Propeller

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am one of the founders and the managing partner of MDW Capital Partners. We provide capital advice services to companies and their shareholders, helping them to raise the right sort of capital to support their growth and investment aspirations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Propeller?

We were a startup and had a website that communicated who we were and had some photographs, as well as some words on there that were carefully thought through. However, there was some branding and presentation templating that was not particularly differentiated.

In fact, it looked as if it had been developed by a middle-aged person who was setting up a business which is exactly what it was. Our clients are multinational, multi-billion dollar funds and companies, and we needed to present ourselves as a professional, highly experienced organization they could trust.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Propeller built a brand narrative for our business, helping us to develop our own brand identity and messaging. They brought that to life in the form of a website, the templates that we use for the documents we produce, and the presentations we provide.

They also helped us to think through and clarify our thinking in all of that, differentiating us from a lot of generic offerings. For example, previously I had picked up photos from Shutterstock to use for our website, and even some of the world’s largest businesses use exactly the same pictures. 

Just the presentation of all of that, let alone broad imagery and feel for the business, was similar to other businesses. So, the team helped us brainstorm and develop some key themes, and then came up with logo proposals, fonts, presentation templates, website design, and layouts.

What is the team composition?

We worked directly with Richard (Director) and Megan (Head of Client Services).

How did you come to work with Propeller?

I have known Richard for quite a long time. We talked about other business prospects and about his business in the past. When we decided that we were at the stage of our evolution and that we needed to professionalize our presentation to the outside world, we called him. 

We spoke to a couple of other similar contacts who we had met along the way and asked them to pitch and make a proposal to us to develop our business. We felt that Propeller was really engaged in our business. We were something a bit different for them and they really engaged in the project. 

Our success was extremely important to them and that shone through. For a creative project like this, you want to have people who are going to be invested in the outcome as opposed to just producing something that is pretty standard and that they have done before.

How much have you invested in them?

We invested just over £30,000 (approximately $40,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We kicked off formally in December 2019, and the project was completed in April 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The initial threshold of course was our satisfaction with what we had as the end product, both in terms of the website and in terms of output for the templates for PowerPoint, Word, Excel. We are quite demanding in terms of attention to detail, accuracy, general feel, and understanding of who our target audience is. 

Our target audience is professional investors and management teams of companies. For us, it is not really so much about website traffic, because it will always be a relatively low traffic business. 

We don’t generate new business per se through our website; it’s a marketing tool that we use to present to prospective clients and remind existing ones that we are fantastically experienced, superbly professional, and care only about the success of their own business above all else. Those are pretty high bars to hit and we felt that Propeller did do that.

The response we have had from prospective clients, existing clients, and other people we know whether they are competitors or just other people in our broader private equity community has been good. 

People are blown away by the quality of our website. We are a small organization of fewer than five people, and the job was to present it as a large boutique. The response we are getting from people is exceptional in that regard.

How did Propeller perform from a project management standpoint?

Communication was good, and their overall ability to meet deadlines was good as well. However, they could’ve managed their clients a bit more proactively. We tried to give them as much remit as possible, and I would say they perhaps could’ve been a bit more demanding of us. 

We tried to give them permission and that is a very nuanced situation to be in and I think they were doing their best to make sure that we felt supported and engaged when things weren’t too much of a priority in comparison to our income-earning activities. 

It’s a very fine line, but that was the only issue. They came up with the design and implemented it quickly. The challenge we faced was getting our written collateral ready for them in time.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The team really listened to the way we described our business and used that in their creative process. Propeller is a consumer brand-focused business, and we were a diversification for them. 

We are very different from their normal clients, but they really listened to how we represented our business and the market in which we operate. They took that away and came back, and used that to inform their creative process. 

They could’ve just tried to knock out a quasi consumer-type website, but they did not do that once at all. Their skill of listening to the client and what the client is seeking to achieve was very impressive. That showed low ego and real collaboration, and they were the sort of partner that we wanted to have working with us.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Post-completion and post-launch of the website, there could be a bit more communication from them. They maintain our site for us, and I wonder if they might upsell a bit more to us. They could be a bit more proactive in helping us think about content and whether there are tricks and things that we can do.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Give them the creative freedom and trust them to listen to what your objectives are and then come back with a range of options that you can then address.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of ADE Architecture, an architectural practice.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Propeller?

