Mystic Media

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the COO of PonyEx, an on-demand delivery service.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Mystic Media, and what were your goals?

We hired Mystic to create our on-demand delivery platform. They created our website, customer and driver dashboards, and app platform where we can allow users to request deliveries from independent contractor drivers.

SOLUTION

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

We selected Mystic based on their vision for the company, their use of scoping the entire project instead of an hourly rate, and their past work.

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

We had several meetings where we scoped out the project. As we went, we worked together to create a wireframe for the project, the API integration of the driver side of the app, and the ordering process available both in-app and via a web browser.

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

A head developer was assigned to our team whom we worked closely with. Our CEO also had regular meetings with the head of Mystic to discuss big picture ideas.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were originally quoted 120 days for the project, however, the entire project took just under a year. As we got into the project, we realized that the scope was much greater than anticipated. Mystic was awesome in working with our greater scope and completed the project in a timely way, especially considering the expanded functionality we required and additional change orders that came to light after the project began.

We were overall impressed with Mystic's work. They took on a very large undertaking and were able to exceed our expectations in several areas. There were a few minor areas like a steep learning curve for us as non-tech individuals and minor proofreading issues, but overall, the quality of work exceeded our expectations.  

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

The project manager was easy to communicate with and by and large timely with responses.  We had some initial miscommunication with the design aspect of the application, but as we further discussed the project, these were quickly resolved and we were able to create the end-product we had envisioned.  There was a bit of a learning curve as we had no background in tech before this project, but we were able to learn what we needed from the app and Mystic was able to adapt to explaining to us what was needed from a laypersons point of view.

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

We were impressed by Mystic Media's identify the project's scope and fulfill every aspect of our requirements. We were impressed with their non-tech user friendly backend for us to use to make changes as needed to the ordering process. We also were impressed with Mystic's driver and customer dashboards they created as well as their implementation of our request to favorite a driver which required a lot of coding work.

I would recommend Mystic Media, especially to individuals with some background in app development. After working with Mystic for a year, I believe we have both grown in our communication skills and would cause me to refer Mystic to anyone who has a need to create an app or web service.

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

Ideally, Mystic could help educate their customers at the outset without a tech background regarding design options, the most cost-efficient options, or out-of-the-box ideas that a new customer may never think of, and more detailed understanding of the tech behind the product they are creating. We eventually obtained all of the needed information, it just would have been a little easier to have more information upfront that is easily understandable with no tech background.  We also ran into some grammar issues in the final product that could have used some additional proofreading, but this was a minor issue. Overall, the issues we ran into were quickly resolved and did not affect the end-product.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Beehive Buds CBD. This company is a woman-owned small business centered around their motto, Community Healing Community. This company provides CBD and other natural healing products essential for pain relief, anxiety, insomnia, depression, etc.

All the products used are from heavily vetted growers and processors which allows the products to be free of solvents, additives, or anything not designed for human consumption. This company focuses a lot on affordable products, community events, giveaways & fundraisers. I am the owner.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Mystic Media?

Mystic media was hired to provide a B2B application and web page that integrates to a B2B2C.

What were your goals for this project?

To develop technology that can allow us to have a online store, live inventory, geofencing and a total report system. To develop a functional app and webpage that can be updated simultaneously.

SOLUTION

How did you select Mystic Media?

Word of mouth referral.

Describe the project in detail.

Skin and customize turn key operation for mobile app, affiliate software and mobile delivery tracking and reporting. .

What was the team composition?

During my time with mystic media I was working diligently and efficiently through this project with only 2 points of contact only and at different times. Both were very effective and consistent.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We now have an online store that directly links up to our mobile app and updates seamlessly. We have a live inventory and tracking system for our products and have an easy and effective interface to work with businesses, consumers, and affiliates. We have reports that are generated from inputs that make accounting a breeze.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Great! I was able to upload pictures or describe what I wanted and they were quick to adjust changes until things were just right.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The knowledge and skill are there but the best part has been their innovative collaboration with us and our partners.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I manage an Instagram page. We are a Salt Lake City-based Instagram account that focuses on capturing the life of two German Shepherds.

As a Team Manager, I make final decisions and gather most of the visual content for the account.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Mystic Media?

We hired Mystic Media to create a digital marketing plan to grow our social media following on Instagram, Youtube, Twitter, and more. Mystic Media performs the following services for us on an ongoing basis:

• Social Media Marketing
• Content Marketing
• Influencer Marketing
• Digital Strategy
• Promotional Video Production

What were your goals for this project?

We hired Mystic Media to grow our social media audience to the point where we would be considered an Influencer and could ultimately monetize the account through sponsorships and strategic partnerships.

SOLUTION

How did you select Mystic Media?

