Xtropy

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder / Creative Director of Rocket Farm

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Rocket Farm is a content marketing agency that specializes in video production for various verticals including healthcare, tech, and automotive.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Establish Google ad campaigns for various clients
• Deliver on conversion tracking that provides actionable data

SOLUTION

How did you find Xtropy?

Agency Group

Why did you select Xtropy over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Xtropy were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Xtropy was brought on to be an extension of our team in managing the Google ad side of our client relationships. Clients asked to have conversion metrics and campaigns set up on Google to track ROI for certain verticals that our clients are in. Deliverables included weekly calls with our team and our clients, as well as monthly reporting to monitor improvements.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our measurable outcomes come down to client satisfaction and KPIs showing a good ad spend return. Besides the key data points, open communication on improvements that needed to be made by joint effort really showed success in what we were all delivering.
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The Xtropy team is always on the ball with project management. They have a well-structured communication cadence and organization. They are quick to respond and quick to initiate any needs that will help the project gain traction for the metric markers we set in place.
What was your primary form of communication with Xtropy?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Xtropy, and those who have interacted with them, are just excited to be working with good, like-minded people all after the same goal. It is tough to find people who know what they are doing and can hold a conversation and be real people; Xtropy fits that! That was impressive.

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

I would not improve on anything that we have done thus far...just build on it.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Head of Growth Marketing at Rite Aid. We are an omnichannel retail and pharmacy company with over 2,500 stores around the United States.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We hired Xtropy to manage our omnichannel marketing campaigns within our Google and Bing Ads account. Our goal was to partner with them to create and implement search marketing campaigns that would support our internal business goals.

SOLUTION

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

Xtropy came to us on the recommendation of a colleague that had worked with them in the past. After meeting with the team and determining that they were qualified, had the expertise we were looking for and would be able to provide the level of service we required, we decided to bring them on.

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

Our work with Xtropy was for full service management of our paid search and shopping campaigns. This included budget management, existing campaign optimizations and recommendations, keyword research, writing ad copy, and other items around campaign management. We also requested and received regular reporting and detailed performance notes on a weekly basis.

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

We had 3-5 individuals working on our account, including the founder of the company, a project manager and specialists within specific areas of expertise.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We saw a significant amount of success within specific high value campaigns from the point whenever Xtropy began management. Our Google Shopping campaigns were able to scale as we tested into new campaign types at Xtropy's recommendation. We also had a very high visibility pharmacy focused campaign that reached it's most efficient levels while Xtropy was leading the management.

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

Xtropy was incredibly responsive, particularly when considering time zone differences and a very transitional period for our company that resulted in frequently changing plans and targets. They were always available to hop on a call or dive in on requests whenever we needed them.

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

I think there was a service level that they gave to us that you don't always get with all agency/client relationships. They were ready, willing and able to serve as thought leaders in the space. I particularly enjoyed some of our more off the cuff brainstorming sessions, which were really productive for the company.

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

We had a couple of snags as we were transitioning them onto the account, although there were a lot of factors at play. They were quick to resolve all issues and to quickly move onto a very productive and enjoyable partnership!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Bright Orange Thread is a digital marketing agency that helps clients give away their expertise for free. We drive traffic and create web experiences that fill the customer's pipeline. I am a project manager and marketing strategist.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We wanted to help clients increase their traffic through Google Ads campaigns. Our goals were to build campaigns that brought qualified traffic to our client sites. We also wanted ads to be optimized for the industry and ensure tracking was well set up so we could help clients measure the ROI/

SOLUTION

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

We were referred to Xtropy through a contact. We spoke with Jim and the team and felt their deep knowledge would be an asset in developing effective ad campaigns for our clients.

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

Xtropy has helped us manage several client campaigns over the years. Most recently, they are helping us manage work for two clients–a propane company and a home sale company. Setting up a new campaign is a critical juncture. Xtropy's intake process helps make sure we are setting up the campaigns in an effective manner.

Our kickoff call with Jim and the team always raises good questions about the client's goals and helps us confirm our goals with them. Their intake forms ensure we can ask for everything we need from the client up front, so that the process is easy for them. Reporting is always easily accessible. This is useful from our project management standpoint to evaluate the results and ask questions to unlock Xtopy's deeper expertise.

Xtropy is responsive and forward thinking when it comes to finidng solutions that will fit our client's industry. For example, they recommended weather based triggers for our propane client. This resulted in optimized ad spend to help the client maximize their budget.

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

We work with Jim - the lead strategist, and Brie, the project manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Xtropy has helped drive down the clients cost per click while increasing conversions. Suggestions like DSA campaigns in conjunction with our conversion rate optimization have helped the client achieve a 3:1 Life time ROI on ads.

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

Xtropy is very responsive. From the calendly link to book a meeting, their online intake forms, and always-accessible ad reports, I know I can access data or answer questions at any time.

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

Their knowledge of the industry and commitment to be forward-thinkers when it comes to Google's trends. They are early adopters of new Google products. This unlocks more opportunities for our clients.

