# Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) Reviews (23), Pricing, Services & Verified Ratings - Premier Verified - 4.9 out of 5 average review rating - 6 connections joined Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)'s Network [Visit Website](https://wearecsg.com/?utm_source=clutch.co&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=directory) [Get a Custom Proposal](https://clutch.co/profile/communications-strategy-group-csg-0) **PR, Content Marketing & Marketing Strategy Agency** Communications Strategy Group (CSG) is a strategic communications and marketing agency that provides public relations, digital marketing, content marketing, website development, social media and design services for Fortune 500 companies and challenger brands across financial and professional services, healthcare, wellness, education, aerospace, sustainability and renewable energy, technology, and consumer industries. We believe asking the right questions is the quickest path to uncovering the right solutions. We’re not interested in work for the sake of work, but we are keenly interested in helping organizations solve their business challenges through better communications. Whether you’re a start-up on a mission to change the game or an established brand facing down the next phase there’s always a why. And that’s where we start. We solve for why because that’s where inspiration lies. We approach every new relationship with equal parts strategy, purposeful creativity and unbridled enthusiasm because we love doing great work for good people. **Industry Focus** - Financial Services - Education - Healthcare - Wellness - Professional Services - Aviation and Aerospace - Sustainability and Renewable Energy - Technology - Consumer

**Services** - Brand Awareness & Thought Leadership - Lead Generation & Conversion - Reputation Management - Customer Connection and Engagement - Brand Communications - Digital Marketing - Social Media - Content Marketing - Website Development - Design - Video Production ## Company Information - Minimum project size: $5,000+ - Hourly rate: $200 - $300 - Number of employees: 10 - 49 - 1 Locations: - Denver, CO (Headquarters) - Founded in 2004 - 1 languages: English ## Services, Focus Areas, Industries, and Clients ### Service Lines - 35% Digital Strategy - 30% Public Relations - 15% Content Marketing - 10% Advertising - 10% Marketing Strategy ### Focus Areas - Public Relations Focus: - 67% Corporate communications - 16% Public affairs - 11% Crisis communications - 6% Online reputation management ### Industries - 10% Education - 20% Financial services - 15% Medical - 5% Information technology - 10% Manufacturing - 10% Energy & natural resources - 20% Business services - 10% Consumer products & services ### Clients - 10% Small Business (<$10M) - 70% Midmarket ($10M - $1B) - 20% Enterprise (>$1B) ## Pricing Snapshot Average rating for cost based on this provider's reviews: 4.7 out of 5 **What Clients Have Said** *(This summary is based on verified Clutch reviews.)*: Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) offers competitive pricing with monthly retainers, ranging from $20,000 to $180,000 depending on the project scale. Clients regard their services as high value, often exceeding expectations in project management and deliverables, making them a worthwhile investment. **Most Common Project Size**: $50,000 to $199,999 based on 15 reviews *(Pricing information for this provider is based on reviews where the project size was available.)* ### Pricing by Service - Public Relations: $50,000 to $199,999 based on 7 reviews - Social Media Marketing: $50,000 to $199,999 based on 3 reviews - Branding: Less than $10,000 based on 2 reviews - Marketing Strategy: Confidential based on 2 reviews - Advertising: $10,000 to $49,000 based on 2 reviews - Web Design: $10,000 to $49,000 based on 2 reviews - Graphic Design: Less than $10,000 based on 1 review - Other Digital Marketing: $50,000 to $199,999 based on 1 review - Web Development: $10,000 to $49,000 based on 1 review - Event Marketing: Confidential based on 1 review - Digital Strategy: $50,000 to $199,999 based on 1 review - Product Marketing: Confidential based on 1 review - Search Engine Optimization: Confidential based on 1 review ## Reviews Clutch investigates each reviewer's identity and work history. Every review goes through a rigorous, human-led verification process to confirm the reviewer's identity, and reviews that we verify are visibly marked as 'Verified' so you can trust that they come from a real client. [Learn More](https://help.clutch.co/en/knowledge/how-clutch-verifies-reviews) ### Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) Review Insights Overall Review Rating: 4.9 - Quality: 4.9 - Schedule: 4.9 - Cost: 4.7 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 ### Top Mentions - Great project management (7 mentions) - Flexible (5 mentions) - Communicative (4 mentions) - High-quality work (4 mentions) - Proactive (4 mentions) - Timely (4 mentions) - Easy to work with (3 mentions) - Exceeds expectations (3 mentions) - Exceptional results (3 mentions) - Knowledgeable (3 mentions) - Professional (3 mentions) - Well-organized projects (3 mentions) - Creative (2 mentions) - Experienced (2 mentions) - Passionate about their work (2 mentions) - Reliable (2 mentions) - Personable (1 mentions) - Puts the customer first (1 mentions) - Team players (1 mentions) - Unique expertise (1 mentions) ### Review Highlights **Effective Communication Strategies** CSG® is recognized for developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies. Their ability to align messaging with client goals and effectively communicate value propositions is well-regarded. **Deep Understanding of Client Industries** CSG® demonstrates a strong grasp of diverse industries, including education, finance, and technology. Their ability to understand client needs and industry nuances is frequently highlighted as a key strength. **Exceptional Project Management** Clients frequently commend CSG® for their outstanding project management skills. They are organized, responsive, and deliver projects on time, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration with clients. **High-Quality Deliverables** The quality of deliverables from CSG® is consistently high, with clients noting their ability to produce well-designed, professional materials that resonate with target audiences. **Occasional Content Quality Issues** While generally responsive and effective, there were isolated instances where clients felt the quality of written content did not meet expectations, indicating a potential area for improvement. **Room for Improvement in Social Media Strategy** One client noted a desire for more evolution and frequency in their social media strategy, suggesting that while CSG® excels in PR, there may be room for growth in social media management. **Impressive Results and Impact** Clients report significant improvements in media coverage, brand awareness, and business growth as a direct result of CSG®'s efforts. Their work often exceeds client expectations in terms of impact and ROI. **Proficient in PR and Media Relations** CSG® is praised for their ability to secure media coverage in notable publications and execute effective PR strategies, which has helped clients increase brand awareness and thought leadership. They have successfully managed public and media relations for various industries. **Creative and Strategic Thinking** CSG® is praised for their creative and strategic approach to problem-solving. They bring innovative ideas to the table and adapt strategies to fit client needs, driving successful outcomes. **Strong Client Relationships** Clients appreciate CSG®'s commitment to becoming an integral part of their teams. They are described as passionate, invested, and responsive, fostering strong relationships and delivering tailored solutions. ### Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) Reviews #### SEO, PR, Content Writing & Branding for Educational Org (Featured Review) **The Project** - Services: Branding, Marketing Strategy, Search Engine Optimization - Project size: Confidential - Project length: Jan. 2024 - Ongoing **Project Summary**: Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) provides branding, SEO, blog writing, and PR services for an educational organization. The team also handles social media audits, brand messaging, and SEO recommendations. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Director of Communication, IMSE - Industry: Education - Client size: 51-200 Employees - Review Type: Online Review - Verified **The Review** — Jan 2, 2025 **Feedback Summary**: Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) has helped the client improve course and product sales and achieve a good ROAS. The team communicates clearly and is highly responsive, open to feedback, and quick to adapt. Their understanding of the education industry, innovation, and creativity stand out. ""Partnering with CSG as our marketing agency has been an outstanding experience for IMSE."" **BACKGROUND** Please describe your company and position.I am the Director of Communication of IMSEDescribe what your company does in a single sentence.IMSE provides knowledge, tools, and support to empower educators to effectively and successfully apply Structured Literacy and the science of reading to instruct students more equitably and ensure literacy for all. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What specific goals or objectives did you hire Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) to accomplish?To be considered a thought leader in the literacy worldBrand awarenessIncrease training and product sales **SOLUTION** How did you find Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)?Online SearchWhy did you select Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) over others?High ratingsGreat culture fitCompany values alignedExperience in educationHow many teammates from Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) were assigned to this project?6-10 EmployeesDescribe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.Branding and messagingSEO Audit and recommendationsSocial media audit and recommendationsPaid digital creative and managementPR Blog posts **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?Course and product salesROAS Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs? Partnering with CSG as our marketing agency has been an outstanding experience for IMSE. Their team excels in clear and consistent communication, ensuring everyone stays aligned and informed throughout each project. They are highly responsive, open to feedback, and quick to adapt to our evolving needs. CSG truly understands IMSE's vision and goals, bringing fresh, creative ideas to the table while also providing thoughtful options that allow us to make informed decisions. Their ability to explain strategies and deliverables in detail has made collaboration seamless and productive. Working with CSG has not only elevated our marketing efforts but also reinforced our confidence in achieving impactful results together.What was your primary form of communication with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)?Virtual MeetingEmail or Messaging AppWhat did you find most impressive or unique about this company?One of the most impressive and unique aspects of working with CSG is their deep understanding of the education industry and their ability to translate that expertise into impactful marketing strategies. They grasp the nuances of IMSE's mission and audience, allowing them to craft messaging and visuals that authentically resonate with educators, administrators, and stakeholders. CSG consistently finds innovative ways to elevate IMSE's brand—refining our look, strengthening our voice, and positioning us as a leader in literacy education. Their ability to merge creativity with industry insight sets them apart and has been instrumental in helping IMSE grow and shine in a competitive landscape.Are there any areas for improvement or something Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) could have done differently?N/A --- #### Graphic Design for Energy Storage Systems Company **The Project** - Services: Graphic Design - Project size: Less than $10,000 - Project length: Feb. - May 2024 **Project Summary**: Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) revamped an energy storage systems company's corporate overview presentation. The team designed a slide deck that included information about the client's company. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications, OCI Energy - Industry: Energy & natural resources - Client size: 11-50 Employees - Review Type: Online Review - Verified **The Review** — Feb 14, 2025 **Feedback Summary**: Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) delivered a 33-slide presentation that was beautifully designed and modern. The client used the deck in more than a dozen meetings with potential clients and partners. The team answered the client's questions promptly via phone, email, and text messages. ""CSG's level of service was unmatched!"" **BACKGROUND** Please describe your company and position.I am the Sr. Manager, Marketing & Communications of OCI EnergyDescribe what your company does in a single sentence.OCI Energy is a leading developer of utility-scale solar projects and battery energy storage systems that power the grid with clean energy for a sustainable future. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What specific goals or objectives did you hire Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) to accomplish?Transform our company overview slide deck, making it modern, professional, graphically appealing, and easy to understand. **SOLUTION** How did you find Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)?Online SearchReferralWhy did you select Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) over others?High ratingsPricing fit our budgetGreat culture fitGood value for costReferred to meHow many teammates from Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) were assigned to this project?2-5 EmployeesDescribe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.OCI Solar Power was on the verge of rebranding to OCI Energy, and we needed to update our  longstanding, very basic, and boring corporate overview presentation. We took our concerns and hopes to CSG, and asked them to create and design a slide deck that included a little about our company, projects, milestones, pipeline, and team. CSG delivered 33 slides and exceeded our expectations. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?After many virtual meetings, brainstorming sessions, and editing, we received a corporate overview presentation containing 33 beautifuly-designed, modern, and professional slides that exceeded our expectations. Our business development team has used the deck in more than a dozen meetings with potential clients and partners. Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?CSG is a dream team! Although Karen was our main point of contact, we also talked to and met with John, Emily and Dan. Together, they answered all our questions, met all our demands, and exceeded our expectations, delivering a presentation that looks great, is easy to manage, and makes our team feel good about the information they are sharing.What was your primary form of communication with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)?Virtual MeetingEmail or Messaging AppWhat did you find most impressive or unique about this company?CSG's level of service was unmatched! Not only did they promptly respond to all our questions via phone, email, and text messages, but two of the team members traveled to Anaheim, CA to meet with us during an industry conference. Meeting them in person solidified our respect for and relationship with CSG.Are there any areas for improvement or something Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) could have done differently?n/a --- #### SEO, PR, Content Writing & Branding for Educational Org **The Project** - Services: Branding, Marketing Strategy, Search Engine Optimization - Project size: Confidential - Project length: Jan. 2024 - Ongoing **Project Summary**: Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) provides branding, SEO, blog writing, and PR services for an educational organization. The team also handles social media audits, brand messaging, and SEO recommendations. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Director of Communication, IMSE - Industry: Education - Client size: 51-200 Employees - Review Type: Online Review - Verified **The Review** — Jan 2, 2025 **Feedback Summary**: Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) has helped the client improve course and product sales and achieve a good ROAS. The team communicates clearly and is highly responsive, open to feedback, and quick to adapt. Their understanding of the education industry, innovation, and creativity stand out. ""Partnering with CSG as our marketing agency has been an outstanding experience for IMSE."" **BACKGROUND** Please describe your company and position.I am the Director of Communication of IMSEDescribe what your company does in a single sentence.IMSE provides knowledge, tools, and support to empower educators to effectively and successfully apply Structured Literacy and the science of reading to instruct students more equitably and ensure literacy for all. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What specific goals or objectives did you hire Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) to accomplish?To be considered a thought leader in the literacy worldBrand awarenessIncrease training and product sales **SOLUTION** How did you find Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)?Online SearchWhy did you select Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) over others?High ratingsGreat culture fitCompany values alignedExperience in educationHow many teammates from Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) were assigned to this project?6-10 EmployeesDescribe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.Branding and messagingSEO Audit and recommendationsSocial media audit and recommendationsPaid digital creative and managementPR Blog posts **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?Course and product salesROAS Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs? Partnering with CSG as our marketing agency has been an outstanding experience for IMSE. Their team excels in clear and consistent communication, ensuring everyone stays aligned and informed throughout each project. They are highly responsive, open to feedback, and quick to adapt to our evolving needs. CSG truly understands IMSE's vision and goals, bringing fresh, creative ideas to the table while also providing thoughtful options that allow us to make informed decisions. Their ability to explain strategies and deliverables in detail has made collaboration seamless and productive. Working with CSG has not only elevated our marketing efforts but also reinforced our confidence in achieving impactful results together.What was your primary form of communication with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)?Virtual MeetingEmail or Messaging AppWhat did you find most impressive or unique about this company?One of the most impressive and unique aspects of working with CSG is their deep understanding of the education industry and their ability to translate that expertise into impactful marketing strategies. They grasp the nuances of IMSE's mission and audience, allowing them to craft messaging and visuals that authentically resonate with educators, administrators, and stakeholders. CSG consistently finds innovative ways to elevate IMSE's brand—refining our look, strengthening our voice, and positioning us as a leader in literacy education. Their ability to merge creativity with industry insight sets them apart and has been instrumental in helping IMSE grow and shine in a competitive landscape.Are there any areas for improvement or something Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) could have done differently?N/A --- #### Marketing Operations for Professional Development Org **The Project** - Services: Event Marketing, Marketing Strategy, Product Marketing - Project size: Confidential - Project length: Aug. 2022 - Sep. 2023 **Project Summary**: Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) took over a professional development organization's marketing operations to accelerate their growth related to publishing, events, membership, and consulting solutions. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** CMO, ASCD - Industry: Education - Client size: 201-500 Employees - Review Type: Online Review - Verified **The Review** — Jul 10, 2024 **Feedback Summary**: Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)’s work resulted in 1,360 event registrations, $850,000 in revenue, and hundreds of sales appointments within two months. The team offered strong project management and collaborated via virtual meetings. Moreover, they were talented, knowledgeable, and passionate. ""They were able to bring order to what was a chaotic transitionary time at the organization."" **BACKGROUND** Please describe your company and position.I am the Chief Marketing Officer of ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development)Describe what your company does in a single sentence.ASCD is the largest professional development organization serving educators and instructional leaders in K12. It provides evidence-based resources and solutions to build teaching and learning environments to elevate education and boost student achievement.  **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What specific goals or objectives did you hire Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) to accomplish?As part of a significant organizational restructuring, ASCD engaged CSG to serve as an outsourced marketing communications solution while the organization rebuilt its marketing team. **SOLUTION** How did you find Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)?ReferralWhy did you select Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) over others?Great culture fitReferred to meHow many teammates from Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) were assigned to this project?6-10 EmployeesDescribe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.In absence of a full marketing team, CSG took over the marketing and marketing operations activations to accelerate the organization’s growth of its publishing, events, membership and consulting solutions, as well as launch the organization’s newest innovation, Witsby, a professional development learning platform.   **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?Events: One of the hallmarks of ASCD’s work (and revenue) is its annual conference. CSG was engaged to accelerate registrations back to pre-Covid levels via paid digital campaigns. As a result of CSG’s omnichannel digital campaign, ASCD saw event registrations skyrocket by generating 1,360 registrations.Publishing: With ASCD leading professional development for educators, CSG assisted with creating ongoing awareness for key authors and thought leaders, generating purchases for 40 new book launches, and maximize the impact of their quarterly catalog. With the catalog alone, CSG helped generate $850,000 in revenue. Witsby: CSG developed the Go-To-Market strategy and launched their professional learning and development application, working closely with sales to deliver warm leads via regular webinars, advertising, and email marketing. CSG generated hundreds of sales appointments in the first two months of the campaign. Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?Project management is one of CSG’s strong suits. So much so that they helped build out the project management capabilities for us at ASCD as we brought on more team members internally to handle the work. What was your primary form of communication with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)?Virtual MeetingWhat did you find most impressive or unique about this company?CSG is a talented team of people that knows the K12 industry extremely well, which allowed them to have impact immediately and ongoing. That expertise combined with their passion for the industry—and the work ASCD does—along with creativity and buttoned up processes allowed them to deliver the results we were looking for.Are there any areas for improvement or something Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) could have done differently?I can’t think of anything where CSG could improve. They were able to bring order to what was a chaotic transitionary time at the organization.  --- #### PR & Social Media Marketing for Health Sciences University **The Project** - Services: Public Relations, Social Media Marketing - Project size: $50,000 to $199,999 - Project length: Jan. 2023 - Ongoing **Project Summary**: Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) is helping a health sciences university drive brand awareness and improve their thought leadership position. The team does this via PR and social media marketing services. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Executive, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences - Industry: Education - Client size: 1,001-5,000 Employees - Review Type: Online Review - Verified **The Review** — Jul 4, 2023 **Feedback Summary**: The client is pleased with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®). The team is exceptionally well-organized, allowing them to manage the engagement effectively. Their members are highly responsive and deliver work on time. Their strategic thinking has been truly instrumental in the project's success. ""They're exceptionally well-organized and skilled in project management."" **BACKGROUND** Please describe your company and position.I'm an executive at the University of St Augustine for Health SciencesDescribe what your company does in a single sentence.Educates students at the Graduate level in Health Sciences degrees (PT, OT, Nursing, SLP, PA, etc) **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What specific goals or objectives did you hire Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) to accomplish?Increase Thought Leadership PositionDrive Brand Awareness **SOLUTION** How did you find Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)?ReferralWhy did you select Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) over others?Great culture fitCompany values alignedExperience in EducationHow many teammates from Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) were assigned to this project?2-5 EmployeesDescribe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.CSG was hired in January 2023 for PR Services to drive brand awareness and increase the University's thought leadership position. Deliverables were a robust PR strategy and plan by month to increase impressions. We added Social Media marketing to the scope of work in April 2023 to leverage synergies from PR and because of our success with CSG PR Services. The goal of social media is to drive engagement. This scope began with a full assessment of the University's social media, the development of a strategy and a monthly social media calendar/deliverables. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?Impressions for PR Engagement for socialDescribe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?They're exceptionally well-organized and skilled in project management. Very responsive to our needs and all deliveries were on time.What was your primary form of communication with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)?Virtual MeetingEmail or Messaging AppWhat did you find most impressive or unique about this company?Exceptionally well-organized and strategic thinking organization with experience in higher educationAre there any areas for improvement or something Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) could have done differently?We've worked to streamline our communications because of the bandwidth of the client --- #### Public Relations for Fiber Broadband Startup **The Project** - Services: Public Relations - Project size: $50,000 to $199,999 - Project length: Jan. 2020 - Mar. 2022 **Project Summary**: A fiber broadband startup has engaged with Communications Strategy Group for public relations services. They've created new social media properties on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn and manage content posts.  **Review Rating**: 4.0 - Quality: 4.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 2.5 - Willing to Refer: 4.0 **The Reviewer** VP Marketing, Fiber Broadband Startup - Industry: Telecommunications - Client size: 201-500 Employees - Review Type: Online Review - Verified **The Review** — Feb 23, 2022 **Feedback Summary**: Communications Strategy Group has successfully helped execute press releases and gained coverage from various media placements like TV interviews. The team organizes bi-weekly meetings for progress updates and maintains responsive communication through email. Overall, they’re easy to work with.  ""Communications Strategy Group was instrumental in coordinating a handful of TV interviews."" **BACKGROUND** Please describe your company and your position there. I am the VP of Marketing for a Fiber Broadband Start-up. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** For what projects/services did your company hire Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)? We needed a smooth transition of an acquisition of an existing asset and expansion into greenfield territory. This required standing up owned social media properties, PR, and various content needs. **SOLUTION** How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors? CSG came highly recommended from our branding agency. Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project. Following several kick-off meetings, the first project was to create a meaningful town hall for existing employees about our acquisition of Vast Broadband. Running in parallel was setting up our Public Relations Strategy and the execution of the strategy. Vast social media, FB, LinkedIn and Twitter was redesigned and CSG helped us move the social from advertising to content posts. About 6 months later, CSG created new social media properties( FB, Insta, LinkedIn) and was responsible for a designing and writing the the content posts. How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions? We worked with a dedicated Senior Associate and a Social Team during our engagement. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success? We have successfully released and gained coverage of dozens of press releases. Communications Strategy Group was instrumental in coordinating a handful of TV interviews. How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs? We meet bi-weekly for an hour status meeting. Overtime, the meeting time averaged 20-30 minutes. CSG was very responsive using email. And, at one point in time, they worked through a weekend with us. What did you find most impressive or unique about this company? They are easy to work with and were able to get up to speed quickly. Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently? I would have liked our social strategy to evolve a bit more and the frequency of posts to increase. They were great with providing coverage of our press releases and interviews; however the social dashboard although was not presented on are regular basis. --- #### Web Design & Content Production for Investment Manager **The Project** - Services: Digital Strategy, Web Design - Project size: $50,000 to $199,999 - Project length: May 2021 - Ongoing **Project Summary**: An investment manager hired Communications Strategy Group to redesign their website in time for their company’s reorganization. The team is also producing marketing and communication collaterals for the event. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Chief Development Officer, Investment Manager - Industry: Financial services - Client size: 51-200 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — Sep 14, 2021 **Feedback Summary**: The manner in which Communications Strategy Group reframed the client’s messages and strategies received widespread positive feedback. The team solicited advice on how to make industry-aligned communications and material which ultimately helped the client with their advancing restructure. ""On top of their good quality work, they’re very reliable and unafraid to speak their minds."" **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. We are an investment manager based in Chicago, dealing purely in equities and fixed income. We were founded in 1981 and we’ve been around for 40 years. I’m the chief development officer and I oversee our 11-person distribution team as well as sit in our executive committee to help determine different strategies, initiatives, and projects for the firm. I’ve been acting as interim CMO since April 2021. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with Communications Strategy Group? We are a very efficient and slim organization of about 40 people. We have a two-person marketing department, and that’s counting me, so we outsource most of our marketing activities except for our core functions. Any type of collateral that we utilize is almost always created externally.  As our business goes through a massive internal undertaking, we have a need to communicate this transformation out to the marketplace. We do not have the skillset or bandwidth to do so internally, so we worked with CSG. **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? There is a long list of things that CSG does for us, but a major task they’re helping us with right now is redesigning our website. We’re looking to launch it in time with our company’s restructuring. For our external town hall meeting, CSG is also preparing all of the materials that we need to get in front of our investors and the community.  CSG is heavily involved in determining strategies as well. They’re helping put together our internal sales modules and have their fingerprints on basically everything.  What is the team composition? We’re working with around five people from CSG: 2–3 project managers, one dedicated writer, one editor, and one website-focused personnel. What’s good about them is that they have a single point person who can either handle the tasks that come up or figure out who in the team can take on it.  How did you come to work with Communications Strategy Group? We went through an RFP process. We decided to go with CSG because of their expertise, depth of bench, and cultural fit. We’re a quirky organization and are a bit different than most investment managers, so we needed an agency that could run simultaneous initiatives and projects for us.  How much have you invested with them? We’ve spent between $100,000–$150,000. What is the status of this engagement? We engaged them in May 2021 and we’re still working with the team.  **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? We tend to say a lot as on organization so our pieces have often been too long and overwhelming for our investors and internal audience. CSG, however, has helped us frame our statements in a shorter way. The internal and external feedback on that work has been overwhelmingly positive, and a lot of it has been unsolicited. How did Communications Strategy Group perform from a project management standpoint? We have weekly calls, obstacle calls, and email communication set up with the CSG team.  What did you find most impressive about them? CSG gets the job done correctly and on time. On top of their good quality work, they’re very reliable and unafraid to speak their minds. We operate in a vacuum and tend to have a certain opinion that’s not aligned with industry standards, so it’s helpful for them to tell us so. They educate us based on what they’ve seen with other clients or approaches. It gets things done fast when they bring in that fresh perspective.  Are there any areas they could improve? No, I can’t think of any minor hiccups that we’ve had with them. Even the mundane stuff has been easy.  Do you have any advice for potential customers? I would recommend that you work with the particular project manager that we’re working with, but I’m sure they have others on board who are just as good. You should also seek CSG’s strategic advice early on since the team is very good with that. However, you could also take the same approach we did, which was to get more comfortable with them, see some of their work, and build trust in that relationship first.  --- #### Wix Website Dev & Design for Investment Management Company **The Project** - Services: Web Design, Web Development - Project size: $10,000 to $49,999 - Project length: Nov. 2020 - Ongoing **Project Summary**: Through Wix, Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) has developed a new website for an investment management firm. They’ve revamped the site’s content and design and redesigned the firm’s PowerPoint slides.  **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Partner & Head of Sales, Spruceview Capital Partners - Industry: Financial services - Client size: 11-50 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — Sep 3, 2021 **Feedback Summary**: Stakeholders are happy with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)’s work. The site has garnered positive feedback from end users. The client praises the team for their organized project management and ability to hit deadlines. Overall, they’ve reflected the firm’s value proposition on the website. "“We’re truly happy with CSG.”" **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. I’m a partner and the head of sales and client relationships at Spruceview, an investment management firm that delivers outsourced CIO solutions, private markets funds, and commingled strategies. We also manage discretionary investment management sleeves for various pension funds, endowments, foundations, and family offices. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)? We hired CSG for their web development services. The website was for informational purposes for clients who wanted to know more about us and our business. **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? With CSG, we wanted to revamp and refresh our existing website. They initially looked at it and analyzed how we could freshen it up for future use. Together, we came up with additional copy, which we implemented on the website a few months after the initial engagement. We used Wix to build the website from scratch.  Moreover, CSG provided us with designs in terms of photographs, videos, and other content. The videos were stock footage of metropolitan skylines in cities like New York, Boston, Denver, and Mexico City. Meanwhile, the pictures were done by a professional photographer within Spruceview, and CSG simply put them on the website.  At present, they’re helping us revamp our PowerPoint slides to refresh our presentation decks. We’re in the final throes of wrapping up this part.  What is the team composition? Around 3–5 people work with us, and John (Senior Director) is our main point of contact. How did you come to work with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)? CSG was recommended to us.  How much have you invested with them? We’ve spent about $20,000.  What is the status of this engagement? We started working with them in November 2020, and the website engagement finished in July 2021. Our ongoing PowerPoint engagement will probably be completed in September 2021.  **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?  We have no quantitative metrics yet since the website’s relatively new. However, anecdotal feedback has been highly positive. End users like the site’s easy navigation. Overall, the site is set up and organized well.  How did Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) perform from a project management standpoint? CSG’s project management is great. The team is timely and delivers within due dates and time frames that are either set by them or collectively set by us. To communicate, we use emails and video calls through Zoom.  What did you find most impressive about them? John has great ideas with respect to website content and layout. Their design team and writers capture what we’re looking for in terms of our value proposition. Are there any areas they could improve? No, there aren’t any. We’re truly happy with CSG, so I can’t think of anything else they can improve.  Do you have any advice for potential customers? I don’t have any problems referring clients to CSG. I have a strong sense that CSG will deliver for them as they’ve done for us.  --- #### Marketing & PR for Space Logistics & Transportation Company **The Project** - Services: Advertising, Public Relations - Project size: Confidential - Project length: Dec. 2020 - Ongoing **Project Summary**: A logistics and transportation firm hired CSG® to provide marketing and PR services. Their goal is to enhance the firm's visibility in the US through implementing unpaid media tactics such as press releases. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Head of Communications, Space Logistics & Transportation Co. - Industry: Other industries - Client size: 51-200 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — Aug 31, 2021 **Feedback Summary**: Exhibiting marketing and PR expertise, CSG® has been instrumental in helping the client publish their CEO's byline article in a reputable magazine. They're commended for their knowledgeable, responsive, and understanding approach, leading to an ongoing fruitful engagement. ""They’ve been able to quickly understand our business despite its steep learning curve."" **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. I’m the head of communications for a space logistics and transportation company. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)? From a communications perspective, we wanted to penetrate the US market a little bit better. As a result, we hired Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) to support us in enhancing our visibility in the US. **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? We started with mapping the US media that we were interested in and talked to them about implementing earned media tactics to expand outside of the space market so that we could have visibility in other fields such as the deep-tech and innovation industry. The main focus at the beginning has been the definition of the best messaging possible for our target market and finding the right narrative and media to spread our message.  One of the most valuable services they provide for us is interviewing people inside our company and then drafting byline articles based on those interviews. What is the team composition? We’ve been working with 5–6 people from Communications Strategy Group (CSG®). Some are in charge of drafting the articles, others are involved in research and finding the best events to attend, and some are looking for the best media spaces where we can publish our articles. How did you come to work with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)? I researched agencies online and selected a few of the companies with the best reviews. Compared to other agencies with whom we talked, Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) was most in line with what we needed and understood our needs very quickly. How much have you invested with them? While I cannot disclose how much we spent, we work on a flexible monthly fee retainer. The value for money of the services they offer us is outstanding. What is the status of this engagement? We started working together in December 2020, and we continue to partner with them. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?  Communications Strategy Group has been extremely helpful in drafting thought leadership articles based on interviews with our management and getting them published on a wide variety of media, not necessarily just from the space industry. Above all, they've been able to quickly understand our business despite its steep learning curve. How did Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) perform from a project management standpoint? They have an extremely precise project management process. We have weekly standing Zoom calls with them. They submit the call's agenda before the call and updates right after it, indicating the to-do list with actions that need to be accomplished on both sides. They keep us constantly updated on the development of our projects via email and, every time we have a question or a request, their response time is very quick. What did you find most impressive about them? It’s difficult to pick only one of their best traits, but we’re most impressed with their responsiveness and availability to always go the extra mile. Also, from a human point of view, they are all so personable, it's a pleasure working with them. Are there any areas they could improve? I don’t have any suggestions on how they can improve our cooperation. Do you have any advice for potential customers? Just make sure to express your desired outcomes clearly; they'll come back to you with a series of useful and actionable solutions that will help you achieve your goals. --- #### Marketing, PR & Media Outreach for Cooling Products Company **The Project** - Services: Advertising - Project size: $10,000 to $49,999 - Project length: Apr. 2020 - Ongoing **Project Summary**: Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) provided marketing and PR services. They did media outreach to gain coverage in national and local news outlets, and they also organized a media day. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Executive, Power Breezer - Industry: Business services - Client size: 51-200 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — Jan 14, 2021 **Feedback Summary**: Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) surpassed expectations, winning the business coverage in national outlets such as CNN, ABC, NBC, and CBS. Not only did they obtain 85 million impressions, but they also met their deadline. They’re a knowledgeable partner with strong communication skills. ""They have a very good understanding of our business and are able to coach us to be successful." " **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. I’m an executive at Power Breezer. It’s an evaporative cooling technology that cools the people and not the space. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)? We needed help with advertising, PR, and marketing. **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) did campaigns to help raise our brand awareness and get us national exposure, especially as the pandemic broke out. We pivoted our technology from a cooling-only solution to one that could help combat and disinfect for COVID-19 very early on in the pandemic. They did outreach to national news media outlets such as CNN, ABC, NBC, as well as local media. The team organized a media day for us with a school district in Arizona.  What is the team composition? We worked with three teammates. We initially worked with one of their key partners, and then we worked with two other teammates on a regular basis. How did you come to work with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)? They were referred to us. We interviewed about five companies, and we chose Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) because of the chemistry. They were a good fit in terms of the relationship, and they were also willing to be creative in their proposal in order to work within our budget. How much have you invested with them? So far, we’ve spent $30,000. What is the status of this engagement? We began working with them in April 2020. We put the project on hold at the end of November 2020, but we plan to reengage with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) in March. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?  With their support, we were able to have an incredible success story, which we wouldn’t have been able to do without their support.  We expected the project to be kind of small, but we ended up getting picked up by CNN, ABC, NBC, and CBS. We got about 85 million impressions following the engagement. The team far exceeded our expectations. It was way better than we expected. How did Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) perform from a project management standpoint? Their project management is very good. They hit all of their deadlines, had a good alignment, and communicated proactively. What did you find most impressive about them? Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) is easy to do business with. Additionally, they have a very good understanding of our business and are able to coach us to be successful. They were effective in what they did, and they set realistic expectations and exceeded them. Are there any areas they could improve? The team could improve on their out-of-the-box creativity. We came up with a lot of creative things, but I think more could’ve been done. Do you have any advice for potential customers? Make sure that there are clear expectations on both sides, and that everyone is aligned. Be willing to put as much time into the engagement as Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) does. --- #### SMM & PR Services for FinTech Company **The Project** - Services: Other Digital Marketing, Public Relations, Social Media Marketing - Project size: $50,000 to $199,999 - Project length: July 2020 - Ongoing **Project Summary**: Communications Strategy Group provides a fintech company with PR and digital marketing services. As well as securing media coverage, they manage social media marketing campaigns and create marketing materials. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 4.5 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** CEO, WealthConductor LLC - Industry: Financial services - Client size: 1-10 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — Jan 8, 2021 **Feedback Summary**: Communications Strategy Group secured coverage in notable industry publications and facilitated award wins to spur greater market awareness. The team develops thorough project overviews and methodically executes their responsibilities. Their knowledge leads to a valuable ongoing partnership. ""They understand our market and marketplace as well as have in-house resources to bring on board for various projects." " **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. I’m CEO of a fintech company called WealthConductor LLC. It’s a B2B software subscription service that financial advisors use to create, track, and manage their clients’ retirement income plans. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with Communications Strategy Group? We wanted to expand the recognition of our services in the industry. **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? CSG connects us with top publications and industry centers of influence for articles and podcasts to highlight our technology and thought leadership. They also help us apply for awards. They worked on LinkedIn campaigns too. Recently, their team ran Facebook campaigns around product offerings. They will also help us create case studies with advisors’ success stories. The third prong of our relationship involves the sales and marketing collateral that we make available to our advisors in order for them to grow their retirement income business. That includes client-facing videos, brochures, and presentations. What is the team composition? The team composition depends on our needs. They have a diverse group of folks, including graphic designers and writers. We have a project lead that manages our account and deliverables. How did you come to work with Communications Strategy Group? We followed a structured process for bringing a partner or vendor on board. We researched the landscape and then had initial calls with agencies. We scheduled meetings during which 3–5 prospects presented for our leadership team. We had a second round of presentations with questions and then made our decisions. In comparison to the other folks, CSG had a lot of expertise in our industry. They understood our goals, our customers, and how we fit into our customers’ business processes. How much have you invested with them? Over the past 6 months, we’ve spent around $50,000 on their services. What is the status of this engagement? We initially engaged CSG in July 2020 and have a retainer with them. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? Their team placed us in publications like Forbes, Kiplinger Investing, and others. The coverage generated enterprise-level discussions for us. I was recently awarded the 2020 Inspiring FinTech Females Award by the New York City FinTech Women organization. The publicity CSG created leads to a heightened awareness of our services and value. They’re always searching for ways to help us. We just started the digital marketing campaigns. As a result, we have yet to see metrics from them. However, their messaging is always targeted and pertinent to our particular audience. How did Communications Strategy Group perform from a project management standpoint? I’m formally a project and program manager, so I’m critical of unorganized teams that don’t work on a strict project basis. CSG is excellent about scoping out the work. Their project management skills are excellent. We meet on a structured basis every other week but also have phone calls and send emails between those meetings. CSG’s communication and organization are excellent. We use Google Docs for shared project plans and key milestones. They’re always on top of the project plan and reporting. What did you find most impressive about them? CSG is well-versed in the fintech industry. They understand our market and marketplace as well as have in-house resources to bring on board for various projects. When it comes to developing messaging, it’s easy to work with them. They’re a flexible team. Are there any areas they could improve? No, we’re very happy with them at this point. Do you have any advice for potential customers? It’s always a two-way street. They’re tapping into your expertise, and you’re tapping into their expertise. It’s important to regularly communicate with them and give them timely responses. You need to provide them with the information that they need to be successful. CSG is always available. If we’re not responding in a timely manner, they’re good at getting us back on course. Commit to the partnership and work in full collaboration with them to generate good results. --- #### Branding for People Development Company **The Project** - Services: Branding - Project size: $50,000 to $199,999 - Project length: Mar. 2019 - June 2020 **Project Summary**: CSG built a website from scratch, incorporating a brand strategy that they developed. The team also created a tagline, led lead generation efforts, and worked on social media and PR campaigns. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** VP General Manager Innovation Labs, The Myers-Briggs Company - Industry: Education - Client size: 201-500 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — Oct 1, 2020 **Feedback Summary**: CSG's efforts led to a 50% increase in leads and an improvement in website traffic. The team was proactive, and they kept the business organized. In addition to being adaptable and knowledgeable, they had the incredible ability to exercise forethought. ""Their market knowledge, nimbleness, and ability to anticipate what we needed were impressive." " **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. I’m the VP and general manager of The Myers-Briggs Innovation. We formed the Innovation Labs about five years ago. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with CSG? We were working primarily as a startup company in exploring the market, reaching out to customers, and taking an iterative approach to product development. We went to CSG to figure out our strategy for scaling.  We wanted to revamp our website and scale up what we thought was a replicable sales process. We wanted to up-level our marketing, drive demand generation, and figure out how to segment the market and what segments to go after.  We had some ideas around that, but CSG helped us test our hypotheses and also turn those thoughts into real action and generate leads and sales. **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? CSG built our website from top to bottom. They figured out our brand strategy—how to present our brand, the feeling of the brand, and how to position ourselves. They came up with the tagline, "From undecided to undaunted."  They delivered emails and lead generation campaigns, and we worked with them on social media and press releases around new product launches and partnerships. We even brought them in to help us forge relationships at the state level, that are bearing fruit now.  CSG helped us understand and position ourselves with very large opportunities, and we appreciated all of their input around reaching out to community colleges, four-year private schools, state universities, and K-12 schools.   What is the team composition? There were around five people from CSG involved. Natalie (VP Education) and Steven (Founder & President) were primary contacts, and we also worked with their designers. How did you come to work with CSG? We researched different companies. We had a longstanding relationship with another PR and marketing firm, but we wanted to work with an innovative and fast-moving firm that could understand our market and that could iterate and be nimbler than a traditional agency.  Someone recommended CSG to us, and it was an instant fit. Steven immediately understood what we were trying to accomplish, so we didn’t have to connect all the dots with him.  CSG was additive right from the start, which made them stand out from other agencies, which wanted to go through discoveries and figure everything out. They got it, and they immediately added value and helped turn our conversations into action. How much have you invested with them? We spent $180,000–$200,000 with them. We upped our marketing budget after six months, because we liked what we were getting from them, and decided to go fall in with the website and branding. What is the status of this engagement? We worked with them between March 2019–June 2020. They’re still with us, but we’ve had some budget cuts. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? We saw a 50% increase in leads as a result of CSG’s efforts, and our website traffic went way up. We were really happy with the results. We saw our close ratio go from 10% to almost 25% with the leads that came in from CSG, so they made our marketing more targeted. How did CSG perform from a project management standpoint? They’re really on it, more so than me. I have a lot of things on my plate, so it’s great to have a partner that tells me where to focus. I believe they used Asana for project management and Marketo for marketing automation. What did you find most impressive about them? Their market knowledge, nimbleness, and ability to anticipate what we needed were impressive. CSG got it done. Are there any areas they could improve? When we started executing on the plan, we were very nimble and tried to go in different directions. Some of the wording needed improvement at first, but that was just part of the creative process, so it’s not an improvement point for CSG.  They always got things going and took the first step, after which I or our marketing folks would make edits. I don’t have that much to say in terms of improvements. CSG was really valuable to us, and Steven was always there. We were a mid-sized customer for them, but they treated us like we were huge. Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs? Clients shouldn’t be afraid to let Steven know what the pain points of the organization are, and not come in thinking that they know everything. If the client lets Steven understand what the problem is, he’ll open people’s minds to new things. That was a huge part of our engagement. --- #### Public & Media Relations for Aircraft Manufacturer **The Project** - Services: Public Relations - Project size: Confidential - Project length: Jan. 2019 - Mar. 2020 **Project Summary**: Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) managed public and media relations to promote an aircraft manufacturer. The team conducted a competitive analysis and then pitched, managed, and responded to media outlets. **Review Rating**: 4.5 - Quality: 4.5 - Schedule: 4.5 - Cost: 4.5 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Marketing, Aircraft Manufacturer - Industry: Manufacturing - Client size: 51-200 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — Jun 12, 2020 **Feedback Summary**: After acquiring thorough knowledge of the business, Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) executed effective strategies that secured coverage in notable publications. Their timeliness and engagement led to seamless collaboration. They were accommodating, which resulted in a valuable partnership. ""CSG cared deeply about our business and became part of our team." " **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. We're an aircraft manufacturer. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)? We selected CSG to manage all of our public and media relations. Specifically, we wanted a firm to be proactive and help tell our story to the world. **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? CSG’s key deliverables focused on PR. Their team managed interactions with the press, which involved pitching, managing incoming inquiries, and writing responses. They dove deep into our business quickly to understand our story and how best to tell it best to the media and the world. Their team came on board when there weren’t a lot of background documents. They completed a competitive analysis, diving into the current landscape, industry, and media outlets. They came to understand potential obstacles from both PR and business strategy perspectives. What is the team composition? We ended up with a team of about two people. Dan (Chief Marketing Officer) and John (Director) managed the day to day work. How did you come to work with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)? I found them through a recommendation from a previous colleague. It’s also always nice to support a local firm, have the ability to meet in person, and work in the same. What is the status of this engagement? They came on board around January 2019. Our engagement wrapped up in March 2020. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?  Based on our desired impact from a PR perspective, we saw strong results. For example, we had a press release earlier this year. Our goal was to have the release picked up by 10–15 major publications. We achieved that goal and influential publications wrote entire articles based on the release. We also saw positive results last year. At an air show, our goal was to get covered by 10–15 major publications and 100 articles written. We achieved both of those objectives. How did Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) perform from a project management standpoint? We talked weekly often to respond to different media inquiries. They communicated with our team to understand the best responses to provide externally. They always met their deadlines with the agreed-upon deliverables. Their team was always prepared with agendas and call notes. They also summarized opportunities well, so we could easily share them internally and gain alignment. We used Google Docs to share comments back and forth. What did you find most impressive about them? When they came on board, their team showed strong leadership. CSG cared deeply about our business and became part of our team. Their abilities to be a part of our team, flexible, and adaptable set them apart. They understood our business strategies. Their team adapted to our timelines and priorities, which frequently changed because we’re a startup. Are there any areas they could improve? No, I don’t have anything that comes to mind right now. Do you have any advice for potential customers? They can be an incredible addition to the team. Have a transparent and open relationship with them because they want to be part of the team. By giving them access to the strategy and rationale behind decisions, they can add a lot of value from a PR perspective. --- #### PR & Communications Support for Brewery **The Project** - Services: Public Relations - Project size: $200,000 to $999,999 - Project length: Jan. 2005 - Jan. 2017 **Project Summary**: Communications Strategy Group jumped on board to help a brewery with their PR activities. They developed a very strategic content and activity calendar. The team also provided consulting in the face of crises.  **Review Rating**: 4.5 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 4.5 - Cost: 4.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Chief Content Officer, Chromatic Digital Productions - Industry: Media - Client size: 1-10 Employees - Review Type: Online Review - Verified **The Review** — Feb 5, 2020 **Feedback Summary**: The partnership with Communications Strategy Group resulted in the company's expansion. Their charity events also gained more traction and exposure. The client's brand is increasingly well-received as a socially-conscious company that's great to work at. CSG is a passionate partner that delivers. ""They are dedicated, hard-working and talented." " **BACKGROUND** Please describe your company and your position there. New Belgium Brewing is a highly regarded craft brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado, famous for its Fat Tire and Voodoo Ranger beers and a strong commitment to sustainability. I was PR and Communications Director there for more than 20 years. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** For what projects/services did your company hire Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)? As our business was looking to grow from 15 states of distribution to a national presence, the day-to-day communications became just too much for a one-person, in-house team. We hired CSG as our agency of record to help navigate the national media landscape and to help grow brand awareness and preference. What were your goals for this project? As a rapidly growing craft brewery, we wanted our brand to be relevant and preferred to drinkers both far and near. In order to create that heightened awareness, we invested heavily in new markets in the form of sales teams, events and field marketing. CSG's role was to amplify all of those elements in the media to help create maximum ROI on our investment. **SOLUTION** How did you select this vendor? We conducted an exhaustive national search and narrowed the field down to our top three contenders. We then had each prospective team develop strategy for likely content scenarios like new product releases, sustainability innovations and national events. CSG proved immediately that they had listened most closely to our needs and best understood our brand. Ultimately, it was an easy decision based on that exercise. Describe the scope of their work in detail. From very early on CSG was tasked with developing a strategic editorial calendar based on our planning calendar for the year. This encompassed everything from new product launches, new market rollouts, national multi-city touring events like the Tour de Fat and Clips of Faith film series , and any new technical or product innovations. Beyond the calendar, we continued to tell New Belgium's unique story of employee-ownership and our sustainable approach to business year round. CSG helped organize our weekly and monthly planning meetings and would often work directly with NBB POC's who had the best knowledge base for specific content. They consulted on crisis communications as well. We collaborated on everything from ideation through execution and they took full ownership of monthly and annual reporting. What was the team composition? At any given time we had an account executive, a strategist and an account manager working on our business. That could scale up or down as needed and I always felt empowered to go directly to CSG's founder and a master strategist, Steven Shapiro. During busy seasons or events we would always have access to all hands on deck. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success? Positive outcomes from our partnership with CSG were immediate and impactful. As mentioned, they helped grow out communications as we developed our distribution from 15 to 50 states, working hand in glove with us to open those new markets and create awareness. The helped grow our philanthropic Tour de Fat bicycle event from 6 to 15 cities with attendance peaking at 20,000-plus people per event. These events raised more than $5 million for cycling advocacy organizations and CSG helped make sure those stories were well-received. During their tenure New Belgium made Outside Magazine's Best Places to Work List multiple consecutive years and they helped us land business profiles in national titles like Forbes, Fast Company and Inc. to name but a few. New Belgium is still considered one of the best places to work in America and is well known for environmental advocacy and sustainability initiatives as well as having a diverse and amazing beer portfolio. How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs? Highly effective. I could reach out at any time - day or night and even on the weekends - and I would immediately be in touch. They were quick to understand our business and the industry and they were able to adjust to fast-moving dynamics. To that point, they are always calm and cool in stressful moments and help to bring a sense of clarity to seemingly convoluted situations. What did you find most impressive about this company? I was most impressed with CSG's passion and commitment to understanding their clients' needs. They took the time not just to understand our business but to educate themselves on the entire industry so they could better help us compete at market. They are clear-eyed professionals who work incredibly hard - but at the end of the day they - still know how to have fun. Are there any areas for improvement? Nothing top of mind stands out as to ways for improvement. They are dedicated, hard-working and talented. If I took a long look back, I think they've addressed their team structure to account for new media, influencer communications and other Tectonic shifts, so areas that might have needed deeper resources have been addressed. --- #### PR & Branding for Financial Planners Organization **The Project** - Services: Public Relations - Project size: $50,000 to $199,999 - Project length: July 2018 - Ongoing **Project Summary**: Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) developed and implemented a communication strategy for a financial planning organization. Their team also developed an informational microsite. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 4.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Director of Public Relations, Financial Planning Association - Industry: Financial services - Client size: 51-200 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — Dec 17, 2019 **Feedback Summary**: The engagement has helped form a clear and cohesive PR narrative across the nationwide organization. Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) establishes a seamless workflow, ensuring effective communication. The team goes above and beyond to deliver results that meet the client’s needs. "“Their knowledge about the industry and experience working in it makes them a valuable partner.” " **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. I am the director of public relations and communications at the Financial Planning Association, a professional membership organization for certified financial planner professionals nationwide. We have more than 23,000 members across the country, 86 chapters, and multiple state councils **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)? We have been going through a large organizational transformation to better integrate and align the association at all levels. We were looking for help pulling together and executing an effective communication plan to drive the profession forward together. **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) helped us develop and execute a communication strategy. Their team also developed a microsite where this initiative lives. They took point on helping us design and manage that site, while also executing various member communications. Their team helps us create a blog and video content for the site. What is the team composition? Our main point of contact is Ryan (Vice President, Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)). He’s supported by some other folks on their team but we mostly communicate with him. We’ve also done some work with Steven (Founder & President, Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)), who comes in for various strategy discussions. How did you come to work with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)? Our relationship with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) goes awhile back, they’ve worked with our marketing team. Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) is a natural fit because they understand and have experience with our industry. We wanted an organization that could provide some unique thinking and they fit the bill.  How much have you invested with them? In total, we have invested around $100,000. We average $4,000–$6,000 a month, but some months go over and can hit $25,000. What is the status of this engagement? Our ongoing engagement with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) began in July 2018. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?  Our volunteers are the ones who power our chapters and our national organization, so this initiative is really for them. We are now able to provide additional information to our stakeholders via our blog. We’ve pulled together the full story of our organization in a clear and compelling manner.  How did Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) perform from a project management standpoint? Ryan keeps us on top of things. He has been outstanding, I can’t say enough good things about how he operates and what he brings to the team. Thanks to him we are always on track with what needs to be done. What did you find most impressive about them? Their knowledge about the industry and experience working in it makes them a valuable partner. It also helps that Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) is local to our association. Our relationship with them is a true partnership. Are there any areas they could improve? No, everything they’ve done has been exactly what we asked of them. If anything needs improvement, it’s probably on our end. Do you have any advice for potential customers? Go into the relationship with an idea for what you’re trying to achieve. Make sure you have a level of clarity about what you’re actually trying to do. Take time on the front end to focus on your objectives. Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) really shines in laying out a strategy for how to achieve your goals, but you need clarity about what that is. --- #### Research & Marketing Collateral for IT Systems Integrator **The Project** - Services: Public Relations - Project size: Confidential - Project length: Mar. - July 2019 **Project Summary**: Communications Strategy Group (CSG) presented a strategy to convey the value of services for an IT systems integrator. The team interviewed stakeholders, and structured data for internal and external audiences. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 4.5 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** President, Melillo Consulting - Industry: Information technology - Client size: 51-200 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — Nov 8, 2019 **Feedback Summary**: Communications Strategy Group delivered content that has improved engagement and created new opportunities. The team was attentive and adapted to support unique business needs, enabling the project to remain on schedule. They had industry knowledge, which ensured a successful partnership. ""Communications Strategy Group cared on a personal level." " **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. I’m the president of Melillo Consulting. We’re an IT systems integrator. The majority of our business is focused on three key solution areas: infrastructure digital transformation, operational intelligence, and dev ops. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with Communications Strategy Group? We needed help in positioning our overall value proposition around services. **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? Communications Strategy Group worked on an initiative that we call the Melillo Business Transformation Assessments, which was a way to approach customers about our services differently. Their team listened to our requirements, asked questions, and strategized. They directed a discovery phase and an assessment methodology. Their biggest challenge was meeting with our practice directors who they had to get on the phone. They asked them questions, then formatted the content and information professionally, and delivered it. Their team had to validate changes and updates until we had a finished product. They created an updated PowerPoint that we could share with our sales team, customers, and partners. Their team also detailed information about the services in one sheet. What is the team composition? We worked with two folks closely. How did you come to work with Communications Strategy Group? I worked with Communications Strategy Group previously and found their work to be solid. They presented content well. Their messaging was good and kept us ahead of the curve from an industry perspective. When I came to Melillo, we didn’t have that type of partner. I gauged their fit based on my past experiences with them. How much have you invested with them? We spent between $10,000–$50,000, which included other projects besides the MBTA. What is the status of this engagement? We started this project in March and were able to share the product with our sales force in July 2019. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? The MBTA initiative was really important because our sales force asked for the project. We’re starting to see the approach being used more and more. It has been getting us into different types of opportunities. We’re able to have different conversations, which have resonated with customers and partners. I know their efforts have been making an impact. How did Communications Strategy Group perform from a project management standpoint? They performed well. Communications Strategy Group was professional and responsive. From a logistics standpoint, any delays were on us. Their team always followed up, trying to complete the project within the timeframe. They were patient and flexible to make the product happen. Their team understood the dynamics of our business and worked within our culture to get the project done. What did you find most impressive about them? Communications Strategy Group cared on a personal level. Their team took the time to know our business well. We’re in a competitive industry. Each company has to figure out how to add value and communicate it. Communications Strategy Group knew that and helped us pull that information out to build good content, which a lot of companies can’t do. They were also proactive in their offerings to expand the relationship. Are there any areas they could improve? I don’t have anything for them to improve. I’d like to see that they’re good at business media and getting their messaging posted on platforms such as LinkedIn but that’s something we need to communicate to them. Do you have any advice for potential customers? Take the time to understand what you’re trying to achieve from a high-level as well as what content will help your business. --- #### Media Strategy for University Test Preparation Company **The Project** - Services: Advertising - Project size: $1,000,000 to $9,999,999 - Project length: Jan. 2008 - Jan. 2019 **Project Summary**: Communications Strategy Group served as a long-term PR and communications strategy partner for a test prep company. They earned their client several quotes, mentions, and features in reputable publications. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Former Founder & CEO, Veritas Prep - Industry: Education - Client size: 201-500 Employees - Review Type: Phone Interview - Verified **The Review** — Oct 7, 2019 **Feedback Summary**: The team’s services played a role in the client’s 300% increase in organic revenue within a five year period. For designated tests, they became industry leaders before successfully selling the business. CSG flew to their client quarterly to discuss progress, providing high levels of commitment. "“They provided superior advice on developing a media strategy, something that could only be rivaled by a top management consultancy.” " **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there. I was the co-founder and CEO of Veritas Prep, which was a college test prep and admissions consulting company. It was founded out of a Yale college dorm room. We ended up growing to 600 employees before selling the company in December 2018. It was a dream scenario. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with Communications Strategy Group? We were originally, in 2008, searching for a top public relations firm. Instead, we found a superior, top-tier communications firm in Communication Strategy Group (CSG). **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement? In the beginning, we talked about our strategy, and it was immediately clear that this would be a comprehensive engagement. Through our early discussions, we got a sold sense of our own company vision. It gave us a game plan to improve our operational process. They developed a media plan for us in 2008 that we’ve used to guide our decision-making. They’ve gotten us regular quotes in columns in The Wall Street Journal and Forbes. Additionally, their team has obtained consistent mentions in Inside Higher Ed, which is the most important publication in our space. Ultimately, they landed us on the cover of Entrepreneur magazine. All of this came out of the media strategy they initially developed. What is the team composition? We consistently worked with Steven (Founder & President, Communications Strategy Group) and about three other members of his team. We had a project lead, and we worked a lot with her. She’s since left the company, but many of the other teammates are still there, doing high-quality work. How did you come to work with Communications Strategy Group? They were one of the most respected firms in the education space, so we researched out despite being hundreds of miles away. Out of all of the firms we considered, CSG was the only company that had their CEO on the initial call. Steven was involved from the very beginning. That encouraged us to work with them.  How much have you invested with them? We spent about $100,000 annually with CSG. What is the status of this engagement? We worked with them from 2008 until our company sold in December 2018. They still have a relationship with the company that bought us out. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? Their work led to a massive ROI for my company. Because of our appearances in top publications, our company tripled its revenue in five years without outside investments. All of our business was earned organically.  Historically, we were in fourth place in the GMAT but became the industry leader within five years. In doing so, we jumped competitors like the Princeton Review and Kaplan for that test. We were ultimately able to pass them because of CSG’s help. How did Communications Strategy Group perform from a project management standpoint? The project began with an extensive, three-day seminar with 3–4 members of CSG and our top people. Steven flew out to our offices with his team to hold them. Then, we took apart our entire business, leaving with a better understanding of who we were and how to better communicate with stakeholders. Those early, communicative sessions set our entire plan in motion.  Otherwise, we collaborated over email and phone. We spoke weekly. On a quarterly basis, Steven would fly back out to our offices to discuss our progress and whether or not we were hitting our goals. Annually, we repeated that three-day seminar that started us off. The communication from all avenues was strong. What did you find most impressive about them? They provided superior advice on developing a media strategy, something that could only be rivaled by a top management consultancy. Their services are truly state of the art. I look forward to seeing what they accomplish if they lock up a relationship with our buyer.     Are there any areas they could improve? They have four primary verticles, so I can speak to their extraordinary talent in our space but not others. We were very spoiled by how much they committed to us, which was instrumental to our success. I’m not sure that it's sustainable for them to offer that level of commitment to their other clients, but if they can, they don’t have a weakness. Do you have any advice for potential customers? Take a more expansive view of your company and CSG’s abilities, asking every question you have about the basics of PR and media. Don’t be afraid to ask about how they can help share your vision and improve operational expertise. They can scale your business and help you think bigger.   --- #### Public Relations Support for Retirement Company **The Project** - Services: Public Relations - Project size: $50,000 to $199,999 - Project length: Jan. 2011 - Oct. 2019 **Project Summary**: Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) provided public relations support for a retirement company. Their team provided expertise, research services, writing, and more. **Review Rating**: 4.5 - Quality: 4.5 - Schedule: 4.5 - Cost: 4.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** 2nd, VP & Head of Marketing, Security Benefit - Industry: Financial services - Client size: 201-500 Employees - Review Type: Online Review - Verified **The Review** — Sep 22, 2019 **Feedback Summary**: Their team provided effective communication across various platforms. Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) is responsive and communicates well with key stakeholders. Their team delivers quality results in a timely fashion. ""Their flexibility and overall responsiveness set them apart." " **BACKGROUND** Please describe your company and your position there. Security Benefit is a 127 year old, Kansas based retirement company which in recent years has become one of the fastest growing retirement savings and income companies in the industry. Through a combination of innovative products, exceptional investment management and a unique distribution strategy, we have become a leader in a full range of retirement markets and wealth segments. For the past five years, I've held the role as Head of Marketing for the company. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** For what projects/services did your company hire Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)? We worked with CSG for nearly a decade to provide support and development of various key message platforms for the firm. CSG was a partner and expert in helping the firm research, create and deliver several value add platforms for our network of independent financial representatives. CSG also acted as the primary contact for members of the media and provided additional media training for our executive team. What were your goals for this project? To provide support of our various public relations activities and inquiries from the media. **SOLUTION** How did you select this vendor? The vendor was selected by a group of executives a few years before I took over the role. Describe the scope of their work in detail. CSG provided continuous and regular support of our various public relations activities and initiatives. What was the team composition? We worked primarily with a key account executive and then expanded the engagement as we need additional support or expertise, research, writing, etc. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success? The team had developed the "shark cage" concept as part of the media training for our executives. This idea helped them understand how to answer questions and provided the ideal framework to help them effectively communicate our various message platforms. How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs? We had many members of our executive team, marketing teams, and others work with CSG's team. The CSG team was generally very responsive and worked with internal stakeholders to deliver what we needed in proper the timeframe. What did you find most impressive about this company? Their flexibility and overall responsiveness set them apart. Are there any areas for improvement? Occasionally, CSG missed the mark in researching and delivering high-quality content. Our internal team's harshest complaint was around the quality of writing in some of the materials. --- #### PR Services for AI EdTech Startup **The Project** - Services: Public Relations - Project size: Confidential - Project length: Nov. 2025 - Ongoing **Project Summary**: Communications Strategy Group (CSG) provides PR services for our AI edtech startup. They act as the extension of the client's marketing department, creating messaging decks and media talking points. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Executive, Intellicampus - Industry: Education - Client size: 1-10 Employees - Review Type: Online Review - Verified **The Review** — Mar 16, 2026 **Feedback Summary**: The client has seen organic media mentions, a byline in a major industry publication, various media placements, podcast guestings, and other interviews. Communications Strategy Group (CSG) has world-class project management. The team is highly organized, documentation-driven, and proactive. ""They are smart, proactive, and they clearly love what they do."" **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there.I’m the CEO of Intellicampus, an AI-powered platform that serves as the cognitive layer for all institutional data in an educational institution.  **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)?As we entered a very crowded EdTech market with every competitor claiming they were "it", we needed to separate ourselves from the "wannabes" and hype. We needed our thought leadership to stand out and be recognized in the market. We needed our target to see us for how different we were from the noise.  **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement?Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) provides ongoing corporate messaging, media pitches, media training, award submissions, and brand positioning. The main focus was to get our name out there with the big brands, and our thought leadership into the minds of our target buyers. What is the team composition?We work with 2–5 teammates from Communications Strategy Group (CSG®). They work seamlessly together, but we get their varied approaches, experience and capability as a blended team.How did you come to work with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)?We found them through a web search. We chose them because of their deep industry roots/knowledge, media relationships, and history of strong outcomes. But most importantly, we selected them because of the meeting we had with one of the founders and the team he selected to work with us. Once we met the people, we knew they were the ideal fit for us. How much have you invested with them?It's an ongoing monthly retainer relationship. Well worth the investment. What is the status of this engagement?We started working with them in November 2025, and the engagement is ongoing. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?We’ve seen organic media mentions, a byline in a major industry publication, various media placements, and podcast and other interviews. We’ve had three earned placements, two secured interviews, 27,966 organic placements, and an AVE of $610,000 in 90 days. Our ROI on PR spend is on target.How did Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) perform from a project management standpoint?They have world-class project management. The team is highly organized and well documented. They have exceptional follow-up and proactive engagement with us, subject matter experts, and the media. We communicate through virtual meetings, emails, and messaging apps. We have also had one in-person working session with them at their HQ in Denver. What did you find most impressive about them?The people. They are smart, proactive, and they clearly love what they do. They are genuinely excited about our success. They make us feel like our startup is really on to something, and that gives us the assurance they are pitching us to the media in the same way. If they are excited about us, the media will be excited to talk to us and our customers. That's the most important part of PR. Are there any areas they could improve?Nothing comes to mind. They run like a Swiss watch.  --- #### PR Services for Student Housing Software Company **The Project** - Services: Public Relations - Project size: Confidential - Project length: July 2025 - Ongoing **Project Summary**: A student housing software company has hired Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) to elevate their brand presence. The team has created 19+ earned media hits, six press releases, and various award submissions. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Director, Content & Creative Marketing, StarRez - Industry: Real estate - Client size: 201-500 Employees - Review Type: Online Review - Verified **The Review** — Mar 13, 2026 **Feedback Summary**: Thanks to Communications Strategy Group (CSG®), the client has seen a higher share of voice in their desired markets, referral traffic, and 15+ backlinks from reputable industry publications. The team is extremely reliable, communicative, and resourceful. They're truly invested in the project. ""They're always willing to accept feedback or change directions."" **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there.I’m the director of content and creative marketing at StarRez, a student housing software company. We provide innovative solutions for on-and-off-campus housing management, resident wellness and experience, and revenue generation. Trusted by 1,100+ institutions and 2,000+ properties worldwide, StarRez supports more than 4 million beds annually with its unified platform, delivering seamless experiences for students and administrators. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What challenge were you trying to address with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)?We needed to elevate our brand presence as the leading solution for on- and off-campus housing, conferences, and events. We also wanted to increase awareness of our success and impact, demonstrating measurable outcomes and real-world benefits through stories from our champions. Moreover, we wanted to establish our subject matter experts (SMEs) as credible thought leaders and enhance their perceived authority and influence among higher education and student housing audiences. Finally, we wanted to position ourselves as a leader in student housing innovation and increase awareness and credibility of our AI solutions and expertise among key audiences. **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement?Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) has been very proactive in learning our business and helping us time and launch key messages to the right audiences through thoughtful execution and partnership with industry publications and our SMEs (both customers and internal leaders). The team has created 19+ earned media hits, six press releases, various award submissions, and industry conference session proposals. Moreover, Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) has created bylines, storylines, podcast opportunities, and other materials. All of these have been thoughtfully produced.What is the team composition?We’ve worked with 2–5 teammates from Communications Strategy Group (CSG®).How did you come to work with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)?We found them through a referral. We chose them because they were close to our geographic location, had a great culture fit, and had company values that aligned with ours.What is the status of this engagement?We started working with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) in July 2025, and our engagement is ongoing. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?We’ve seen a higher share of voice in our desired markets, referral traffic, and 15+ backlinks from reputable industry publications. We’ve seen up to 95.10% on-campus share of voice and up to 34.10% off-campus share of voice, enhancing brand awareness and thought leadership for our company.How did Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) perform from a project management standpoint?They’re extremely reliable and communicative. They keep us up to date on all published and pending media opportunities. They proactively reach out to our suggested subject matter experts and are resourceful in how they combine our existing content with new content from the interviews they conduct. They’re also very responsive via Slack and easy to work with.What did you find most impressive about them?They feel like a true part of our team. They know the industry and come to the table with great suggestions. They’re always willing to accept feedback or change directions. They seem truly invested in our success and are the best PR team I’ve had the pleasure of working with.Are there any areas they could improve?No, I’m very happy with our Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) team. --- #### Social Media Marketing Strategy for Education Company **The Project** - Services: Social Media Marketing - Project size: $10,000 to $49,999 - Project length: Sep. 2025 - Jan. 2026 **Project Summary**: Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) helped an education company with their direct-to-consumer marketing strategy. The team developed social media image-based ads and managed the marketing budget. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Draw it to Know it, LLC - Industry: Education - Client size: 1-10 Employees - Review Type: Online Review - Verified **The Review** — Jan 7, 2026 **Feedback Summary**: The engagement helped the client increase their social media marketing ROI, website traffic, lead generation, and customer engagement by 35%. Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) was always on the spot with feedback and work. The team was extremely intelligent, thoughtful, and generous. ""They were genuinely eager for our success."" **BACKGROUND** Introduce your business and what you do there.I'm the founder and editor-in-chief of Draw It to Know It, LLC, an education company. We provide medical and biological science education using drawing as a vehicle for learning and memory retention. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What specific goals or objectives did you hire Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) to accomplish for your company?We needed help with our direct-to-consumer marketing strategy and implementation to produce significant growth very quickly. **SOLUTION** What was the scope of their involvement?Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) implemented marketing analytics, developed social media image-based ads, managed our marketing budget, and developed social media marketing architectures for Google and Meta.What is the status of this engagement?We worked together from September 2023–January 2024.How did you come to work with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)?They were referred to me. We chose them over other options because they had high ratings, their pricing fit our budget, they offered good value for the cost, and their company values aligned with ours.How much have you invested with them?We spent around $45,000.What is the team composition?We worked with 2–5 teammates.How did you communicate?We used virtual meetings, emails, and messaging apps. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) greatly improved our ROI and visibility in general. We increased our social media marketing ROI, website traffic, lead generation, and customer engagement by 35%.How did Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) perform from a project management standpoint?They did a phenomenal job and were always on the spot with feedback and work.What did you find most impressive about them?They did a fantastic job of walking us through their actions and educating us on how they were implementing what they were doing and why. The team was extremely intelligent, thoughtful, curious, and generous with their time. They were genuinely eager for our success.Are there any areas they could improve?No.  --- #### Branding for Independent School Accreditation Org **The Project** - Services: Branding - Project size: Less than $10,000 - Project length: June - Sep. 2025 **Project Summary**: Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) provided branding services for an independent school accreditation organization. They defined and developed a common language around accreditation and its value. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** Executive Director, Independent School Accreditation Org - Industry: Education - Client size: 1-10 Employees - Review Type: Online Review - Verified **The Review** — Nov 7, 2025 **Feedback Summary**: Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) delivered a communications playbook along with a slide deck designed to support the client's member communications. The team was flexible, responsive, and attentive to the client's needs, goals, and timelines. They were also willing to learn industry nuances. ""They were attentive, adaptive, and highly responsive."" **BACKGROUND** Please describe your company and position.I am the Executive Director of an independent school accreditation organization.Describe what your company does in a single sentence.Our organization is a vibrant, collaborative community of K–12 independent school accrediting associations driving continuous school improvement through rigorous standards, peer accountability, and shared expertise. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What specific goals or objectives did you hire Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) to accomplish?To help us develop common language for describing the value of accreditation. **SOLUTION** How did you find Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)?Online SearchWhy did you select Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) over others?Their proposal indicated a strong understanding of our needs and our market.How many teammates from Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) were assigned to this project?2-5 EmployeesDescribe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.CSG helped us define and develop common language around accreditation for use by our member associations. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?Final Report - Communications PlaybookSlidedeck for our Use in Communicating with our membershipDescribe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?Flexible, Responsive, Attention to detailAttentive to our needs and goals and timelineWilling to learn about the nuances of our particular industry and contextStrong ContentExceeded our ExpectationsWhat was your primary form of communication with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)?Virtual MeetingWhat did you find most impressive or unique about this company?They were attentive, adaptive, and highly responsive.Final Communications Playbook was superb!Are there any areas for improvement or something Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) could have done differently?Not at all! --- #### PR Services for Online Tutoring Platform **The Project** - Services: Public Relations - Project size: Confidential - Project length: Apr. 2024 - Ongoing **Project Summary**: Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) provides PR services for an online tutoring platform. The team aims to increase the client's share of voice, brand awareness, and notoriety. **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** PR Manager, Superprof - Industry: Education - Client size: 201-500 Employees - Review Type: Online Review - Verified **The Review** — Nov 6, 2025 **Feedback Summary**: Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)'s work has significantly increased the client's share of voice in the US media. The team is very professional and responsive. They respond to the client within 24 hours and address their needs promptly. The team's regular feedback requests also stand out. ""They are very professional and responsive."" **BACKGROUND** Please describe your company and position.I am the PR Manager of SuperprofDescribe what your company does in a single sentence.Online tutoring platform that connects tutors with students in over 2000 subjects. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** What specific goals or objectives did you hire Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) to accomplish?Increase brand awarenessIncrease brand notoriety **SOLUTION** How did you find Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)?Online SearchWhy did you select Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) over others?previous experienceHow many teammates from Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) were assigned to this project?2-5 EmployeesDescribe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.Increase share of voice **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?Our share of voice in media increased drastically in the US since we started working with the team.Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?They are very responsive. They reply within 24 hours. If we are both online at the same time (we work in complete different timezones) I get a direct reply. I have absolutely no doubts that all my messages/emails will get a response as soon as possible.What was your primary form of communication with Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)?Virtual MeetingEmail or Messaging AppWhat did you find most impressive or unique about this company?They are very professional and responsive.Are there any areas for improvement or something Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) could have done differently?They ask for feedback regularly so all our requirements are constantly met. 10 out of 10 --- #### PR Strategy for Holding Company **The Project** - Services: Public Relations - Project size: $10,000 to $49,999 - Project length: Jan. - Aug. 2015 **Project Summary**: Communications Strategy Group provided PR strategy.  **Review Rating**: 5.0 - Quality: 5.0 - Schedule: 5.0 - Cost: 5.0 - Willing to Refer: 5.0 **The Reviewer** CEO, Financial Services Company - Industry: Financial services - Client size: 51-200 Employees - Review Type: Online Review - Verified **The Review** — Apr 14, 2020 **Feedback Summary**: Communications Strategy Group successfully improved the PR strategy. They executed the plan well.  ""They set out the plan and executed it flawlessly." " **BACKGROUND** Please describe your company and your position there. I am CEO of a holding company. We have controlling interest in several u related operating companies. **OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE** For what projects/services did your company hire Communications Strategy Group (CSG®)? We had a time critical PR crisis management need for one of our subsidiaries. What were your goals for this project? We needed to defend our position within the industry. **SOLUTION** How did you select this vendor? Steven Shapiro is the best in the business. Easy choice. Describe the scope of their work in detail. CSG had to drill in to understand our business and the unique challenges we were facing with lenders and investment banks. They then developed a PR strategy for the company to deploy. What was the team composition? I’ve worked closely with Steven for years. **RESULTS & FEEDBACK** Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success? We avoided any fatal blows to the company from the company’s lenders. How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs? Very efficient What did you find most impressive about this company? This was not CSG’s first rodeo. They set out the plan and executed it flawlessly Are there any areas for improvement? No --- ## Portfolio & Awards ### LAUNCH OF FINETICS CONTENT STUDIO AT MONEY 20/20 With clients such as PayPal, Google Wallet, Fiserv, Heartland, Blackhawk Network, Yodlee and T Mobile, The Bancorp is behind many of today’s most successful global companies. The company provides private-label banking and technology to meet the unique business needs of non-bank companies.  While The Bancorp was able to organically grow an impressive roster of clients, they were still unknown in the industry and with important decision-makers. With the business imperative to drive brand awareness and lead generation, CSG created and launched a custom-branded content publishing platform called the Finetics Studio that was introduced at Money 20/20, the industry’s premier trade event.  CSG created a new content platform for The Bancorp to share industry-specific expertise and engage an audience of relevant executives and influencers. The team developed the Finetics Studio microsite to host various forms of thought leadership content, introducing Finetics Studio content via traditional media distribution and coordinated social media campaigns on LinkedIn and Twitter.  CSG transformed The Bancorp’s traditional Money 20/20 exhibition space into a live, interactive Finetics Studio to interview industry leaders and capture their insights. The team facilitated a content partnership with Contentive, publisher of respected industry trade publications PyamentEye, Pivotl and Bobsguide. Together, The Bancorp and CSG collaborated on the development of an industry-elite invitation list and recruited top industry partners, with CSG providing editorial direction and coordination of the live interview series.  Finetics Studio Delivers Brand Awareness with a New Audience of Industry Influencers and Decision Makers  Nearly 4,000 unique visitors accessed content on the Finetics Studio microsite and The Bancorp’s YouTube channel recorded nearly 3,000 views of the 34 Finetics Studio videos uploaded during the same time period.  ### CRAFTING AFFINITY AMONG BEER LOVERS Placing authenticity above business as usual in the beer market, New Belgium Brewing attracted an enthusiastic group of followers. For more than a decade, the brewer engaged CSG® to inspire their community of sustainability-minded craft beer enthusiasts.  CSG helped New Belgium tap into shared passions and perspectives to transform its followers into a vast community of brand champions.  From the beginning, New Belgium’s product attracted beer fans, but it was the brewer’s culture and consciousness that won it a fiercely loyal following. CSG tapped into that shared sensibility to extend New Belgium’s solid base of aficionados, growing the company’s market share, brand awareness and bottom-line revenues across the country.  Tour de Fat  Supported communications and managed influencer and community outreach for the brewery’s traveling celebration of beer, bikes and philanthropy, ultimately growing the Tour from a handful of events near the brewery’s backyard to 30+ markets.  Product launches  Served as an instrumental partner in developing and streamlining New Belgium’s strategy and messaging. CSG also was instrumental in securing visibility for beer launches, including some of the brewery’s hallmark beers such as Fat Tire Belgian White (the first-ever extension of the Fat Tire brand).  Sustainability initiatives  Helped New Belgium advance sustainability in the craft beer industry through content creation and thought leadership, including speaking opportunities, influencer outreach and crisis communications.  ### PUBLIC RELATIONS FOR A GLOBAL ASSET MANAGER For more than six years, CSG® has been the public relations agency of record for Janus Henderson Investors. During that time, the firm has grown its assets under management (AUM) by $220 billion and become a global leader helping investors achieve long-term financial goals through a broad range of investment solutions, including equities, fixed income, quantitative equities, multi-asset and alternative asset class strategies.  The CSG team leveraged over two decades of industry experience and deep relationships with top-tier national business and financial advisor trade reporters to implement a content-driven thought leadership platform.  CSG generated a consistent stream of stories in prominent media outlets, including CNBC, FT, Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg, secured coveted fund profile feature stories and bylined articles, and managed the announcement of one of the highest profile talent moves in the history of the industry, helping to establish Janus Henderson Investors as one of the best known and most respected asset managers in the world.  ### NEW BANKING INDEX TAKES INDUSTRY BY STORM CSG worked with Continuity to develop the first and only quarterly composite index that empirically measures the regulatory burden on financial institutions across key leading and lagging indicators. The index was designed to equip banking professionals, regulators and legislators with detailed data-driven metrics analyzing the impact of new and existing regulations of financial institution resources, specifically budget and employee headcount. The CSG team developed an integrated launch across owned, shared, earned and paid channels of communications. The BCI index was widely covered across national and trade media outlets and was cited in a major congressional hearing on bank regulations. Continuity was also featured in major media outlets including the Wall Street Journal, American Banker, Independent Banker, Bank News and Bank Systems & Technology. Coverage of the BCI also led to a number of successful interviews with key finance media including Bloomberg, Financial Times, Bank Director, Independent Banker, Credit Union Journal and American Banker. As a direct result of Continuity’s media exposure, CSG was also able to secure features in the Credit Union Times and Bank News. The BCI now serves as the key to thought leadership and increased visibility for Continuity to their most important stakeholders. As each quarter index is released, the BCI continues to gain momentum and exposure for Continuity in the media as well with potential clients. ### Public Relations for Higher Education Association Public Relations for Higher Education Association Elevates Awareness and Relevance CSG’s expertise in PR for higher education helped to define and expand the public profile of EDUCAUSE, the world’s leading non-profit association in higher education IT. 900 +pieces of media coverage secured 400 +media attendees at the Annual Conferences 32 %increase in overall social media engagement 591 %increase in post link clicks Solving for EDUCAUSE’s Why As the world’s largest community of information technology, academic, industry and campus leaders, EDUCAUSE supports the advancement of higher education through the strategic use of IT. Despite its abundance of intellectual capital and industry influence, EDUCAUSE had not attained the name recognition, visibility and thought leadership presence expected for an organization of its size and stature. The association sought to crystalize and amplify its voice in a crowded academic environment and came to Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) for its expertise in public relations for higher education organizations. CSG went to work applying its higher education PR and social media solutions. Over the past seven years, CSG has helped EDUCAUSE gain recognition as the leading community and resource addressing a full spectrum of education and technology issues. Activating Engagement Through Content Marketing After establishing EDUCAUSE’s messaging foundation, CSG initiated its signature strategies for successful content marketing. These ensured a continuous cycle of Drumbeat communications, punctuated by major PowerPlay initiatives. Breaking Through the Noise CSG built out EDUCAUSE’s higher education PR campaign to ensure the group became the go-to resource for industry media and influencers. “CSG has proven time and again to be a huge asset and valuable partner for us. We think of them as an extension of our MarComm team.” — Marc Stith, director of marketing at EDUCAUSE ### BRIGHT HEALTH BREAKS THROUGH CROWDED MARKET As a new entrant in the challenging health insurance market, Bright Health needed to achieve more than consumer awareness and commodity status. It needed to launch an identity, and further, it sought to stand out as a lifestyle brand when other insurers were content to compete on price. CSG® developed a customized lifestyle publication that set the tone for Bright Health as a brand and simultaneously spoke directly to the insurer’s most important audiences – seniors looking to complement Medicare coverage and women aged 35-45 making purchasing decisions for their families. Bright Health burst onto the scene with a vision for health insurance that defied the commoditized nature of the industry. Not willing to duke it out in a battle to provide the cheapest premiums on the individual insurance market, Bright Health called on CSG to position the company as a lifestyle brand with the resonance to win the hearts and minds of Americans seeking a new healthcare experience. This opportunity was particularly impactful given Bright Health’s partnership with a single health system in each of its markets. Bright Life was placed in the offices of in-network providers and select additional medical locations. Through this targeted placement, consumers were provided the opportunity to encounter a modern and compelling alternative to their own health insurance, attractively captured in the pages of a lifestyle magazine. Likewise, Bright Life gave Bright Health credibility among brokers who extended the reach and reputation of the brand by sharing the publication with their clients.   ### Health and Fitness PR Strategy Health and Fitness PR Strategy Secures Creative Denver Media Coverage Solidifies Iconic Event For National Yoga Powerhouse  CSG executed a strategic fitness public relations campaign, including strong media connections, influencer ingenuity, and grassroots outreach, to launch CorePower Yoga’s “Yoga on the Rocks” series and elevate it to a summer bucket-list event in Denver.    90media hits 20 million+total impressions 4local media personality emcees secured 4sold-out events   Solving for CorePower’s Why In 2013, CorePower Yoga, the Denver-based national yoga brand, launched its annual Yoga on the Rocks series of four yoga classes on Saturday mornings at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. In pursuit of a PR strategy partner to activate the event, CorePower evaluated health and wellness PR firms to publicize the series among Denver metro area yogis — experienced and novices alike — and active influencers of all kinds in Colorado. Ultimately, CorePower tapped Communications Strategy Group’s (CSG®) fitness PR expertise for several years to achieve its goals of selling out event attendance, positioning Yoga on the Rocks as a premier, must-do event in Denver and promoting its brand ethos of yoga inclusivity. As an experienced health and fitness PR agency, we developed a multifaceted campaign for the inaugural year that focused on hyper-local traditional media relations, grassroots outreach and influencer connections to help drive pre-event ticket sales and solidify CorePower as a brand committed to making yoga accessible to everyone and encouraging all levels of yogis to attend Yoga on the Rocks.           ### Industry Recognitions - THE BUSINESS JOURNALS - Top Financial PR Agencies of 2023 - Top PR Agencies - Best Financial PR Agencies & Services - Best PR Agencies and Firms for 2023 - Great Place to Work ## Key Clients - TIAA ## Packages ## Verification Clutch verification provides an additional layer of data to help you make the right purchasing decision of business services. - Verified Client Reviews: 23 - Overall Review Rating: 4.9 Last Updated: 2026-06-18T11:07:16Z ### Business Entity - Business Entity Name: COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY GROUP, INC. - Source: Colorado Secretary of State - Jurisdiction of Formation: Colorado - Date of Formation: April 29, 2004 - Status: Active - Last Updated: November 18, 2020 - ID: 20041157423 ### Credit Report Results - International Credit Risk Assessment: Low Risk - Source: Creditsafe - Last Updated: November 17, 2020 ## Locations (1) ### Denver, CO (Headquarters) - 44 Cook St, Suite 450 - Denver, CO 80206 - United States - 41 - 49 employees - Phone: 3034337020 ## Connections - Adam Fisch (Draw It To Know It Creations, LLC) - Victoria Londerholm (StarRez, Inc.) - Mina Oz (Superprof) ## Contact Communications Strategy Group (CSG®) [Send a message](https://clutch.co/profile/communications-strategy-group-csg-0) ### Connect on Social - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/communications-strategy-group/) - [Facebook](https://business.facebook.com/CommunicationsStrategyGroup/) - [X](https://twitter.com/WeAreCSG) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/wearecsg/)