Embark

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the executive director of the Colorado Catholic Conference. We’re the united voice of catholic bishops in Colorado and help determine public policy and government relations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Embark?

We needed someone to redesign our website and overhaul our branding. Our interface was very out of date and not user-friendly.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Their work was done in WordPress after meeting with our bishops several times to learn what they wanted out of the site. On our main page, we have a video that pops up immediately. It’s a reel of b-roll footage that you can click on to be taken to an informational video about our brand. Below the video is our mission statement.

Embark built a sliding scale on our website that people can slide through 1–10 and see our different policy priorities. Users can click on each stage and go to different pages to learn more about other topics.

We handled the general design in-house, but they implemented our design and advised us on our logo design as well. In terms of the branding, they advised us on our color scheme and logo placement on the website.

Embark was able to create the site in such a way that we can update the website on our own. We’re also able to contact them going forward if we encounter any technical issues.

What is the team composition?

We worked with their director of strategy and their director of execution.

How did you come to work with Embark?

I appreciated their background and success with past organizations. Additionally, I found them through my previous organization; we had a mutual connection with another religious organization. Their experience in the Catholic sphere really stood out to us.

How much have you invested with them?

The cost was around $25,000–$30,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from March–June 2022.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve seen a lot more traffic coming to the website thanks to its enhanced user-friendliness compared to our previous website. The site itself is very beautiful and easy to understand. Additionally, letters written by our bishops are much easier to find, as well as other types of information. Overall, the feedback we’ve received has been very positive.

How did Embark perform from a project management standpoint?

We had a very tight turnaround to be ready for a Supreme Court decision was coming down during the time period of the project. Embark had to have the content up on our site immediately after the decision, and they were actually a couple of days earlier. Not only were they able to launch the website in time, but they ensured that our email communication features were up and running. This not only met, but exceeded our expectations.

Regarding communication, we manage the project over email and regular Zoom meetings.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They invested time upfront to understand our mission and how it related to the broader community that we serve. Additionally, they’ve been able to strategize the best way that our website can meet our community’s needs. They combined this focus on functionality with beautiful aesthetics.

Moreover, they’re flexible and personable in their client relations. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with them, and even now, post-launch, they’re receptive to our communication.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, not that I can think of. I appreciate their work a lot.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Take the time to speak with their two directors about your organization’s mission and how it relates to your customer base, as well as your broader outreach goals.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president of Catholic Education Partners, a national advocacy organization working to get more school choice policies passed at a state level.

We’re a catholic organization working with churches, bishops, dioceses, Catholic conferences, and other community members.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Embark?

We needed a vibrant and inviting website to attract and inform people about what we do.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Embark helped build our website from scratch and collaborated with us on its overall design. We mostly provided the platform’s content, but there was a lot of back and forth as they consulted on what to put and get rid of.

Some of the requirements they implemented include a blog page, a page where people can get information about our organization partners, a sign-up sheet, and a fundraising feature.

Moreover, they also led our email marketing campaign efforts.

What is the team composition?

We mainly worked with three people from their team.

How did you come to work with Embark?

My predecessor reached out to them before I took over the organization. 

How much have you invested with them?

We invested around $30,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from August 2020–March 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I can’t provide any measurable statistics, but Embark was fantastic and easy to work with — they were very patient in dealing with our needs and timely with what they needed to deliver.

How did Embark perform from a project management standpoint?

They performed well from a project management perspective, specifically with how remarkably they trained one of our staff members.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We were impressed with their level of accommodation and understanding of our organization. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have any specific constructive feedback.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I’d like to highly recommend Embark to people seeking web development expertise.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Vensure Employer Services. We’re a professional employer organization providing HR benefits, payroll, and insurance services based out of Chandler, AZ.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Embark?

Vensure is positioned as the parent company for over 40 PEO brands. We needed an experienced marketing agency to assist in the development and strategy for a new brand peo.com

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Embark initially facilitated meetings and collected all the information they needed from us. From there, they came up with a strategy and recommendations on how we could move forward. They assisted us with brand development and site messaging strategy.

What is the team composition?

We worked with Conoon (Director of Strategy), his senior partner, and a couple of other teammates. 

How did you come to work with Embark?

We reviewed 10–20 agencies and decided to partner with Embark. We decided to move forward with them based on the level of attention to detail that they showed throughout our meetings. On top of that, they had several noteworthy clients with strong brands. As a result, we felt confident that we were partnering with the right agency.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $25,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

The project lasted from January–December 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our website traffic increased by 25% year over year, and we produced 15% more leads year over year. Our entire team was happy with Embark’s services. We were pleased with their efforts, recommendations, and the end product they provided.