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

We meet often and are in constant contact with the Xtropy team. Our end-of-year meeting was extremely insightful. Quarterly strategy reviews to help educate us on trends so we are prepared with recommendations would be something to think about integrating.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of a hair, skin, and nails direct-to-consumer brand.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Xtropy?

We needed help with Google Ads, product placement, and ad placement.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They manage Google Ads for two of our brands. We’re in the haircare and nutritional supplement business and there are always Google restrictions with OTC products. Xtropy offers expertise in getting our products approved with specific wording.

 They test how ads are working and measure them. The team handles our shopping feeds and budgets. They also evaluate our click-through-rates.

What is the team composition?

I work with Brieanna (Project Manager) and Jim (Owner). There’s also a team of people he delegates tasks to in respect to our account.

How did you come to work with Xtropy?

They were referred to us by our social media management firm. I checked out their reviews on Clutch, too. The rest is history.  

How much have you invested with them?

We spend $6,000–$7,000, including ad spend.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in June 2020, and our work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve had some products that have done very well with them. I used to call them “sleeper products” because they weren’t moving really well. All of a sudden, they’re moving well because the way the ads are presented is more optimized.

How did Xtropy perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve been excellent. If I send them an email, I get a response within 24 hours. I always get a detailed, effective response whenever I ask for an update.

They give us a monthly report where we can see our ROAS. I have direct communication with Jim via email. We also have quarterly and semi-annual calls that go over trends and what we’re looking to accomplish.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their transparency stands out. They’re spending our money and take ownership in that. They know if they’re not doing a good job, they won’t have clients for very long.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I can’t think of anything. Things have gone relatively well.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

My advice is to give them all the information they need to know about your business. Share knowledge about your products, your product margins, and what you want to accomplish. Be as transparent as possible in telling them what you want. That enables them to do the job better.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the COO for a real estate company under Alicie Inc.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Xtropy?

Back in 2013, SEO was beginning to grow in the real estate market space, so we started to implement it as part of our business However, as we continued to grow, we realized that we needed more expertise in that area. We sought out an SEO group that was familiar with real estate and could support us in our specific geography.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

We’ve developed a partnership with Xtropy over the years to manage our SEO. Early on, the work was about developing a strategy that aligned with our business. They helped us understand how we wanted to put ourselves out in the marketplace so that we could best capture the right clientele. After designing our strategy, they built it out in the marketplace and have continued to monitor our exposure.

From a functional level, they bring to the table a talented group with a cross-section of skills, including graphic design, advertising, video production, technical SEO support, and even automation for our workflows. Over time, they’ve come to learn what we’re looking for and how to represent our business. The team now provides content for us based on their understanding of our company.

What is the team composition? 

Jim (Founder & CEO) works with us on our strategy. As he comes up with projects, he implements certain team members to work on them. We’re in touch with 4–5 people on a regular basis, depending on what we’re working on. There’s a technical person who helps us automate any activity that goes into the marketplace. Then, we have a graphic design group that works on our banner ads and campaigns. Finally, we work with a group for our video content.

How did you come to work with Xtropy?

We’d worked with SEO agencies before that had great track records but were either outside of our industries or weren’t a good fit. When we found Xtropy, we chose them because they had knowledge of not just our geography but also our industry. That combination really made a difference.

How much have you invested with them?

Excluding paid ads, we’ve spent in the range of $400,000–$500,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

They’ve been working with us since 2013.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve grown significantly since working with Xtropy. They’ve helped us double our business every four years, which shows consistency in their work — it’s not like we just had an anomalous year of good fortune.

Their team has grown with us throughout that evolution, too. They’ve produced a lot of really good material for us that has gained solid traction in our marketplace. It’s almost like having our own marketing department, even though they’re an external team.

How did Xtropy perform from a project management standpoint?

Our normal marketing for our product follows a regular schedule, so they know how to go about that workflow. For the strategic target marketing that we do on specific campaigns, we have a tighter time frame. 

Xtropy does a pretty good job of meeting our scheduled timelines because we talk about them in advance. The only instance where we fall out is when we aren’t collectively satisfied with an end product and want to make it even better. Aside from that, the team operates much in the same way that we do: swiftly but not randomly.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Rather than any one given element, it’s their various fronts that really make this partnership successful. Xtropy is great at what they do in their industry. They have the right kind of expertise and market knowledge as well as experience in real estate marketing, all of which are what I need as a company. On top of that, they’ve proven to be very willing partners over time. These aspects holistically make a big difference.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they’ve been very consistent and forthright in all that they do. I don’t see any need to improve because they stay in front of everything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

When looking at SEO, you have to understand that there are a lot of players in this space. It’s a combination of science and art, and there’s also a lot of trial and error involved. You really have to do your due diligence to find the right partner.

It’s just like in real estate — when you’re out there shopping for a home, you want a trusted adviser. In business, you have to have that, too. Once you find a trustworthy agency, you should invest in that company to develop a partnership. If you have synergy, then you’ll find success.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the finance director of Zuno, Inc. We have several products under our brand, including an online invitation service. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Xtropy?

