Social Driver

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the deputy director at the Washington Monthly here in Washington, D.C. It’s a small, nonprofit progressive policy magazine that’s been around for 51 years.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Social Driver?

Social Driver was hired as a result of us having received funding from the Gates Foundation. We wanted to amplify the distribution and visibility of one of our magazine issues — namely, our annual college guide.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Social Driver crafted and managed social media campaigns to drive traffic to our website and boost our digital presence. They designed the campaign ads for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, over a two-year period.

What is the team composition?

We worked with around 5­–6 people. We interacted with various members of their team at different points in time.

How did you come to work with Social Driver?

Thanks to the grant from the Gates Foundation, we were lucky enough to be able to hire a PR team to work with us. That PR team referred us to Social Driver, whom we interviewed. We thought they were terrific, so we decided to move forward with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We started working together in February 2019, and they ran a campaign for us that summer. That fall, we signed a contract to work with them again in 2020. Our recent project just concluded.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve spent a total of $35,000.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I can’t speak highly enough of them. We saw a significant increase in traffic to those targeted web pages, thanks to their efforts.

How did Social Driver perform from a project management standpoint?

They were superb. They met all their deadlines and communicated extremely well with us. What’s more, they were always a pleasure to interact with. They were personable and professional, and they didn’t hesitate to instigate the outreach when it came down to it. They usually did to remind us of upcoming deadlines or meetings, which kept us on track.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They really understood the space we were trying to work in. They paid very close attention to understand our message, our goals, and who we are as an organization, Then, they tailored the ad campaigns and outreach to reflect those goals. They were incredibly responsive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I really don’t have anything negative to say. Their team was really terrific.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

It behooves you to realize that they’re sophisticated in the way they think about their work. Do your homework before going into meetings with them. They’re quick to ask you pointed questions, so it’ll help to sort through your goals and the audiences you’re trying to reach beforehand. That way, you can have a productive conversation.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the general manager at Country Hill Motors Inc., a car dealership.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Social Driver?

We were trying to merge our existing brand and elevate it, while also reaching consumers we wouldn’t otherwise reach through our current channels.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First, Social Driver went through a discovery phase, taking a look at our current advertising strategies. They addressed gaps, partially through a SWOT analysis. Then, they came back and presented us with options on what we could do and what others have done to increase leads. The team launched a social media campaign, as well as Google Ads.

What is the team composition?

We worked with about six people from Social Driver.

How did you come to work with Social Driver?

They were referred to me. When I reached out to them initially, I was impressed with their work ethic and transparency. I understood what they were doing, versus other providers who I often felt like were hiding something. Social Driver was very clear, open, and easy to understand from the get-go.

How much have you invested with them?

We spend about $75,000 per month.

What is the status of this engagement?

This particular project took place from November 2017–December 2019. However, our business relationship has been on and off for about five years now, as we’ve run various campaigns.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were happy with the amount of leads Social Driver’s strategies ended up generating. We felt like we achieved our goals. 

How did Social Driver perform from a project management standpoint?

Social Driver performed well. They were great in terms of meeting deadlines and communication. I could always get a hold of someone when I needed, whether it was by email, phone, or text. They were responsive regardless.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They didn’t just put our business in a box. They really cared about our specific needs, and they tailored their strategies. Social Driver combined their extensive experience with my individual goals and came up with a really great solution.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t think there’s anything they could’ve done differently. As long as they continue to drill down to get their consumers some sort of concrete ROI metric, they’ll be great. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

As with any agency, you should come prepared with expectations of what success looks like so that they can do their job.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work for Goodwill Industries International. I’m the senior director of PR, leading all of our external communications efforts.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenges were you trying to address Social Driver?

We’ve used them in two capacities. They’ve participated at multiple conferences to facilitate social media training. 

We also brought them on to help us combat a viral rumor that targetted the credibility of our organization. The rumor is part of a movement called “Think Before You Donate.” It’s been circulating for over 15 years via email and social media. The claims it makes about our organization are untrue but were harming our ability to get donations and grants.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

To combat the rumors, Social Driver created templates, graphics, and videos explaining our structure and dispelling false claims about our organization. The put on three webinars to educate the CEOs and communications executives across our network. 

