Sanctuary

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a metal manufacturer specializing in Laser Cutting, Welding, Spinning and other Fabrications I work mostly in sales, I help in accounting, among other office duties

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Sanctuary - A Digital Marketing Group?

We hired them to build our company website and do our online marketing

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted an updated website, one that had a modern look and feel. But also displayed what made our company different from others in our industry. We wanted to improve on our SEO.

SOLUTION

How did you select Sanctuary - A Digital Marketing Group?

They were recommended by another one of their clients

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We worked closely with them to develop exactly what we wanted our website to look like. It was a lot of back and forth as we worked together to write it, what pages to have, etc... and their communication was excellent.

What was the team composition?

We worked mostly with Tom Murphy at the beginning. He visited a few times to see our plant. He had a photographer come to take pics. I don't know if the size of the team changed. It seemed like Tom was our main contact for a while, and we would go back and convey what we talked about to his team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our main goal at the beginning was to have a solid website. And they achieved that. We have received lots of compliments on it from our customers over the last few years.

Then we wanted to obviously gain business from the website, and I believe we have. Not every quote that comes in is ideal, but we have added customers that originally reached out via the "request a quote" feature on our website.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was effective. Their communication was great. They send monthly stats that show how much and what kind of traffic we get. I have not done a great job of getting back to them in a timely manner. Mostly because we are a smaller company and we are often busy doing different things all the time. But I feel like overall, they have helped a lot.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I just really like the website. I think it gives us more credibility when our customers or potential customers see it. We haven't really worked with other similar vendors in the past. But we are happy with them.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not that I can think of.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the IT Manager for Seal Master Corporation. I have been with the company since 2017. I have 15+ years experience in all facets of the Information Technology industry.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Sanctuary - A Digital Marketing Group?

All marketing efforts were no longer existent. The website was outdated which made it difficult to keep organic traffic up. Since we are an international company we needed to update our websites Privacy Policy following the GDPR outline.

What were your goals for this project?

To increase our internet presence by creating a new dynamic website that would also make it easier to complete our marketing goals. Meet specific privacy policy regulations. Within the website we needed an easier way for customers to contact us. Internally we needed a better way to track and measure how our new website was performing.

SOLUTION

How did you select Sanctuary - A Digital Marketing Group?

A family member setup our meeting and with Sanctuary's help we determined an all digital marketing approach was the best fit for us.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Their approach was simple, they required and upfront cost to research our current situation so they could present a website design specific to our needs. Once the scope of work was created they presented the information in a detail oriented but clean and precise way.

What was the team composition?

Even though we were in contact with only a few members of the team during the website project, we felt like the entire company was involved in helping create the best solution for us. We had a project coordinator that worked closely with the website team and also the marketing team to help deliver a seamless solution.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since upgrading the website we have seen a 60% increase in leads generation and total website traffic. This success is attributed to the new website, new specific content driven pages, and corresponding Google Ads campaign.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Everyone working on the project was well informed of each others progress, they hit all our goals within a reasonable timeline, constant email communications, and the information was accessible from our own Google docs shared platform.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The way they understand my role in the company and how well we work together. Anytime I have a question or need some information they are quick to respond. I never had an issue setting up meetings with our board members and letting Sanctuary take the lead. Even quick conversations were easy. They always listened to the client's needs and their response was on point

Are there any areas for improvement?

I am not one to tell people how to run their company.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a professional and internationally acclaimed opera singer.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Sanctuary – A Digital Marketing Group?

I work all over the world depending upon where the producing venues want me to go, so it’s very important to keep an up-to-date and interactive website. That’s why I hired Sanctuary – A Digital Marketing Group (Sanctuary Marketing Group); at the end of the day, even as individuals, we have to market ourselves to the broadest array of people.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I’ve had a multi-decade relationship with the organization that eventually became Sanctuary Marketing Group. At the very beginning, they did more web design and some small and intimate projects. They currently focus mostly on web development.
 
For our last project together, Sanctuary Marketing Group helped me develop and market my website for the third time. Every time I need a redesign, we sit down and take input from each other in order to decide the best approach. As a result of that interaction, we can determine marketable features for the website’s users.
 
What is the team composition?

I’ve worked with half a dozen of them. We have the director of marketing, several people in creative design, and also the people that deal with the website’s technical development on our team.
 
How did you come to work with Sanctuary – A Digital Marketing Group?

Back in the 1990s, when we didn’t have social media, all these things kind of developed from word of mouth — you heard about someone from somebody. I heard that they were based in Ohio, where I’m originally from. Those degrees of separation were what brought me to them.

At this point, technologies are moving so quickly that everyone has a website. Although everyone has one, they need redesigns to keep up with the pace of technology. When I needed redesigns, I never wanted to establish a new relationship with a team I didn’t know. Instead, I wanted to keep this relationship going.
 
How much have you invested with them?

Over the years, I’ve certainly spent between $25,000–$30,000.
 
What is the status of this engagement?

