AUSTERE

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner-Operator of ChaChing Records & Drum Song Films

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Creative Media Production

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire AUSTERE to accomplish?

• Music Video Promotion
• Subscriber promotion

SOLUTION

How did you find AUSTERE?

Online Search

Why did you select AUSTERE over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned
• I love the team!

How many teammates from AUSTERE were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Austere redesigned my artist logo, website, and developed a membership lounge for superfans. They also helped me gain subscribers and music video views by providing brand-centered social media strategies. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

I've gained a customized website, 6K subscribers, and nearly 300K views on YouTube. I also feel like I've made lasting friendships with members of the Austere team. 

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The AUSTERE team is highly responsive and professional. They care about your projects as if they were their own. 

What was your primary form of communication with AUSTERE?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The most unique aspect of this company is its people. They team deeply cares and consistently goes the extra mile for its clients. There's an old saying, "A fish rots from the head down," which suggests that poor leadership can lead to the decline of an organization. In Austere's case, CEO Natasha Brito leads by embodying an ethos of integrity, teamwork, and community care. 

Are there any areas for improvement or something AUSTERE could have done differently?

I'm not keen on the Asana portal. I prefer using their Slack app for communication. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Our company owns and operates music venues, restaurants and entertainment experiences globally. I am the Marketing Director.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire AUSTERE?

We hired Austere to manage our social media accounts and content calendars across Instagram and Facebook. We are a small team, so having Austere fill this role was a huge lift for our social media strategy.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We appreciated that Natasha had experience in the music industry and was able to identify with our brand experiences. She was able to create compelling content that resonated with our community!

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

The overall execution of this monthly retainer involved content calendars, copywriting, sourcing photos and video, and community engagement. Natasha and the team at Austere helped us outline a statement of work and built out our calendar templates. They also executed on monthly reporting and regular calls on progress and iteration as needed.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We had a primary account manager and the Founder working with us on the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We were able to increase our follower counts and maintain alignment with our brand identity throughout the retainer that Austere fulfilled.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The team were excellent communicators, were able to bring creative ideas to the table that made sense for our brand without being prompted. We appreciated their ability to understand our brand!

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

We were honored to work with an industry veteran and women-founded company.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Not applicable - the only reason our retainer ended was because of the pandemic. And since, we have brought the role internally.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I run a music distribution company and management firm for rock bands.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with AUSTERE?

They’ve helped us rebrand our company visually to attract better artists. We’re in a highly competitive market with some companies that have been around for a very long time and have more money than we do. Our goal was to look young, hip, and cool.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They provide marketing, advertising, and web development and design. Specific deliverables include logos, social content, etc. We informed them of our target audience to start.

They work in a number of channels, including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and more.

What is the team composition?

We work with Natasha (Founder & CEO) and four others.

How did you come to work with AUSTERE?

I saw them posting on a music industry board about how to generate income for artists who aren’t touring during COVID.

How much have you invested with them?

We have a $15,000 monthly retainer.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since March 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We’ve seen a huge increase in our organic traffic on our site, as well as video view increases for our clients. I’ve never seen anything like this growth before.

How did AUSTERE perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re fantastic in this regard. I don’t have a single bad thing to say about them. We work through Asana. They also use a different website to hold our schedule. Zoom and Slack and email help us communicate.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re highly creative and outside-the-box thinkers. They know how to go big and make something be elegant, organic, and sexy.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, not off the top of my head.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

You won’t regret it; it will be absolutely incredible. Your brand will grow and change the way you think about things. It will blow everyone else out of the water.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I run a marketing and management firm called Scorpion LTD. I’m the co-founder and current VP.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with AUSTERE?

We needed a really dynamic bunch of image, branding, and web assets not only for ourselves but also for our clients. We went to AUSTERE looking for an all-in-one solution for those issues.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We’ve been working steadily with AUSTERE across at least a dozen projects ranging from a single app that they use to campaign-level tasks to motion graphics, video assets, and still assets. We’ve really done a lot with the team at this point.

What is the team composition?

Right now, there is a team of three helping us, with Natasha (CEO & Chief Creative) as the designer and creative director.

How did you come to work with AUSTERE?

I heard about AUSTERE from an internship group. Natasha was kind enough to meet with me in New York City, so I drove up there and we have been working together since.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent somewhere between $5,000–$7,000 altogether.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our partnership started in January 2020 and is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

AUSTERE has been a critical element in us being able to service our clients who need any kind of visual branding. The quality of their work is the reason I continue to engage with them.

How did AUSTERE perform from a project management standpoint?

AUSTERE always comes to the table with multiple different ways for us to stay in touch, and Natasha is extremely good at project management and communication. They use Slack, but I’m very old school so I prefer to use email. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

There are designers everywhere that are pretty good at doing this kind of work, but what sets AUSTERE apart is the fact that Natasha is somebody who, as an individual and as a creative director, brings value to medium-sized agencies just through what she can do by herself. She has structured an agency around that and has hired people who are at a similar skill level. It’s just changed the whole dynamic of our partnership to the point where they’ve become indispensable.

I think when you have an agency that is such a stellar provider, there’s a tendency that they’ll impact everybody they work with, and I’ve certainly seen that throughout my time working with them.

 Are there any areas they could improve?

