VIP Marketing

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the executive manager at an automotive distribution company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with VIP Marketing?

We needed their team to handle our production and marketing efforts.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

VIP Marketing initially conceptualized and produced an introductory video about our company, facilities, staff, and clients. They then managed our digital marketing pipelines, focusing on social media, email, and content marketing to help drive organic traffic and leads to our business.

What is the team composition?

My main point of contact was Eric (President), and I also worked with their client success and digital marketing managers.

How did you come to work with VIP Marketing?

One of our staff members referred VIP Marketing to us.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent over $200,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project ran from July 2019–March 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We got what we paid for and more with VIP Marketing’s industry knowledge and understanding of our client’s needs. Their team knew how to make compelling content that leveraged our business and identified lucrative opportunities to improve our digital presence. Additionally, they selected a remarkable domain for us and promoted it effectively across all our online platforms.

How did VIP Marketing perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicated via email and Google Meet. VIP Marketing was a highly responsive and proactive partner that took our needs seriously and addressed any issues within quick turnaround times. The proximity of our offices also worked to our advantage.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We were most impressed with their commitment to maintaining a harmonious relationship with us while delivering satisfactory results. Overall, VIP Marketing was a highly supportive team that we were glad to have worked with.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. VIP Marketing went above and beyond to meet our expectations.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Build a professional relationship with their team and trust them to be a transparent provider that intends to contribute to your success.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the sales manager for Jones Ford, Inc. in North Charleston, SC. We're a Ford dealer in the Charleston area and we have been family-owned since we opened in 1967.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with VIP Marketing & Advertising?

After working with a larger corporation for a few years, we needed a new marketing company with fresh ideas to manage our traditional marketing platform and create new content.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

To start, we discussed how digital is at the forefront of shopping and we created a strategy for how to be a part of that. VIP Marketing & Advertising and Craft Creative help us use traditional marketing techniques to drive potential customers to our website. They are responsible for everything from the creative for TV ads, to filming, to managing the air time with various channels. For example, we created an ad for an upcoming holiday with their team. In addition to coordinating with various television stations, they helped us expand to new local cable channels like CNN and ESPN, and new platforms like Hulu.

What is the team composition?

 We have about 7- 8 people handling our account, including Eric (President, VIP Marketing & Advertising). We also work with Heather (Account Executive, VIP Marketing & Advertising), and she handles our day-to-day, while Terry (Producer & Editor, Craft Creative) and his team work on our creative. 

How did you come to work VIP Marketing & Advertising?

Eric knew our fixed operations director, and he was introduced to our president and general manager. They hit it off really well, so VIP Marketing & Advertising started working on video creative for us. When I was hired, I was introduced to them and I knew immediately it was time to hire VIP Marketing & Advertising to handle all of our marketing needs.

How much have you invested with them?

We invest $28,000 per month, so about $200,000 in total.

What is the status of this engagement?

We brought them in full-time in November 2018, and our work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

In our time working with VIP Marketing & Advertising, we’ve seen significant improvement in traffic to our showrooms and overall sales. In seven months, both the number of visitors to the showroom and the number of cars sold per month have increased by 28%. We had over 2,000 visitors from April -October 2018 and that statistic increased even further from November 2018- June 2019. In the same time period, the number of cars we sold each month increased from 125 to 161.

Our first quarter was very impressive, and they played a key role in generating those numbers. We like that they provide consistent messaging. They create simple ads that aren’t gimmicky, and it works.

How did VIP Marketing & Advertising perform from a project management standpoint?

They are thorough and proactive project managers. We speak on a weekly basis and keep them updated on sales and traffic in the store and online. I know that in about a week, I will receive an email from Heather with ideas for next month’s creative. For the holiday ad, they had the creative and film ready a month in advance, which helped us choose ad slots earlier than our competitors. 

