SO. WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT US?

When you want marketing, advertising, branding or web design, there are plenty of large, high-priced agencies out there.
SDM Marketing™ is different. Like the big guys, our expert staff has multinational agency experience,
but we’re small and agile enough to respond quickly and economically.

What’s in it for you?

  • Help to better understand your customer and what motivates them
  • Positioning around your strengths and what the customer wants
  • Messaging that sells benefits — that benefit your customers
  • Higher customer loyalty — Increasing sales

Services

Marketing
With our new knowledge, we develop your SDM 1-Page Marketing Action Plan™. It serves as a roadmap to your success, outlining objectives, strategies, and tactics. We plan the year in this simple 1-Page format, that can be reviewed quickly to check progress.
Naming
There are times when the name no longer reflects the essence of the business. For companies as well as products, the name is the first touch point with your audience. It creates the initial impression, image, tone, and unique emotion. The ideal name can be literal or custom created. Then we go a step further, confirming a new URL, prescreening your trademark and creating a tailored tagline as needed.
Brand Identification
& Strategy
Our starting point. We learn about you and your marketplace. What your customers want and what’s important to them. We’ll learn about your competitors and what makes them different and how they’re positioned in the marketplace. Our defining moment. We hone in on your brand’s emotional appeal. What makes you different and the tone we speak. Our strategic insights provide the foundation for everything you do moving forward.
Content Marketing
Marketing copy is only as good as the input given. We pride ourselves in digging deep to discover your unique story and messages right up front. We connect with your audience through words and insights that are already part of their vocabulary and lifestyle. We’re experts at keeping your messages simple and on point.
Digital Branding
Creating an outstanding website isn’t as simple as just putting up pages on the web. It’s about the visitor having a positive experience no matter where they’re viewing, be it on a desktop, tablet or smartphone. We understand the complexities; we design and develop for the best experience on all the latest technologies.
Visual Branding
Communicating your brand to customers comes in many forms. It may require updating your logo, colors, and fonts. We then incorporate that creativity in your business cards, brochures, POS materials, trade show displays, catalogs, product packaging, and Social Media. The key to success is consistency in portraying your brand and message.

OUR TEAM

OUR EXPERIENCE = YOUR SUCCESS
Since 1991, SDM Marketing’s strategic and creative thinkers have built great brands, executed smart marketing plans, and cultivated loyal followers.

When you work with us, you connect with a team of strategists, graphic and web designers, writers, and developers, each with over 20 years of experience at major ad agencies and design firms. We’re all passionate about marketing, brand building and supporting you with a personalized, hands-on approach. We take great pride in finding new ways to drive your business.

We Define, Build, and Communicate Brands
SCOTT D. MICHELSON
Principal & Chief Branding Strategist
Our Founder and Principal, Scott’s career covers several decades as a consummate advertising pro, brand strategist, adjunct professor, and business leader.

Scott thrives on projects that benefit both established and new industries, using the latest marketing principals to find results-based solutions. When he’s not collaborating with clients and colleagues, he’s obsessed with coaching his son’s baseball and soccer teams as well as traveling with the family via plane, train, automobile, and bicycle. As an enthusiast photographer, he’s never without his camera gear during his diverse activities and getaways.
MARY LAFLEUR
Branding and Design Director
Mary is a multi-talented lead designer, and creative director, experienced in such diverse industries as entertainment, automotive, education, and non-profits. She also has an extensive medical marketing background, encompassing banking, pharmaceutical, biotech, medical devices, hospitals, health systems, and advocacy groups.

She approaches each project with a strategic and creative mindset, crafting brand tactics that are consistently on target. When not on the clock creatively, Mary finds joy in nature, whether it’s hiking in the backcountry or fly-casting in hip waders on the Columbia River.
JAMES FREDERICK
Director of Development
James is an experienced website developer and graphic designer, specializing in building custom websites in WordPress.

For building sites, he is fluent in HTML5/CSS3 and PHP, jQuery and basic web development. He’s a big fan of clean, functional interfaces. On one of his latest creations, designing and building the Florida Catholic Website, he stretches WordPress capabilities to create a custom advertising system, multiple different news feeds and integrating a payment processor. He keeps up to date on the latest development programs, expanding his knowledge of JavaScript to prepare for its increased importance in the development field.

In his spare time, he’s an avid gamer and enjoys watching Star Wars with his family.
Michael Jimenez
Graphic Designer
Michael Jimenez is a seasoned graphic designer with 15 years of experience, specializing in logo design, branding, and visual identity. He is passionate about transforming creative ideas into impactful design solutions that resonate with audiences and elevate brands. With a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to innovation, Michael brings a unique perspective to every project, ensuring that each design is not only visually striking but also strategically aligned with the brand’s goals. His dedication to crafting memorable and effective visual experiences makes him a valuable partner in building a strong brand presence.

Social Media Partners

ELIZABETH PAULSEN
President - CeSI
Elizabeth has over 25 years of experience coordinating complex projects in the fields of education, healthcare, finance, tourism, retail and service.

In 1983 she received her BA in Education/Music from Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA and has maintained her skills and knowledge through continuing education.

She uses her excellent communication skills to build strong working relationships with individuals and teams who have accountability for web development. She spends approximately six hours a week testing theories and communicating with colleagues on an international level to keep current with changes in the search engine optimization industry.

She is an active volunteer in the community and has served on the board of the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce.
Jessica Self
Founder and CEO - Jessica Self Group
Jessica has extensive experience in marketing, sales, and event coordination in various industries, including nonprofits, retail, food and beverage, and healthcare.

Her expertise has been valued all throughout the Snoqualmie Valley and beyond, resulting in her regular involvement in many community events, including:

Snoqualmie Days, the Snoqualmie Valley Block Party, Sip Shop Give, SnoValley Chamber's Annual Gala, and the Heart of the Valley Gala (among many other various community fundraisers and causes).

Jessica loves working with small businesses because they're so inspiring—they're doing amazing things with limited resources and are all about helping their community grow. They truly get what it means to be part of a community and make connections that last for generations to come.

When Jess isn't taking product photos or selfies or planning marketing strategies and events, she attends her daughter's volleyball games and community events and serves as vice president on her daughter's middle school PTSA board.
“Brands must evolve to keep pace – not just with the marketplace and customer trends, but the world.”
-SCOTT MICHELSON – PRINCIPAL, SDM MARKETING

Contact Info

Seattle-based, nationally capable
Copyright 2025 - SDM Marketing. All Rights Reserved.
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