GRO

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Sr Marketing Manager of Ready to Hire by Cengage Group

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Ready to Hire is a full-service talent acquisition partner that helps employers sustainably build new talent pipelines and loyal workforces by placing job training, certifications, and upskilling within reach for local, motivated learners.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire GRO to accomplish?
We hired GRO to support our digital marketing campaigns aimed at recruiting leads in specific geographic areas.

SOLUTION

How did you find GRO?

Referral

Why did you select GRO over others?

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

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

GRO was engaged to execute our B2C digital marketing campaigns across Facebook/Instagram, TikTok, Paid Search, and YouTube. They expertly handled campaign setup, creating targeted ad creatives and configuring tracking mechanisms. Throughout the campaign, GRO continuously optimized performance by refining audience targeting, adjusting bids, and updating ad creatives based on real-time data. 
They also conducted A/B testing to identify the most effective strategies and provided detailed performance reports with key metrics and actionable insights.
Their comprehensive approach significantly contributed to our recruiting efforts, helping us attract talent for our train-to-hire programs in specific geographic areas.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

GRO has proven to be a strong partner, adeptly navigating the dynamic environment as our program needs fluctuate. Their ability to remain nimble and adapt to our changes has been impressive. 
Despite these challenges, they consistently meet our performance goals, particularly in terms of cost per lead. Remarkably, they've exceeded our cost per lead goal by 80%!

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

Our campaigns are consistently delivered on schedule, with clear communication whenever a roadblock arises that might prevent us from meeting our launch goals. GRO remains flexible, reworking plans as needed to ensure we stay on track. 
Their team is fantastic, always responsive to changes, and dedicated to helping us achieve our campaign objectives.

What was your primary form of communication with GRO?

Email or Messaging App

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

I truly enjoy working with the team at GRO. They have a great company culture, which makes them excellent partners. They are transparent and consistently guide us towards our goals. Their communication is always clear and effective, ensuring we stay aligned and on track.

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

GRO could improve by providing more tailored summaries of campaign performance, insights, and recommendations based on emerging trends and data analysis. This would help us gain deeper insights and continuously optimize our strategies for better results.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the National Marketing Manager of The Dinerstein Companies

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Property management, development 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Improve costs and optimize campaigns
• improve qualified traffic and increase conversions
• fresh perspective

SOLUTION

How did you find GRO?

• Referral
• Other

Why did you select GRO over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from GRO were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We transistioned our entire Student portfolio to GRO for the 2024-2025 leasing season and it has been the best move we've made for our student properties! GRO truly knows student housing inside and out, and always come to us with ideas and solutions before we ask. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Some of our student properties had been previously struggling to hit leasing goals, and we wanted to find a partner who knew student housing inside and out. At the end of the 2024 leasing season, some of our properties had achieved their highest pre leasing numbers to date, and I know this had something to do with it! 

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

Project management is outstanding. Our rep, Collin, knows our portfolio inside and out, communicates well and often and provides all of the data and support our team needs. They have never not made a deadline that we've requested. Daniel has also been a HUGE help with new initiatives, getting some conventional properties onboarded and more 

What was your primary form of communication with GRO?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The reporting dashboard and the team. We feel fully supported and have the information available to us whenever we need it 

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

No 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Sales and Marketing of a student housing company. 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Our company specializes in managing and developing on-campus and off-campus student housing communities, providing customized leasing solutions while enhancing the student living experience and supporting institutional goals.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Website Creation and Management
• Digital Marketing and Ad Campaigns
• Brand Kit Creation

SOLUTION

How did you find GRO?

Referral

Why did you select GRO over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from GRO were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

GRO’s scope of work for the project included a full rebrand, a new website, and a comprehensive digital marketing campaign:

Rebranding

• Logo Design: Developed a new logo that aligns with the project’s vision, values, and target audience.
• Brand Kit: Delivered a complete brand kit, including color palettes, typography, and brand guidelines, ensuring consistency across all marketing materials.

Website Development

• Custom Website Design and Development: Created a fully responsive and user-friendly website tailored to the brand’s needs and target market.
• Hosting and Maintenance: Provides secure website hosting and continuous monitoring for optimal performance.
• Monthly Edits: Offers ongoing support for updates, ensuring the website remains current and aligned with business goals.

Digital Marketing Campaign

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Enhanced website visibility through optimized content and technical SEO strategies to rank higher in organic search results.
• Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Campaigns: Developed and managed targeted PPC campaigns to drive traffic.
• Meta Ads: Designed and ran ad campaigns on Meta platforms to engage users and boost brand awareness.
• Google Ads: Launched Google Search and Display Ads, targeting specific demographics and geographic areas to capture leads.

