Preferred Marketers

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of Wade Theron Attorneys, a law firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Preferred Marketers?

We needed help generating more clients.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Preferred Marketers has revamped our entire website. They manage it and keep it up to date. They’ve also set up our Google account so we can generate more clients; the team monitors it daily.

Additionally, they’ve put us on every digital platform and provide SEO services.

What is the team composition?

We work with one person.

How did you come to work with Preferred Marketers?

They contacted us with a request to do a presentation.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent 4,000 South African rands (approximately $200 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in July 2022, and our relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’ve made a significant difference for our company. Although we haven’t seen much website traffic yet, we’ve definitely seen an increase in telephone calls, which are essential to us. Moreover, our performance in August and September was exceptional. We had the highest number of new clients since the firm opened.

How did Preferred Marketers perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very on the ball. Preferred Marketers ensures that we have our monthly meetings on Google Meet, and they always give feedback on Google Drive. Overall, they’re very flexible, accommodating, and hands-on.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Since the beginning, they were sure that they could help us. They put us at ease with their confidence.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, we’re more than happy with them. They get better every month.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Trust them and let them do what they advise; they know what they’re doing. Nonetheless, don’t hesitate to ask questions; the team is very accommodating.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Hardware Electricians. We’re an electrical services provider that caters to residential, commercial, and industrial setups.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Preferred Marketers?

We needed help with digital marketing.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Preferred Marketers provides us with digital marketing services. At the moment, we're doing SEO work with them: backlinking and keyword research. Additionally, they create content for our website; they’ve done two blogs for us so far. They’ve also redesigned our website to make it look modern. The site is built on WordPress.

What is the team composition?

We’re working with four people from their team.

How did you come to work with Preferred Marketers?

Preferred Marketers was the one who found us. They said they were looking to help startups with their SEO needs. They looked at my website and pointed out a few things that were not okay.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around 4,000 South African Rand (approximately $230 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in June 2022, and our engagement is still ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Looking at our Google Business profile, our profile interactions significantly improved from an average of 50 interactions in May to 132 interactions by the end of September. Moreover, we’ve received 41 business calls and more traffic during that same span. We also have an average of 51 website clicks per month. Based on all of these numbers, we can really see that the engagement has been successful.

How did Preferred Marketers perform from a project management standpoint?

They meet our deadlines 90% of the time — the minor delays are usually because we don’t deliver what they ask for on time. For communication, we typically use Zoom, phone calls, WhatsApp, and email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We’re impressed with how efficiently they work; we never have to worry about our website and SEO needs.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They can improve on explaining their processes in layman's terms so that the client can understand them. We work in the electrical engineering industry, so SEO is something we’re not familiar with.

Any advice for potential customers?

Make sure to have a budget to suit your digital marketing needs.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and director of a law firm called Kamfer Attorneys Inc.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Preferred Marketers?

We hired them for their digital marketing and web redesign services.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Preferred Marketers sent us a YouTube video that basically explained what they do and how they could help our business reach our target audiences. After a consultation, they gave us a one-year plan indicating where we will start and where we want to see our business in the following year.

Their team has implemented major changes to our website. They’ve changed the blog sections in terms of structure and have done a lot of different marketing activities. Moreover, they’ve assisted us in terms of becoming more reachable to courts in other areas within our jurisdiction. They’ve also helped us register on various platforms, which has made us see the importance of clients rating our services.

What is the team composition?

We only have one main contact person from their side.

How did you come to work with Preferred Marketers?

We found them on LinkedIn, where they posted an article about their services.

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we've spent about 3,000–4,000 South African Rand (approximately $170–$230 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the engagement around June 2022, and it’s still ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since working with Preferred Marketers, we’ve seen a lot of changes in our business. For instance, after they’ve revamped our website, we’ve made ourselves available to other areas. As a matter of fact, we had just consulted with a client today who’s based in Rustenburg, which is like two hours away from where we are. Overall, everything has been going perfectly, and they’re definitely worth the money.

How did Preferred Marketers perform from a project management standpoint?

They've been very good from a project management standpoint. They’ve delivered everything on time, and we have monthly meetings to discuss if we’re following the strategies that are indicated on their one-year plan. We use Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and WhatsApp as our communication tools.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We’re impressed with their ability to reiterate and explain. Some people just expect others to understand things, but Preferred Marketers has made it easy for us to understand the marketing language and space.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything that Preferred Marketers could improve on.

Any advice for potential customers?

If you want to go big, then Preferred Marketers is the way to go because they've got the skills and knowledge that make them well-equipped to assist you in reaching a bigger audience.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a finance and investment consulting firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Shava Consulting?

We were trying to build a website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Shava developed a new WordPress website for us. I provided them with most of the text content.

It’s a simplistic website consisting of 3–4 pages with text and graphics. Shava also integrated a chatbot on the site.

I did the logo on my own, and they helped me select some of the pictures.

What is the team composition?

I worked with Gift Shava (Founder).

How did you come to work with Shava Consulting?

I read reviews on Clutch, and Shava Consulting had some good ones.

How much have you invested with them?

The cost of their work was around $60.

What is the status of this engagement?

I worked with them in October 2020, and the website was completed in two weeks.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website met my requirements. Shava Consulting is detail-oriented and open to making changes. I asked for a lot of changes, and they did it with no hassle.