We wanted to run a new-to-market digital marketing campaign.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Xtropy initially ran a six-month Google Ad campaign to raise brand awareness and acquire users. They’re providing ongoing digital marketing campaigns.

What is the team composition?

We work with 2–3 people from Xtropy, including the company’s owner.

How did you come to work with Xtropy?

An employee previously partnered with Xtropy and recommended them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began our ongoing partnership in October 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Xtropy is knowledgeable, and the quality of their service is impressive. We extended our engagement with them because we were so pleased with the initial results.

How did Xtropy perform from a project management standpoint?

Their team provides monthly reports and analysis. We have quarterly meetings too. We also have access to the Google Ad dashboard. They’re quite responsive and usually respond to us within a day.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re down to earth, which facilitates easy communication. Their team gives us excellent recommendations and meets all of our expectations.

Are there any areas they could improve?

In the beginning, they could have made processes clearer.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Work with them. You won’t regret it.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the President of an online company that provides supplements for pets and humans. We have been in business since 2008 and started working with Xtropy Web Marketing from the beginning.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Xtropy Search Marketing?

We were looking to spread the word about our products to customers online.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to increase sales in a very competitive market. Over the years, the market space has become even more competitive as more online retailers have entered the market place.

SOLUTION

How did you select Xtropy Search Marketing?

We searched online and received bids for our web marketing services. After receiving Xtropy's proposal and meeting with them they became the clear choice.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

After we selected Xtropy, we had a number of meetings to develop a marketing plan that was subsequently implemented with great success. It has been revised and honed over the years in response to changes in the market.

What was the team composition?

Originally, I worked with the founder of Xtropy, Jim Hammerel. Over the years, as Xtropy has expanded we have continued to work with Jim and his staff members as Xtropy has grown.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since we began working with Xtropy our sales have increased by 90% despite a changing marketplace and the challenges presented by world events.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Xtropy staff members are exceptional to work with. Their response to our marketing needs has been outstanding. Over the years, we have had regular meetings and they are always available on short notice should an immediate need arise.

Jim and his staff have done an outstanding job of mapping out short and long term goals and are very proactive in developing strategies to assist in our success. They are always aware of the latest trends in digital media and they help us stay relevant in a fast-changing market.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I continue to be amazed at the knowledge of Jim and his staff. They have kept me informed of current trends and gently encouraged me to take action that has resulted in our business remaining competitive.

Not only have Jim and his staff done a great job for us, but they present their suggestions in a way that a non "techy" person can understand. They never talk down to us or make us feel foolish for asking any question. Their calm, patient manner has made them a pleasure to work with in a fast changing "tech" environment.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I can't think of anything Xtropy and its staff could improve on. They continue to be responsive, knowledgeable and easy to work with during these challenging and stressful times.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Marketing Services of Vehlo

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Vehlo builds and supports automotive industry software and financial solutions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Xtropy to accomplish?
Generate Leads

SOLUTION

How did you find Xtropy?

• Referral
• Other

Why did you select Xtropy over others?

Referred to me

How many teammates from Xtropy were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Xtropy managed our paid digital marketing efforts and monitored, adjusted and optimized our campaigns.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since partnering with Xtropy, we've seen measurable growth in lead generation, revenue and brand visibility. Their expertise has not only elevated our presence in the market, but they've also maximized our budget to deliver stellar return on investment.

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

Xtropy was fully invested in understanding what makes our business tick and delivering results that really matter. They took the time to learn about our audience and the nuances of our industry. This personalization of campaigns is part of what made them so successful. 

What was your primary form of communication with Xtropy?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

We never felt like Xtropy was just 'checking boxes.' What set them apart was their commitment to strategic, long-term campaign management and success. 

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

We had only positive experiences with Xtropy and are grateful for their partnership.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO & Founder of Datafiniti

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We provide instant access to a wide variety of data (real estate, people, businesses, and products).

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Generate sales through Google Ads

SOLUTION

How did you find Xtropy?

Referral

Why did you select Xtropy over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Xtropy were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Xtropy took over our Google Ads campaigns, updated them to follow more modern practicies, and continues to manage them.  These campaigns have helped us generate hundreds of leads and dozens of new customers.  Xtropy provides detailed monthly reports on how the campaigns are performing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Cost per lead and cost to acquire customer.  Xtropy brought CAC to a place that lets us run a profitable ad campaign.

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

Xtropy has always been very responsive, typically responding within minutes or hours of any communication.  They deliver monthly reports and conduct an annual EOY review.  All data related to their work is available in real-time via Google Ads.

What was your primary form of communication with Xtropy?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

I can completely delegate the ads campaign work to them and don't have to worry about the details.

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

None.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of Straight Paths Moving

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Moving company

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

• Get more calls
• Get more trucks
• Expand

SOLUTION

How did you find Xtropy?

• Online Search

Why did you select Xtropy over others?

• The guy sounded knowledgeable

How many teammates from Xtropy were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

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

I needed help getting myGoogle ads and tag manager stuff in order.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

All my ad words and tracking are set up

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

Very well

What was your primary form of communication with Xtropy?

• Virtual Meeting

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

Their personalized help is impressive.

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

No