CUT THRU Branding Agency

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of My Dead Grandpa

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We run the biggest vintage marketplace/bazaar in South Australia.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire CUT THRU to accomplish?

• Developing a branding for our business from scratch.

SOLUTION

How did you find CUT THRU?

Online Search

Why did you select CUT THRU over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from CUT THRU were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

CUT THRU – Key Outcomes Delivered

-Shared Google Drive set up for all assets and live collaboration
-DIY research toolkit: video walkthrough, playbook and on-call guidance
-Three core customer segments identified and documented
-Depth-interview Discussion Guide drafted and refined
-Customer interviews completed, recorded and transcribed
-Survey built, distributed and analysed (178 qualified responses)
-Competitor analysis of top three rivals (visuals + messaging)
-Research report compiled with positioning statement and personas
-Brand name ideated and final name selected
-Comprehensive brand guidelines produced (logo, colours, type, tone)
-Facade mock-up of the building created, showing signage and finishes

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We had several meetings along the process to discuss how the project was tracking.

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

We were very happy with the timeframe that they completed their services on.

What was your primary form of communication with CUT THRU?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

We found that the way they approached our branding was creative and out of the box. It left us with a truly standout brand for our company which has propelled us into the early stages of success.

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

Nil

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder of Liquor Loot

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Liquor Loot is a whisky and gin subscription service company in Australia

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire CUT THRU to accomplish?

• Branding
• Brand Strategy
• Messaging

SOLUTION

How did you find CUT THRU?

Referral

Why did you select CUT THRU over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Great culture fit

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

Whiskey Loot required brand research, strategy, design, and messaging. They helped us develop a brand that resonates with whiskey lovers and collectors, elevating our presence in the market.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

CUT THRU Branding undertook detailed brand research, developed a clear strategy, and executed a compelling design that reflected the quality and craftsmanship of our service. Their messaging struck the perfect balance between sophisticated and approachable, appealing to both seasoned collectors and casual whiskey drinkers.

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

CUT THRU Branding demonstrated exceptional project management throughout the Whiskey Loot branding project. They consistently delivered items on time, adhering to the agreed schedule without any delays. Their team was highly responsive to our needs, taking the time to understand our vision and incorporating feedback at every stage of the process. 

What was your primary form of communication with CUT THRU?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

What stood out most about CUT THRU Branding was their unique ability to combine data-driven insights with creative, emotionally resonant branding. Their strategic approach to understanding our audience, combined with their artistic flair in design and messaging, was truly impressive.

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

While the overall experience with CUT THRU Branding was highly positive, one area for potential improvement could be in expanding their initial presentation of design concepts. Although the final results were excellent, having a few more early design variations to choose from might have provided a broader perspective on possible brand directions. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder & CEO of a consulting company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Our company helps people find the words they need to live the life they want.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire CUT THRU to accomplish?

• Branding
• Marketing

SOLUTION

How did you find CUT THRU?

Online Search

Why did you select CUT THRU over others?

• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from CUT THRU were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Our existing brand needed a refresh - we needed to execute market research, re-identify our ideal customer profile and rename the business. Jono created a plan, met multiple times over zoom and the phone, prepping us with everything we needed to reimagine our brand vision. He also created and led an entire day long session in person where we explored our brand identity and go-to-market strategy. Key Deliverables: 

• Brand Identity Guidelines 
• Logo & visual identity 
• Messaging Framework 
• Go-to-market campaign plan

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have a whole new brand vision and strategy for our business. We've successfully rebranded the business to be more polished & premium, allowing us to command higher prices and reach new demographics. The strategies we've discussed with Cut Thru have proven to be extremely effective and we're already seeing return on investment in the first few weeks.

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

Jono and the Cut Thru team consistently delivered everything on time or ahead of schedule. Jono does a great job providing short guided videos with every step, making the process accessible and simple.

What was your primary form of communication with CUT THRU?

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

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

Every step of the way, CUT THRU went the extra mile to make us feel included and understood. Jono's interest in our brand story felt genuine and his thinking was well aligned with our business values. It was refreshing to meet a professional who can be candid, hilarious and super knowledgeable all at once.

