FAQs
Frequently-Asked Questions
Today's business landscape is no longer about fitting in. It's about standing out.
In a world of copycat offerings and outwardly-identical business models, a company needs to create brand and value differentiation in the minds of its new and existing customers.
So, we practice what we preach: Part of how we demonstrate our differentiation from other marketing companies is our outlook, our approach, our values and our opinions.
We don't just like to think that we're different. We know we are.
After reading the following, hopefully you will too.
"Are You A Marketing Agency?"
Not quite. We're a team who use our talents and experience to help small to medium-sized organizations, in a variety of ways. Some of those are in marketing and communications, but many of them are not.
We offer a range of integrated marketing services because we believe that's what companies need today. Integrated marketing for integrated businesses. A single touchpoint for strategy, operations, and execution.
Marketing Strategy
Tactical Execution
Behavioral Science
Branding
Creative Design
Lead Generation
Perhaps you're a manufacturer looking for resellers - at home or overseas - and need someone to find them and manage them.
Maybe you're looking for ways of generating leads using the web, mobile devices, video, or email. Or maybe what you need is something else entirely.
We're not a marketing agency, since marketing isn't all that we do. It's not a traditional customer/supplier relationship that we're talking about here.
"What's Your Hourly Rate?"
We don't have an hourly rate.
What?!? Yes, it's true - we don't. How come? Because we think that charging by the hour prevents us (i.e. that's you and us) working to our fullest potential.
We see many downsides by working on projects and charging by the hour :
We think it's far better for everyone concerned that we charge for the project as a fixed amount, regardless of project duration. That way you know exactly how much the job is going to cost, and we can concentrate on delivering the best possible result. No-one's counting billable hours, because there aren't any.
If you REALLY insist on us charging on a per-hour basis (as we have been forced to do in the past) then sure, we'll do it.
However, from experience we don't believe that either of us are going to be as happy with the final result.
"How Do You Do What You Do?"
We are transparent
Just as with any successful partnership, we’re nothing less than 100% honest and upfront with you at all times. We let you know what we’re doing, why and how we’re doing it – and what it’s all costing you.
We are bold
We believe in aiming high, and standing out from the crowd. We aim for the remarkable, and won't settle for the routine.
There's a great quote from advertising master David Ogilvy that we love:
"Don't bunt. Aim out of the ball park. Aim for the company of immortals."
We are fun
We love what we do, and it shows. We have a great time doing it – “all work and no play”, and all that. If you’re looking for a straight-laced, gray-suited bunch of humorless clones, then move along.
We are inquisitive
In our book there’s no such thing as the ‘right way.” We believe in continually learning, experimenting, and exploring new ways to solve client problems.
We are flexible
Goals, expectations, environments, ideals, targets, missions – and budgets – can change. We can change with them.
"How Much Do Your Marketing Services Cost?"
"How much do you charge for a website? Brand development? SEO? How about a full-option marketing engagement program?"
That's not how it works. At least, not with us. There's no "price list."
We consider every client engagement as being unique since every business has its own particular issues, needs, and goals. Our marketing services are designed specifically around each client's needs. As a result, it's impossible to give pricing details before we know about your business, your market, and your goals.
We're more expensive than hiring a freelancer. But we're more affordable compared to your costs of taking on a full-time marketing person.
In addition, you're getting the experience and capabilities of 19 marketing specialists, rather than just one individual. You also have more flexibility with us since there are no long term contracts, retainers, or commitments.
Let us know your budget and we'll do our very best to make it happen. If we think your marketing budget is too low for the results you're expecting, we'll let you know. Even if that means we don't end up working together. Really? Yes, really.
"What Marketing Packages Do You Offer?"
We don't have pre-built marketing packages. With us there's no such thing as "Small, Medium, or Large." How come?
Because offering marketing packages means delivering a cookie-cutter approach. It means we're copying and pasting a recipe we've used a gazillion times before, and using that to deliver marketing services for you.
We don't think that's the best way to do things. Neither for us, nor for you.
Every one of our marketing engagements is unique and different, because every one of our small business clients is unique and different.
Offering a 'marketing package' means we're going through the motions. Your business deserves better than that.
A successful marketing approach lies within the creation of a unique brand and marketing position. We don't believe that comes from using some 'formula'.
Pricing By Project
( not by time )
Instead of pricelists, hourly rates, or marketing packages, we work by project.
The problem with pricelists and packages is they're calculated based on time spent. That seems rather weird to us.
For example, you don't rate a feature film based upon its length, do you? Just because a movie is 2 hours long doesn't mean it's somehow 'better' than one lasting 90 minutes, right? Nor do you have to pay more to see it.
It's the same with us. We think it makes more sense for you to pay for a result, rather than how long it takes us to deliver it. Whether we take 10 hours or 100 hours to create a particular outcome, that shouldn't be your problem.
You shouldn't be buying time. You should be buying a result.
Another benefit of project-based engagements is that, by definition, they can never go over budget.
What you've agreed up front is what you end up paying at the end ( assuming no scope creep, of course ).
So we work with you to define project scope - the goals, timeline, and deliverables or metrics that define the project's success. The project is built based on the budget you've set.
Together, we design and implement a marketing plan that meets business goals as well as budget.
“Please Complete Our RFP”
We’re always happy to discuss an organization’s marketing needs and business goals. But we do not participate in Request For Proposals (RFPs), tenders, or pitches.
How come?
It’s quite simple. We don't believe such selection processes can be applied to industries where creativity is a contributory determinant factor. RFPs are great for finding an office supplies provider or vehicle leasing firm. But we don’t see their value when choosing the right marketing agency.
RFPs are designed to reduce the buying selection to purely commodity-based criteria such as price, features, or function. They are designed to make participants look the same, while a marketing provider's role is based around making you and your product stand out. To us, that’s paradoxical.
That's why we've never participated in RFPs, RFIs, RFQs, or ITTs in the 17 years we've been in business. If a prospective client cannot clearly determine the value and contribution we will bring to their business then we've failed as a marketing company.
In which case they shouldn't be engaging us in the first place, right?
Why "KEXINO" ?
Why is our marketing agency named KEXINO? What does the word "KEXINO" mean?
Actually there's no underlying meaning. When Gee set about coming up with a name for our agency, he wanted a word that met 4 criteria:
- It needed to be short and easy to pronounce
- It didn't make you think we were 'just' a marketing agency (since marketing isn't all we do)
- The .com domain was available
- It didn't translate as a rude word in another language
After much head-scratching, brainstorming, and the occasional glass of single malt whisky (imbibed purely as an aid to accelerate the creative process, you understand...) the name KEXINO was born.
Before You Hire Us…
Here are a few other things that you should know about us:
NO FLUFF.
ONE STEP AT A TIME.
YOU'RE GOING TO HEAR FROM US. A LOT.
WORK, WARTS 'N' ALL.
SUSTAINABLE WORK HABITS.
HUMOR MATTERS.
One more thing
Gina Kesler
"KEXINO has been fantastic creatively and they’re doing the right things from an SEO standpoint. We trust them fully because we’re seeing movement and success.
Although we’re in the US and they’re in France, their ability to coordinate schedules has been great. My urgency doesn’t translate to their ability to react, even with the time zone difference.”