Yakkety Yak Marketing

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the owner of an outdoor retailer in Colorado both in store and online.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Yakkety Yak Marketing?

We built a reputation in our industry but hadn't properly launched our new website. YY helped out develop a strategy for getting the word out that included online ads both via Facebook and Google, as well as a email marketing campaign that helped communicate our value, as well as follow with folks who visited the site.

SOLUTION

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

We felt like we weren't big enough for an agency and wanted a team we could work closely with, yet had disappointing results with independent contractors. YY was the perfect mix of professionals and gave us confidence they can help in all areas. We're small in comparison to their clients but they worked within our budget and made us feel valued as a customer.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

They first did an audit of our site and made recommendation to communicate our value sooner, making changes to the home page and about section. We then focused on driving traffic to the store, followed by staying in touch with those who visited. It was a well executed plan that was direct, yet easy to manage thanks to their weekly scheduling and assistance.

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

We had a dedicated account manager who helps connect the dots, but worked with someone who specialized in ads, and someone else that did our email marketing campaigns. Overall, the process was seamless and they did a great job keep us updated along the way.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our marketing efforts were made apparent immediately, and averaged a 14/1 ROAS on our first month.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We had weekly touch points, to begin we flew out to Chicago to meet with the team prior to hiring them. Again, we were treated like a much bigger client then we actually were, just felt like we could trust them making recommendations and throughout the process.

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

Ashely the CEO was gracias with her time and involvement. We didn't expect to see her much after the initial in person meeting, but every once in awhile she'd pop in or reach out individually to make sure we were satisfied with the process.

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

Honestly nothing I'd change. They were a very professional group with big agency talent., yet small mom and pop vibes and attention.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the program and operations director for a nonprofit. The program that I’m in aims to educate primary care physicians on diagnosing and treating headache disorders.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Yakkety Yak Marketing?

We needed a marketing and communications vendor to support us because we received an educational grant, which had a lot of components.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Yakkety Yak Marketing developed and designed our online resource library. They also created a podcast series, which featured a one-hour talk that we give to primary care residency programs or through grand rounds style talk. Sometimes, the presentation was given through other meeting organizations' symposia.

On top of that, they helped us with our monthly newsletter journal. Overall, we have a very dynamic program with a lot of moving pieces, and the team continues to support all of our marketing and communications needs.

What is the team composition?

We’re primarily working with Heather (Account Manager). We’re also working with their copywriter, graphic design team, video team, and more.

How did you come to work with Yakkety Yak Marketing?

They were our organization’s marketing and communications vendor for several years. Since they already had a relationship with us, I wanted them to get involved in this project. I also found working with them to be fabulous, and their history and knowledge of our organizations really benefit their ability to help us with our program.

We also examined two other companies, but Yakkety Yak Marketing was clearly the top choice for us because they understood what we were looking for. Overall, we were really confident signing with them and knew that they’d be able to help us get this program successfully.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $300,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began our partnership in April 2020, and we’re still working with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They successfully developed our online resource library, and to date, we’ve had over 57,000 user sessions and over 45,000 new users. We’re really happy with those results because they’re clearly helping us drive traffic to the website. Furthermore, they care about our program’s success. Overall, we have an excellent working relationship, and they’ve helped us get our program off the ground.

How did Yakkety Yak Marketing perform from a project management standpoint?

It feels like we have a very personal relationship with them. We’re important to them, and we feel like they’re our friends. In addition, they’re super responsive and are always willing to take on more work, which has really helped us because there were many times where there were just too many things on our plate.

At the start of our partnership, we used to have weekly check-ins. However, since they've been involved in the program for so long, we’re pretty much operating on a standard level. As a result, we’ve decreased the number of calls we have every other week.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The team is helpful and collaborative, and they’re not the type of agency that’s going to nickel and dime us for every little thing. If they have to do a little bit of extra on their end, they’re not going to send us a proposal for that. Instead, they’re going to do the work free of charge because that’s just how they are.

