So Interactive

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position.

I am an Associate Director at Boogertman + Partners. Boogertman + Partners offers Architecture, Urban Design, Interior Design and Graphic Design, mostly focused in the built environment. I am a lead designer who focuses mostly on architecture and urban design, in collaboration with our other departments.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what purpose did your company hire So Interactive?

We collaborated with So Interactive in order to deliver a progressive web app to market a real-estate development- The Neighbourhood Esate, Square and Residences. Our offering to our shared client was a turnkey solution. So Interactive were our digital, web development and design partners in this. [I hope I have my terminology right- this is not my field of expertise!]

What were your goals for this engagement?

Our goals were to create a new digital tool that could assist with the marketing of the real estate offering. With So Interactive the PWA was developed as a response. It included multimedia such as interactive locality maps, architectural visualisations and 360 views of architectural features, video content and interactive sales maps.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

So Interactive was recommended to me a by colleague Monique Geel

Describe the engagement in detail.

So Interactive guided us through the design and development process- which was a new one for us. We worked closely with their design team and the So Interactive team managed the process of input required and expected outcomes closely with us and the client. This being a new environment for us as architects, So Interactive were a great partner and support during the project.

What was the team composition?

Darren - digital director Michelle - Account Manager and Project Lead (First point of contact) Letitia - creative Director

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The successful launching of the first phase of the website was the primary measurable outcome. I unfortunately am not aware of the performance of the website currently, as they are dealing directly with the client.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We believe our relationship with So Interactive was a successful one. So Interactive were excellent support as digital partners in guiding us through a new experience in the digital realm. Although the project had challenges that were external to our partnership, which prevented the project from being realised to its full vision, we believe the end product is still a great body of work. They were a highly professional, efficient team and a pleasure to work with. We also enjoyed their design approach and the collaboration opportunities around that. We plan to work with them again in future!

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their willingness to be team players, to work together to keep our clients happy. Also the design approach was refreshing. They were open to trying new things, incorporating different approaches in the end product.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I haven't worked on these kind of projects before, so it is difficult to comment here

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the head of technology at HOMii Lifestyle, a real estate company. We buy buildings and convert them into residential units and we rent them out on a month to month basis.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with So Interactive?

We needed help with a mobile app and with digital strategy. In the end, we wanted something easy to use and something that someone would constantly go back to.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They helped us with our mobile app. We addressed a lot of operational issues where we needed to collect things manually. They moved the manual aspects into the app so that customers can do in-app payments for their rent and utilities. Users can add visitors to their application who want to come and visit them.

With the app, users can upload KYC documents or take a selfie because we use face recognition to come into the buildings. There were quite a lot of operational components that we pulled into the app that they assisted us with.

They completed the UX/UI developments in January. Subsequent to that, they also started the process of rebuilding our website and branding our website.

What is the team composition?

The two main people we interacted with were John (New Business Manager) and Darren (Founder/Digital Director). There was a bigger team behind the two of them that did all the physical design work and assets.

How did you come to work with So Interactive?

My sister-in-law had engaged with them with the company she works for. We shortlisted three companies and they came out on top of all of them.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested 500,000-1 million South African Rand ($31,337–$62,674 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

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

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The impact has been massive. We now have increased operational effectiveness within the business mainly because of the features that we’ve moved into the app. The biggest benefit that we’ve gotten from them was their fast delivery.

We have fast-paced app development on our side and they’ve managed to keep ahead of the schedule. Functionally, the biggest payoff is the market survey with our customers when they started using the app. They're happy with the app features, the look and feel, the flow, and the transition. Feedback has been highly positive. They're highly effective in the methodology that they follow for the UX/UI.

How did So Interactive perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management is really good. The methodology they follow includes onsite workshops. Every Friday, we had a meeting where they give us updates as to where they are. They presented new UX/UI flows for us and we’d accept or decline. They’re highly effective in the way they manage their custom engagements and the delivery of the work that needs to get done.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They always keep in mind what is best for the customers, what the right customer journey is, and how the customer will feel working with this component. There have been a couple of times where they pushed back and said, from a design perspective, we’re not following the right approach. They advise and guide us if we’re going in the wrong direction.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, this is a vendor that I haven’t had problems with. They are doing really great work.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I recommend them to anyone. They’re not the cheapest out there, but you do get more than value for what you pay for. If you’re really serious about addressing what the customer needs and really want to get some good looking designs and customer flow, they’re a company I recommend.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Our company works with South African banks to combat organized banking fraud. I am the media and communications manager.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with So Interactive?

