Grid Brands Group

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work in communications at a food company. My role involves marketing, social media management, coordinating events, among other tasks.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Grid Communications?

We recently launched a new brand, and though my role is very diverse, we realized that the brand launch was a little bit too much for one person. We were looking for some extra help with content creation. 

No one in our team had specific experience in photography and videography, so we hired Grid Communications to help us in those areas we’re still learning about.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Grid Communications produces four 15–30-second reels a month for us, which we post on our Instagram accounts on both the reels and feed sections. We have brainstorming sessions with them where we tell them what we want to promote and what we want to see in the reels. They bring their ideas to the table, and then they bring them to life for us. 

We initially provided a product package for Grid Communications to film. However, we’re changing the packaging, so they’ve stopped shooting videos with it. Instead, we’ve requested inspirational and lifestyle shots. 

The Grid Communications team films the videos, edits them, and adds the elements we ask for, such as text boxes. They also travel for filming sometimes, within COVID-19 restrictions. So far, they’ve shot at a lake, they’ve done an ice-fishing video, and they’ve come to an event we attended. 

What is the team composition?

Raul (Founder & Creative Director) is my main point of contact. At the event Grid Communications went to with us, I was introduced to another teammate who’s helped us, too. I’ve also worked with three other members of their team.

How did you come to work with Grid Communications?

They’d already approached our company about working with us in the past, but there wasn’t a huge need for it at the time. Then, Raul reached out to us again and offered us some free content, which sucked us in. 

Grid Communications picked up our product package from our office because they were so eager to start working with us. Within a few days, they’d produced a sample reel for us. We hired them because we could see that they were very eager and willing to meet our needs.

How much have you invested with them?

We pay them $2,200 CAD (approximately $1,7000 USD) a month, and we’ve paid for three months so far. It will be around $26,000 CAD (approximately $20,300 USD) for the year.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in December 2021, and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The owners of our company have been over the moon happy with Grid Communications’ work. They’ve been so thrilled that they’ve posted on LinkedIn about working with Grid Communications to show them some love.

The team has been doing a great job with the inspirational and lifestyle videos, finding ways to promote the brand without the packaging. They always take the feedback we give them, and they capitalize on the things we mention that we like. We love their work, and we love working with them — they’ve been really great. 

How did Grid Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve been great at project management. The budget’s been absolutely fine; their initial price was a bit too high for us, so we were able to reach a deal with them. We really appreciate that they understand our budget limit. 

In terms of communication, we use phone calls, email, and Zoom. Grid Communications always gets back to us within a day via email, and we have a Zoom meeting every few weeks. The team is always available for calls if we have questions or want to add something, which happens quite often. They’re great at picking up and following through with our requests — they’re very accommodating.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We’re impressed with the fact that they’re so quick to respond to us and so willing to switch gears. When the project needed to change, Grid Communications was very quick to accommodate that. They always take our feedback well; they’ll go and re-edit the whole video if they need to.

I also appreciate how quick they are at producing their videos. I love that they’re willing to travel around to different locations to get these videos and capture the perfect moment that we’re looking for.

The Grid Communications team is always very excited and willing to help us, even if it stretches into a different project or further past our agreement. They always extend extra help with anything we need. For instance, my boss was looking to create some videos for herself, asked them a few questions, and they were more than happy to help her out with no return to them other than helping her — that was great of them. 

The amount of effort Grid Communications puts into their work is also great. They make sure they capture exactly what we’re looking for, and their ideas always go above and beyond. We’ve had nothing but positive experiences with them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have any constructive feedback for them at this time.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

In working with any provider, I would advise being very clear about what you’re looking for and having the project mapped out before you start. 

We provide Grid Communications with a lot of insight into what we’re looking for in the reels. That said, we had to give Grid Communications a surprise because of the package changing, which was on us. That’s been the biggest challenge in our collaboration, and it’s something that we’ve worked through together; we’re very much a team.

Be sure about what you want from them because Grid Communications does offer several services. If you’re sure about the service you’re looking for, the partnership will be great.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of K9 Plus Inc. We’re a full-service pet care business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Grid Communications?

We’re trying to get our social media up to date and have everything be cohesive as far as our branding, website, digital presence, and general marketing goes.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Grid Communications completely redesigned and redeveloped our entire website from scratch. They created new pages as well as updated our content and created some photo streams. A lot of their efforts were focused on modernizing the platform; it’s hosted on WordPress. They also manage our Instagram and Facebook accounts. They create the content and follow a content calendar.

What is the team composition?