We’ve asked them to join committee calls with relatively short notice to show our project’s metrics. In connection with that, they’ve successfully put together PowerPoint presentations to outline all the different metrics of our website and content. We saw that they’re perfectly comfortable and capable of presenting to the committee, and they've been able to answer all of the questions thrown at them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Sometimes, we’re looking for a little bit more strategy direction, particularly on how to approach outreach to a challenging audience. However, it's always a great learning opportunity when we work together to solve the problem.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Come to the table after you outline what your goals are. When you’re clear about what you need for your project, that will be helpful to ensure that things move along efficiently and quickly.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the Fundraising Events Coordinator for the Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Yakkety Yak Marketing, and what were your goals?

Our annual fundraiser gala had to be hosted virtually this year due to COVID. Yakkety Yak helped us plan and produce a two hour program for donors to attend virtually. The program included multiple interviews, interest pieces, live and silent auctions, and a live paddle raise.

SOLUTION

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

We have worked with members of the Yakkety Yak team previously as part of Kindred Content, and have always had a great working relationship with them so decided to keep partnering with them after they were acquired by Yakkety Yak.

Describe the video(s) and the process in detail, including the project steps and all stages of production.

We began all the storyboarding and scriptwriting processes together in a collaborative planning phase. Yakkety Yak then filmed and edited the entire program, checking in with us regularly for feedback. Their team also supported the streaming and live portions of the program.

Who did you work with and what was the feedback process like?

We worked mainly with their project manager but also directly with the editors at times. They would provide us a draft of the videos through Vimeo, to which we would respond with edits and suggestions. They were very good at taking our edits and implementing them in a timely manner until ultimately arriving at a fantastic end product.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We received tons of positive feedback on the impact video portion of the program, which helped us meet our fundraising goals for the event. The feedback on the impact video was so overwhelmingly positive that we are continuing to brainstorm ways to use it in the future.

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

The project manager was incredibly responsive and easy to reach. We had weekly video calls to check in on our progress, but also communicated easily via email.

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

They were so easy to collaborate with. Our project was really a team effort from our team and theirs. They took our ideas and spun them into something even better than we could have hoped for. The entire team is so friendly and personable and they were an absolute dream to work with!

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

No, the Yakkety Yak team executed their portion of the event perfectly.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Ashland Breast Pumps is a national Durable Medical Equipment providing mothers with their insurance covered breast pump and corresponding supplies. Lactation Network provides lactation consultations to expecting and new mothers either in-home or in-office. We set moms up for breastfeeding success through both Ashland Breast Pumps and Lactation Network. I am VP of Sales for these businesses.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Yakkety Yak Marketing?

We have retained Yakkety Yak to create and execute a comprehensive digital marketing plan for Ashland Breast Pumps and Lactation Network. They are responsible for our content marketing, social media management, data analytics, SEO management, branding, marketing collateral, and website design.

What were your goals for this project?

We hired Yakkety Yak to raise brand awareness for both Ashland Breast Pumps and Lactation Network while providing a seamless "shopping" experience for them to obtain their insurance covered breast pump through an improved website. To achieve this Yakkety Yak created and implemented strategies across social media and search engines to make sure we were reaching customers. The goal was also to further brand our businesses as being women's health focused. Further, our goal was to provide thoughtful, useful, and informative content to empower and educate expecting and new mothers about their insurance benefits, their rights as nursing moms, and how to establish a supportive network while they work towards their breastfeeding goals.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Our business reached a tipping point of needing more sophisticated knowledge with regards to digital marketing. We were growing quickly and understood that DTC marketing for our business division was going to be. Yakkety Yak's owner was a patient of ours, and we connected and realized they were the right fit for our needs. Not only were they digital marketing experts, they were passionate about our business from the get go after experiencing us as a customer first.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

The scope of work with Yakkety Yak is extensive, and they have been an excellent partner. Their scope of work has included but not been limited to: Branding/Re-Branding Website development and design Marketing collateral pieces Trade show strategies and collateral Content marketing, Including nurture campaign creation and implementation Direct to Consumer Marketing SEO Data Analytics

What was the team composition?