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

We are 100% satisfied with CUT THRU.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Co-founder of an ecommerce company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a boutique hat selling business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire CUT THRU to accomplish?

• Achieve product market fit
• Develop strategy
• Launch ad campaign

SOLUTION

How did you find CUT THRU?

Online Search

Why did you select CUT THRU over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from CUT THRU were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

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

Seeking to launch a hat product with key targets of achieving product market fit through market research and then move to launching ad campaigns linked to landing pages

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Launched ads and achieved a $1.7 cost per lead when determining demand for our product.

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

Meetings occurring weekly or fortnightly allowed CUT THRU to set clear goals for us after each session and provided constant support to our needs. This included going above and beyond in the project development stage to take photos of our hats to use for content.

What was your primary form of communication with CUT THRU?

In-Person Meeting

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

We're impressed with their genuine commitment to wanting to see us achieve our vision. Not only are they an incredible business strategist, but also a prolific mentor who provides us with content to better ourselves personally and in a business context - are unique trait in todays world.

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

No areas of improvement. Communication was great and we found the sessions constantly rewarding

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of Cuts Avenue Salon

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

An app for helping users build focus and self-awareness through routinized, guided self-questioning.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire CUT THRU to accomplish?

• Help me gain a better understanding of brand strategy
• Impart specific strategies and insight in order to gain a systematic edge in product development and market-fit
• To keep progress accountable

SOLUTION

How did you find CUT THRU?

Online Search

Why did you select CUT THRU over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from CUT THRU were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

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

I had reached out to CutThru looking for a brand strategy solution for a hair salon enterprise I run and ended up opting in to 1-on-1 coaching to learn the ropes of the research segment of the CutThru methodology as the experience would apply not only in this enterprise but with an app I've been developing for months now. The zoom-enabled coaching sessions opened the door to a fresh actionable perspective grounded in first principles and cultivated a scientific approach I hadn't thought of making before. 
From the basics of brand strategy to systematic approaches towards product validation and customer surveying and segmentation: Johnathon was flexible, structured, attentive and insightful in conducting the sessions with a mind for helping me get the most out of the opportunity.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Actionable insight and implementable strategies. I've gained a new approach to both research and development alongside a curated focus for where to invest my energy and attention. Both for my app and my brick-and-mortar business.

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

Johnathon never missed a meeting and was more than flexible for my needs with regard to time and energy. Attentive, reciprocal and understanding where it concerned the gaps in my knowledge.

What was your primary form of communication with CUT THRU?

Virtual Meeting

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

Their portfolio did not seem like they were excessively boxed in by any one style and I gained the notion that this was because (instead of top-down cookie-cutter approaches) they, among other things, take a methodical approach to identifying and maximizing strengths and mitigating weaknesses unique to the client from the ground up.

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

I was thoroughly satisfied with what I've come away with. No reasonable fault in mind.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am a Director of Ringcommend

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We help customers find their perfect engagement ring at a fraction of its retail price and in less time than it takes to make a coffee

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire CUT THRU to accomplish?

• Define a brand that had appeal to our target customers

SOLUTION

How did you find CUT THRU?

Referral

Why did you select CUT THRU over others?

• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from CUT THRU were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

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

CUT THRU helped us define our target customer across core demographic, psychographic and buying habits. Once defined, a brand guide was developed that was to filter through all core business assets. These included the website, emails, social media content as well as product design and packaging. All of the above-mentioned deliverables were created according to these brand guidelines.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The measurable outcomes include: website traffic numbers, enquiries sent, products purchased, time on site, bounce rate, customer acquisition costs and referral numbers from existing customers. Other measurable outcomes that are secondary to these are the number of marketing channels and customer touchpoints, as well as respective impression and click thru rate numbers.

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

I was very impressed at all times. There was a clear project plan from the get-go that adhered to a traditional 'waterfall' / gantt style structure, however the project lead operated with a dynamic agile mindset. As original requirements were further crystalised or refined, the project lead dynamically updated the plan in an impressive and problem-free fashion. 