We’ve had a few hiccups, but their responses are so quick. For example, we accidentally displayed our disclaimers for 4.2 seconds once, when we are required to display them for a full 5 seconds. We received a letter from a regulatory committee, but Eric had already fixed the mistake and drafted letters in response.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They take what they do seriously, and they do it with heart and passion. They’re an energetic team with a good leader. In the past, we’ve worked with large companies that are very impersonal, but we like that VIP Marketing & Advertising is local to us and knows what we’re trying to accomplish. We couldn’t be happier working with them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

 There are always areas to improve, but I can’t think of any for them. They hold themselves accountable and are driven to give us results. When we don’t hit our objective, we look at what worked and what didn’t together and go from there.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the business manager for a private men's health clinic located in Charleston, SC. I manage the office, oversee financial decisions and operations, and do the marketing for the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire VIP Marketing & Advertising?

We needed help to build a brand identity for our company. We didn’t have the knowledge, expertise, or bandwidth to create a clear image that could reach our target audience. We decided to outsource both the strategic side of the marketing campaign as well as the creative and content management.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to increase sales and become recognized as the go-to physician for our specialized services in the greater Charleston area. The campaign needed to be sophisticated and clearly express that the services we provide are the premiere choice.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

They were suggested to us by our local cable station representative.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

VIP Marketing & Advertising had a series of discovery meetings to discuss our goals and our company’s brand. Their team focused on the major drivers for our business. From there, they developed an advertising plan that included traditional and digital media. They worked with us on creative concepts for TV commercials, digital presence, and paid online advertising.

Eventually, we decided to completely revamp our website. VIP Marketing & Advertising put our existing content into a more professional layout that also promotes the image that we want to portray. They use that same brand and design to create new brochures and print material for us to use at expos and networking events.

What was the team composition?

I work closely with the principals at the firm.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our ads are now recognized much more and better-received. We’re waiting to see what the response is to the new website. While our new customer numbers have stayed approximately the same, the conversion rate of purchased services has increased slightly.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Communication has been good to date. However, they just did a reorganization and we will be dealing with a different account manager.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their ability to turn the image we had of our business into a brand identity is exactly what we hoped for.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Because we don’t have anyone in-house with advertising experience, it would be nice for them to describe the details (e.g., the campaign and results) more clearly. That would help us understand what our money was paying for in terms of Google Ads, air time, etc.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a partner with a law firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with VIP Marketing & Advertising?

We needed to redo our website, start an advertising campaign, and produce some video projects to rebrand our online presence.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They helped with our site and oversaw video production for us. Once we had all the changes in place, they did digital marketing for us. They run a Facebook campaign and implemented organic improvements to our search terms and content.

What is the team composition?

We have one main point of contact.

How did you come to work with VIP Marketing & Advertising?

Their offices are down the street from ours. I decided to start a conversation with them and asked if they could help us.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The collaboration started in January 2018 and is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our main objective was to expand the online portion of our business and get more contacts through our site. It’s a slow process, but we’re seeing an impact within our local community. We’re very happy with the work they’ve done and are very satisfied with the engagement so far.

How did VIP Marketing & Advertising perform from a project management standpoint?

We usually touch base every six weeks or so to see how they are progressing and whether or not we need to make any changes. Their responsiveness is very good. Whenever I write to them with a question or concern, they always get right back to me. As a small business, they understand our viewpoint.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their communicativeness is much better than the company we used previously. We always know what they’re doing, so it’s easy to analyze their work. They’re always open and forthright, and I appreciate their honesty.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They do everything I ask of them. I’m really pleased with their level of communication and their abilities, and I don’t have any critical assessment for them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be communicative. If you have a good idea of what you want to accomplish, they will help you achieve your goals.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CFO of a construction company. We have three companies for construction, trucking, and concrete.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with VIP Marketing & Advertising?

We were struggling to recruit new employees to help us manage our workload. We had tried radio ads, billboards, newspapers, etc., but needed VIP Marketing & Advertising’s help targeting specific audiences.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The VIP Marketing & Advertising team launched marketing campaigns through social media. They improved our Instagram presence and post on our Facebook account. Currently, they send us daily leads. Their team recently developed a video for us that they broadcast across multimedia channels.

What is the team composition?

We work with multiple members of their team. Kyle (Brand Manager, VIP Marketing & Advertising) serves as our project manager and helped with our initial marketing efforts. Eric (President, VIP Marketing & Advertising) touches base with us on a weekly basis and ensures his team in on track. There are others who send us leads and work on the online campaigns.

How did you come to work with VIP Marketing & Advertising?