They need to get bigger in order for us to go to them for everything. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Spend the money to do it the right way. AUSTERE is not trying to make 1000% profit on any project, but if they are a team that’s flexible enough to work with people at different levels so you need to pay for the privilege of that service. It’s not cheap, but it's affordable and the value they deliver far outweighs the price tag. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Artist of Hill & Gully Records

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Produce, release and perform music. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire AUSTERE to accomplish?

• Visual Rebrand
• 12 Month Marketing Strategy

SOLUTION

How did you find AUSTERE?

Instagram Advert

Why did you select AUSTERE over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned
• Good reviews

How many teammates from AUSTERE were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

An indepth research process, consultations and feedback via Zoom leading to the creation of a Visual Brand Identity deck and a 12 month marketing strategy plan. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

It's still in progress but an increased following on social media and increased streams and record sales as well as artist satisfaction in the process would demonstrate progress and success. 

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

They are excellent at setting up meetings and checking in in a timely fashion.  Giving space yet also staying on top of things.  They were responsive to my needs and feedback suggestions. 

What was your primary form of communication with AUSTERE?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The highly skilled experts on the team and wonderful co-ordination process.  I feel very seen, heard and cared for.  It's very impressive as it feels tailored to me and quite boutique. 

Are there any areas for improvement or something AUSTERE could have done differently?

Nope. Genuinely it's been a real real pleasure! 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the Brand Marketing of an other industries company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We're a versatile marketplace for booking and listing unique spaces for a variety of creative and productive uses.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire AUSTERE to accomplish?
Manage social media content strategy

SOLUTION

How did you find AUSTERE?

Breef

Why did you select AUSTERE over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from AUSTERE were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Manage our social media content strategy and execution on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. Deliverables include video editing, caption copywriting, and community engagement.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Measured monthly on impressions and follower growth.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Austere was very timely when it came to deliverables. They very effectively used a project management platform and clearly communicated throughout each step of the creative development process. They were also very responsive on Slack for one-off requests. 

What was your primary form of communication with AUSTERE?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

AUSTERE was quick to hop on social trends and push out relevant content in a timely manner. 

Are there any areas for improvement or something AUSTERE could have done differently?

Turnover is natural is the agency world, but additional documentation of our brand guidelines and processes would have made for a smoother transition between account leads.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Co-Founder of REUNION

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

REUNION is a family owned hemp farm and we produce CBD and CBG products.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire AUSTERE to accomplish?

• Create our social media presence
• Increase followers
• Drive more traffic to our site

SOLUTION

How did you find AUSTERE?

Referral

Why did you select AUSTERE over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from AUSTERE were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Work with us to create our brand presence on social media and to build out a fluid content stream.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Increased traffic and followers

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Yes the team is excellent with management and organization as well as communication!

What was your primary form of communication with AUSTERE?

Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Natasha and her team are a gem to work with! They had brilliant creators that were flexible, which was important to us.

Are there any areas for improvement or something AUSTERE could have done differently?

We loved working with Austere!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder & CEO

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We connect undiscovered artists with superfans.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire AUSTERE to accomplish?

• Full-service marketing and user acquisition

SOLUTION

How did you find AUSTERE?

Referral

Why did you select AUSTERE over others?

• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from AUSTERE were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

• Our scope was a full 360 organic social/paid social ads/content creation campaign over ~1 year 
• Diversified and elevated content across various social media channels and inspired early brand capital 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• Scaled up our MAU 100x within 6 months at highly-attractive CAC 
• Went viral organically on socials with 16M+ view
• Professional and "always-on" team looking to provide value outside of the campaign scope

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

AUSTERE was active over Slack and Asana and responded to our needs as they arose. I never had an issue with response times or duty of care.

What was your primary form of communication with AUSTERE?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Culturally, the team was super fun and authentic! They love music and all-things pop-culture, while bringing a "growth hacker" mindset to the work they do.

Are there any areas for improvement or something AUSTERE could have done differently?

Potentially look into ways to enhance the conversion rate from organic viral moments on social media to meaningful app installs or other core KPI.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Music Production company and Artist Development.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire AUSTERE, and what were your goals?

Branding, marketing and social media content targeting for new music releases and rebranding of artist.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were impressed with her portfolio and work with other artists. We actually switched companies midstream because they were so on point with their approach and vision.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

There were initial meetings with the band and producers to develop a vision of the social media content and artistry to be displayed through the assets. As the partnership continued, they developed a timeline and coordinated asset creation and distribution throughout the term of the campaign.

Their creative team met with band members to flesh out and develop video ideas, social media collaborations and marketing strategies as well as influencer collaborations to gain more eyes on the music and creative products. Developed multi level ideas of merchandise and income streams. Natasha and her team are extremely knowledgable in all aspects of music marketing.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

There were 5 team members, lead by Natasha Brito, that coordinated everything from asset creation to marketing and ad placements.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We have seen an increase in social media engagement and enthusiasm. The band has a more cohesive image and message through the work done with Austere.We will continue to work with them through future releases.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Their team is very efficient in creating time paths and calendars. Everything was extremely organized, communicated and methodical. Deadlines were met, any need for feedback was completely open and transparent, could not have asked for a better team to work with.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their ability to deliver what they said. They exceeded expectations.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

No we were very happy with the ramp up and execution of the campaign. They were on top of all aspects of the project and were able to implement any new ideas when needed.