Strategy & Research - Splat, Inc.

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Sometimes you just need smart.

No bells. No whistles. Just brains, briefs, and the kind of insight that moves markets.

Marketing without strategy is like throwing darts in the dark. At Splat, we start with light. Research. Insight. Clarity. Then, we aim.

Strategy isn’t the appetizer. It’s the meal. When clients bring us on for thinking, not just doing, we deliver plans with teeth: custom research, competitive positioning, channel recommendations, and briefs so clear they practically write themselves.

This isn’t a whiteboard brainstorm. It’s a blueprint.

What Strategy looks like

Brains first. Tactics later.

We don’t lead with deliverables. We lead with discovery. Every strategy engagement starts with a clear goal: define what success looks like, for whom, and how we’ll measure it.

What we deliver depends on what you need. Some clients want a six-month channel plan. Others need messaging audits or rebrands from the ground up. But all of them walk away with actionable strategy and a plan of attack.

Deliverables may include:

  • Market and audience research
  • Messaging audits and competitive reviews
  • Strategic campaign roadmaps
  • Paid media and organic content channel plans
  • Positioning framework
  • Creative briefs and implementation timelines
Our Process

Strategy starts with questions.

Before we write a word or draw a wireframe, we ask. We interview stakeholders. Audit what’s already out there. Dive into your data. And most importantly, we look at your business the way your customers do.

Our strategy engagements typically unfold over four key phases:

  • Discovery: Brand immersion, stakeholder interviews, data and asset collection
  • Research: Market, audience, and competitive landscape analysis
  • Positioning & Planning: Messaging frameworks, content strategy, channel selection
  • Delivery: Final presentation and walk-through of actionable recommendations and next steps
Who It’s For

Need a plan, not a vendor?

Some clients come to us with internal teams but no clear direction. Others are vetting agencies and need a roadmap before they choose one. We work well in both worlds.

We’ve delivered strategy-only work for law firms, real estate developers, nonprofits, SaaS startups, and professional service firms. Some use our plan to power internal execution. Others stay on for implementation. Either way, the strategy stands on its own.

Let’s think before we build.

Start with strategy. End with clarity. Reach out for a custom proposal or consultation.

Let’s start the conversation. Polygon

Strategy that Stuck

"David’s team was both accessible and responsive. And they offered a thoughtfully designed response to our law firm’s needs."

Michael Dansky, Partner & Founder,

Dansky | Katz | Ringold | York

"Splat gets the ‘big picture’ part of digital marketing. They support their design work with marketing tactics which have significantly increased our brand’s visibility."

Tom Weston, Principal,

McIntyre Capron & Associates

Insights on Strategy

  • How to Build a Smarter Marketing Brief (and Why Most Aren’t Worth Reading).
  • Is It Time to Kill Your Marketing Funnel?
  • Positioning vs. Messaging: What’s the Difference (and Why It Matters).
View all strategy articlesarrow image
AI and SEO: Anticipating the Content Tsunami

June 12, 2025 | Posted By: David Hitt

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Privacy and AI: Which AI Platforms Deserve Your Trust — And Which Don’t

May 28, 2025 | Posted By: David Hitt

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How to Find the Best Marketing Agencies in Philadelphia… and Beyond (Revised for 2025)

November 29, 2024 | Posted By: David Hitt

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November Marketing Thoughts from Splat

November 8, 2024 | Posted By: David Hitt

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Why You Should Think Twice Before Responding to an RFP in 2024

October 9, 2024 | Posted By: David Hitt

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Real Strategy. Real Results.

Learn how we helped a regional law firm reposition its brand and double inbound leads in under six months.

View Case Studies case arrow image

Got questions? We have answers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of businesses hire you just for strategy?

Mostly, clients who have internal marketing teams or execution partners – but lack a strategic plan that ties it all together. We’re often brought in to define positioning, prioritize channels, and clarify what “good” should look like.

How long does a typical strategy engagement last?

That depends on the depth of the ask. A brand audit and positioning roadmap might take 2-3 weeks. A full-blown 6 or 12-month marketing plan with research, segmentation, and channel briefs may take 6-8 weeks.

Do your strategy projects include implementation?

Not by default. Some clients want the thinking only – others invite us to stick around and build. Either way, our plans are written to be executable by internal teams or outside partners.

What’s included in a strategic plan or report?

That varies by project, but common deliverables include competitor analysis, audience segmentation, brand positioning, channel strategies, campaign ideas, and tactical calendars. We also create creative briefs that execution teams can use directly.

Can we hire you just for a second opinion?

Yes. We’ve audited strategies developed by other firms, sat in on board presentations, and provided behind-the-scenes support for in-house teams. If you need smart eyes on a plan-in-progress, we can do that.

Got a Project?

If you've got a project you'd like to discuss, we're all ears! We'd love for you to tell us a little bit about your needs and we'll respond promptly.

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