I have worked directly with Yakkety Yak's owner, Ashley since the beginning. I have worked directly with my account manager, their business strategist, their SEO and data analytics team, their creative/branding team, their video/photography team, their website development team, etc. They are a full service marketing agency, and we have had the pleasure of being well taken care of by the appropriate and dependable team(s) depending on the project(s) at hand. Ashley is always in touch and available when needed.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since implementing Social Media and SEO strategies, re-branding, website redesigns, etc. We have seen our brand awareness increase dramatically. We have seen competitive companies incorporate some of our design and process elements. Our business has doubled since we have begun working Yakkety Yak, and with their help, we have launched a second business division that is growing rapidly. They are full of great ideas and I am grateful to have them as a partner with whom to collaborate.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow has been smooth. I have always had a clear and available point of contact. They are flexible to make sure I have all the information I need. They are excellent at meeting deadlines and keeping projects on track from start to finish.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

What I find most impressive about this company is their sense of pride and responsibility for helping my company expand. They believe sincerely in our mission, and it shows in their commitment, work, and excitement to share ideas. Since we began working with Yakkety Yak, they have grown adding expertise to their team making them a one stop shop. I am proud of Ashland Breast Pump and Lactation Network and I know they feel the same amount of pride in each brand.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Yakkety Yak was very accommodating early on in understanding how our management and ownership teams consumed data. Because marketing data is the key metric by which Yakkety Yak shows how successful they are, it is important it is communicated in a way that speaks to non-marketing experts. Yakkety Yak evolved their approach over time to teach us about these metrics, why they are important, what they mean for our business, and how we can use them to make advantageous decisions about our needs and our spend.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am an attorney at a law firm with over 120 employees. Our reach is both local and national with respect to the different types of law that we practice.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Yakkety Yak Marketing?

Our overall comprehensive digital marketing and branding strategy.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to not only expand our outreach in our highest volume target area, but also the immediate surrounding areas. As there is a gap between transactions with the majority of my clients, the goal was to keep my firm name on their mind.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We researched and interviewed several vendors. Yakkety Yak was the most responsive at that time, and that immediate attention has proven to be true to their culture throughout our experience.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

After meeting with the team, we were given a plan to approve. We are consistently given a marketing calendar and content to approve beforehand. Items include branding, website design, digital outreach, marketing programs, and help with SEO.

What was the team composition?

I have worked closely with the owner and several members of the team. I have no preference as to who I work with, as each individual is incredibly competent.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have experienced a dramatic increase in outreach in all areas, but particularly with respect to social media.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Incredibly seamless, which is incredibly important for my needs.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The knowledge of the process and focused attention that they provide to our company set them apart.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the operations manager for a medical manufacturing company. I oversee daily operations and identify the needs of a growing company including P&L, brand communications, product development and customer relations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Yakkety Yak Marketing?

We hired YY for the following: website design SEO and digital marketing marketing literature

What were your goals for this project?

We want to innovate the market place and develop brand awareness with digital marketing, as well as enhance the consumers' experience from our website with resources and easy check out.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Parent company, Graymont Medical has partnered with YY across all aspects of the business - it was a natural fit to partner with YY for the development of our new business, Lake Effect.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

They have planned out digital marketing, including social media, ad campaigns on LinkedIn, blog content, etc. YY designed our website and directed us in brand development.

What was the team composition?

I have worked with various team members from YY, including Ashley, Andi, Kate, and recent team members Sarah and Maribel.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are in the early stages of our project and haven't implemented metrics to equate progress or success as a result of our ongoing projects.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Efforts have been made to streamline communication and keep the team organized and on task. We originally communicated via email, which was not productive for our team and was difficult to meet our deliverables, as well as, track projects and forecasted timelines. The solution was a working Google Doc which is proving to be a successful team collaboration tool.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their brand development is impressive. I was very impressed with the design of our logo and the story that it tells.

Are there any areas for improvement?

YY is actively improving our method of communication.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Cara is a workforce development agency that helps people affected by poverty get back to work through our personal and professional skills training, access to employment partners, and our career retention coaching. In my position, I oversee the marketing and communications strategy of the entire Cara enterprise - including the 501c3 nonprofit and two social enterprises we own and operate.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Yakkety Yak Marketing?

We partnered with Yakkety Yak after submitting for their Yakkety Yak Gives Back initiative - where they offer a nonprofit a suite of digital marketing services. While we were not the recipient of that year's offering, the Yakkety Yak team were moved by the work of Cara to work with us pro bono on digital content and an SEO strategy, among other services.