I was referred by a colleague. We decided to hire them because they are experienced, offered a variety of services, and understood and connected with our brand. We had a feeling that they could translate our brand effectively into a social account.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

In order to build our German Shepherd-themed social media accounts into a social media influencer, Mystic Media employed a variety of digital, content, and social media marketing tactics, including:

• Developing a content strategy
• Managing content acquisition
• Interacting with influencers
• Growing our following
• Follower management
• Conducting analytics and presenting analysis
• Researching hashtags to expand the reach
• Identifying influencers and potential partnerships
• Acquiring and managing sponsorships

What was the team composition?

The team consists of four members of Mystic’s marketing team, including a project manager, a graphic designer, and a full-time social media manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Mystic Media has grown our social media presence to over 12.8K followers. We have partnered with over 10 companies, receiving products and compensation for sponsored posts.

We are one of the up-and-coming influencers in the pet Instagram space and look forward to continued growth and success working with Mystic.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Mystic Media uses its custom project management system which streamlines communications. Posts on the project management system are organized by subject into different “tickets”, which was helpful for tracking communications.

Mystic Media’s employees always reply in a timely manner. We work with a Project Manager as our central point of contact who relays our communications to the team. We sometimes have other members of the team in on meetings and calls.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Mystic Media is a pleasure to work with. Everyone we worked with was very professional and easy to communicate with.

They strived to achieve everything that we threw at them. I would definitely recommend Mystic Media for future work!

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, we continue to be very impressed by their results.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Peak Photo Alta. It’s a photography business based at Alta Ski Resort.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Mystic Media?

We were solely a brick and mortar store, but we wanted to offer internet sales.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They built a website for us to display and sell our images. They built the site from scratch and did everything on the back- and frontend.

What is the team composition?

I normally work with Chris (President & CEO). He would then distribute some of the work to his employees, but I was always in contact with him.

How did you come to work with Mystic Media?

I knew Chris before he started Mystic Media because he worked at the same ski resort as me. I was comfortable working with someone who was familiar with my particular business.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve probably spent between $30,000–$40,000 sine we started working with them. The last website cost about $20,000 and then we spent a little more on additional features.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in June 2003 and our partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

About 80% of our sales are digital now, whereas it was nonexistent before.

How did Mystic Media perform from a project management standpoint?

It was great. They took my input and morphed it into what we needed. They were open-minded and cooperative.

I communicate with them through a ticket system.  

What did you find most impressive about them?

I can send in a ticket, and whether it’s a low, medium, or high priority, they get back to me quickly. They’re available by phone as well. That’s key. I always know who I’m talking to. It’s more personal.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’m not sure there is.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Do your homework and know what you need. When you present that. Mystic Media can give great advice.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the chief engineer of our company which is small startup located in West Michigan.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Mystic Media, and what were your goals?

We hired Mystic Media to scout for hardware required to integrate a 3rd party software library. Once the hardware was defined Mystic Media developed and integrate the 3rd party software to work on the proof of concept hardware.

SOLUTION

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

Our 3rd party software vendor recommended we work with Mystic Media as they had a good working relationship with Mystic Media. Mystic Media knew the 3rd parties libraries and would allow us to save significant development time.

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

Define a hardware platform, develop a software solution for that platform, work with 3rd party vendors to integrate their libraries. Platform was based on RaspberryPi running AndroidThings as well as stock Android on a phone (acting as a UI in a 'kiosk' mode).

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

We only had one point of contact, the owner of the company. We occasional would get looped in with one of the head developers but that was rare.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

System solution was completed for a customer demo. Customers have been happy with performance and end users are able to easily operate the UI. COVID has stopped our user trials for now but we fully expect continued positive success.

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

Mystic uses an online help system for any questions and billing. Many times I submit input, questions or feedback and I get a direct call from our POC at Mystic. The online tool is great because it keeps a history of communications in one place without the need to filter through email inboxes. Response times are almost always prompt.

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

It was unique to us that we only communicated with the owner. We would have liked to communicate with the more of the team as I this might have improved some issues with interpretation of requests.

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

Nothing comes to mind that is not already mentioned previously.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and owner of a company that replaces burn barrels for complete incineration.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Mystic Media?

I started my company in 1999. At that point, I worked with one developer who didn’t help me too much. My advertising focused on magazines and newspapers, and my website was just used to share information.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Mystic Media built my whole e-commerce website from scratch. He implemented a feature that allows me to gather reports. My team and I took photos that Chris (President & CEO) used on the website. He also took photos and videos to upload. We also accumulated testimonials to showcase on the platform.

What is the team composition?

I worked with Chris, which I appreciated; I like to work directly with company owners.

How did you come to work with Mystic Media?

My son knew Chris and connected us.

How much have you invested with them?

