A structured
methodology
for every engagement.
METHOD · 04 PHASES · 12 WEEKS
HEADGATE engagements follow a four-phase methodology refined across multi-market programmes. The phases below describe how we move from initial brief to operational delivery, with clear deliverables and governance at each gate.
§ 04.0 — Mechanics
Four phases, one programme.
The first three phases run sequentially over twelve weeks. Phase four — continuous optimisation — begins in parallel from week five and continues for the duration of the engagement.
- Phase 01
- Discovery — two weeks. Audit and benchmarking.
- Phase 02
- Strategy — two weeks. Plan, scope and KPIs.
- Phase 03
- Delivery — four weeks. Build and deploy.
- Phase 04
- Optimisation — ongoing. Iterate and report.
Audit and benchmark.
We review existing performance data, channel investment and brand assets. The phase concludes with a written audit covering technical, editorial and commercial findings, with prioritised recommendations.
- InputsAnalytics, CRM, channel exports, brand archive
- Sessions3 × 90 min — strategy, brand, technical
- OutputDiscovery Report · written, executive summary
- CadenceDaily async updates · weekly checkpoint
Plan and prioritise.
A documented strategy with objectives, KPIs, scope, dependencies and a 12-month roadmap. Reviewed and signed off jointly with stakeholders before delivery begins.
- InputsDiscovery Report · stakeholder requirements
- Sessions2 × half-day strategy workshops
- OutputStrategy Document · KPI framework · roadmap
- CadenceMid-phase review · executive sign-off
Build and deploy.
Implementation across agreed workstreams: site changes, email programmes, content systems, AI tooling and reporting. Delivered in parallel by a dedicated team with a single point of accountability.
- WorkstreamsBuild · Content · Automation · Reporting
- CadenceWeekly demo · weekly release cycle
- OutputLive systems · trained internal team
- Risk controlStaged rollouts · feature flags · rollback plan
Operate and improve.
Continuous iteration against the strategy. Weekly operations, monthly written reporting and quarterly business reviews against the original objectives. Scope is reviewed and re-prioritised at each quarterly review.
- CadenceWeekly ops · monthly report · quarterly review
- ReportingLive dashboard · written monthly summary
- DecisionsDocumented hold / increase / discontinue at each review
- Annual reviewStrategy refresh at month 12
Nine operating principles.
Every metric reported ladders to a commercial outcome. No vanity reporting.
Plain-language reporting suitable for finance and executive audiences.
Reporting infrastructure is established before campaign activity begins.
You retain ownership of all accounts, code, models and credentials.
A small, named team per engagement with a single point of accountability.
Underperforming activity is identified and discontinued at each review.
Editorial standards held consistently across every channel and asset.
Programmes are designed and reviewed against multi-year horizons.
At engagement end, your team can operate the system independently.