We needed to increase our profile and improve our target market. We felt that our previous website didn’t appeal to our target market.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Propeller created wireframes and redesigned and redeveloped our website completely. The team also assisted us with our SEO and content strategy and made some suggestions on the logo design.

What is the team composition?

We primarily worked with a project manager.

How did you come to work with Propeller?

I saw a website that they had done for someone else and liked the interactive nature of it. I then called them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent £30,000 (approximately $40,000 USD). 

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them from November 2018–April 2020, but they’re still maintaining our website.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They successfully completed what we asked them to do. A lot of the commissions and projects we’ve had have come through the website. It’s proved to be a very worthwhile investment for us, and we were very happy with the project. We haven’t had any issues with the website. The feedback from our team and clients has been very good. 

How did Propeller perform from a project management standpoint?

We would go to their offices once a week during the duration of the build and they would run through where they were in terms of the progress. The team was very responsive and hit all the deadlines. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Propeller listened well. They were very receptive to some of our own ideas and helped us to improve on them. They also had a good understanding of architecture and the work that we do. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, nothing comes to mind. They were polished and organized. We’re pleased with what they did.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Give them a very clear understanding of your project brief and outline exactly what you’re looking to achieve. Propeller was very receptive to our ideas, so if you see a website that you like, send it to them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the managing director for a wine importer and wholesaler.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Propeller?

We wanted to provide more information about our products to customers and wanted to tell our suppliers more about our customers. We hired Propeller to create a website that would help us do that.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had 2–3 planning meetings to help us determine what we wanted from a website. We wanted to look different from our competitors, so we needed their expertise to help us stand out.

What is the team composition?

We worked with three different people including the director and two account managers. There were also developers that I didn’t work with directly.

How did you come to work with Propeller?

We heard about them through word of mouth. We chose them because they work with a lot of restaurants, a key market for us.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about £50,000 (approximately $40,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in November 2019 and we launched the site in February 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Customers, suppliers, and employees have all commented on how we present ourselves online. They really like it.

How did Propeller perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very responsive, organized, and efficient. We had a call every week or two and sent emails in between.  

What did you find most impressive about them?

They took a lot of time to understand our business and what makes it different from others in the market. They’re able to draw on that information and present it in the website.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s not much they could improve.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

The more communicative and transparent you are with them, the better the output will be. I would tell new clients to provide their team with as much information and insight into their business and they can.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of e-commerce at Tivoli Audio, a luxury speaker and radio manufacturer. We design and manufacture our own speakers and radios.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Propeller?

We needed a partner we could trust to help us develop and design our theme and help us with the process of building a Shopify site.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed our Shopify e-commerce site. They continue to provide us with ongoing support.

What is the team composition?

On the development side, there were three people. From a project management/relation side, I talked directly to three people.

How did you come to work with Propeller?

We reached out to Shopify for a reference of someone they trusted. They recommended Propeller.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested between $20,000–$40,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in April 2020, and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They delivered the website in two months. It made my team look good. They’re a really understanding vendor that’s personal but professional. They pay attention to detail.

How did Propeller perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very responsive. They took the time to understand our needs. They’d try to understand even the most minute thing to get us the answers we need. They delivered on what we wanted. I wasn’t under any stress. They paid attention to detail and made us feel comfortable. I knew they had our interest at heart.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re very experienced, personable, and reliable.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing I’d have them improve.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be open. Have full disclosure about any issues you’re facing. Don’t leave anything unchecked with them. Be fully detailed because that helps their work.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We supply high-end specialty woods and charcoals to the restaurant industry and other clients who work with live fire elements. We also supply wood for home use.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Propeller?

