TEMPE, AZ

A marketing consultant for Tempe startups that need to launch right.

Creative Strategies is a marketing consultant serving Tempe, Arizona, from neighboring Phoenix. John Graham Seeliger has launched and relaunched brands for 40 years, and he helps Tempe founders and young companies put their first marketing dollars where they will actually return something.

LET'S TALK Send a message

By John Graham Seeliger, Principal and CSO Updated October 22, 2026

Why do Tempe startups need a marketing strategy?

Because a startup can't afford to learn marketing by trial and error. With a lean budget, the first few campaigns either find customers or burn runway, and the difference is usually decided before any money is spent.

Tempe is full of builders: founders coming out of Arizona State University, tech companies, and new businesses near Mill Avenue and Tempe Town Lake. Many have a great product and a vague answer to the question "who exactly is this for?"

That answer comes first. Once the audience and the message are clear, choosing the media is the easy part. Without it, even the best ads attract the wrong people, and the product gets blamed for a marketing problem.

How we help Tempe businesses

Marketing Strategy: a launch plan built around one clear audience
Brand Positioning and Messaging: a story investors and customers both understand
Small Business Marketing: big agency thinking on a startup budget
Fractional CMO: marketing leadership before you can hire a CMO

PROOF

Results that scale to any size.

82%
market share in South Africa, in one year
A mystery mail campaign and a children's storybook made the Mantel Elephant the name on everyone's lips.
70%
opening response for an airline
Flying empty and near bankrupt, the airline reached three untapped markets we identified. Flights overbooked.
650%
over projected ROI for IBM
Buyers wouldn't sit through the sales demos until we offered M&Ms. The warehouse almost emptied.

"His ideas are fresh, his execution is sharp, and his results speak for themselves."

Scott Hansbury, CEO, Anthem One LLC (Scottsdale, AZ)

See all the case studies

Serving Tempe and nearby.

We work with businesses across Tempe, from the ASU area and downtown to south Tempe, as well as Guadalupe, Ahwatukee and the rest of the East Valley. Meet in person or by video.

QUESTIONS

Tempe questions, answered.

When should a startup hire a marketing consultant?

Before the launch, ideally. A few weeks of strategy up front costs far less than months of campaigns aimed at the wrong audience. If you have already launched and growth has stalled, a marketing audit is the fastest way to find out why.

Can a startup afford a fractional CMO?

That is the point of fractional work: senior leadership for part of the month, at a fraction of a full time salary. See fractional CMO.

Do you work with tech companies in Tempe?

Yes. John has marketed technology for clients including IBM, where one campaign returned 650% over projected ROI.

What is the first step for a Tempe business?

A free conversation about where you are, where you want to be and what is in the way. Call 602.558.7540 or use the form below.

KEEP EXPLORING

LET'S TALK

Ready when you are, Tempe.

A quick conversation costs nothing, and you'll know exactly where your Tempe business stands. Plus, what your next step should be. If any. No sugar coating, no pressure, no BS.

Start the conversation.

Phone:
602.558.7540

Email:
johngseeliger@cox.net
jgs@creativestrategiesmktg.com

Location:
Phoenix, AZ, serving the Phoenix metro and all of Arizona