This comprehensive approach ensured the brand’s successful launch, created a strong online presence and delivered measurable results through targeted digital marketing efforts.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The project is still ongoing, but the success of the rebranding and website development has already set a strong foundation. The brand kit and logo creation have been particularly well-received, with consistent feedback highlighting how they perfectly capture the project's essence and reflect the area's unique vibe. The website development was equally successful, delivered on schedule, and praised for its modern design, user-friendly interface, and alignment with the project’s vision.

Since its launch, the digital marketing campaign has exceeded expectations, delivering outstanding performance in terms of engagement and results. The SEO strategies, PPC ads, and targeted Meta and Google campaigns have not only driven significant traffic but have also effectively connected with the target audience. These results highlight the campaign's strategic execution and potential for sustained success.

We continue to receive glowing compliments on the rebrand and website, and with the momentum of the digital marketing campaign, we look forward to even greater achievements in the coming phases of the project.

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

The project was initiated on a very short timeline and required an expedited approach to meet critical deadlines. Despite the tight schedule, GRO exceeded expectations by delivering every aspect of the project on time without compromising quality. Their ability to quickly adapt and execute under pressure was evident in the timely completion of the brand kit, logo, and website development, all of which were critical to launching the rebrand successfully.

Throughout the entire process, GRO maintained exceptional communication, keeping us informed every step of the way and ensuring all details were addressed promptly. This level of transparency and responsiveness has continued into the ongoing phases, where GRO remains a reliable partner, providing support, updates, and solutions as needed. Their commitment to meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality work has been a key factor in the success of this project.

What was your primary form of communication with GRO?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

I have been incredibly impressed by GRO's quick responses and their overall commitment to clear and consistent communication across all our projects. Their attentiveness and proactive approach ensure that no detail is overlooked, which has been crucial for the success of our expedited timeline.

What truly stands out is their impressive turnaround time for edits and updates. Whether it's a small adjustment or a significant change, GRO consistently delivers promptly without sacrificing quality. Their ability to act swiftly and efficiently has made them an invaluable partner in managing our projects and meeting our goals.

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

Overall, I am extremely satisfied with GRO's work, their project teams, leadership, and unwavering professionalism. Their attention to detail, exceptional communication, and ability to consistently deliver high-quality results have exceeded all expectations. From their responsiveness to their impressive turnaround times, every aspect of their service has been outstanding.

Frankly, I have NO NOTES! GRO has truly nailed every part of this project and continues to demonstrate why they are such a reliable and trusted partner.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Marketing Specialist of FBM Property Management

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a small property management company serving North Texas.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Brand Awarenss
• Website Traffic
• SEO Auditing

SOLUTION

How did you find GRO?

Referral

Why did you select GRO over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget

How many teammates from GRO were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

First, our team is currently conducting a comprehensive audit of your current site. In the meantime, I’ve attached a breakdown of our SEO deliverables and the corresponding monthly investment. Once the audit is complete, I’ll share the findings and work with you on a tailored recommendation based on areas that need improvement.

Second, I'm in the process of working with the Digital team to develop strategies for expanding FBM’s reach in the DFW area through Social and Display Advertising, focusing on boosting overall brand awareness. 

Lastly, I know this is not an urgent item, but wanted to let you know I'm working with Creative to develop a site that clearly and effectively highlights FBM's prominence in Ellis County while extending coverage into DFW. For property listings, embedding AppFolio on the "Availabilities" page is pretty straightforward—we just need an embed code from your team. We’ll also integrate conversion tracking tools, including GTM, Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, and call tracking, ensuring you have clear insights into user behavior and lead sources.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are still in progress, but so far our website is now more legitimate and we are ranking much higher on google search in numerous cities in North Dallas that we were not popping up for before.

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

Yes - they were quick to get the project started once the service agreement was signed. They update me monthly on progress and provide reporting. 

What was your primary form of communication with GRO?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Customer service!! Their going above and beyond to help marketing people best serve their clients is impressive! 

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

Not at this time!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner / Principal of American Media Corporation / TeamAMC

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Advertising, marketing, media and digital placement, graphic design. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Drive patient appointments through online/digital marketing.
• Create brand awareness through online/digital marketing.

SOLUTION

How did you find GRO?

Referral

Why did you select GRO over others?

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

How many teammates from GRO were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

All forms of: Search Engine Marketing; Search Engine Optimization; Geotargeting Marketing; Facebook Marketing; 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Started off small in terms of SEM and SEO, but over time continued to see growth with our online conversions (office phone calls and online appointments). With the continued success, we determined it would be beneficial to move much of our clients mainstream marketing dollars into digital advertising. That decision has proven to be a successful strategy as we've continued to increase or maintain a high number of conversions month after month. 

