When to Use Ad Hoc Strategic Writing
This is strategic writing and rewriting for moments that matter.
You should consider ad hoc work if:
- You've got a board presentation next week and it's not holding together
- Your investor deck loops through five versions and still doesn't land
- Your website says everything and nothing at the same time
- Sales presentations get rewritten right before every pitch
- Your CEO needs a speech that doesn't sound like corporate filler
- A major campaign proposal is due and the language isn't selling the idea
- You need thought leadership that actually sounds like a human wrote it
This works when:
- You know your story, but the execution's weak
- You need fresh eyes with senior judgement
- You're under time pressure and can't afford another internal round
- You want strategic input, not just prettier words
This doesn't work if:
- Your underlying narrative is fractured (you need a Narrative Sprint first)
- The challenge is design or technology, not language
- You want cheap and cheerful rather than strategic and senior
The Most Common Outputs
Each service is priced based on complexity, urgency and scope. All turnarounds are typical‚ rush work is possible with adjusted pricing.
Investor Decks and Board Presentations
Investor decks, board presentations, and pitch materials that need to hold up under intense scrutiny. This is about making the narrative clear, memorable and defensible.
What you get:
- Strategic narrative structure (problem-solution-proof-ask)
- Clear, confident language that sounds like leadership, not marketing
- Proof points and data woven in naturally, not dumped
- Before/after versions with rationale for changes
- Speaker notes for presenting the deck
Typical challenges I fix:
- Too much detail, not enough story
– Complication over clarity
- Features over outcomes
- Jargon that loses non-technical board members
- Weak openings that don't earn attention
- Unclear asks or next steps
Typical investment: R25k–R35k
Turnaround: 1-2 weeks
Rush available: Yes (48-72 hours, premium pricing)
Example clients:
Technology scale-ups, private equity-backed businesses, infrastructure companies, financial services and insurance firms
Sales Presentations and Pitch Decks
Strategic sales documents, presentations and client pitch decks that need to convince internal stakeholders and convert sceptical buyers.
What you get:
- Customer-outcome-focused narrative (not product feature dumps)
- Clear differentiation (that doesn't trash competitors)
- Proof points that build credibility without overselling
- Objection handling built into the structure
- Brand language that matches the buyer's level of expertise
Typical challenges I fix:
- Too much "we" and not enough "you"
- Generic claims without proof
- Technical detail that kills persuasion
- Unclear value propositions buried in slides
- Lack of logical narrative structure
Typical investment: R20k-R30k
Turnaround: 1-2 weeks
Rush available: Yes (Minimum 72 hours, premium pricing over weekends)
Example clients:
B2B tech, professional services, manufacturing, industrial
Full Websites, Sections and Pages
Strip the jargon, sharpen the structure, present the story, and highlight the value to the reader.
This is strategic narrative work that happens to be SEO-friendly because clear language ranks.
What you get:
- Homepage, About, Services, and key landing pages
- Clear messaging hierarchy (what matters
most, first)
- Benefit-led language (outcomes over features)
- Tone consistency across sections
- SEO considerations baked in naturally
Typical challenges I fix:
- Walls of text with no clear entry point
- Jargon that loses non-technical buyers
- "About Us" pages that boast and don't build trust
- Service descriptions that list features,
not outcomes
- No clear CTAs or next steps
Typical investment:
- Full website (5-10 pages): R45k-R65k
- Homepage plus 2-3 key pages: R35k-R45k
- Single page (strategic): R10k-R15k
Turnaround: 2-3 weeks (full site)
1-2 weeks (sections)
Rush available: Limited
Example clients:
Luxury accommodation, FinTech, SaaS, professional services
Executive Thought Leadership Articles
Professional perspectives and industry insights for leaders who need to establish credibility, share value, or take a public stance on industry issues.
This is strategic personal and professional positioning tailored to specific audiences.