I work directly with Raul (Founder & Art & Design Director).

How did you come to work with Grid Communications?

I found them through a Facebook group for entrepreneurial networking. I posted looking for some assistance to bring our social media up to speed. They responded, along with a lot of other people.

However, what stood out was that Grid Communications kept in touch and were proactive with wanting to set up a call. When we connected, I felt confident with how they communicated. They sent a good proposal quickly so everything fell into place.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested about $5,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our ongoing engagement started in November 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

At this point, it’s hard to say but general feedback has been good as far as metrics go. It’ll take a few more months for us to see actual results. We’ve received feedback that people are impressed with the web design. I’m getting some good engagement with the social media posts as well. People find the posts interesting to click on.

How did Grid Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

We mostly communicate through phone calls, emails, and text messages. Everything is scheduled or ad hoc as needed. Their communication is good. At the beginning of each campaign, they send a file that contains what to expect and how things are going to unroll. That’s really nice to refer back to.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m really impressed with their willingness to take accountability if things aren’t exactly as I expect them to be. They work within a certain timeline as much as possible. Their communication and professionalism are exceptional.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, nothing comes to mind. I’m really happy overall with the quality of work they’ve done for us.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Give them a try. Be familiar with what you want so you can give them direction. Their creative skills are great but it’ll be easier if you know what you’re looking for.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner and content creator of an educational platform. I design resources that I sell to other teachers to create content that they can use with their classroom.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Grid Communications?

At first, I had no idea how to advertise my product, so I went to them to design posts for my social media accounts from the very beginning.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I make all of the resources myself but Grid Communications made them presentable. They created all of the posts for social media.

What is the team composition?

I was in touch with Raul (President) and one other person.

How did you come to work with Grid Communications?

A friend of mine used them before and they suggested Grid Communications.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent just under $5,000 CAD (approximately $4,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in July 2020 and we wrapped up around December.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Grid Communications basically grew my business. I gained about 300 followers on my Instagram and about 40 on my website. This has increased my sales dramatically because customers are constantly seeing any post I send out.

How did Grid Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

They were super reliable and always responded. Any time I had a question, I could just send an email or call.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I wasn’t really confident with social media didn’t know what I was doing and they were really patient and answered all my questions. I feel like they really represented me and showcased my company really well.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Honestly, they couldn’t improve. I’m very happy with how it went.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be open-minded and trust them. I may have an idea, but they’re professionals and they know if it’s going to work or not. They know what it takes to make traction and audience engagement.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm an entrepreneur. I design my own products for online sales.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Grid Communications?

I needed help in setting up my website, coming up with marketing solutions, and creating a logo for my products. That’s what I use Grid Communications for.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Grid Communications has hooked me up with a web design consultant. They’ve also come up with marketing strategies for my products to reach Google Trends. 

What is the team composition?

I mainly work with one person, who makes recommendations and references to other people. 

How did you come to work with Grid Communications?

I met them through word of mouth. They were recommended to me by a friend. When I looked them up, I liked the quality of their work. That's why I chose them. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $10,000 on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in October 2019, and it’s ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’ve received a lot of positive feedback, and sales picked up since I started working with them. Sales have increased with the increase in the number of pictures, the improved quality of the listings, and the logo. 

How did Grid Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

We do a lot of in-person, telephone, and email conversations. They’re very hands-on and informative. They’re educated in the marketing field, and the information they provide is very well-balanced. 

Grid Communications is very professional. When they provide the work they’ve done, such as the logo, it’s very manageable. For instance, I can get the logo in different formats, such as in a web file or a standard file. I can also forward it to the design team very easily and get it printed on a product. They’re very organized.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their punctuality is the most impressive thing about them. We don’t have to wait too long for responses. As soon as there’s a question asked, we get a response right away. They’re hands-on and punctual — that’s the best thing I can say about them. In other companies, we have to wait for 24 hours to get a response. With Grid Communications, it’s pretty instant. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, none that I know of. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I’d highly recommend them because their knowledge of marketing is far superior to anyone else. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Regional Marketing Manager for Canada at one of the fastest growing premium chicken QSR restaurants in the country. I am responsible for developing and executing the marketing plan for each store opening and to consult with franchisees on single store marketing needs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Grid Communications?

We needed to develop a toolkit comprised of various advertising assets to help promote the store opening. I would provide guidance on what our needs are and let the agency advise on the type of element and branded look for each.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed to have something that was

1. simple and concise with communicating our message
2. generic with a touch of customization
3. turnkey and effective to execute

SOLUTION

How did you select Grid Communications?