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

Project management has been first class. The GRO team is responsive and always responds to our questions, concerns or needs in an extremely timely fashion. They are able to adapt and adjust strategies quickly as needed. Could not be happier with their response time and constant communication. 

What was your primary form of communication with GRO?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

They are a group of highly skilled and talented individuals in the world of digital marketing. Their onging knowlege of how Google works best for their clients and daily adaptability to the changes in digital marketing are second to none. They are honest and upfront with expectations and deliverables and have always delivered on them. We consider them business partners!

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

Nothing in my opinion. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Digital Marketing Specialist of a real estate company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Develops, builds, and manages multifamily, student, and 55+ active living rental communities.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Generate Leads
• Brand Awareness
• Drive Web Traffic

SOLUTION

How did you find GRO?

Recognized with industry accolades

Why did you select GRO over others?

• High ratings
• Results won out over competitors tested

How many teammates from GRO were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

• Manage the digital ad campaigns of 15+ apartment communities (student, multifamily, and 55+) 
  • Display Ads
  • Search Ads
  • Social Media Ads
  • Onsite SEO
• Budgeting recommendations
• Keyword research
• Suggest, research and implement digital strategies
• Regular and consistent reporting cadence
• Transparent metrics and quick pivots of strategy

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• Ad conversions (lead generation)
• Impressions and click-through rates (brand awareness)
• On-the-ground leasing velocity (real-world results)

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

The team is responsive and has never failed to meet or exceed expectations regarding implementing changes discussed to our digital strategies. I have never been disappointed in the turnaround time nor the quality of work. Every rep I've interacted with has been personable, knowledgeable, and understanding of our overall, and more niche, goals. Their team is also proactive in suggesting improvements while making processes easy to understand.

What was your primary form of communication with GRO?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

As a client I feel sincerely valued. I'm impressed by their flexibility and open-mindedness regarding experimental approaches to unique problems. Very open and candid with results of campaigns which makes for a great, collaborative environment. Every rep and account manager has been a pleasure to work with. Their reporting dashboard is among the best in the industry (flexible, fast, and relevant). They make my job easier. I have never felt there was a "secret sauce" they were gatekeeping from me - they are candid, educational. Working with them I have improved my own understanding of digital advertising which in turn has made me better at communicationg our goals with them as well as explaining the process to our relevant stakeholders.

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

They have accomodated every reasonable (and sometimes unreasonable) request I have made. So, N/A.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

My position is the director of operations responsible for all new and existing developments.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire GRO Marketing, and what were your goals?

We were launching a new student housing property and needed a complete digital marketing build. From Web Design and Digital Marketing Strategy to promotional item development and everything in between. Our goal was clear, lease to 100% quickly by utilizing the tools Gro is able to provide.

SOLUTION

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

Gro has a reputation in the Student Housing space for being a great digital marketing partner. We chose them based on the referrals we received about Gro and their quality of work based on the execution of strategy with other assets.

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

First, we presented the concept. Gro took it from there and designed a logo that would appeal to the target market we were trying to reach. Then developed a website with call to action at every turn. Once the design was implemented, Gro went to work laying out a digital strategy through Google AdWords, Facebook and Instagram.

Once the digital strategy was up and running we looked to print advertising where Gro was able to create stunning flyers and pamphlets displaying our floor plans and amenities the property offers.

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

We worked with approximately 7 resources. The VP of Operations, an account manager, graphic designer, and a digital marketing strategist among a few others.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The digital strategy was overall successful. We opened the property during Covid, so while we didn't hit the leasing goals we were looking for, we did see a lot of success from the campaigns and the targeted strategy worked well for our team.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Super responsive. They have been very helpful and are always quick to communicate.

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

They handled everything in-house. Quick results and ability to work through changes on the fly.

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

Not off the top of my head.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a digital marketing specialist and strategist for BH Management, a property management operations group. I work specifically on BHOM, our company’s student portfolio, and act as a liaison between our marketing department, our different properties in the portfolio, and the different vendors that we employ to help our properties get to their success goal of 100% prelease for the following year.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with GRO Marketing?

We wanted to drum up lead generation and ultimately convert those leads into residents at our properties. Additionally, we wanted to create and maintain our brand awareness from a digital perspective, using different strategies like Google paid search, social media advertising, and various display marketing tactics.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

When I started working with the company, we were using different marketing solutions. One of my first roles was to sit and work with the different agencies and vendors to see which ones were performing the best based on the ROI that they showed us each week.

GRO Marketing had already been vetted by one of our employees, and they started working on just three of our properties within one of our development groups. They provided me with a sense of trust right from the start, and I quickly started enjoying working with them.