What you get:
- 600-1,200 word article in the executive's voice
- Research on industry context and relevant data
- Clear narrative structure with brand-aligned perpective
- LinkedIn-ready or publication-ready formatting
- Edits based on executive feedback (two rounds included)
Typical challenges I fix:
- Generic takes that could've been written by anyone
- Corporate-speak that sounds like a press release
- No clear point of view or argument
- Data dumps without narrative thread
- Boring openings that lose readers in the first paragraph
Typical investment:
- Standard (600-1,200 words): R8k-R10k
- Premium (1,500-2,000 words): R12k-R15k
Turnaround: 1-2 weeks
Rush available: Yes (72 hours, premium pricing)
Example clients:
CEOs, CMOs, sector specialists in tech, finance, infrastructure
Internal Strategy Concept Documents
Well-structured and compelling proposals that sell an idea internally — including new products, strategic pivots, business cases, and change management.
What you get:
- Clear problem statement and context
- Proposed solution with rationale
- Business case (costs, benefits, risks)
- Implementation considerations
- Recommended next steps and decision points
Typical challenges I fix:
- Great ideas buried in unclear writing
- No clear business case or ROI argument
- Too much detail, not enough "so what?"
- No consideration of objections or risks
- Unclear next steps or decision framework
Typical investment: R15k-R25k
Turnaround: 1-2 weeks
Rush available: Limited
Example clients:
HR leaders, Innovation leads, strategy teams, product managers
Executive Speech Writing
Live-read or pre-recorded speeches and presentations for leaders at conferences, industry events or internal town halls.
What you get:
- 1,500-2,500 word speech (10-15 minute delivery)
- Conversational tone that matches the speaker
- Clear structure (opening hook, key points and memorable close)
- Appropriate narrative storytelling structure
- Presenter and subject matter research
Typical challenges I fix:
- Corporate jargon that sounds scripted
- Too much information, not enough story
- Weak openings that don't earn attention
- No emotional resonance or human connection
- Forgettable closings with no clear takeaway
Typical investment:
- Standard speech (10-15 min): R12k-R15k
- Premium/high-stakes (with Q&A prep): R20k-R25k
Turnaround: 1-2 weeks
Rush available: Yes (premium pricing)
Example clients:
CEOs, MDs, industry association leaders, MCs
Integrated Marketing Campaign Proposals
Clear strategy, creative direction, channel tactics and example copy. For when you need to build enthusiasm and secure sign-off from leadership or clients.
What you get:
- Campaign brief and strategic rationale
- Creative concept and messaging pillars
- Channel strategy and tactics
- Timeline and success metrics
Typical challenges I fix:
- Creative ideas with no strategic foundation
- Tactical plans with no unifying narrative
- Proposals that read like internal memos, not persuasive documents
- No clear success criteria or measurement plan
Typical investment: R25k-R45k (depending on scope)
Turnaround: 2-3 weeks
Rush available: Limited
Example clients:
Marketing directors, agency strategists, brand managers
Product Asset Sheets
One-page product or solution overviews that explain value quickly and clearly. These are narrative-driven product summaries that help buyers understand what's on offer and why it matters.
What you get:
- One-page overview (front and back if needed)
- Clear value proposition and key benefits
- Use cases or customer outcomes
- Proof points (case study snippets, data, testimonials)
- Clear next step or CTA
Typical challenges I fix:
- Feature lists with no context or outcomes
- Jargon that loses non-technical buyers
- No clear differentiation or positioning
- Too much detail for a first conversation
- Weak or missing CTAs
Typical investment: R5k-R8k per sheet
Turnaround: 1 week
Rush available: Yes
Example clients:
SaaS, tech products, professional services, B2B solutions
Ebooks, Reports and
White Papers
Professionally written ebooks, reports, or white papers that offer valuable insights and clearly position your business as a credible authority in a specific domain.
When you need a narrative that educates, challenges, or reframes how buyers think about an issue.