What were your goals for this project?

The initial goals were to continue developing Cara's digital presence and identify opportunities for support from the Yakkety Yak team.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We applied for services with Yakkety Yak through the Yakkety Yak Gives Back program.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

- Strategize year-long content for Cara's media (blogs, social media, etc.) - Develop monthly content calendars for social media - Consulted on Google Ad Grants including initial set up and best practices for building campaigns. - Consulted on SEO best practices

What was the team composition?

I have had the pleasure of working with their entire team and utilizing each person's diverse skill-set.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

As we enter year 2 of this relationship, we have become leaner and meaner in our digital strategy and have begun putting building blocks in place for the next phase as we develop targeted campaigns and revamp our web presence.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective. Everyone came to meetings with clear expectations and desired outcomes and were open to feedback and limitations on our end.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I love their commitment to excellence and their spirit of community. Yakkety Yak is beyond just another digital agency, they are a real partner and friend.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not yet. :)

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Development Manager with Girls in the Game, a sports, health and leadership nonprofit in Chicago.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Yakkety Yak Marketing?

We participated in their Yakkety Yak Gives Back program to dig into social media. The project evolved into a website redesign project.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to increase the mobile-friendliness of our website, and simplify/cut a lot of the content. We wanted the website to be more visually appealing and easier to manage on the back end. We anticipated having more visitors to our website, as well as increasing the clicks on donations, volunteering, requests for information, etc.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were referred to the Yakkety Yak Gives Back program by a few different people familiar with it.

Describe the project in detail.

The website redesign consisted of an entire, top to bottom, redesign of each page. We worked with the designers to simplify how we were communicating information, to cut information that wasn't relevant and to increase the prominence of actions we wanted people to take on the website (donate, learn more, volunteer).

My role in the project was to give feedback from Girls in the Game's perspective both as someone who interacts with donors and as someone who has managed the website in the past. We provided pictures, program information and write-ups and gave feedback on what pages were really important, and what pages could probably go.

Yakkety Yak was responsible for designing the website based upon the information and pictures, brand guidelines, etc. They built the wireframes and incorporated our feedback into the design.

What was the team composition?

On Girls in the Game's side, the main team consisted of myself and another coworker, Mallory Bilski, with feedback from our supervisor, Dawn Kobel. The Yakkety Yak team consisted of several people who came in and out of the project, however, our main contact was Andi Summers. Yakkety Yak also collaborated with an outside vendor for part of the design.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've received lots of positive feedback from staff and current donors on the website. The simplified design and layout is very easy to work with, and has kept us from adding too many things to the site. From a development point of view, the back end of the site has been extremely easy to update and work with.

It's still a little early for traffic results overall, but we've gotten a big uptick in responses to the contact forms on the site, which has been very helpful as we head into a new school year. And visually, the site is a huge improvement. It highlights our programs, looks clean and sleek and responds well on mobile.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Andi did a great job of incorporating feedback and responding to questions, especially as we neared the end of the project and launched the website. We asked a LOT of questions, and she was always quick to respond and clear and precise in her answers.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their ideas for simplifying communication about our programs were definitely the most impressive. It was great to get an outside view on what we should be communicating and how.

Obviously the website looks amazing, but the design will keep it from getting too crowded or or overloaded with information moving forward. They did a great job of listening to our concerns but also pushing us when we were stuck in a rut in our thinking of how the website should look.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I think clearer expectations of what kind of nonprofit partner they were looking for in the Yakkety Yak Gives Back program would be great for starting out on a stronger foot.

We already had established brand guidelines, etc., so maybe adding some questions to the application about where the nonprofit is from a branding & marketing standpoint would be helpful for the start of their next partnership.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Michelle Damico Communications is a 10-year old public relations firm in Chicago. We serve B2B and B2C companies and organizations. Our clients work in logistics, supply chain, technology, real estate, professional services, restaurants and hospitality, and the nonprofit sectors.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Yakkety Yak Marketing?

We hired Yakkety Yak to rebrand my company and to revamp www.michelledamico.com -- the first place prospects go to learn about my services.