We needed a website, which we'd never had before. We also wanted to communicate the feel of our company through our new online presence.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They designed a specific template for us in WordPress. Prior to meeting with them, I didn't know anything about web design, but I was aware of WordPress. We had several consultation meetings, and we were very involved in the design process. They also provided us with a Shopify retail element for the site, and they incorporated a newsletter feature.

What is the team composition?

We interacted with an account manager and another team member who works with her. There were several developers in the background that we didn't meet.

How did you come to work with Propeller?

We knew that they were a hospitality-focused company. A colleague's husband used them to build the website for a popular London bar, and the client-facing elements and account management after the build was very good. We were looking for that kind of continued support, so we decided to hire Propeller.

How much have you invested with them?

I've worked out the exchange rate, and we've spent about $28,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in early April 2018. We pay them a monthly retainer to manage the website, and I'm about to meet with them to add a new consultancy page.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The site is high-quality, and it conveys a feel of the company ethos very well. Several similar organizations copy the typography and layout of our site, so we know that Propeller did a good job.

How did Propeller perform from a project management standpoint?

Our account manager is very personable and a good communicator. She manages expectations very well and is very easy to reach. I think very highly of her.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We're a small company, and their approach never felt corporate. They are always professional, but never cold, and we like our relationship with them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We're still working out a few bumps, and we would like to increase our page loading speeds. Shopify support is also somewhat weak. It's the right thing for us, but we face some challenges on our own. We thought we'd have more support from them on it, but we haven't. That may not be what they're supposed to do, so we're working out navigation as well as we can.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They make it easy to have a good working relationship with them, so be honest. They don't mind if you need to make changes or adjust your goals.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a celebrity fashion photographer. I’ve created content for different publishers such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, plus a lot of advertising clients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Propeller?

Our website was a glorified archive; we wanted the site to have a much deeper and more engaging experience. We needed a partner to develop a new platform with more levels and layers, which would create a more textured picture of my work.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Using WordPress, Propeller developed my new website from scratch. They proposed and implemented the UX design, which allowed us to manage all of our content including stories, new exhibitions, and causes that I’m involved in. Their team created features that allow us to visually demonstrate the different creative outputs we work with. We’re speaking about creating videos as well as high-resolution imagery for our YouTube channel.

What is the team composition?

My primary point of contact was Duncan (VP & Director, Propeller).

How did you come to work with Propeller?

Propeller approached us, offering their services to improve our site. We met with Duncan who understood websites weren’t our language. He was really amazing because he’d expand on our ideas with five or six suggestions, which we didn’t find with other firms.

How much have you invested with them?

The total cost for the website was $45,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began collaborating in January 2017, and it’s ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since launching the new website, mobile usage has quadrupled, and site sessions have increased over 292%. We’re now on page one of Google for one of our primary search terms: “fashion celebrity photographer.”

How did Propeller perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicated by phone and email. Propeller is malleable; they not only rolled with all of our ideas but were also always coming up with new ones, such as another link or layer. It was a very collaborative effort. What we ended up with was nothing like what we’d originally planned, which is for the better.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their team offers amazing technical ability without sacrificing creativity. They have a healthy amount of actual taste, sensitivity, and sensibility, which is so important when you’re trying to put out a creative website. Propeller created a platform that represents me, my taste and artistic level.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, not really.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Just hire them. Tell them the vision but also listen to their suggestions because it’ll improve the final product.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and CEO of a fine jewelry brand. We’re a U.S. company and a French company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Propeller?

We hired them to build an e-commerce solution for us with Shopify.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Propeller created a new e-commerce platform for our company. I wanted a quick solution, so choosing Shopify made the most sense. They took all of my requests and either found them in Shopify or custom built them. One of the biggest challenges they overcame was providing multi-currency pricing so that the platform could reflect accurate pricing for each country we sell to. They did a complete overhaul, which included creative work and development for our WordPress platform to create a mobile experience. They currently perform maintenance and updates.

What is the team composition?

I work with Sophia (Digital Project Manager, Propeller) and Duncan (VP & Director, Propeller).

How did you come to work with Propeller?