Despite the project growing in scope, costs were managed and contained impeccably, with only negligible cost increase. In fact, I feel bad for all of the additional value I received at almost no additional cost.

What was your primary form of communication with CUT THRU?

In-Person Meeting

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

I was most impressed by their myopic results-oriented attitude. They were laser-focussed from the get-go on what the flag on the hill ultimately was, and everything was driven by that objective. By starting with the end in mind, everything worked backwards to create a strategic plan that connected where we were to where we needed to go in the most direct and purposeful manner.

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

Nothing comes to mind. I was thoroughly impressed by all aspects of the entire engagement.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am a Manager of Quillette

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We publish long form essays in a digital magazine.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire CUT THRU to accomplish?

• Help attract new clients
• Convert free subscribers into paid subscribers

SOLUTION

How did you find CUT THRU?

• Referral
• Clutch Site

Why did you select CUT THRU over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

What was the size of CUT THRU’s team?

2-5 Employees

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

CUT THRU totally rocked it when it came to media branding for a media outlet like ours. They kicked off with some in-depth market analysis and scoped out the competition to find the perfect way to make Quillette stand out. They chatted with readers and employees to get the lowdown on what made Quillette unique, along with its strengths and weaknesses.

With all that intel, they moved on to crafting a killer Brand Strategy. They nailed down Quillette's core values, mission, and vision, making sure their message hit home with the target audience. Thanks to CUT THRU's savvy approach, Quillette became a no-brainer choice for readers, standing head and shoulders above the competition.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Undoubtedly, collaborating with CUT THRU was a highly advantageous decision for our branding and marketing efforts. Their astute strategies and creative expertise elevated our performance, making our brand message highly appealing to our target audience. The improvements led to a cascading effect, resulting in increased open rates, click-through rates, and conversions for our brand.

What was your primary form of communication with CUT THRU?

Virtual Meeting

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

Cut Thru was highly effective in delivering items on time. They had a clear understanding of my project goals, established timelines, and communicated regularly with me. They were highly responsive to our needs and concerns, addressing any issues promptly and proactively.

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

The most impressive aspect of this company was their ability to recognize and address the unique difficulties related to producing long-form journalism on contentious matters. They showcased a profound grasp of our target audience's expectations and tailored a brand strategy that conveyed our core values and mission effectively. As a result, their branding efforts not only preserved our editorial integrity but also boosted audience engagement and reach.

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

While our overall experience with the company was highly positive, there is always room for growth and improvement. One possible area for enhancement could be providing more frequent check-ins during the project to ensure even greater alignment between both teams.

However, it is important to note that their communication was still effective and the final outcome exceeded our expectations. Their dedication to delivering high-quality work and their willingness to adapt and learn make them an exceptional partner.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Co-founder & Executive Director of Comestri

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Comestri has developed a platform and solutions that enables commerce for retailers and merchants

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire CUT THRU to accomplish?

• To determine what is Comestri's Positioning statement & Elevator Pitch

SOLUTION

How did you find CUT THRU?

Referral

Why did you select CUT THRU over others?

• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

What was the size of CUT THRU’s team?

6-10 Employees

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

To help define the Comestri Positioning Statement and Elevator Pitch, Cut Thru was engaged to deliver the following:

1. Brand Diagnosis which encompassed Competitor Messaging, Stakeholder Interviews & Insights Summary
2. Brand Strategy
3. Visual Identity
4. Brand Messaging & Value Proposition

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Clearly defined and understandable Positioning Statement and Elevator Pitch

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

Cut Thru followed a defined process which led to the project being delivered on time. Cut Thru also worked around the busy schedule of Stakeholders but still delivered the project on time. Cut Thru was also very receptive to feedback and ideas which resulted in a great outcome

What was your primary form of communication with CUT THRU?

Virtual Meeting

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

CUT THRU was able to quickly grasp and understand our product. Jonathan and the team was able to literally "cut thru" the jargon and complexity of used in the eCommerce industry and delivera Positioning Statement and Elevator Pitch that was defined, succinct and understandable.