We paid a fair monthly charge.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began our partnership in 2004, which lasted until April 2019. When I moved, I changed vendors.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Chris built a beautiful website. It was perfect, so I had no complaints. The product featured the necessary information and completed orders. It’s the best website that I’ve had.

When I switched service providers, I had to transition to using another website. The new platform doesn’t complete orders. If I could, I would make a change back to the website that Chris built. The new site looks good, but it doesn’t have the internal workings that Mystic created for me.  

How did Mystic Media perform from a project management standpoint?

We mainly communicated by phone or email. Mystic took over the website and handled the project. Chris did an excellent job, so I don’t have any complaints.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Mystic has an intelligent team. The partnership was amazing. I don’t have a lot of experience with web development agencies, but so far, Chris is the best.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I recommend working with Chris. We had no problems.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I run my business and have supply chain partners including Chris. To run my business, I listen to him and my other supply chain heads. That’s why we continue to move forward.

Be straightforward, and you’ll get what you want. If Chris can do it, he’ll tell you.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work for the MAd Reach Mobile Advertising Platform. We are a Salt Lake City-based company that runs a mobile application and website which allows local merchants, restaurants, retailers, and more to send geolocation-based, time-sensitive offers to consumers near them. As a Merchant Manager, I met with potential merchants, introduced them to the system, demonstrated its patented features, and stay in contact to consult on how to use it effectively.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Mystic Media?

We hired Mystic Media to enact a number of services for our geolocation marketing solution MAd Reach, including:

• iOS & Android Mobile App Development
• Web Development
• Social Media Marketing
• Experiential Marketing
• Database Development
• ECRM
• Promotional Videos

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to build a best-in-class geolocation app to help launch our company, as well as a front-end website, an admin website for the app, and a plan of attack for an extensive marketing campaign.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

One of our employees was referred to Mystic Media and set-up a meeting. After meeting with several candidates, we elected to partner with them because of their experience and the amount of services they could offer as a tech company with teams of web and mobile developers and as strategic advisors.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Mystic Media helped us build the MAd Reach Mobile Advertising Solution from the ground up. Their services spanned numerous fields, from tech, to marketing & creative.

• Programming the Mobile App: Mystic Media designed and programmed our state-of-the-art geolocation application for iOS and Android operating systems.
• Web Development: They created both a front-end website for our company and a back-end admin website for merchants to manage their presence on our platform
• Market Research: Their team researched the geolocation marketing space to understand our competitors and how our product can stand out.
• Technical and Marketing Strategy: Mystic Media consulted on the conceptual development of the app and helped put together an extensive marketing strategy to get it out to users.
• Outreach to Find Consultants: Mystic Media found a marketing partner to consult on the development of our marketing strategy. Graphic Design - Promotional Video Production
• App Store Optimization
• Social Media Marketing
• Experiential Marketing
• Database Development
• ECRM

What was the team composition?

The team was composed of two separate marketing companies consulting, Chris the CEO, Mystic’s programming team of over 25 people, three project managers, two interns, a social media manager and a full-time MAd Reach project manager. All in all, the team consisted of around 45 people.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

The MAd Reach Mobile Advertising Solution is a staple tool of the Salt Lake City food scene. We currently have just shy of 60,000 merchants and 10,000 customers on the app, all in the Salt Lake City area. We are currently forming our plan of attack to expand to more markets.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Mystic Media uses a custom project management system that makes it easy to communicate with them and for messages to disseminate across their teams accordingly. There were several different teams whom we’d interface with, reflected on various “Tickets” on their project management system.

For Marketing, we worked with the CEO of Mystic Media, the CEO of their sister marketing company, and an outside marketing company. Together, we came up with a comprehensive marketing strategy. For the development of the application, we interchangeably worked with three separate project managers concurrently managing iOS, Android, and web development teams.

The three project managers from Mystic were extremely responsive and we were always able to get in touch with at least one of them who’d answer our questions and disseminate our requests accordingly. The result of the project management process was a cutting-edge app developed within the agreed upon timeline. Mystic was always very flexible and worked with us to develop enhancements and items requested beyond the initial scope of work.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Mystic Media was extremely professional and were able to manage to keep numerous concurrent projects on schedule because of the size of their team. They are respectful, creative and work well under pressure. We were impressed at every juncture of the process.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Founder at Legendary Flowers and Appinabox.app, a SaaS and Hemp consulting company. We provide Cultivation Strategy and B2B and B2C Seed-2-Sale app & platform for wholesale distribution and Retail Delivery Services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Mystic Media?

We initially developed a Delivery app that would ensure customers got products faster and would allow for up-sell at the point of delivery. We developed an additional wholesale/marketplace platform for track and trace distribution.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to give the consumers a shopping experience unlike any other where they could get more, faster and reduce the overall product return rate.

