Guide

Looking for a Digital Media Partner? Insights on Process and Costs

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It can be daunting trying to find a partner that you trust and align with to help guide and support your marketing initiative. Clients often look closely at process and cost, and we’re here to offer insights into both.

Breaking down the process

We produce an array of digital media deliverables, including websites, applications, videos, eLearning, data engineering frameworks and more. They all typically follow a structured workflow to ensure quality, efficiency, and alignment with client objectives. Here are the 5 core workflow processes common to all project types:

1. Discovery & Planning

Understand the client’s needs, goals, and project requirements. Activities may include:

  • Stakeholder interviews and requirements gathering.
  • Market research and competitor analysis
  • Defining project scope, and timeline
  • Creating user personas and user journey maps
  • Content strategy and architecture
  • Technical assessment and data requirement

2. Design & Prototyping

Visualize the project creative concept and user experience (UX). Activities may include:

  • Creating wireframes, mockups, and design prototypes
  • Prototypes for websites, apps, and eLearning platforms
  • Video storyboarding, script creation, and design for multimedia projects
  • Defining user interface (UI) design standards
  • Client review cycles

3. Execution

Build and develop the project based on the design and technical specs. Activities may include:

  • Coding and development 
  • API’s and integrations
  • Marketing asset production 
  • Video production, editing, and post-production
  • Data engineering, and analytics setup

4. Quality Assurance

Ensure the product is bug-free, meets requirements, and performs well across all environments. Activities may include:

  • Usability testing for web apps and eLearning platforms
  • Cross-browser and device testing
  • Functionality, integration, and performance testing
  • User acceptance testing (UAT) with client feedback
  • Video and multimedia content review for quality and technical accuracy

5. Launch/Optimize/Maintain

Deploy the project and ensure lasting functionality, performance, and client satisfaction. Activities may include:

  • Final deployment of websites, apps, videos, and more
  • Post-launch monitoring for performance and user feedback
  • SEO and analytics setup
  • Ongoing technical support, updates, and bug fixes
  • Post-launch video marketing or distribution
  • Data analysis and reporting
Want to learn more? Let's talk!

Download our FREE cost guide

We’ve created cost guides for our different project deliverables to provide guidance and expectations for companies looking to invest in a digital asset, but want peace of mind that they will get a return on their investment. Don’t miss out on this valuable resource-download it today and take the first step toward understanding how and where to invest efficiently in your next marketing asset.

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    Avoiding Scope Creep in eLearning: Common Pitfalls and Solutions

    CoursesElearningLMS

    Starting an eLearning project is exciting, but once it’s underway, unexpected changes—often called “scope creep”—can lead to higher costs and longer timelines. Below are the most common culprits of eLearning scope creep and tips on how to avoid them.

    1. Late Discovery of Misaligned Content

    Sometimes, content provided by the client doesn’t align with the training goals, but this isn’t noticed until after storyboarding or, worse, during media production. Catching this early can save significant time and money. Before you move to development, ensure that the content fully supports your training objectives.

    2. Changing Content Mid-Project

    After initial approval, clients may feel the need to adjust content. Even small changes can ripple through many components—storyboards, visual assets, audio tracks, animations, and test questions. Late content changes may even impact the delivery method or program length. Once content is approved, it’s best to stick to it to avoid costly revisions.

    3. Adding Extra Reviewers Later

    Adding extra reviewers mid-way can result in conflicting feedback and project delays. To avoid this, involve all key stakeholders and SMEs at the beginning of the project, ideally before final storyboard review. Getting everyone’s buy-in early keeps the process smooth and aligned.

    4. Missed Client Deadlines

    Delays on the client side—whether due to shifting priorities or asset preparation—can stretch timelines and increase costs. Prolonged delays often lead to extra meetings, reallocation of resources, and time spent re-familiarizing the team with the project. In cases where delays impact scheduled shoots or venue reservations, rebooking costs can add up quickly.

    5. Outdoor Shoots

    Any outdoor filming introduces the unpredictability of weather. Rescheduling due to weather can delay the project and increase costs. Plan ahead for weather-related risks if outdoor shots are a key part of your project.

    6. Using In-house Talent for Media

    While using employees as actors or voice talent can save money, it comes with risks. Staff may leave mid-project, requiring reshoots or re-recordings. Non-professional talent often takes longer to coach, which can extend shooting times. For reliable results, consider professional talent, especially for large projects.

    7. Competing SME Teams

    When multiple SME teams work on different sections of an eLearning project, they may compete for resources to make their section stand out. This can lead to unplanned interactive elements or custom videos, stretching the budget. Align with all SME teams from the start to prioritize where to invest in premium features.

    8. Accessibility Reviews as an Afterthought

    Accessibility needs are often overlooked until the project is almost complete, leading to last-minute adjustments. Define accessibility requirements—such as visual or audio accommodations—early in the project to keep everything on track and avoid extra costs.

    9. Last-Minute Translation Requests

    Requesting translations after the eLearning course is nearly complete can double the workload. If multiple languages are anticipated, plan for translation early to streamline workflows and avoid duplicative production.

    Keep Scope Creep Under Control

    Partnering with an experienced eLearning developer like Branch Media can help keep your project on budget. Our team is proactive about identifying potential challenges early and working with you to maintain scope. Contact us today to explore how we can support your training goals efficiently and effectively.

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