We create public awareness about banking crimes. They help us get our messages onto various platforms to help people protect their money.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They helped us post our messaging to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. They created content for our regular postings and supported specialized digital campaigns. We did a password campaign for cybersecurity month in October 2018. That included a microsite where users could test the strength of their passwords. They reply to comments on all our accounts, and they coordinate with us for complicated queries.

What is the team composition?

We work with a team of four or five individuals, led by our main point of contact.

How did you come to work with So Interactive?

We worked with their creative director previously. She joined So Interactive after the start of our relationship with her. We had a good rapport with her and wanted to keep working with her. She still manages our accounts on a freelance basis.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent over 2 million South African Rand (approximately $139,000 USD) on this collaboration. Our expenses are split between the agency and our freelance contact.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together at the beginning of 2018, and the collaboration is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We track several metrics for our board reports. Reach and engagement are the primary metrics we follow, as we don't have any sales to track. They are the best agency we've worked with to date.

How did So Interactive perform from a project management standpoint?

They're very detail oriented, and they take their time. The quality of their outputs is exceptional, and they're very good communicators.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We’re a small organization, and So Interactive has a personal touch that suits us. Their boutique, niche approach and innovation cater to our needs and to our budget.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They sometimes take a while to get back to us, but the quality is a good payoff for the time spent. They do the best they can with the information we give them, and I'd highly recommend them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be creative and communicative with them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of KLM Empowered. We design and implement national skills development projects for corporate clients, government, and NGOs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with So Interactive?

About three and a half years ago, we decided to transform our company. The brand was stale and outdated. We wanted to reposition ourselves in the marketplace.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

So Interactive managed our business repositioning. They worked on our branding, website, corporate collateral, IP, and digital marketing. They designed and implemented a strategy for us that included our site, all of our social media including LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, and managing Google lead campaigns.

What is the team composition?

We work with their founder and a key accounts manager.

How did you come to work with So Interactive?

We have a long history of working with them for about 11 years now. They approached us with the idea to take our company to the next level and proposed a holistic strategy to do so.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between 1.5 million to 2 million South African Rand (approximately $107,000–143,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in 2008, and it’s ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

So Interactive has been integral to our success. Their aggressive strategy was a game changer for us. We’ve grown exponentially over the last few years since we repositioned ourselves. The feedback we’ve had from existing and new clients has been phenomenal. They love our brand, our message, and our tone. There is such an awareness in the market; we never had the level of presence that we do now.

They’re a 360-degree agency that knows their business—which helped us understand our business a lot better. They’re in tune not just with what’s trending on the South African market but also internationally. The more the markets change, the more they align their client’s positioning per what the market dictates. We wouldn’t have had the impact we have without them.

How did So Interactive perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicate via email and WhatsApp. We also have monthly strategy and feedback sessions. Everything that we do has a project management requirement within the process because of links to certain campaigns. If they don't deliver, we can’t deliver—and they deliver.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I think it’s their creative genius and knowledge of the market. Their expertise is what gives them an edge beyond the wonderful personalities and the high level of service delivery they also have.

Are there any areas they could improve?

During our peak season, we have short deadlines. If they could meet the demand for quicker turnaround times on impromptu projects, that would be wonderful. At the same time, we realize that creative work and integrating third parties’ contributions takes time.  

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If a company wants to reposition itself or embrace digital marketing with a supplier that provides much more than the end product, So Interactive is their company.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of VulPro

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Undertakes vulture conservation using a multifaceted approach

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire So Interactive to accomplish?

Awareness

SOLUTION

How did you find So Interactive?

Online Search

Why did you select So Interactive over others?

High ratings

How many teammates from So Interactive were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Creating awareness for social media to attract support

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We never put any down

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

Yes, they were fantastic, extremely enthusiastic, and motivated to help us make a difference for vultures and to try assist us in creating more support for our work

What was your primary form of communication with So Interactive?

Virtual Meeting

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

Passion, hard work, team spirit and enthusiasm

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

I thought they were great

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the head of brand at a restaurant franchise. I oversee marketing, customer care, and communication.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire So Interactive?

We brought them on for website creation and digital content creation.

What were your goals for this project?

There is no one specific project. We have been working with them for 10 years.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We selected them through a pitch process run by the previous marketing manager.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Their work includes digital content creation and copywriting, website maintenance, and social media management.

What was the team composition?

They have a creative director, a strategist, a copywriter, and a digital head.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

No, as the projects they work on are not measurable. However, the quality of their work has been great.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was good.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I've been impressed by how tenacious they are. It's clear that they genuinely love their work. They are creative thinkers with a positive team spirit. 

Are there any areas for improvement?

They could have stronger account management and represent our ideas better to their creative head. This can become frustrating if we’re working with other creative supplies. There could also be better budget controls.