We selected Grid based on a recommendation from a fellow colleague. After an interview with them and two other agencies, we decided to proceed with Grid.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Grid was responsible for developing the tool kit and designing the graphics along with copy for each element - for example, they suggested 7 different elements to utilize per store opening and designed the graphics so that there was a cohesive look and message . This included both printed and digital assets

What was the team composition?

I worked directly with the president which was a big help to ensure our vision and message was accurately communicated to the team and portrayed in the end. This helped minimize the amount of changes needed immensely.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The toolkit was implemented in Spring 2020 and was effective in maximizing our exposure and generating the buzz with the openings we were crazing for. Their graphic design elevated our premium positioning and greatly helped to set us apart from our competitors.

We can now effectively build excitement and momentum in new and existing markets that we open in.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Weekly meetings along with our work back helped to stay on track with launching the toolkit. The conversation was very fluid and the team was very responsive with advice changes that came in outside of the scheduled meetings.

Once we launched, bi-weekly and eventually monthly meetings were scheduled to ensure we could review the progress and feedback, and tweak as needed

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The responsive, can-do attitude of the team, and the quality of the end product that was delivered within our time frame.

Are there any areas for improvement?

N/a

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the operating manager of a bubble tea shop called Boba Boy.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Grid Communications?

We needed help with brand awareness, especially in our area.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Grid Communications helped us with marketing. First, the team came by the store to take photos and videos, which they used to create various marketing materials. Some of their work was also specifically created to advertise our special promotions and discounts. Afterward, they uploaded images and clips to our Instagram. 

What is the team composition?

I worked with one teammate, who shot both the photos and videos.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from January 2019–March 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Grid Communications produced beautiful videos. Some of the other content producers I’ve encountered oversaturated their work, which I didn’t like. However, Grid Communications’ work was crisp and just really pleasing to the eye. Everything looked professional. For example, they made a clip featuring one of our drinks that looked like it came straight out of a television commercial. Their work helped drive our business up. Overall, I was very satisfied with their services.

How did Grid Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

Grid Communications did an excellent job with project management —  the team was prompt and constantly kept me in the loop about their progress. Their communication skills were superb.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was impressed by their professionalism — the Grid Communications team never tried to push their services onto me, and they remained calm and collected throughout the project. The quality of their work stood out to me, too. Overall, I’m a happy customer.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they couldn’t have done a better job. I would definitely work with Grid Communications again.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Explain in detail how you want the deliverables to look like.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of operations at a food manufacturing and co-packing facility.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Grid Communications?

We needed help executing a brand refresh for one of our retail soup brands. We wanted to re-do the flavors, packaging, design, artwork, and our website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They helped us out from start to finish. First, we worked on the initial concept design. We showed our existing designs and we had a casual conversation to explain our vision. They came back with 3–4 different designs. We fell in love with one of the designs and they ran with it.

Then, they helped with the artwork, ingredients, labeling, and revisions. They helped us incorporate French words on the label, too. There were nine pouch designs in total.

Additionally, the team provided valuable information on how to set up a retail site from a business point of view. They really helped us zero-in on what our idea was going to be and bring it all together and how it would look from a marketing point of view. Currently, we’re in the final phases of the work.

What is the team composition?

We work with Raul (President).

How did you come to work with Grid Communications?

Grid Communications was a referral through another business partner.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working in September 2020, and our work is ongoing. We expect to be done in the next week or so.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’ve had a lot of trouble with different designers getting what I want so I really didn’t expect this time to be different; I was pleasantly surprised. They really captured what we were going for. They were also reasonably priced. The price was about half of what I expected it to be. They’ve been very patient with us and our delays.

They’re organized, professional, creative, and artistic. Currently, I’m working on our parent company’s site with a different vendor and it’s a complete disaster. Grid Communications has done such a good job that I’ll probably give them that project, too. Everything that they’ve done so far has exceeded our expectations.

How did Grid Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

I liked how they set up the proposal and what was included. It was all laid out very nicely. The team followed through very well. We communicated via email, phone, and WhatsApp. They always made sure the conversation kept going.

What did you find most impressive about them?

There’s no fuss with Grid Communications. Their prices aren’t inflated and they deliver great service. They’re just honest, hardworking people. I’m really happy with their performance. Most other providers come in at double the cost and do half the work. They were organized, straightforward, and reasonably priced. The team executed everything well.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, nothing comes to mind.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

My advice is to give them your vision and let them do their work. Don’t micromanage them. Give them a chance and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of a home cleaning service.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Grid Communications?