What is the team composition?

Anthony (CSO & Co-Founder), Thomas (Co-Founder & CEO), and Brittany (Director of Social and Digital Media) were my main points of contact. We worked with 2–3 other members of the project team and an outside PR consultant. 

How did you come to work with Social Driver?

I knew Anthony through networking circles. I looked at a few other vendors, but I was impressed by their understanding of nonprofits, NGOs, and community organizations. 

How much have you invested with them?

In total, we’ve probably spent between $30,000–$35,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

I believe we started working with them in January 2018, and the PR campaign was a four-month engagement. They’ve continued to speak at annual conferences for us.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since their campaign, we’ve seen a significant decrease in the spread of false information about Goodwill. News coverage about it has also decreased. 

How did Social Driver perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re good at meeting deadlines. They also went above and beyond by creating tutorials for our different branches to make it easier for them to share the graphics on social media. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Even though our work has technically ended, I can turn to them for advice. They’re proactive, and I feel cared for on a strategic and personal level. They’re passionate about their clients. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Not that I can think of right now. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers? 

I would recommend start by talking to Anthony because he’s good at painting a strategic picture. He also cares about seeing his clients succeed.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Independent consultant of Independent consultant

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Membership organization.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Social Driver to accomplish?

• Redesign our website to appeal to our various audiences.
• Increase website traffic

SOLUTION

How did you find Social Driver?

Referral

Why did you select Social Driver over others?

Referred to me

How many teammates from Social Driver were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

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

• Website redesign
• Website architecture
• Transerfer of wepages
• Two microsites

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The Social Driver team met an impossible deadline.

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

Project management was impeccable

What was your primary form of communication with Social Driver?

Virtual Meeting

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

Colleagiallity and team work

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

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an Executive of Areté Rising

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We create programs and technology tools to support economic mobility for young people.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Social Driver to accomplish?

• Marketing campaign for a product launch
• Design update for website

SOLUTION

How did you find Social Driver?

Referral

Why did you select Social Driver over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Social Driver were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Help launch a marketing campaign to raise awareness of a new product through social media ads on: tiktok, instagram and spotify.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

New designs for our website to our specifications and metrics from clicks, views and likes online.

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

Items were delivered on time. They were easy to work with. Our project manager was very responsive and helpful as the project changed throughout the couse of the engagement.

What was your primary form of communication with Social Driver?

Email or Messaging App

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

The responsiveness of the team.

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

Nope, it was good.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am a Director at National Alliance for Public Charter Schools

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We advocate for the millions of children attending or hoping to attend a charter school.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Social Driver to accomplish?

• Create one explainer video
• Create three social videos from initial explainer

SOLUTION

How did you find Social Driver?

Referral

Why did you select Social Driver over others?

• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Social Driver were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We worked with Social Driver to produce an explainer video about charter schools. The explainer video will be used on YouTube and on our newly redesigned website. They also created three shorter videos from the longer explainer that we can use on social media to inform and drive traffic to our website.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Deliver one longer explainer video and three shorter videos.

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

Social Driver was on-time on every deliverable and was understanding as our priorities shifted.

What was your primary form of communication with Social Driver?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Social Driver's team is very dedicated to their craft and open to direction from our skilled team. We have been happy with the ultimate deliverables every time we've worked with them.

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

N/A

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I lead marketing and communications for a nonprofit organization.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Social Driver, and what were your goals?

Our organization has a longstanding relationship with Social Driver. Most recently, Social Driver has served to maintain our website, as well as provide occasional web development for special projects.

SOLUTION

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

N/A

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

We have the opportunity to meet periodically to discuss special projects, etc.

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

We have a main point of contact at Social Driver for our ongoing work together, plus a full team behind the scenes.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are pleased with the number of visitors to the site.

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

Social Driver has been very timely in their responses. Together, we use Asana to communicate about special projects and questions.

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

Their customer service is impressive!

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

N/A