Black Digital

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the FARE Project Manager of Financial Alliance for Racial Equity (FARE)

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

The FARE mission is to increase racial diversity, drive greater equity and foster inclusion within the financial services industry and the communities served.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Black Digital to accomplish?

• Website development and maintenance
• Social media strategy and campaign development services
• Marketing, content creation, creation as well as distribution of quarterly digital publication

SOLUTION

How did you find Black Digital?

RFP

Why did you select Black Digital over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned
• Data-driven

How many teammates from Black Digital were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

Summary of Key Deliverables: 
Weekly: 
1. Ad hoc email communication with FARE Staff regarding ongoing initiatives. 
2. Weekly FARE social media posts highlighting upcoming and recent events and initiatives. 
3. Social cards for FARE Board, Staff, and Operating Committee members. 
4. Weekly status update on content, social strategy, and website provided to FARE Staff. 
Monthly: 
5. Monthly one-hour meeting with FARE Staff to discuss ongoing and completed activities. 
6. Management of monthly marketing email and associated tactics for FARE HBCU students. 
7. Monthly report on website and social media engagement. 
8. Monthly report (if needed) on website updates and recommendations. 
Quarterly: 
9. Creation, distribution, and management of distribution list for the Quarterly Digital Publication. 
10. Participation in FARE Marketing committee meeting to provide status updates. 
11. Design tactics and deliverables for semi-annual HBCU Educational & Recruitment Event. 
Annually: 
12. Annual report detailing accomplishments and strategic priorities. 
13. Proposal regarding the 2024 Marketing support strategy. 
Communication: 
14. Frequent communication during onboarding, selection process, and throughout the contract year. 
15. Periodic phone check-ins based on evolving needs. 
16. Ongoing collaboration and coordination with FARE staff and FARE marketing committee through web-conferencing. 
17. Expected email communication with FARE and periodic updates for similar marketing services provided to other clients.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Measurable Outcomes for FARE and Black Digital: 
1. Event Attendance Increase: 

• FARE sponsored 2021 Diversitas Summit and CFP Board Career Fair drew over 1,000 attendees.
• Outcome: Measurable success in event participation and engagement. 

2. Diversity Scholarship Impact:

• Funded $120K+ FARE CFP® Certification Diversity Scholarship in 2022-2023.
• Awarded scholarships to 14 diverse professionals. - Outcome: Tangible support for Black professionals pursuing CFP certification. 

3. Internship and Employment Success: 

• Hired 5 interns and 1 full-time associate directly from FARE HBCU Events in 2022-2023. 
• Notable interns include NaKyla Comer and Kayla Farris. 
• Outcome: Concrete results in talent acquisition and workforce diversification. 

4. 501(c)(6) Non-Profit Status Achievement:

• Successfully attained 501(c)(6) non-profit status.
• Outcome: Formal recognition as a non-profit organization, enhancing credibility and potential for support. 

5. HBCU Mentorship Program Success:

• Engaged 11 mentors and 25 mentees in FARE’s inaugural HBCU Mentorship Program in 2023. 
• Outcome: Measurable impact on mentorship and professional development within the industry. 

6. HBCU Scholarship Award Impact: 

• Launched FARE HBCU Scholarship Award, awarding 14 HBCU students up to $3,000 for SIE certification. 
• Outcome: Tangible support for HBCU students pursuing securities industry certification. 

7. Educational Series Growth:

• Hosted FARE educational series event, HBCU Live: In the Black, at Howard University, with 70+ attendees. 
• Achieved an 86.8% increase in attendance from the previous year through digital marketing efforts. 
• Outcome: Successful event growth and increased audience engagement. 

8. Website and Publication Success:

• Launched FARE website in Fall 2023, resulting in a 4.5K increase in website visits. 
• Quarterly publication launched in Fall 2023.
• Outcome: Enhanced online presence and communication. 

9. Social Media Revamp: 

• Black Digital revamped all social platforms, increasing audience size by 532.6% and engagement by 1,463.4%. 
• Outcome: Significant improvement in social media presence and engagement. 

These outcomes collectively demonstrate the tangible impact of the marketing efforts led by Black Digital in collaboration with Suzanne Siracuse Consulting Services, contributing to FARE's growth, industry awareness, and program success.

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

Black Digital exhibits excellent project management skills. While they generally delivered items on time, there is room for improvement in providing deliverables at least one week in advance. This adjustment would allow FARE members and stakeholders sufficient time for comprehensive reviews involving legal, compliance, and internal marketing partners. 
Despite this opportunity for enhancement, Black Digital's project management remains fairly strong, and they have demonstrated a high level of responsiveness to our needs throughout the collaboration.

What was your primary form of communication with Black Digital?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

What I found most impressive and unique about this company is their exceptional ability to simultaneously manage multiple key projects, tasks, and deliverables while still giving individual attention to detail for each. 
Additionally, their skill in receiving feedback and making edits to high-profile and high-visibility pieces, such as our digital industry publication, was particularly commendable. This combination of multitasking prowess and attention to detail sets them apart in their capacity to handle diverse and complex projects with finesse.