How did Embark perform from a project management standpoint?

Embark communicated well and kept us well-informed on all the steps and things to come. In other words, they did a great job of managing expectations. To communicate, we used Zoom and emails. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their attention to detail was impressive. They were great communicators and had much experience across marketing channels and lanes. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there weren’t any. They did a great job. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Move forward with Embark — they’re great to work with, and you’ll be happy with the results.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Executive of Vineyard Schools

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Educate

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Website
• Logo

SOLUTION

How did you find Embark?

• Referral
• Other

Why did you select Embark over others?

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

How many teammates from Embark were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Logo, narrative, branding, website 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Timeline 

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

The team communicated well throughout the process. 

What was your primary form of communication with Embark?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The attention to detail that went into creating our brand and website stood out.

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

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Marketing Project Coordinator of a prostheses company.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Assist people with finger and partial-hand limb-difference by positively impacting their lives through providing functional, high-quality finger prostheses.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• User Experience​​ & Journey Improvements
• Content Management System (CMS)​ Update
• Analytics​​

SOLUTION

How did you find Embark?

• Online Search
• Clutch Site

Why did you select Embark over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Embark were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

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

• Phase 1: Design October 2023​ 
  • Wireframe new 
  • Elementor templates​ 
  • Restructure and redesign site menu​ 
  • UX design improvements​ 
  • Streamline typography hierarchy (H1 - H3)​ ​ 
• Phase 2: Development November 2023​ 
  • Rebuild existing pages​ 
  • Content revisions​ 
  • Integrate Gravity forms for lead gen and automation​ 
  • Remove blog comments section​ ​ 
• Phase 3: Testing December 2023​ 
  • QA checks and testing​ 
  • Beta review (internal launch)​ ​ 
• Phase 4: Launch (mid) January 2024​ 
  • Setup GA4 conversion goals​ 
  • Setup Google Search Console​ 
  • Implement Hotjar tracking

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Setup GA4 conversion goals, sync the website with Google Search Console, and implement Hotjar to have a deeper look into 'how' and 'why' our users are interacting with our website.​​​

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

Delivered on time and responded to our needs efficiently.

What was your primary form of communication with Embark?

Virtual Meeting

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

Embark's quality of work and speed were impressive.

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

N/A

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Digital Marketing Lead of a financial services company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Offer financial services to individual members and companies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Redesign our website

SOLUTION

How did you find Embark?

Online Search

Why did you select Embark over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit

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

Design and development based on initial concept designs. Implementation of the global system within the CMS.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project was completed within our timeline. When we contacted them, we always got a fast response. They were able to meet and exceed the project objectives.

What was your primary form of communication with Embark?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

All our interactions with them were nothing but positive! They were knowledgeable and took the time to educate us on how to use the platform and answer any questions we had.

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

No. Embark was great to work with!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an executive at Hanson Heat Lamps

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Manufactures heat lamps for the foodservice industry.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Build a new website

SOLUTION

How did you find Embark?

Referral

Why did you select Embark over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

What was the size of Embark’s team?

2-5 Employees

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

We set out a lit of capabilitites and features we wanted in our website and provided some competitors websites as examples.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Yes we were able to deploy a good website in resorbable time.

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

Conoon has always responded promptly or if unavailable one of his team members have always contacted us.

What was your primary form of communication with Embark?

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

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

A personal relationship.

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

We were very satisfied.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner and Designer of Floraloom

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

A floral event design company for brands

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

To build a strategic plan and to guide the execution of the plan for Floraloom to take their business to the next level.

SOLUTION

How did you find Embark?

Other

Why did you select Embark over others?

Company values aligned

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

Consulted with me in brainstorming and planning stages to help me design a clear action plan and goals. During the execution process, Embark also support in providing accountability and mentorship.

• Strategic Consulting
  • Audit and analysis (marketing, sales, systems/processes, finances, etc.)
  • Prioritization and goal setting
  • Building a plan
• Monthly Coaching & Workshops
  • 1-hour virtual sessions each month to check in on progress
  • Review and adjust plan
• Ongoing Communications

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Streamlined Studio Work Space
• Streamlined Work Processes
• Developed a focused brand identity

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

Yes, Embark was very responsive and met timely every month for our meetings.

What was your primary form of communication with Embark?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email
• Messaging App

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

Very personalized and specific. Embark delivers world-class results in a friendly and thoughtful approach.

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

None.