We started our partnership around April 1998, and then I had the redesign done around 2010. Approximately 10 years later, a complete overhaul was necessary again, since the technology had moved so fast. They completed the new website in May 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Each time that a website was presented, it was incredible — just as if it was brand new. The new website would be up to date right up to the minute in every technological aspect. The site would last a good decade without problems after each redesign, so hiring Sanctuary Marketing Group was a real good investment every single time. 
 
How did Sanctuary – A Digital Marketing Group perform from a project management standpoint?

They were absolutely on time with everything. They gave me a matrix that spelled out the project goals and timelines, and they hit every single one of them. Everything they promised was done exactly when they said it would be done, if not earlier. The efficiency and friendliness with regard to their timeline were incredibly impressive. 
 
We communicated in three different ways. We met face to face because we felt that putting faces to names is still really important. We did some telephone, video conferencing, and certainly plenty of email exchanges.
 
What did you find most impressive about them?

I was really impressed with their personal touch. They really care about making the client happy. My work felt like the most important project they were working on at any given moment, and I really appreciated that. I’m not a technical person, so I had to rely on them for everything. They took the time to explain and provide any kind of operational manuals that I might need. They were also extremely patient at teaching me how to manage this very sophisticated website.
 
However, what I’ve found most impressive of all is that, as they’ve developed themselves into a larger media and marketing company, they’ve never lost touch with me. We haven’t grown apart from each other, and I’ve been able to get a lot of personal experience with them. So their most impressive thing is their personal touch. 
 
Are there any areas they could improve?

I was just so happy and completely satisfied with everything. If they couldn’t get an answer to me, they would find the person within the organization that had the answer, and then that person would get in touch with me. They were prompt with all their replies. In the end, the greatest pleasure was that I didn’t mind spending the money on their work because they were just that efficient. So, I just don’t have anything negative to say.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work for ForeverLawn, Inc. We are a provider of premium artificial turf for residential and commercial marketplace. I am in charge of new dealer onboarding at ForeverLawn.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Sanctuary - A Digital Marketing Group?

We work with Sanctuary in many facets of our business. I personally work with SMG to do digital advertising and website creation/maintenance for the new dealer onboarding portion of our business.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal is to drive traffic to our website and ultimately have interested people complete an online form to contact us.

SOLUTION

How did you select Sanctuary - A Digital Marketing Group?

We have worked with SMG for many years and they have done a great job for us. We like the fact that they are a local company with a national feel.

Describe the project in detail.

I personally work with SMG to do digital advertising and website creation/maintenance for the new dealer onboarding portion of our business. We run targeted programs facilitated by SMG to attract new, potential ForeverLawn business owners.

What was the team composition?

I typically work with Lauren Zils, Julie Mamula and Morgan Staples at SMG.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Sanctuary has consistently delivered on its promises. They are helping create content for us and also drive traffic to our site for new dealer submission.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective. We work in a true partnership for the projects that we collaborate on.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Sanctuary is a responsive, friendly, professional, and very talented group of individuals.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None that I can think of right now.

UPDATED REVIEW

This review was published on March 12, 2021

Pam Zuercher

DST, ForeverLawn

Biotechnology

51-200 Employees

Louisville, Ohio

Confidential

Jan. 2018 - Ongoing

Project summary: 

Sanctuary - A Digital Marketing Group is developing a dealer portal for an artificial grass company. They redesigned the website and migrated the blog. They continue to implement improvements on the platform.

Feedback summary: 

Sanctuary - A Digital Marketing Group’s work resulted in a better UX and a more secure platform. They excel in project management — they are communicative and timely, and provided realistic expectations. The team studies the client’s business to proactively address problems and provide solutions. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

ForeverLawn manufactures and supplies premium artificial turf to exclusive dealers all across the United States. I'm part of the Dealer Support Team that serves our 70+ dealers that make up the dealership network.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Sanctuary - A Digital Marketing Group, and what were your goals?

We reached out to SMG to create a Dealer Portal that contains our Company Store, The ForeverLawn Cutting Edge Blog and Resource Page.

SOLUTION

How did you select Sanctuary - A Digital Marketing Group and what were the deciding factors?

We had reached out to SMG to manage our company websites and marketing needs for years prior to developing the concept of a Dealer Portal. It was a logical step to continue our partnership for this project.

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

SMG was already managing the ForeverLawn Cutting Edge Blog, so they redesigned the existing site and gave it a new, modern look.

They migrated the blog to the newly created Dealer Portal, created user status levels and credentials, developed and provided a more secure platform for our Company Store, and designed the Resource Page to our specifications. They continue to manage our needs and exceed our expectations.

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

There were 4 key people involved in this project. We worked with the owner to communicate our concept and he worked with his team to scope the project. We then worked with two senior developers to iron out and implement the details.

After the Dealer Portal was up and running, we worked with a project coordinator to initiate new requests and add-ons to the existing Dealer Portal.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were able to improve our Dealer Experience by combining three platforms into one. They gave us a more secure platform for our Company Store, and continue to help us provide new features as we grow.

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

SMG's project management was great. They communicate regularly, meet timelines, and provide realistic expectations from the start. We've communicated through phone calls, emails and Zoom meetings.

If we're ever in an emergency situation, SMG has always gone above and beyond to address issues and take care of our needs in a timely manner.