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

Enhancing our collaboration further could involve spending additional time on strategic planning. Specifically, I recommend that Black Digital and FARE invest dedicated time to define our year-end success metrics collaboratively. By aligning our visions and clearly outlining milestones, we can ensure that our efforts are even more cohesive and that the impact we seek to achieve is maximized. 
I see this as an opportunity for Black Digital to leverage their expertise not just in execution but also in shaping the broader strategy in tandem with FARE. The outcome of such focused collaboration would undoubtedly strengthen our partnership and contribute to even greater success in our shared mission.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am a Director of National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

NCRP promotes philanthropy that serves the public good, is responsive to people and communities with the least wealth and opportunity, and is held accountable to the highest standards of integrity and openness.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Black Digital to accomplish?

• Launch new sections of our website
• Update our Branding
• Create Infographics and Videos

SOLUTION

How did you find Black Digital?

Online Search

Why did you select Black Digital over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned
• Great work

How many teammates from Black Digital were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Launched new sections of our website related to you Movement Investment Project. Designed the updated branding for the organization. Created infographics and videos as needed across projects.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

All projects have been launched successfully within the time frame and were well received by intended target audiences.

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

Yes. They delivered on time. They were responsive to our needs, feedback and other communication.

What was your primary form of communication with Black Digital?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Everything. They are very good people to work with overall. They are problem solvers and have been great partners for us regardless of the type of project we're working on (web, video, graphics and more)

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

Not necessarily, but at the same time, after working with them for several years, I've noticed the many ways they've grown and flourished. It's amazing to see a team so committed to getting it right and doing their work well all for the benefit of their clients.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of ABO Marketing & Communications

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Public relations for small businesses and nonprofits.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Black Digital to accomplish?

• Launch a website
• Relaunch a website that went down
• Train us on website maintenance

SOLUTION

How did you find Black Digital?

• Referral

Why did you select Black Digital over others?

• Referred to me

What was the size of Black Digital’s team?

2-5 Employees

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

They literally saved the day - TWICE! We were introduced to Black Digital at a time when one of our clients needed emergency care for two time-sensitive website projects. Within 30 days, Black Digital had rectified all issues and both sites are up and running smoothly. What's more, they handled each project with ease, calmness, professionalism and helped train us so that we can maintain content on the sites moving forward.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Saved and relaunched and/or completed two websites that were previously unfinished by another vendor and had disappeared. Trained our staff on managing content moving forward.

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

They were calm, collected, professional, and always responsive and timely.

What was your primary form of communication with Black Digital?

• Virtual Meeting

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

They are an A+ partner and I can't thank them enough for taking a set of complex issues handed to them and streamlining it into a simple solution.

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

I'd love it if they were local, but that's just because they were SO GREAT that we want them here!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder & Chief Strategist of BDC Strategy Group

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Our team provides strategic communications services, including public relations, speechwriting, employee communications, writing/editing and graphic design.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Black Digital to accomplish?

Redesign our website

SOLUTION

How did you find Black Digital?

Referral

Why did you select Black Digital over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Black Digital were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Design a website to represent our company's rebrand and launch the new site.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We had a specific timeline in mind and the team met that timeline. They also met our budget needs and provided the right expertise to help elevate our brand.

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

Everything was delivered on time or early. They are a very responsive team with great processes in place.

What was your primary form of communication with Black Digital?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

We were impressed with their ability to deliver in such a timely manner and be nimble when needed.

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

No. We wouldn't change a thing.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Director of External Affairs of a Children's Museum

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We needed a new up to date website.

SOLUTION

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

We were searching for a firm with an aesthetic we liked, good reputation, experience working with non-profits. Also, it was important to have BIPOC members of the Executive Team/Ownership as part of our effort to help diversify our vendor pool.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

We had a timeline that was reasonable and then adjusted due to our staff cutbacks due to COVID. We found the team flexible and problem solvers.

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

We worked with an owner and an account manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Our audience and board of directors were very pleased with the new look and functionality of the site. In the 1.5 years since it was launched we have had no problems and continue to receive support as needed from Black Digital

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

They are very responsive.

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

We appreciated having an account manager to handle our work.

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

No areas of improvement.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

The Grant Access is a full service event planning and production agency. I am the owner and Chief Experience Architect.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Black Digital?

We’ve utilized Black Digital for our company rebranding, web design and social media management for a client project.

SOLUTION

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

Black Digital previously worked with another client which made us familiar with their work. We appreciated that they did amazing work and were a black owned firm.

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

We needed a brand refresh after the pandemic and needed a firm to help us highlight our new brand identity.

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

The owner and an additional web developer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our brand new website!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We communicated primarily via email. The workflow and edits were seamless once the initial template was sent.

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

Black Digital elevated our social and digital presence tenfold! They were efficient, responsive, innovative and detailed oriented. We shared the goal of growing our brand, as true partners should. We can’t wait to work with them again!

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

Nothing!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I have two companies with Black Digital, a private practice and an emotional intelligence training program.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Black Digital?

Two websites that coordinate, but also represent separate business entites.

SOLUTION

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

I was looking for stylish, medium sized, professional and loyal, an agency that wasn't going to dry up quickly.

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

Mike interviewed me, tried to organize me, which I wasn't very organized and then put both websites together!

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

Mike and his colleagues.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

All good. Increased revenue from both businesses.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Great.

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

We like the level of professionalism and personality.

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

I think it's been improved by employing new web editors.