97 Switch

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re an investment consulting firm that services institutional investors. I’m one of the firm’s managing directors and owners.

What challenge were you trying to address with 97 Switch?

After going through a rebranding exercise and logo improvement process, we needed a vendor to develop a new website that reflected those changes. We opted to not use the group that managed the rebranding and logo exercise because they were a little flat with their maintenance.

What was the scope of their involvement?

The initial scope of the project was to create a layout for our brand-new WordPress website. We already had a site map, so we knew roughly what pages we wanted, but we didn’t have a basis for the imagery, colors, or wording.

97 Switch helped us with all the content for our website, handling the editing while we did most of the writing. They also assisted with finding photographers to create content (headshots, sitting shots, etc.). We leveraged their guidance on best practices for uploading these images.

We were impressed with the efficacy of their initial work, and it was done on time and on budget, which is incredibly important to anyone building a website, so we retained 97 Switch for ongoing social media support and general marketing work.

What is the team composition?

Jeremy (Founder & Web Designer) led the group, Josh (Director of Digital Marketing) was in charge of imagery and social media, and Lauren (Content Marketing Manager) acted as the copywriter.

We had them do some graphic design work, which was outsourced to another firm, but an internal person helped with some tasks, meaning we interacted with four people in total.

How did you come to work with 97 Switch?

We found them on Clutch. When the rebranding project with the marketing freelancer started to go badly, I decided to bring in a firm to handle the website. I didn’t hire another freelancer, as I wanted to have the certainty of more support despite us not knowing exactly what we needed.

My husband has done web design in the past and suggested I look on Clutch. I screened for Chicago and Midwest firms, and 97 Switch seemed to have the type of services we wanted, as well as the potential for ongoing support. They had a reasonable fee and nice success stories — we spoke to some of their references on Clutch, and 97 Switch was highly regarded.

How much have you invested with them?

The website work cost $10,000 total, and there were additional fees for copywriting. We now pay them $250 per month for maintenance and hosting.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with 97 Switch at the beginning of August 2020, and they finished the website in October 2020. We didn’t launch it right away, however, because we wanted it to coincide with the end of the year.

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

We were impressed with 97 Switch in every regard and enjoyed working with them. There wasn’t a set goal per se, but, in hindsight, we’re pleased with all of the positive feedback we’ve gotten, including from my husband, who’s worked for a very big ad agency and had experience with web development.

We also appreciated all of 97 Switch’s insights and recommendations. The cost was exactly what they said it would be. Our contract clearly established what was part of the budget and what would be additional, and they gave us a clear cost for the additional items. They delivered the site well ahead of schedule, too, giving us plenty of time to plan for additional launch tasks. We were also able to send links to our clients.

How did 97 Switch perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management is very important in web development, and 97 Switch established it the right way. We chose them as a provider because we knew that they would tell us what we needed to provide and do in order to move forward.

Initially, we had bi-weekly Zoom meetings. They were very good at getting us to establish specific individuals who’d be responsible for the work. We didn’t report to them as an entire team — they made sure we had individual leads for specific components of the website development: technical aspects, content, and imagery. This system arose from 97 Switch’s experience — if they just left it up to the team, then tasks might not get done.

What did you find most impressive about them?

One of the reasons we aligned so well with 97 Switch was that they were in the same position in their industry. We joked that, for firms of our size, we punch way above our weight. They understood that our website had to legitimize us, and they gave us candid and expert advice on what we should be doing to accomplish that goal. To me, that serves much more than website design. We went to them with a site map, and any other firm would’ve come back with a simple layout and template, but 97 Switch coached us in ways that went beyond that.

We trusted them to understand not just the WordPress platform, but the overall elements of website design to guide us to an effective solution. We appreciate their efforts.

There was also a very important human element, which is very difficult to establish when you work over Zoom meetings. We felt that we really got to know 97 Switch as individuals. Our business is very much focused on partnerships, and 97 Switch was a very good partner throughout the whole process. They gave honest feedback, and when they didn’t think we should invest in a task, they gave us alternate ideas rather than forcing us to do something.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything else that 97 Switch should’ve done. We hired them for website design and agreed internally that, if the project went well, then we’d hire them for social media campaigns. That too was a screening factor when hiring 97 Switch. We knew that they were also good with social. Had any of those things failed, we wouldn’t have stayed with them.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

It’s important to have a flexible mindset. We benefited a great deal from 97 Switch’s advice and understanding of web development and social media. We went into the relationship wanting a website that fulfilled a list of our requirements, and by being flexible and taking 97 Switch’s advice, we came away with a better product than we would’ve had otherwise. Instinctually, people will say that they don’t need this or that, and ask for the cheapest website possible, but I think that that’s a mistake. These changes didn’t affect our cost profile. We were open-minded, flexible, and sought out their recommendations.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of marketing for Mobile Doormen. We create custom residential apps for property management groups.

What challenge were you trying to address with 97 Switch?

We have an internal marketing team of one—consisting of myself. As a result, we needed extra bandwidth and expertise for our digital marketing efforts.

What was the scope of their involvement?

97 Switch helped us improve our paid advertising campaigns on platforms like Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn. They set up accounts to drive more inbound leads and make the lead generation process more efficient using HubSpot. They also draft content—including the copy and images—for those ads. 

Outside of campaign management, they take part in the planning process with our company for tentpole events—such as trade shows and promotions—and how we use our digital channels. Lastly, they’ve assisted with email marketing, both overseeing the process and drafting content.

