Research Services – Like consulting services, research is typically billed by the hour and costs can vary widely depending on the depth and scope of the research required. But after providing research services to hundreds of clients and brands, BCS can offer the following cost guidelines.

Primary Research usually refers to direct observation or inquiry with the subject of the research. This includes surveys, focus groups and one-on-one interviews. This kind of research, done right, is more expensive than secondary research but can be tremendously insightful when fine-tuning messaging and looking for practical insights that can create a strategic advantage when it comes to advertising, promotion or publicity.

Most primary research projects Mike has managed run in excess of $12,000 and can run as high as $50,000. The actual scope of the project is very budget dependent, so in order to keep costs in check as much as possible, be sure to have a very clear idea of what you want to learn and how broad an audience you want to understand.

There are less expensive ways to conduct primary research – primarily through online surveys and customer interviews. While this information can be very helpful, it still requires a good bit of time to interview or survey a broad sample group so that the results are reliably applicable to your situation.

Secondary Research is often less expensive, but can also tend to be “generic” and contradictory – especially if the source material isn’t exactly “on point” with what you want to know. This is where the experience Mike brings to the table can be so helpful.

Not only does Brand Central Station subscribe to a number of useful national database services, but Mike also has a broad depth of experience and pool of resources to call upon to help add insight to the data collected.

Most secondary research projects run in the $5,000 – $7,500 range and while the results often provide lots of answers, they can also open up new areas for more research and discussion down the road.

Facilitation Services – Sometimes knowing what to do just isn’t enough to actually get the job done. That’s when clients find it helpful to have Mike or another qualified outsider handle a project (and all of the potential problems that may result).

Project Management assignments can be on a “per project” basis or on a “retained” basis, as an extension of the consulting services offered to clients.

Project-related time is invoiced at $150/hour (and estimated in advance). Retained time is pre-billed (usually a lump sum of $1,500 – $2,500) and then billed at a rate of $100/hour, plus out-of-pocket and pre-approved expenses.

Agency Evaluations are sometimes required when the client doesn’t feel they’re getting the time, attention or quality of thinking they require from their ad agency, PR firm or digital services provider. Mike can assist with conducting an objective review of services and, if needed, manage a search and selection process that will bring in a new, qualified and enthusiastic partner more attuned to client needs.

The cost for an evaluation usually runs $3,000 – $9,000 (depending on time requirements/deadlines and location of the client).

Agency search and selection services typically run $7,500 – $20,000 depending on the size of the account, location of services and the number of agencies participating in the review.

Vendor Selection is often a headache that prevents clients from taking the steps necessary to take their brand to the next level.  Mike will work with the client team responsible for the brand to identify an appropriate scope of work and expectations and then do the legwork necessary to identify, pre-evaluate and present the “best of the best” for final selection.

Cost for this kind of service typically runs in the $3,000 – $12,000 range depending on the number of vendor candidates required for the final review, travel requirements and timing. In cases where the majority of the sourcing can be done remotely (via online and phone), the costs can even be less.

Online/Digital Services – For small businesses, most non-profit organizations and creators, the first steps toward building a marketable brand need to be taken online. That’s where Mike has developed a suite of online services that are affordably priced and also effective.

Web Development costs can run as low as $500 for a basic, one-page site. Costs go up from there but are clearly and completely explained to the client before work begins. Need help writing content, acquiring photos, etc.? Not a problem, BCS has the resource pool to dive into for those services at almost any price.

Web Maintenance is a must for brands who have an online presence. Ignoring your brand’s website means, in essence, you’re ignoring your brand. And at a price starting as low as $100/quarter, Brand Central Station can make sure your brand doesn’t die a slow death online.

Social Media Management is an essential part of any brand-building program, whether you’re trying to attract fans, followers, friends or customers. BCS manages campaigns across a number of different platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube to name a few) for as little as $5 a post.

Set-up charges apply to get things started, but typical campaigns run anywhere from $150/month to $750/month.

Email Marketing Programs are the most cost-effect means of reaching and engaging your audience online, yet most brands fail when it comes to the effective use of email to build rapport with their customers and engage an audience.

Email marketing programs usually consist of two parts: the subscription to the service providing the distribution of emails and management of lists (starting around $35/month and going up from there) and the content creation/management function provided by BCS (starting at $150/campaign).

Digital Public Relations Suite consists of four important tools taht can assist you in brand-building through “earned media.” Whether it’s building and managing an online pressroom, distributing news releases to email inboxes, or understanding how the external messages you’re sending are actually being received – Brand Central Station can help.

A more complete menu of prices can be found on the Online Services page.