that’s what we do around here, bring out your unique ‘flavor’. The ‘olive’ part speaks to something that is light and yet substantial and nourishing, in cooking fats are the grounding and sustaining element of the meal, and that’s what we do around here too… create a grounded brand presence that will sustain and nurture you and your people for years to come! Back to top »
HOW DO YOU WORK, WHAT IS YOUR PROCESS?
I currently only take on 7 clients per calendar year via annual packages that are paid monthly. This puts me at your fingertips as your brand consultant and art director for the year, you’ll have a warm and reliable support space for all your branding woo’s and whoas. 😂 You can view my currently available packages here » Or you can just shoot me an email or give me a call! There’s never any pressure or obligation of any kind. Back to the top »
CAN I WORK WITH YOU IF I DON’T LIVE NEAR YOU?
Absolutely. In fact, 100% of my clients are not local to the small Northern California town I live in. I work with people all over the world via email, phone, zoom, or tin-can telephone. (just kidding on that last one) Back to the top »
I’M REALLY EXCITED TO GET STARTED, BUT ALSO A LITTLE NERVOUS, THIS IS MY BUSINESSES MOST IMPORTANT MARKETING TOOL, AND I REALLY WANT TO GET IT RIGHT. CAN YOU SPEAK TO THAT?
Yes. Your brand look and feel IS your single most important marketing tool in this day and age, and it’s perfectly understandable that you would feel a kind of delicious mixture of excitement and nerves. This is a good thing, because it means your boundaries are being pushed a little and the time for expanding your business to the next level has begun. If I were to speak directly to your nerves, I would ask them what it is they want, and they would probably tell me that they want the new look and feel to result in sales. I would then ask them what it is that drew you to consider THIS sale (of investing in your new website here with me) — and they would most likely tell me something so terribly simple, that it’s almost unbelievable… they would tell me: “because it’s beautiful, and it captivated me”. That’s right, as over-simplified as it sounds, we are visual creatures. We buy based on what pleases our senses, we buy books by their covers and wines by their labels, and when on the web, it’s the very same way. These designs are not only visually appealing, they resonate on a level that is difficult to even put words to… I hear this from my clients again and again. There is a FELT presence in them that draws your viewer in, and reflects back to them the quality of experience they were looking for when they came to your site in the first place. What led you here, is the very same thing that will lead your people to you.
As we all know too well, there are simply no guarantees in life. People sometimes say this is a drag, but to tell you the truth I believe it to be one of the greatest privileges, for we could not have the thrill of adventure without it. To be able to take that leap, and step out into previously uncharted territories, not knowing how it will turn out, is one of the greatest gifts of being alive, and it’s what we entrepreneurs were BORN FOR. Like a sailor on the open seas, there is no telling what is yet to come, but we do it for the love of the ride. And since this is branding we’re talking about and not an old-timey ship, you don’t have to worry about getting scurvy, or ending up with a peg-leg or anything. Pretty good deal if you ask me.
DO I HAVE TO COME UP WITH MY OWN PHOTOS FOR MY SITE?
This is entirely up to you, the vast majority of my clients rely on what is called Royalty Free or Stock Photography if they do not have stellar photographs of their own. Stellar photography is absolutely essential to good design, so if you don’t have them, I can get them for you, and that is in fact a BIG part of my process in the design. Choosing photos whose angle, light, hues, tones, and “feel” not only compliment eachother, but your brand all across the board, is my specialty. Stock photography is NOT included in my packages, but you can set your own budget for it and I will work within that budget.If your business is around products rather than services, or you are a personal brand then yes, you will need to have your own photography done. Just be sure to pick an absolutely fabulous photographer when you do, as this is vital to your overall look and feel (and I can help you pick one if need be). Back to the top »
I HAVE HEARD HORROR STORIES ABOUT SKEEVY DESIGNERS WHO DIDN’T GET BACK TO THEIR CLIENTS, DIDN’T LISTEN, DIDN’T COMMUNICATE, AND LEFT THEM HANGING… ARE YOU ONE OF THOSE?
Well, let’s be perfectly honest and admit right now that if I was, I certainly wouldn’t tell you I was. That is why I would never expect you take my word for it… you can take my clients word for it instead. One of the most consistent compliments I’ve received from my customers is their disbelief in how much I was there for them, and cared for them, how easy I was to work with, and how quickly I responded to their every request and concern throughout the process, and never once left them hanging. And unlike many in this field who set up shop and disappear overnight, I have owned and run this business successfully for over 20 years now! But again, don’t take it from me, take it from my long list of over-the-moon clients…. Click Here for Reviews & References »
DO YOU TAKE CREDIT CARDS?
Yes. I take credit card payments online via my billing system, which is required for all annual packages that choose monthly payments. The monthly payments auto-draft each month on the 1st or the date of your choosing. Monthly payments can be drafted via credit card, debit card, or e-check. You can also pay in full for the year and receive a discount for doing so, if you go this route you can mail a check by snail mail as well. Unfortunately, I don’t accept actual snails, “clams”, monopoly money, or pinky-swears at this time. 😉 All credit card transactions are charged a 3.5% processing fee. Back to the top »
we'll help bring out your unique
brilliance
so you can stand out in the crowd
The power of great design in branding your business is that it not only excites and inspires your clients, but it excites and inspires you too! When you meet your genuine brand, all fleshed out before you, it re-invigorates and re-inspires YOU about it too, it brings your vision to life in a whole new way, and that inspiration goes right back into the business… equipping you with everything you need to meet your market head-on, and grow your business from a fresh and strong foundation. As a successful business owner you already know that whether you’re selling a product or a service, what you’re really selling is an EXPERIENCE, and the best way to sell an experience is to give your prospective customers a “taste”. Here at The Salty Olive we specialize in just that very thing, and we’ve been doing it for 16+ years: distilling it all down to the heart of your business, and designing all your marketing materials to do just that—give your clients a true “taste” and FEEL for YOUR UNIQUE BRAND EXPERIENCE. The fact is people connect on a tactile, and emotional level through words and imagery—it’s what moves them and ultimately inspires them to choose you—that’s why we design your brand as an answer to what your clients most want to feel and experience, because when you do that, you go from being A choice for them, to being THE choice for them.