How did Shava Consulting perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re always willing to assist, and I could call them on weekends. We used Zoom and WhatsApp for communication.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I appreciated their willingness to help and understanding of what needed to be done.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t think so. I’m happy with the product.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I definitely recommend them. Even if the client doesn’t have a clear idea, Shava Consulting will draft one out.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

About MCK Accountants is a full-service accounting practice comprising a dedicated team providing accounting, tax and financial reporting advice on a recurring and event-driven basis. Position Founding Director

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Shava Consulting, and what were your goals?

Our website was static, out of date, and not useful for decision making

SOLUTION

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

The first time we came across Gift Shava of Shava Consulting was on LinkedIn in September 2019. The thing that was unique about Gift was that he was assisting small accounting firms like ours with marketing. We were captured, no pun intended.

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

The project scope was agreed and project timelines and milestones set. We were provided with different options that best suited our marketing strategy, i.e. to present ourselves as subject matter experts in our field.

On approval of the best option, we received status updates and most importantly, were introduced to different tool such as Google Analytics, a tool designed to use data from the website into management information for decision making.

We have been very satisfied with the product and have been able to link the website to other social media profiles and we are now able to gather and analyse data in an integrated manner. Shava Consulting assisted us in setting all this up.

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

We were fortunate to work with the Founding Director. We received courteous attention and constant feedback through out the project. At the end of the day, we are able to own our website because we were part of its development.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

As accountants, we prefer numbers and analytics. This project assisted "reading" our marketing strategy into numbers. The report from, for example, Google Analytics now forms part of our weekly management meetings as a standing agenda items.

We can now track and quantify ROI on our integrated marketing strategy. Prior to engaging with Shava Consulting, we had could not do this effectively and efficiently.

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

We were heard. Our inputs forms part of the website that went live. Overall, it was a collaborative effort. We received constant feedback. We were provided with options and Shava Consulting received feedback (positive or negative) in a cordial manner.

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

Innovative. Adaptive. Risk averse. Providing options to a problem instead of imposing solutions from other projects on us.

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

n/a

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO and owner of SGL Business Academy which started in March 2020. We offer coaching, consulting, mentoring and advisory services to Business Owners & Entrepreneurs in South Africa.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Shava Consulting?

Firstly to mentor and guide me on the use of social platforms such as LinkedIn and to start learning all about digital marketing. Secondly to assist me to develop a website that enables me to obtain leads and ultimately clients and to gain credibility.

What were your goals for this project?

To become the top business coach in South Africa and to add value as much as possible to the broader community through social media platforms and my website blog and videos.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We connected on Linkedin and after discussing what they could offer, I decided to go with them.

Describe the project in detail.

We communicated regularly on Zoom and started right at the very beginning as I had no experience whatsoever with regard to social media.

They taught me a lot of the basics and explained many of the software business tools that were available and assisted me to develop a business funnel which has been helpful in making many connections and generating many leads.

They have also been guiding me on the writing of articles and messages and are presently helping me with the skills to present videos.

What was the team composition?

Gift Shava was my project manager for the website development.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

In a short period of about four months, there has been a gradual increase in the number of leads and connections made already resulting in a few clients.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was smooth and communication was easy, as well as always making themselves available.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their approach was helpful, simple, systematic step by step process with a lot of patience shown when confronting challenges.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There are always areas for improvement.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and managing director of SIGC Pty Ltd., a financial services company that distributes financial products. My second company is an entertainment company focusing on Blues music. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Shava Consulting?

I wanted an interactive website that was friendly to use. For my other company, I needed assistance with creating a YouTube channel. Shava Consulting assisted with both.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Shava Consulting developed my interactive website exactly the way I wanted it. Our potential clients or clients can send us either a WhatsApp message or email from our website. We had a website already and wanted to polish it, though I don’t know whether they developed the new one from scratch or not. 

For my second company, they also assisted me in creating a YouTube channel.

What is the team composition?

I only work with the founder.

How did you come to work with Shava Consulting?

They were referred to me. They were assisting my business associate with a website as well.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between 6,000-7,000 rand (approximately $360–$420 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in November 2019 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re able to edit the backend of the website that they created for us. The reason I went back to Shava Consulting to assist me with my other business is because I’m happy with their service. They don’t make it appear too complex. I’d recommend them to any of my friends or business associates.

How did Shava Consulting perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management was good. When we started, the founder told us the status we were going to go through. He also gave us timelines. Where there was a delay, in most cases, it was from our side when he wanted more information. We use email and do virtual meetings.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Shava Consulting has the ability to simplify things, which is critical. It makes it easy for me to work with them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything for them to do differently.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They know what they’re doing and are good at it. Their focus is working with accountants and promoting that business. I like that they’re clear on what they do.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Founder and Executive Director at Africa Mindshift Trust.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Shava Consulting, and what were your goals?

Website Design and related work

SOLUTION

How did you select Shava Consulting and what were the deciding factors?

Recommended by others

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

Logo Design Full Website Design Blog Functionality Picture Upload Links to Google Analytics

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

One person Founder and web designer. Gift S.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Awesome functionality and good client visibility already

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

Daily zoom meetings and interaction. I was allowed full input

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

I was most impressed by the youthful zeal of Gift and the professional conduct

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

I just need user training to maintain the site in future.