What you get:
– 3,000-10,000-word document with clear structure
- Research and industry context
- Original insights or frameworks (not recycled content)
- Executive summary and key takeaways
- Design-ready formatting with suggested visuals
Typical challenges I fix:
- Thin content stretched to look substantial
- No original point of view or insights
- Boring structure (introduction ‚Üí body ‚Üí conclusion)
- Promotional tone that undermines credibility
- No clear reader journey or actionable takeaways
Typical investment: R20k-R45k (depending on length and research)
Turnaround: 3-4 weeks
Rush available: No (quality takes time)
Example clients:
Tech platforms, professional services, industry associations
Internal Communication
and Change Management
Internal communication assets that help employees understand, accept, and act on major changes like restructures, new strategies, product launches or leadership transitions.
This is narrative-driven work that respects employees' intelligence and addresses their real concerns.
What you get:
- Clear, honest messaging about what's changing and why
- Acknowledgement of employee perspectives without corporate spin
- Action steps and timelines
- FAQ anticipation and handling
- Tone that matches company culture (not generic corporate-speak)
Typical challenges I fix:
- Vague announcements that create little interest or more confusion
- Corporate jargon that feels dismissive
- No acknowledgement of employee perspectives
- Unclear next steps or expectations
- Tone-deaf messaging during sensitive transitions
Typical investment: R12k-R25k (depending on scope)
Turnaround: 1-ì2 weeks
Rush available: Yes (change often moves fast)
Example clients:
HR directors, change management leads, internal comms teams
How Ad Hoc Projects Work
Every ad hoc project follows the same process:
1
Decision Call
(20 minutes)
We talk through what you need, what's not working, and whether this is a narrative problem or something else.
If I can't help,
I'll say so.
2
Brief & Quote
(24-48 hours)
You send me the current version (deck, draft, site, whatever).
I review it, confirm scope, and send a fixed-price quote with turnaround time.
Research & First Draft
3
(1-2 weeks)
I dig into your sector, business, competitors, audience.
I rewrite the asset from scratch or restructure what's there.
You get a clean version plus notes explaining key changes.
Feedback & Refinement
4
(1 week)
You review and provide feedback.
I offer two rounds of edits (included in pricing).
Most projects are signed off after minimal edits in the first round.
Final Delivery
5
(1-2 days)
You get the final version in your preferred format (Word, Google Docs, PowerPoint).
Plus any supporting notes or guidance for using the new language.
The Creative Clarity Difference
Here's why senior clients choose Creative Clarity:
1. You work directly with a senior strategist
30 years experience. Former Executive Creative Director. No handovers. No juniors. Just me.
2. I fix narrative structure, not just polish words
Most copywriters can rewrite content. I rebuild the underlying logic so the story works hard.
3. I'm a B2B specialist
I understand complex organisations, technical products, business imperatives, sector strategies, and sceptical buyers.
4. I don't use jargon without translating it
Technical accuracy matters, but if the buyer can't follow it, it's worse than useless. I work hard to create understanding.
5. I'll tell you if you don't need the work
If the brief doesn't match my skills, or we're not a good fit, I'll say so. No obligations either way.
6. I exceed expectations
You get clean first drafts with rationale notes. You don't waste hours giving feedback because the work is always better than expected.
Who Typically Uses Ad Hoc Strategic B2B Writing
This works best for:
- Marketing directors who need senior oversight on priority assets
- CEOs and MDs who need critical documents rewritten under time pressure
- Sales leaders whose teams keep rewriting the same presentations
- Product managers launching new offerings and needing sharp positioning
- Strategy teams preparing board papers or concept docs
- Internal comms leads managing major change announcements
Typical company profiles:
- B2B technology and SaaS
- Financial services and finTech
- Infrastructure and telecommunications
- Manufacturing and industrial
- Professional services (legal, consulting, engineering)
- Private equity-backed companies in growth or repositioning
Usual company size:
- Usually 50+ employees (with exceptions)
- Often 200-2,000 employees (complex enough to need external help)
- Sometimes enterprise (when internal teams are overloaded)
How Ad Hoc Writing Pricing Works
All ad hoc work is fixed-price, quoted upfront. No hourly billing. No surprises.