They helped us create a logo and business cards and a website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I sat down with them and provided them with the information they needed, and they created the logo and website and business cards. They provided me with options for colors and things like that.

What is the team composition?

I spoke directly with the owner.

How did you come to work with Grid Communications?

I’d just started the business and was trying to find someone to guide me. I sat down with their owner and answered their questions. Other companies wanted me to do everything myself, tell them exactly what I wanted on the site and provide all those things myself.

How much have you invested with them?

I spent less than $5,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from December 2020 until January 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

My business cards are amazing. I give them to many of my clients, and based on those I signed two new clients.

How did Grid Communications perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicated well while they designed everything, making sure I liked it all. We spoke over email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They built everything from the ground up for me.

Are there any areas they could improve?

To be honest, nothing. It was perfect.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Trust them all the way because they know exactly what they’re doing.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We have a small family locksmith business started by my father and his brothers. We've been around servicing the GTA for almost 30 years now. We have 5 employees in total that includes my father and I.

I am the manager/locksmith. I run the day to day operations, dispatch, accounting, in-house/walk-in customers, and service locksmithing.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Grid Communications?

Our company has almost never advertised in any way. We barely have a digital footprint besides what others have posted online about us. There are some pages (i.e. Yelp or similar) that still post our address and phone number that are out of date. We have been operating almost exclusively on word of mouth.

I attempted to create a website myself with GoDaddy. It just wasn't any good. We turned to Grid to help with that. They made an awesome website, simple, and clean. They helped us verify our business with Google with updated info, reviews.

What were your goals for this project?

We really just wanted a digital footprint - something simple for customers to know where we are, contact us, and for new customers to find out about us. We're good at what we do. Locksmith isn't a red seal/registered trade, anyone can buy some tools and do this job.

Other Locksmiths often come to us for help or to sub-contract on their jobs. We need to establish ourselves as one of the best. We couldn't do that with fax machines and flyers. Grid helped us get our name out there for the general public. We need to increase our new customers, more quotes, more possibilities at potential work especially during a pandemic.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I was referred to Grid by one of my friends. Simple as that. Reading reviews, searching online is all great and beneficial. However, nothing trumps word of mouth. Having a trusted person give you advice is unmatched.

I will only think of Grid and suggest Grid to others moving forward. I looked into their other clients and past projects and Grid is exceptional. They have a vast variety of clients from all types of fields and locations.

Describe the project in detail.

So the first step was a discovery process to learn about my business. They asked questions and got the information they needed. After that was to get the wireframes done, then a graphic design layout with several skins. Lastly, was development and implementation and QA.

What was the team composition?

I worked with a graphic designer, a copywriter, and a UI director as well as a developer. I only spoke to an account manager about the project in detail.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Right now it's too hard to say. I have a lot of regular customers which I still hear from. However, I have noticed an increase in customers finding us online. We have had multiple reviews since Grid has put us online. Going from 0 to 6 (reviews) is a massive increase for us considering we would have never received more customers or requests for work if we didn't have this project done by Grid.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

This is easy, my team is me, Aaron. Their team? Fantastic. We've honestly never met a more hardworking team. My account manager was unreal. His prompt emails and phone calls; doesn't matter what I needed, requested, and questioned, they always took care of it.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their ability to just accommodate your needs, detailed instructions on what they need from me and the impeccably finished product is amazing. In addition to that, Grid took the time to understand not only our business but for us as a small business, an almost personal touch, which helped them create exactly what we wanted.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I don't think so. Going from nothing to something is hard to look for areas of improvement. I have nothing to base my critique from. I think I would have liked to have an in-person meeting with my account manager. However, it just wouldn't have been possible due to COVID. So I wouldn't blame Grid for that at all. It's unfortunate circumstances.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Art Director for a fitness education company. We educate professionals in the fitness field.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Grid Communications?

Just overflow graphic design work. Mostly creating images for blog posts.

SOLUTION

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

Grid responded to my request on Linkedin, was the most interested in the job, and followed up the most on their request. Communication is important to me.

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

Most of the designs were done for blog posts. I would receive a draft from the copy team, I would look it over and provide image direction to Grid. They would produce all the necessary assets.

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

I've only worked with Raul L.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I don't have anything specific. Grid always delivered projects on time and with accuracy.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The communication between our teams was always excellent.

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

I'll mention communication again. They cared about our projects. They took the time to learn about our brand, and was always messaging and up to date on projects.

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

Nope.