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

SMG staff is knowledgeable, professional and often provided solutions that went above and beyond our expectations. They make it their business to understand ours...which enables them to identify future needs and suggest solutions to issues that haven't even presented themselves yet.

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

We had one experience where we had an immediate need and reached out to an SMG team member who was unavailable for the day. From this experience, SMG created a specialized support plan where our need could be identified by several team members in order to avoid this type of incident in the future.

Ratings

Overall rating: 5

Quality: 5

Schedule: 5

Cost: 4

Willing to refer: 5

This review was published on March 12, 2021

Manager, ForeverLawn

Utilities

51-200 Employees

Louisville, Ohio

$10,000 to $49,999

June 2017 - Ongoing

Project summary: 

An artificial turf company needed a partner that will manage their digital advertising campaigns and increase their incoming leads. They chose Sanctuary - A Digital Marketing Group to be that partner.

Feedback summary: 

Thanks to the effective workflow provided by the Sanctuary - A Digital Marketing Group team, the company has seen significant improvements in their web traffic and leads. The team has given the company good advice while giving them the freedom to make their own advertising decisions.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Manager of an artificial turf sales and installation company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Sanctuary - A Digital Marketing Group?

We needed professional management for our digital advertising and we presence.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to increase incoming leads.

SOLUTION

How did you select Sanctuary - A Digital Marketing Group?

SMG was a referral from within our company.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

SMG provides website management including landing page development, Google Ad management, social ad management and Google My Business services.

What was the team composition?

We work closely with their Marketing Coordinator and Director of Business Development.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have seen a very large uptick in web traffic and leads since hiring SMG.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Workflow has been very effective.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

SMG has produced great results for us and have done a good job of advising us while still allowing us to make decisions for our company's advertising.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No.

Rating

Overall rating: 5

Quality: 5

Schedule: 5

Cost: 4

Willing to refer: 5

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

REM Commercial is a Real Estate Brokerage and Property management company that manages property for third parties. I am the Owner and President.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Sanctuary - A Digital Marketing Group?

Sanctuary was hire to market our company through multiple digital channels. This was inclusive of Social Media, Pay Per Click, and Organic Searches.

What were your goals for this project?

The goals of our project are:

1. Increase website traffic
2. Increase management leads
3. Increased search ratings

SOLUTION

How did you select Sanctuary - A Digital Marketing Group?

Sanctuary was highly recommended to us by one of our management clients that had a close working relationship with them

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Sanctuary meets with us annual to establish our goals for the year and develops a strategy to move forward. They work within our budget and adjust the plan regularly to adjust to our changing strategy throughout the year.

What was the team composition?

We work closely with 2-3 members of the Sanctuary team. We are in regular contact with them and they are very responsive to our needs.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our goals to increase leads and business have been successful. In a year where a pandemic has most businesses struggling we continued to grow and had one of our most successful years. This was due in part to the efforts of Sanctuary.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

I am extremely busy and the project manager was very understanding of my schedule and was flexible when I needed to change meeting and scheduled calls.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I am a property manager and I am impressed by their growth in the knowledge of our industry and their ability to learn from our interactions.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We are happy with the results.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the VP of Marketing for an equine health products manufacturing company. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Sanctuary - A Digital Marketing Group, and what were your goals?

We hired Sanctuary years ago to develop and manage our website properties and maintain an ongoing digital marketing effort to generate leads, educate key target audiences, and facilitate e-commerce sales. Our goals were initially to grow the sheer number of website visitors, provide a deeper ability to educate more of those visitors about our products (and the issues that create the need for our products), and ultimately to generate direct customer leads for sales follow up.

SOLUTION

How did you select Sanctuary - A Digital Marketing Group and what were the deciding factors?

We worked with another company called SiteLogic which, in turn, outsourced web development to Sanctuary. Sanctuary then acquired the web marketing services business from SiteLogic and we then became a client of Sanctuary - this was probably in 2014 or 2015.

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

Initially, we were focused on developing our websites (all built on WordPress), expanding into different web properties for different audiences, and then developing new content for those websites on an ongoing and regular basis. This was important as our products require educated customers to recognize the need for and the value of our products. 

Over time, we started focusing on more ongoing digital marketing to drive customer engagement, especially on one core customer segment: to create leads, continued engagement, and ongoing education. We established a new web store in Mondial and the project was the development of a website with e-commerce capabilities. 

But this is really just one small piece of the ongoing digital marketing effort described here, which includes ongoing cold email campaigns, drip email campaigns (through ActiveCampaign), and social media and Google advertising.

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

We worked with four people directly at Sanctuary - a content person (writer), a project manager, a project coordinator, and a web designer.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website was completed on schedule and within the budget. The results of the website have met expectations in isolation, but more web marketing is needed to drive traffic there, which we're still discussing.

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

We had regular meetings and email updates. They also use Google (Docs, Drive, etc.) to provide content, schedules, etc., and another tool (which I don't recall) for reviewing web pages during development.

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

I have always been impressed by Sanctuary's ability to balance strategy, content development, and design.

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

No.