Pricing depends on:
- Complexity: Technical products need more research than simple services
- Urgency: Rush work (48-72 hours) carries premium pricing
- Scope: Full website vs single page, 10-slide deck vs 50-slide deck
- Relationship: Longer-term projects, repeat business or ongoing retainers attract reduced fees.
What's included in every quote:
- Research and discovery
- First draft (clean version + rationale notes)
- Two rounds of edits based on your feedback
- Final delivery in your preferred format
- Post-project support (answering questions on usage)
What's not included (but available):
- Design or layout work (I can do basic Canva design or recommend partners)
- Ongoing retainer work (see Brand Story Stewardship)
- Training your team on the new language (can be added)
Payment terms:
- 50% upfront to start work
- 50% on final delivery
- Invoiced via email, payable within 7 days
Frequently Asked Questions
1: Can you work with our existing design team?
Yes. I provide strategy, concept, copy and content. Your design team handles layout, visuals, and formatting. I can provide creative direction on hierarchy and structure.
2: Can you work on a rush timeline?
Usually, yes. Most services can be rushed (48-72 hours) with premium pricing. Ebooks and complex websites can't.
3: What if we need more than two rounds of edits?
Unlikely. If you give consolidated feedback from all stakeholders in round one. But. Additional feedback is R3,500 per round. But 95% of projects are done in two rounds because the first draft is strategically sound.
4: Do you sign NDAs?
Yes, always. I treat all client work as confidential and sign NDAs as standard.
5: Can we see samples of your work?
Limited samples, yes. Most work is confidential. I can share anonymised examples or case study summaries.
6: What if our foundational narrative is broken?
I'll tell you in the Decision Call. If your underlying story is fractured, ad hoc rewriting won't fix it. You'll need a Narrative Sprint first to build the foundation. I don't take on work that won't solve the problem.
7: Do you offer ongoing support after the project?
Limited post-project support is included (answering questions, clarifying usage). For ongoing work, see Brand Story Stewardship.
8: What industries do you specialise in?
B2B sectors: technology, financial services, infrastructure, manufacturing, and professional services. I occasionally take on consumer marketing, retail, or hospitality if there is a clear, underlying narrative need.
9: Do you take on longer contract work?
Absolutely: Long-term clients on retainers or project contracts are welcome and receive discounted rates on all outputs.
Client Examples (anonymised)
Investor Deck Rewrite - Telecommunications
Challenge: 30-slide deck that buried the value proposition in technical jargon. Board members couldn't follow it. Investment committee feedback was "too complex."
Solution: I rebuilt the deck around an accessible metphor supported by three proof points. Cut slides from 80 to 18. Translated technical features into business outcomes. Added proof through verifiable data, not claims.
Result: Deck approved in one board round (previous versions took 3-4 rounds). Executive presented confidently, invesment community responded well — without requesting clarifications.
Investment: R38k
Turnaround: 10 days
Website Rewrite - Infrastructure Company
Challenge: Website read like an engineering manual. Prospects bounced after 30 seconds. Marketing were frustrated and sales team avoided sending people to the site.
Solution: I developed a new brand narrative thgroughline, rewrote the homepage, services, and about pages with customer-outcome focus. Stripped jargon, added outcomes-based proof points, and clarified CTAs.
Result: Bounce rate dropped 35%. Average session time increased from 45 seconds to 2:10. Marketing now draws copy from the website and sales team now leads with the website.
Investment: R52k
Turnaround: 3 weeks
Executive Speech -
Global Conference
Challenge: CEO needed a 5-minute keynote plus three 5-minute strategic summations for a global leaders conference. Internal briefing and draft documents were 80% corporate messaging and 20% insight, with no storyline.
Solution: I curated the most compelling content and rebuilt the speech around a single provocative thesis built on the global growth strategy. I used three customer sector stories as strategic illustrations, and ended with an ambitious but attainable challenge to the delegates.
Result: After being well-received by global leadership, sections of the speech were quoted in internal and industry publications and formed the basis of four thought-leadership articles on LinkedIn.
Investment: R35k
Turnaround: 8 days