Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Learn how we work, what to expect, and whether we’re the right partner for your team with clear answers to common questions about our approach, services, and collaboration process.
About Our Work
What does MC Digital Strategy do?
We are a digital strategy partner for value-led teams. We craft solutions that bring clarity to your message and consistency to your presence, helping you connect with purpose.
What kind of clients do you work with?
We partner with people looking to align their digital presence with their values. Our clients are committed to meaningful work and desire a strategic partner to amplify their impact.
Do you work with individuals or only organizations?
While our primary focus is with teams, we occasionally work with individuals leading value-driven initiatives. If you're unsure whether we're the right fit, feel free to reach out through our Connect page.
What makes MC Digital Strategy different from other agencies?
We build strategic systems that connect brand, message, and platform in one clear ecosystem. Our work is research-first, audience-centered, and always led by senior experts from start to finish. We specialize in community-based design. Making sure the work reflects the people it's meant for. Everything is designed to grow clarity, trust, and long-term impact. You can explore our past projects to see this in action.
Is MC Digital Strategy a full-service agency?
We offer full-scope communications strategy across media, brand, content, and web but we’re not a volume-based agency. We focus on meaningful, custom work that connects the strategy we create together to project execution.
Strategy & Process
What if we already have a brand or website?
That’s a great starting point! We often work with teams who need to refine, realign, or expand their existing messages, brand, or site. We’ll assess what’s working, identify gaps, and offer recommendations tailored to your goals.
What do you mean by ‘strategy-first’?
Our approach is based in research and intentionality. Before any design or development begins, we engage in a thorough discovery process to understand your goals, audience, and challenges. This ensures that every solution we craft is purposeful and aligned with your mission.
What’s your process like?
Our process encompasses five key phases:
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Listen: We start by understanding your current position, challenges, and audience needs.
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Plan: Based on insights, we develop a strategic roadmap tailored to your objectives.
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Map: We outline specific actions, tools, and timelines to bring the strategy to life.
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Launch: We execute the plan, ensuring all elements are optimized for impact.
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Grow: We stick with you 30 days post-launch, we assess performance and recommend adjustments for sustained growth
How do you ensure everything stays on track?
We utilize project management tools like Trello and Dropbox to keep all stakeholders informed and aligned. Regular check-ins and transparent communication are important to our collaborative approach.
How do you define success for a project?
We measure success by clarity, connection, and long-term impact. That includes both qualitative outcomes and user-centered metrics. We look at how well your message lands with your audience, how easy it is for people to navigate your platforms, and whether your digital presence reflects the full depth of your work. Stronger engagement, increased understanding of your mission, and consistent user experience across platforms are all key indicators. We’re not here for short-term spikes in engagement and vanity metrics.
Services & Capabilities
Do you build websites?
No. While a web design audit is a core offering, we provide a suite of services including:
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Communications Audits — Evaluating what’s working, what’s not, and where to focus for stronger results.
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Audience Research — Using interviews and data to understand who you’re reaching and what they need.
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Positioning Strategy — Defining how your organization is perceived and how to communicate your value clearly.
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Channel & Media Strategy — Identifying the right platforms and partnerships to reach your audiences effectively.
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Strategic Communication Planning — Turning insight into actionable plans with clear goals and metrics.
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Measurement & Optimization — Tracking performance and refining strategy for lasting impact.
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Training & Facilitation — Strengthening internal communication and alignment across teams.
Can I hire you for just one thing (like a logo or a flyer)?
Our strength lies in building cohesive communication ecosystems. While we occasionally undertake standalone projects, we prioritize engagements that allow us to create integrated strategies for lasting impact.
Can you help us write content for our site or materials?
Yes. We specialize in strategic messaging especially for research-based work. Whether you need full website copy, public-facing summaries, or narrative support, we’ll help shape your message so it lands clearly with the people who matter most to you.
Do you offer illustrations or visual storytelling?
We do offer illustrations as a premium service. Custom visuals are a core part of our work. From culturally grounded illustrations to icon sets and campaign graphics, we use design to translate your message, build trust, and support accessibility across audiences.
Do you offer consulting or training?
Yes. Our workshops are designed to equip teams with the skills and knowledge to manage and grow their digital presence confidently and create strategic plans.
Pricing & Timeline
How much do projects typically cost?
We use value-based pricing, customized to each project’s scope and complexity. Our focus is on delivering strategic, research-backed solutions that create measurable impact. For detailed pricing or estimates, contact us through our Connect page.
Do you take on smaller projects?
Most of our projects start at $80K and are built to support long-term growth across multiple audiences. For smaller engagements, we occasionally offer strategy intensives, communication audits, or workshops. If you’re exploring options, reach out through our Connect page so we can discuss your goals and determine if we’re the right fit.
Do you offer payment plans or phased work?
Yes. We often structure project payments around timeline milestones or offer phased scopes to align with funding cycles. We’ll talk through options during your consultation.