When we decided to seek outside help, we created a broad list of potential firms. We met with 3–4 of our final options, and VIP Marketing & Advertising was the best fit our price and service needs. The interview felt more effortless with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $50,000 on the project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in March, and the project is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

So far, they’ve procured between 300–350 potential hires for us to contact, due in part to our improving online content.

How did VIP Marketing & Advertising perform from a project management standpoint?

We speak over email, and they’re highly responsive to our questions. We haven’t had any issues with their communication—we’re pleased.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They customize their services to the project’s needs–they’re a friendly and timely team.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything they could be doing better.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you’re open about your needs, the project will go smoothly.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the general manager at Carpet Wholesalers, a retail flooring store.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with VIP Marketing & Advertising?

Before working with VIP Marketing & Advertising, I was managing all of our advertising campaigns. They approached me with an idea to provide those same services by purchasing advertising spots in bulk, bringing down costs of each spot for their clients and making a commission in the process at no additional cost to us.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

VIP Marketing & Advertising oversees our advertising placements for Google AdWords campaigns, Facebook ads, TV, radio, publications, and billboards. By approaching these campaigns with more purchasing power (backed by additional clients), they're able to reduce overall placement costs, while saving clients the time of having to purchase the spot themselves. They've also helped us trademark our logo and design digital banners or other creative elements as needed.

What is the team composition?

I mostly work with Eric (President, VIP Marketing & Advertising), connecting with him two to three times a week via phone and email.

How did you come to work with VIP Marketing & Advertising?

Eric approached us with an idea that posed no risk to our business. He offered to take some of the work off my hands without us having to spend any more on advertising costs, while making a commission for himself in the process.

How much have you invested with them?

They charge a 15% commission of our advertising budget.

What is the status of this engagement?

We've been working with them for eight years and counting.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

VIP Marketing & Advertising has not only saved us a tremendous amount of time, but they also helped increase our gross sales. We've steadily increased our monthly advertising spend as we continue to grow, which is partially attributable to their work. They've helped us effectively promote our brand and products over the years, providing insider knowledge to help us better achieve our goals.

How did VIP Marketing & Advertising perform from a project management standpoint?

Eric is an expert in his field, leveraging his previous background in working for TV stations. We meet regularly in-person for lunch, and he works closely with us to brainstorm new ideas and set realistic goals. They're very collaborative when it comes to reviewing creative elements (i.e., scripts for commercials, banner designers), and they give us plenty of time to review and approve them.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Even as they've grown over the years, their approach to client relationships is still very personal. Although Eric is in a position to hand off much of his work to others on his team, he still chooses to be very involved with his clients. He's also proactive about coming into our office and discussing our future initiatives.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don't think so. There's a reason I've been working with them for so long; they're honest, customer-centric, and very transparent about their rates. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I'd recommend clients give them a try. They've provided wonderful, personalized service for many years and we're still very happy in the partnership.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the general sales manager at McKinney Dodge Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. We’re a car dealer that sells both new and used vehicles.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with VIP Marketing & Advertising?

We wanted to get more traffic to our store and drive our website better.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

VIP Marketing & Advertising provides services for video, advertising, traditional and digital marketing, and social media marketing via Instagram and Facebook. The scope focuses more on the digital side than media—radio and TV. The team retargets our website by keeping the homepage, staff profiles, events, inventory, and pricing up to date.

What is the team composition?

I interact with Eric (President, VIP Marketing & Advertising) on a daily basis. I also work with three or four of his employees.

How did you come to work with VIP Marketing & Advertising?

Originally, we interviewed several different companies after trials with various agencies, and after a few rounds, decided that VIP Marketing & Advertising was the best fit for us. However, we switched to another vendor a year ago and increased our spending. We then went back to VIP Marketing & Advertising because they produced better ROI.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $50,000–$199,999.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in November 2013, and the partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our sales had declined with the other vendor, and we’re now trying to exceed our levels from our time with VIP Marketing & Advertising. They’ve increased our leads and traffic tremendously. Also, our sales continue to grow by about 10% annually as a result of great marketing and advertising via TV and radio.

How did VIP Marketing & Advertising perform from a project management standpoint?