Over our engagement, they’ve won a lot of our business just by how they’ve executed our campaigns. They’ve maintained a high level of transparency in reporting data, which has been incredibly beneficial for us, especially when looking for feedback on changes needed to continue increasing our properties’ traffic.

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with three individuals from GRO Marketing on a rotational basis, and currently, two of them are dedicated to our account. Daniel (Busines Development Executive) is our portfolio’s executive, and we also work with an account manager. We meet with them every other week, depending on which properties are up for review.

How did you come to work with GRO Marketing?

When I first met GRO Marketing, a teammate told me that they were well known within the conventional and student housing industry, which was very important to us. They not only know what they’re doing around digital marketing, but they also know the high- and lowlights of our industry, when to pivot, and when to do different optimizations. They offer a valuable partnership and a consulting approach, which is why we chose them and continue to work with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

Although I joined in March 2021, GRO Marketing started working with our company in May 2020, and our engagement is ongoing. We've continued to add business to their portfolio.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The impact of what they do is felt immediately. For example, we were struggling to meet our 100% prelease goal for one of our properties right before classes started because the property owner had turned off the paid search with GRO Marketing. We had gone two months without paid search, and the impact of that was felt by everyone involved.

However, we quickly identified the problem, and they were able to provide us with three different budget recommendations for the property based on what would work best. Within 2–3 days of launching the campaign, we saw an uptick in traffic to our website and to the property itself.

A similar trend happened for one of our properties in Tucson, where it had gone without paid search for 2–3 weeks. We got to a point where we weren’t getting a single lead because one of our former vendors had accidentally turned off the paid search channel without telling us.

We called Daniel, and he listened to us. Within an hour, he sent us a budget proposal with three different options to choose from, and we saw an increase in leads and traffic within 24–48 hours.

How did GRO Marketing perform from a project management standpoint?

GRO Marketing has been really good. They adapt very quickly and on the fly, and if we need a creative update, they reply quickly and communicate the estimated turnaround times.

In terms of deadline management, they’ve always delivered earlier than the deadline that they set for themselves. For example, if they tell us that a campaign will launch on Friday, they usually launch it the Wednesday before. While they try to maintain accurate expectations, they usually exceed them.

I’ve really enjoyed getting to know each of their account representatives; they're very personable to us. I can give them a call outside of work hours if I need to, and I can send them a text message. They're always transparent and reachable.

We’ve had a really engaging and very positive experience so far. They're always prepared and ready to rock for our meetings, and if we have to ask them to join a quick call, they're usually able to do so. They’re very flexible.

What did you find most impressive about them?

GRO Marketing has incredibly personable people in their team. They know what they do, and they care about the relationship that they’re building with us. Instead of reaching for a budget increase, they always look for teachable moments, explaining their thought process.

They also guide us in the right direction. For example, if a client comes with an idea about advertising, other agencies would agree to do so just to earn extra money. However, we can count on GRO Marketing to tell us when something won’t necessarily work for us.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. They’ve done a really great job at managing the different properties and tasks that we assign to them on any given day.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. GRO Marketing does a great job of educating their clients. They have the ability to break information down so everyone can understand. They’re experts in data, but they make it as approachable as possible.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of Granite Management

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Provides 3rd party fee management to property owner clients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Drive traffic to certain properties
• Increase our position on Google
• Help with social media stategies

SOLUTION

How did you find GRO?

Referral

Why did you select GRO over others?

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

How many teammates from GRO were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Multiple different projects with GRO, including website development, digital marketing strategies for new and exisitng properties, etc. They helped drive a lot of traffic to the properties we manage, both dedicated properties and to scattered site portfolios we manage in different cities.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The most significnat outcomes were successful pre-lease results for our respective markets and indivdiual properties. Perhaps most trackable were impressive analytics to the digital marketing effots provided.

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

GRO was responsive with answering requests/questions we had and made themselves available for recurring meetings or to interface with our property owner clients.

What was your primary form of communication with GRO?

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

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

They’re composed of a great group of people. Good personalities with good work ethic and desire to perform for their clients.

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

Not from my perspective.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Sales of The Alice Maxwell Team

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Residential Real Estate Sales and Developments

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Sales
• Awareness
• General Marketing

SOLUTION

How did you find GRO?

Referral

Why did you select GRO over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Great culture fit
• Referred to me

How many teammates from GRO were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

They delivered content for search engine and social media marketing that drove internet leads to convert into sales. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Sales increased dramatically from online sources that Gro was managing. 

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

They were wonderful and timely. They had great attitudes and always met any of our requests in a quick manner. 

What was your primary form of communication with GRO?

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

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

They're a great team of knowledgeable people. They are experts in their fields, but still friendly and creative. We are so appreciative for all of their insights and help during this project. 

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

None!