We did this by developing an innovate system with Mystic that allows for up-sell and cross-sell at the point of delivery. Any potential return is addressed immediately on the spot with the added benefit of potential increased ticket sales.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I was lucky enough to be referred to Mystic Media. Their work with a friends project was impressive and I needed a team that could make my tech vision a reality; Mystic delivered, big time.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They were incredibly accommodating and patient with my wants, needs and desires. There were numerous meetings in the war room to road map the projects followed by a detailed strategic plans followed by precision execution.

They went macro; there was no stone left unturned. They delivered a product that exceeded my expectations; that's difficult to do and that's why I went back for more.

What was the team composition?

Mystic was the most thorough and well organized company I've ever worked with; period. Mike, Mike and Chris were there every step of the way, explaining and providing the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and especially, the How.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

Work with Mystic continues as we have multiple companies currently using our software for their Delivery business and Wholesale Ag needs.

The support I've received from Mystic throughout has been NEXT LEVEL. They've treated me and my project as if it were their own. The ground work has now been laid and we're incredibly excited for growth in 2020!

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

If I could put the Mystic team to work in my industry, they would take it over. Hands down, they're the most organized, intelligent, dedicated, and motivated group I've worked with.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Communication, Communication, Communication.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Once you've worked with Mystic, you won't want to work with anyone else. They really make it happen.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president of a small mobile app development company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Mystic Media Software?

We were looking for a development partner.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We’re not exactly public yet, so while I can’t disclose any details, they helped program our utility app. They listened to our requirements and challenges and came up with a development strategy.

They delivered a guideline of what services they would offer. If changes to the project scope became necessary, they were open in discussing how these shifts would affect the original quote.

What is the team composition?

I was working with three team members.

How did you come to work with Mystic Media Software?

From the very first phone call I had with them, they made me feel understood and respected. They presented their services better than any of the other companies I worked with, so I decided to take them up.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together two years ago, in 2017, and the work is still ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Working with them has been both exciting and fantastic. The app looks great and very professional. They’re great at incorporating our requested changes and have been amenable to scope changes that weren’t outlined in the original agreement. 

How did Mystic Media Software perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve been very responsive so far. They have a ticket system that we’ve been able to manage pretty well. If we leave a comment or express a concern, they typically get back to us within a day. We hold weekly meetings via phone call.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’ve been great at interacting with us on a very personal level. While we’re a unique, diverse company, they’ve always been able to relate with us. It’s been awesome engaging with them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t really think of anything, no. There have been some misunderstandings, but that’s usually due to my own challenge in communicating my exact requirements. They’ve always straightened out any and all issues.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure to communicate with them, and above all, let them do their thing.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the managing member of a company that offers a school counseling app.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Mystic Media?

They created an app that assists counseling professionals in facilitating interventions with patients and students.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They created a cross-platform app, building out designs and functionalities. The end product was an iOS app that’s compatible with our web platform, which allows for increased accessibility. Their development work enables various types of users to access different capabilities of the app. For instance, counselors can create assignments and distribute student surveys in-app. They’re also able to monitor the progress of individual students on homework or goals. In addition to the counselors’ interface, there are student and parent permissions that offer different feature sets.

Their team continues to work with us whenever the app needs updates. We’re able to get in touch with them if we discover any bugs, as well.

What is the team composition?

I primarily worked with Chris (Principal, Mystic Media), but there were 6–7 resources assigned to the project in total.

How did you come to work with Mystic Media?

We wanted to keep our engagement local to Utah, so I did a Google search for providers in the area. I ended up meeting with several vendor options, but their team was particularly open in our initial discussions. Their pricing matched our budget, too. After taking that into consideration, we determined that they were the best fit for the project. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent approximately $30,000 at this point.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in August 2016, and our teams still collaborate in some capacity.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve received positive feedback from those who’ve seen the final solution. As of now, I’m mostly employing the app for personal use and occasional conference presentations. It hasn’t been broadly publicized to the community yet.

However, I’ve been testing it for the past year at my own practice and have enjoyed the experience so far. Others have shown interest in its professional quality, wanting to eventually utilize it as well.

How did Mystic Media perform from a project management standpoint?

They call, email and text us to communicate. We also collaborate with them through their company’s platform, where we have additional strings of messages. Working primarily with a single point of contact was helpful. He was able to smoothly communicate between me and his team to accomplish tasks.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m not tech-savvy, but they made the engagement easy by building a personal relationship with us. They walked me through technological and business recommendations to bring my idea to life. It was very nice to have a partner that was experienced in this industry.   

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything. We’ve done quite well with them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

It would be helpful to have a solid project plan in place before engaging them. We had to hold a few meetings and make revisions that wouldn’t have been necessary if they knew my field better earlier on. To avoid this, spell your project out, assuming that they aren’t coming from your field or background. From there, they can apply their skills and make it happen.