Eric picks up the phone right away or promptly calls me back if he isn’t immediately available.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The team is creative and uses new cutting-edge technology. They’re always coming up with unique ideas for television and retargeting our website. VIP Marketing & Advertising’s digital marketing, advertising, and messaging set them apart from the previous vendors we engaged.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t think of anything. The team keeps us competitive while providing responsive service and fair prices.

Any advice for potential customers?

Every client has to find the right fit with a vendor. Potential clients would be foolish if they didn’t at least interview VIP Marketing & Advertising—at least two or three times before making a final decision. If clients give them a chance, they’ll be impressed with the results.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the HR coordinator for a construction company. Our services include trucking and concrete.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with VIP Marketing & Advertising?

Our company lacked a presence on social media and wanted to get the word out about our activity in the area.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The team went in and revamped our entire Facebook page. They now manage that platform and our Instagram account. Job applicants can see a mini-job application on our Facebook page that gets directed to me. I then screen those job applicants and call them back for further consideration.

The project’s focus is on social media. However, they’ve just recorded a video that’s currently under production at their offices. We’ll be releasing that content on our social media platforms including YouTube.

What is the team composition?

I interact with Bridget (Social Media Engagement/Research Manager, VIP Marketing & Advertising) and Eric (President, VIP Marketing & Advertising).

How did you come to work with VIP Marketing & Advertising?

We interviewed about five or six companies and decided that VIP Marketing & Advertising was the best fit for us.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in June 2018 and the partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

More candidates are seeing our job postings via Facebook our enhanced social media presences shows what we’ve been doing in the community. To date, we’ve received 75-80 applications that reflect people’s increased interest in our company. We’ve already hired a number of those applicants.

How did VIP Marketing & Advertising perform from a project management standpoint?

The team keeps me one step ahead with Facebook. They respond to applicants in a timely manner over the platforms and check with us about the information they provide. The team reaches out via phone or email whenever they have questions. We try to meet with Eric and his team every month to find out how the prior month went.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Eric is focused on the job-at-hand, but also the larger goal of showing people what we’ve done. He highlights our notable projects around the Charleston area to boost potential candidates’ interest.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. They’re wonderful and I don’t have any complaints.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm an office manager at a kitchen and bath retailer.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with VIP Marketing & Advertising?

We needed a company to help us with digital marketing.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They manage everything from Facebook ads and Google AdWords to making recommendations about PR programs. They also address various technical issues, such as problems with email.

What is the team composition?

We mostly work with Eric (Owner, VIP Marketing & Advertising).

How did you come to work with them?

We worked with Eric before he started VIP Marketing, so we trusted him. He is very knowledgeable and knows what he's doing when it comes to marketing and advertising.

How much have you invested with them?

We pay them about $3,500 a month.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in September 2009 and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Every time we want something different for our company, they come up with a new strategy. They never stop looking for new things to try and bring excellent ideas to the table. Also, they're very efficient. If I need to change anything, they fulfill my requests within 24 hours. The impact on our business has been very positive, which is why we continue the relationship.

How did they perform from a project management standpoint?

They do an excellent job and always respond quickly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They meet all of our needs. They're pleasant to deal with and work quickly, so I'm very happy with their services.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. Eric and his team are wonderful.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Go ahead and contact them. They do their best to make sure their clients are happy.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner and managing attorney of Brewer Law Firm, LLC

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire VIP Marketing & Advertising?

To Design and Maintain my website and to assist me with creating content and to create my brand logo.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to stand out in the marketplace, and to differentiate me from a crowded competitive field. We wanted to design a website that would act as a hub for our social media and internet-based marketing campaigns.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Reputation and our pre-existing relationship.

Describe the project in detail.

VIP & Craft Creative took my notes about what I was trying to achieve and created everything to be the foundation of my law firm's presence in the market place. This included video and written content, design, colors, logos, etc. They scouted locations for video and photoshoots and completely led me through the branding process.

What was the team composition?

Eric Elliott was the lead contact and idea-man. Then there was a business account manager who stayed in contact with me about every step, and then a design and video crew who took care of website design, layout, and video/photo content.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I get compliments on both our logo and website from everyone who sees it.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Perfect.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their ability to interview me, get an idea of what I wanted. They delivered a product far beyond anything I could have asked for.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Nothing.