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

There are no areas of improvement that I can suggest based on the project that Cut Thru was engaged to deliver.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of The Nanny Experts Limited

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Our company is a private staffing agency that specialises in helping professional and high net-worth families find qualified support for their homes, such as nannies, tutors, and bodyguards.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire CUT THRU to accomplish?

• Research
• Strategy
• Branding

SOLUTION

How did you find CUT THRU?

Referral

Why did you select CUT THRU over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

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

1. Conducted market research to identify trends and opportunities in our industry
2. Developed a comprehensive marketing strategy to promote our services
3. Created a marketing campaign that includes targeted advertisements, email marketing, and social media outreach
4. Designed marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, and digital content
5. Conducted analysis of campaign performance and adjusting tactics as needed

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Reduced costs: One of the most significant measurable outcomes was a reduction in costs associated with marketing. Before engaging with CUT THRU, our marketing efforts were scattered across a variety of channels with no clear strategy or plan in place. This resulted in a lot of wasted resources and inefficient campaigns that failed to produce meaningful results.
  By focusing on the most promising channels and tactics, we generated more revenue while spending less on marketing. This resulted in a significant increase in the ROI of our marketing activities.
• Increased brand recognition: By developing a strong brand identity that was consistent across all marketing materials, we were able to increase awareness of our brand among our target audience. This was reflected in surveys and focus groups, which showed that our brand was more recognisable and memorable after the project was implemented.
• Improved sales: By tracking sales data before and after the project was implemented, we were able to see a significant increase in revenue.

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

The project management from the team was excellent. They were very communicative and kept us informed throughout the project, which helped us stay on track and meet our deadlines. They consistently delivered items on time, and we were impressed with their ability to respond to our needs and feedback in a timely and efficient manner.

What was your primary form of communication with CUT THRU?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting

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

We found this CUT THRU's expertise in brand positioning to be particularly impressive and unique. Their in-depth knowledge of how to create a strong and memorable brand identity helped us stand out in a competitive market and resonate with our target audience. They were able to distill our core values and messaging into a clear and concise brand identity that accurately represents who we are as a company.

In addition to their brand positioning expertise, we were also impressed with the depth of their research and the valuable insights they provided. They took the time to truly understand our company and target audience, and provided us with recommendations and strategies that were tailored to our specific needs and goals. Their awareness of the latest industry trends and best practices also helped us stay ahead of the curve and maximise our efforts.

Overall, it was their combination of brand positioning expertise, research depth, and industry awareness set them apart from other branding agencies, and we would highly recommend their services to any organisation looking to develop a strong and effective brand identity.

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

While there may always be areas for improvement in any project or engagement, we were extremely impressed with the work of CUT THRU. Their expertise, responsiveness, and attention to detail were all exceptional, and we felt that they truly went above and beyond to deliver a high-quality outcome.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work at Bineth and Group and I am the Chief Operating Officer there. We are a development firm who oversees multiple different types of companies. I handle the operation for these companies and ensure they are running smoothly.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our business hired CUT THRU to conduct a branding and growth hacking workshop for Talent Recap. Our goals were to have a better understanding of the company goals, mission, and direction.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We had previously used CUT THRU for another company.

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

To begin they interviewed some of the staff, users, and Talent Recap fans where they gathered information to better understand how people view the brand and what it is to them. From there they held workshops with the team where we discussed our goals, and what we are are trying to do/accomplish with the work we produce. The next step was to discover any growth opportunities for the brand. Lastly they delivered a final brand strategy and brand recommendations.

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

I worked directly with the brand strategist.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Because of this project we have a cohesive brand image, goal and mission. By clearing the path and setting defined goals, it has created a smoother workflow and a clearer vision for what is next.

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

We held all day workshops where the team was fully focused on fleshing out what our brand really is and how we can improve it.

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

Their enthusiasm and openness to understanding and helping our business grow and be its best. The biggest thing that impressed me was the ability to take the UX process and adhere to a brand strategy. I think watching that work out the way it did was very impressive.

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

I think it worked well for what we needed. I would maybe suggest time-boxing some of the areas in the workshop, just to have it flow faster and keep focus.