FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we start a project with Circle M?
It starts with a conversation. Reach out via the contact form or hello@thecircle-m.com, tell us about your brand and where you want to take it, and we’ll set up a call. From there you’ll receive a proposal with scope, timeline, and investment – and once it’s approved, we book your start date.
What are your payment terms?
50% to secure your project and start date, and 50% on delivery, before final files are released. Monthly retainers are billed at the start of each month. We’ll set this out clearly in your proposal, so there are no surprises.
Do you work with brands outside fashion and lifestyle?
Yes. Fashion, jewelry, and lifestyle are our home ground, but we work across various industries — from HoReCa and interior design to construction, tech, and many more.
My brand doesn't exist yet - is it too early to reach out?
It’s the best time. Most of our clients come to us at the very beginning, and we build their brand from the ground up – strategy first, then identity, content, and digital. Launching with intention is far less expensive than fixing a brand later, so the earlier we talk, the better.
Can I work with Circle M on a single service, for example, only social media?
Yes. While our best results come from building the full picture, every service stands on its own: social media management, a website, a campaign shoot, or an identity refresh. We’ll meet your brand where it is
What exactly is a brand strategy, and do I really need one before design?
Your brand strategy is the thinking behind everything you’ll ever put out – who you serve, what you stand for, and why someone should choose you over the brand next to you. Design translates that thinking visually; without it, even the most beautiful identity is decoration. It’s why every Circle M project starts with strategy, not sketches.
What does the strategy process look like - and how involved do I need to be?
It starts with a deep-dive session where we ask the questions most founders have never been asked about their own brand. From there we develop your positioning, audience definition, and brand persona, and present it back to you as a strategy you can actually use. Expect to be closely involved at the start – nobody knows your brand like you do – then we take it from there.
I already have a logo and a running business. Is it too late to work on strategy?
Not at all – it’s the most common starting point. Most of our clients come to us with a running business and a feeling that something isn’t clicking: the visuals don’t match the ambition, or the message isn’t landing. Strategy is how we find out what’s worth keeping and what’s holding you back.
What's included in a brand identity project beyond the logo?
A full visual system: logotype and logo variations, color palette, typography, and guidelines on how it all works together – plus applications depending on your scope, from packaging and collaterals to social media templates. You leave with a brand you can use consistently everywhere, not just a file with a logo in it.
How long does a full brand identity take?
Typically 4–10 weeks depending on scope, including strategy. Good identities need thinking time — we’d rather tell you an honest timeline than rush the brand you’ll live with for years.
Can you refresh my existing identity instead of starting from scratch?
Yes. If your brand has equity worth keeping – recognition, loyalty, a story; we refine rather than replace. We’ll tell you honestly which one your brand needs after the strategy phase.
How many revisions are included?
Three rounds of revisions are included in every identity project. If you need more, we offer up to two additional rounds for an additional fee.
What platform do you build on, and will I be able to update the site myself?
We build on WordPress & Shopify chosen based on what your brand actually needs. Every site is handed over with a walkthrough call so you and your team can update products, content, and pages without calling a developer.
Is SEO included in the build?
No – SEO setup is an additional scope of work, as is ongoing SEO growth. We keep it separate so you only pay for it when you’re ready to invest in it properly, and we’re happy to quote both alongside your website project.
Do I need monthly website maintenance, or only whenever it's required?
It depends on your requirements and we’ll recommend what fits. Brands that update content, products, or campaigns often are better served by a monthly arrangement; for others, on-demand support whenever something’s needed is enough
Do you manage accounts ongoing, or set up the strategy for my team to run?
Both. Some clients hand us the keys; others want a strategy, content pillars, and templates their in-house team can run with. We’ll recommend the setup that fits your stage and budget.
What is included in my monthly social media management agreement?
A monthly content calendar built on your content pillars, content creation and captions in your brand voice, posting and a monthly report on what’s working and what we’re adjusting. Scope is tailored to each brand, so your agreement will state exactly what’s included.
What is the minimum engagement for a monthly social media retainer?
Two months minimum; consistency is what makes social media work, and one month isn’t enough to build it. Should you wish to discontinue, we ask for one month’s notice.
Do you do full production for my brand even if we are not based in the UAE?
Yes. We handle full production regardless of where your brand is based – strategy and creative direction happen remotely, and production is arranged where it makes sense for your brand.
How much content do I get per month/shoot?
It depends on your package. As an example: for a collection of 10 looks, we deliver 30 lifestyle images and 5 reels – enough to fuel around two months of content. We plan every shoot against your content calendar, so nothing is shot without a purpose.
I want to shoot a campaign outside of the Middle East - are you able to help?
Yes. We help with sourcing locations, talent, and production partners, and lead the creative direction so the campaign feels unmistakably yours – wherever it’s shot.
What budget do I need for ads to see real results?
There’s no universal number – it depends on your market, margins, and goals. What we can promise: we’ll tell you honestly what your budget can and can’t achieve before we spend a dirham of it, and we don’t recommend ads until your brand and website are ready to convert the traffic.
What is the minimum engagement for running digital marketing ads?
Three months. Ads need time to learn, test, and compound – anything shorter produces data, not results. Most clients see meaningful momentum from month two, with the third month spent scaling what works.