What’s your typical project timeline?
Timelines vary based on project scope and goals. We work with each client to set realistic schedules that support quality and long-term impact. Most projects run about six months to one year, though some evolve into ongoing partnerships.
Working With Us
How do I know if you’re the right partner?
We work with value-driven folks that need their digital presence to reflect the depth of their work and connect with the right people. We bring strategy, messaging, and design together to create aligned, audience-centered ecosystems built for clarity and long-term trust. If you would like to know more reach out and let's have a conversation.
What does the onboarding process look like?
After we align on scope, we’ll guide you through our onboarding process designed to set your project up for success. You’ll receive a custom Trello dashboard to track all milestones, feedback points, and deliverables. We’ll also set up your shared Dropbox folder, where you can upload brand assets and access all working files and final outputs.
Your kickoff call will walk through goals, timelines, and early priorities so everyone’s aligned from the start. We keep communication clear and focused through structured tools and direct check-ins, ensuring the project stays on track without unnecessary back-and-forth. You can preview what to expect on our onboarding overview.
Can we meet before we commit?
Yes. We always start with a discovery conversation to understand your needs, timeline, and audience(s). This helps us determine fit and propose the best path forward whether that’s a full ecosystem build or focused advisory support.
Who will I work with?
You'll collaborate directly with our co-founders:
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Nii Mahliaire, Ph.D.: Co-Founder & Communications Strategist, focusing on research-backed messaging and strategy.
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Marcus Mahliaire: Co-Founder & Lead Developer, specializing in intentional technical solutions.
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We also bring in trusted collaborators as needed to meet the specific goals of your project.
What do you need from me to get started?
We begin with a discovery conversation to understand your needs and goals. From there, we'll guide you through our onboarding process, ensuring a smooth and collaborative experience.
After the Project
Do you offer audits or reviews of existing brand or platforms?
Yes. We offer communications audits for teams who want clarity before committing to a larger redesign. We assess your current strategy, brand consistency, user experience, and opportunities for improvement and provide a tailored action plan.
What happens after the launch?
Upon project completion, we deliver all final assets, transfer platform access, and stay on for 30 days to support any final questions or adjustments. We’ll also invite you to share feedback or a testimonial. If you’d like to continue working together, we offer ongoing support through a custom retainer.
Do you offer maintenance or follow-ups?
We offer a 30-day support window after project completion to help with questions or small adjustments. For ongoing needs, we provide custom retainers for continued strategy, design, or technical support.
General FAQs Understanding Our Field
What makes a communication system different from a campaign?
A communication system is an ongoing, integrated framework that supports consistent messaging and engagement across various channels. In contrast, a campaign is a time-bound initiative focused on achieving specific goals. While campaigns are components of a communication system, the system ensures sustained and cohesive communication efforts long-term.
What is digital PR, and how is it different from traditional PR?
Digital PR focuses on building your online presence through strategies like content creation, SEO, and social media engagement, aiming to enhance visibility and credibility across digital platforms. Unlike traditional PR, which relies on print media and broadcast channels, digital PR leverages online tools to reach and engage with your audience directly.
What are digital solutions in communications?
Digital solutions in communications are the tools and systems that help organizations share information, engage audiences, and operate effectively online. This includes websites, content management systems, email marketing platforms, social media channels, and design frameworks as well as the strategies behind how those tools are used together. Digital solutions streamline internal workflows, improve audience targeting, and ensure consistent messaging across all digital touchpoints. They’re essential for organizations that want to communicate clearly, build trust, and grow their presence in a connected digital world.
What’s the difference between brand strategy and brand identity?
Brand strategy is the foundational plan that defines your brand's purpose, values, and positioning. It guides decision-making and communication efforts. Brand identity, on the other hand, is the visual and tangible expression of your brand strategy, including elements like logos, color schemes, and typography.
Do nonprofits and research teams really need PR?
Yes. Strategic PR helps nonprofits and research teams communicate clearly, share meaningful stories, and engage the people who matter most. It builds trust, attracts support, and amplifies your work beyond institutional walls. It also ensures that your message is accurate, accessible, and grounded in your values so the story being told is yours, not someone else’s.
What does it mean to take a research-first approach to design?
A research-first approach involves gathering insights about your audience, industry, and goals before initiating the design process. This ensures that the final design solutions are informed, strategic, and tailored to meet the specific needs and expectations of your target audience.
What is audience-centered communication?
Audience-centered communication prioritizes the needs, preferences, and values of your target audience. It involves crafting messages and choosing channels that resonate with them, generating engagement, and building meaningful connections.
Why does strategy matter before design or content creation?
Strategy provides a clear roadmap, ensuring that design and content efforts align with your objectives and audience needs. Without a strategic foundation, creative outputs may lack direction, leading to inconsistent messaging and missed opportunities for impact or might outright offend folks you are trying to connect with.