I initially learned about their UK office through another client of theirs.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve invested at least $40,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in June 2017, and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’ve provided a very solid platform where, when we do have business, it’s seamless and we see growth; we’re not a volume business, though. Our average price point is about $10,000, so we’re not a fair judgement of their work.

How did Propeller perform from a project management standpoint?

They performed excellently in terms of project management. We’ve had a few technical issues that happened in crucial moments, such as leading into holidays, and they worked around-the-clock to resolve them. Their main priority was to ensure that the business would not be affected.

What did you find most impressive about them?

In the past, we’ve done creative and digital work, and have always felt disappointed. The biggest difference with Propeller is that they feel like an internal team, even though they’re an agency. They take the approach that they can only succeed if we succeed. They’re very supportive and team-oriented in a way I’m not used to working with agencies. I’ve recommended them multiple times, just because I thought they were really excellent.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t know if I use 100 percent of everything they have to offer, so I don’t see room for improvement.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I advise potential customers to allow the team to guide them in what they should be doing. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the founder of Matriark, a platform that sells fashion, design, and home items all made by women-owned companies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Propeller?

We needed a partner to develop the website for our company.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We wanted Propeller to develop a dropship model e-commerce platform that sells high-end luxury goods. Together, we went through a discovery phase to plan out the online store and outline what we wanted and needed. Once those requirements were determined, we decided to build the site on Shopify Plus. Propeller also did the UX/UI and entire website design, helping with digital branding. They created the design to maximize the conversion of traffic to customers, keeping SEO in mind as well. The site is finished but hasn’t launched yet.

What is the team composition?

We mainly worked with two people.

How did you come to work with Propeller?

A friend recommended them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $25,000–$50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The partnership lasted from September 2018–March 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I had to contact the various brands we wanted to sell, and I wouldn’t have been able to do that if I didn’t have a website to show them. Because I had a final product that they could see, I’ve been able to secure over 100 luxury brands for the platform, which is beautiful and functional.

How did Propeller perform from a project management standpoint?

They had excellent project management skills. They were communicative and responsible, following up on all of their work. We mainly spoke via video calls.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The website is beautiful and technically flawless. Beyond their skills, the team is friendly and has great customer service. They were pleasant, polite, and took my project seriously, even though I wasn’t a big account.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have any suggestions for improvement. I didn’t have a single negative experience with them.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Maintain clear communication and ask questions if you aren’t sure about something. They’re eager to please and will find answers.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a director of films and tech startups, a writer, a producer, and a speaker.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Propeller?

I employed them to build me a website from scratch for my own brand, Kinvara Balfour.

What were your goals for this project?

I wanted to build an engaging, compelling, contemporary, cool website that linked to lots of different work.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Their examples of previous work were the best I had seen of any company I asked for a pitch from.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

Propeller built my website from scratch, including content and links. They continue to update it and add new visuals and links as I complete more projects.

What was the team composition?

I dealt with Duncan (VP & Director, Propeller) and his team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I have been asked by over 30 friends and brands who built my website. It was comprehensive, impressive, clear, and cool. Propeller updates my site efficiently and in a timely manner.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

The project was arranged with ease, with care, and with patience. The team did exactly what they promised to do from the outset. They are not patronizing nor dismissive about things I do not know.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They are cool and contemporary, with true class, and their tech knowledge is as good as their aesthetic taste.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, I can’t think of anything.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Digital Marketing Manager of Hall & Woodhouse

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Great pubs, great food.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Increase site visit to booking conversion rate
• Increase site traffic through organic web presence
• Increase enews sign ups

SOLUTION

How did you find Propeller?

Referral

Why did you select Propeller over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Propeller were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

Propeller helped design and develop our town house websites, 10 in total. They helped bring the look/feel inline with the pubs, and helped enhance new/emerging areas of the business

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Increased site traffic, and booking conversion rates

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

They were excellent. Great comms, all on time, clear and friendly. Happy to make any amends needed.

What was your primary form of communication with Propeller?

Virtual Meeting

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

Account/project management was really good, which helps timeline and confidence in project, and delivers a great finished article.

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

None