What were your goals for this project?

I hired Yakkety Yak to give my brand a fresh look and convey the personal touch and superior level of customer we provide to every client. I also hired Yakkety Yak to improve my website by matching the brand look and feel and also by reflecting on my brand promise.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I have seen their work and I have witnessed what Yakkety Yak has done for other clients.

Describe the project in detail.

1. Discovery meetings to identify my brand characteristics and promise.  
2. Yakkety Yak than provided me with a variety of brand concepts.
3. I reviewed a number of designs, and the one that resonated most was to use my signature as a major brand element. I would have never thought of this on my own.
4. After agreeing on that branding element, Yakkety Yak's team presented me with options on color palate and the various icons and brand options to display my brand in print, online and on social platforms.
5. After the branding project was completed, Yakkety Yak built the frame of my web site.
6. After agreeing on a web navigation, Yakkety Yak's writers digested all the information they learned about me and then wrote copy based on my business model, value proposition, successes, team composition, as well as my approach to my work and clients.
7. Every step of the way, Yakkety Yak's team made sure that I was fully satisfied. They took their time, and addressed every comment, observation and constructive criticism that I provided.

What was the team composition?

I worked with Andi and Ashley. Andi was my project manager, and oversaw the writer, designer and the web builder. It was simple and pleasant to work with every member of the team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

In addition to getting excellent feedback on my new logo and brand elements, I have seen a steady growth in traffic to my web site. Month over monty, my web site traffic has increased by about 30%. And more importantly, my web site is easy to navigate and update on my own. Many of my clients have asked me about my web improvements and I gladly have referred them to Ashley and Andi.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

I thoroughly enjoyed working with the entire Yakkety Yak team. They deliver on time, under budget and as promised. Their level of professionalism made the entire project a very pleasant experience.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

1. They are on top of the latest in design.
2. They gave me so many options and were patient when I asked them to take new direction.
3. The design and web site processes were easy to work with.
4. They stayed on track and delivered when they said they would.
5. They are creative, fun and kind.
6. They are committed to creating an excellent customer service experience for their clients.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I have nothing to suggest. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the team.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the research administrator for a large medical research organization. We’re a nonprofit that focuses on advocacy and research. I run the research portion of our efforts.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Yakkety Yak Marketing?

Our main goal was to set up a website with content that could be updated periodically. We wanted our content to include infographics and other types of print material for our patients.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Their team has been working with our organization for years and just started a web site build for the American portion of our company. We just had our kickoff call last week. Soon we’ll be laying out timelines and projections for the site build. So far, there haven’t been many tangible outputs from them. However, when the site is complete, it will contain information on the registry’s purpose, our scientific review, and publications translated into layman’s terms. 

Additionally, they helped us put together enrollment infographics. In that effort, I provided them with the information that I wanted to be included in the graphic. Then, they returned to me with several mock design options. We went through a few rounds of design edits, and now we’re ready to mail them out to our patients. 

What is the team composition?

There were two product managers, one who ran point on communication. The other manger is Yakkety Yak Marketing’s founder, who is heavily involved. We also have two of their team members working on the tech side of the development.

How did you come to work with Yakkety Yak Marketing?

Their team has been working with our executive director on content and social media for years. They were a natural choice for us because they understood our organization from their past work. We didn’t have to shop around.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project began in October 2019 and is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They showed great attention to detail, delivering a beautiful, excellent final product. The print products demand a quick turnaround time, and they made it happen, even going to the printing company with logistical information to ensure that the process went smoothly. We gave a lot of feedback on their work, and they didn’t flinch. They took it all in stride, helping them complete the edits quickly.

How did Yakkety Yak Marketing perform from a project management standpoint?

They managed tons of communication. I was always in the loop with updates on their progress. We’d hear from them at least once a week with a status check-in. They were effective project managers in keeping up with the tasks.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re very professional, offering high-quality deliverables. It’s helpful to have their down-to-earth energy present during brainstorming sessions. I appreciate the comfort they bring to brainstorming.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I haven’t had anything come up because they’re wonderful to work with. I’m always happy to give constructive criticism, but I really don’t have any.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be open, honest, and transparent with your communication. That’ll benefit you for any project.