What is the team composition?

Jeremy (Founder / Web Designer, 97 Switch) and Josh (Digital Marketing Manager, 97 Switch) are my main points of contact.

How did you come to work with 97 Switch?

We sent out an RFP to multiple agencies in Chicago. We wanted to work with a vendor that was local and had a small enough team that could identify with our own small team from a culture perspective. 97 Switch met both criteria. 

Additionally, Josh and Jeremy’s intelligence and industry experience made them an even better fit. They understood the strategy and were willing to help our company develop a more sophisticated level of digital marketing.

How much have you invested with them?

We spend $3,500 each month as part of our retainer.

What is the status of this engagement?

The partnership started in August 2019 and is ongoing.

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

In our first full month working together, we saw our site user traffic grow by 41% month-over-month. We also generated about 50 unique leads through the site—a significant boost compared to what previously came through our system.

97 Switch remains willing to step in and help with our content-building and strategic needs. They help us with weekly and monthly reporting on metrics such as website traffic sessions, bounce rate, cost per click, cost per acquisition, and the number of qualified leads. They do a great job of being proactive and receptive to what needs I try to track. 

How did 97 Switch perform from a project management standpoint?

Jeremy and Josh make themselves available 24 hours a day. I do my best not to test those limits. If I ever have a question, they’re extremely quick to get back to me. That’s been a huge help as we’ve gotten things up and running. But what they’re really good at is ensuring that we don’t miss deadlines and moving forward on tasks as needed. If they’re not able to receive timely feedback from me on, let’s say, a marketing campaign, they still make sure to hit the deadline and execute anyway. That level of over-communication and respect for our timelines have been invaluable to us as a smaller company.

What did you find most impressive about them?

It comes down to the people: the team is incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to digital marketing and project management. When working with larger agencies, I typically deal with someone very junior or share a senior team member with clients with larger budgets than we have. Jeremy and Josh do a great job making us feel heard and appreciated, no matter how we compare to their other clients. They offer great strategic thinking and product work, as well.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We lack a design team in-house, and 97 Switch doesn’t build much content from a visual perspective. I’d love it if they offered those services as well—I think that’s the only thing they’re really missing.

Any advice for potential customers?

With any agency, make sure that you have defined KPIs and well-defined goals for what you want out of the engagement. Those metrics should apply to you as well as the agency you’re working with. 

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm an account executive for a rental company that specializes in weddings, corporate, and other large events. We offer tents and other temporary structures, as well as tables, chairs, and other rental materials.

What challenge were you trying to address with 97 Switch?

I wanted to focus on our website, which was fairly outdated. It was too complicated, and it didn't address the topics we wanted to present. I hoped to attract more business with a user-friendly, navigable website.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They completely redeveloped our website from scratch in WordPress, and they redesigned everything. After a few meetings, they had an idea of what we wanted. They created a clean, clear site that is logical and communicative. They added information about us, and they boosted our credibility by adding information about some of our previous clients. We also use them for marketing through Google Ads. They manage that account, and they took the time to research appropriate keywords for us. As we get further in, they'll continue to optimize those keywords.

What is the team composition?

We had one main point of contact for the website, and a second lead oversees the marketing.

How did you come to work with 97 Switch?

They worked out of the same building as us. I started a conversation with them, and I could tell how genuine and friendly they were. We had a meeting to discuss what we liked and what we wanted to change about our existing website, and they felt like the best fit for our needs.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $12,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in March 2019. They still help us with our marketing.

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

We're really happy with the website, and we get a lot of good leads from it. The navigation is very nice, and it encourages users to stay on the page longer to learn more. It also attracts a younger audience.

How did 97 Switch perform from a project management standpoint?

They're phenomenal project managers. They're always there when I need them, and they respond right away. They take the time to listen to me and my ideas, and they clearly care about my business.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They take pride in their work, and they never delivered anything that felt arbitrary. They tell good stories, which is important in our industry. Their visuals are great, and they're so much more personable than any other company I considered. They're patient, they care, and they take their work personally.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Nothing crosses my mind.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Take a look at their website and their portfolio. Also, don't hesitate to call them. They're easy to talk to, and they're never pushy.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I‘m the founder and managing partner at an investment company.

What challenge were you trying to address with 97 Switch?

We wanted to consolidate our strategies under one brand name to centralize our messaging.

What was the scope of their involvement?

To consolidate our brand, 97 Switch built a new, comprehensive website from scratch. They developed a new name, logo, and some other collateral that reflected our updated professional image.

What is the team composition?

There were two project managers, Jeremy (Founder, 97 Switch) and Josh (Digital Marketing Manager, 97 Switch), who subcontracted a graphic designer for the new logo and business cards.

How did you come to work with 97 Switch?

We share an office, so we met there. I learned about what they do, and saw some of their work.

What is the status of this engagement?

The collaboration lasted from December 2017–March 2018.

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

Because our website is more comprehensive, investors can get more background information before an initial conversation with us, which has been valuable. Several clients have mentioned the site’s professionalism; others said they like our new logo and color scheme.

How did 97 Switch perform from a project management standpoint?

We were able to meet in person throughout the engagement because we work in the same office. They delivered a first draft of the design in a short amount of time, and were quick in implementing any modifications we requested. With our feedback, 97 Switch produced the brand image we envisioned from the beginning.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were truly committed to our satisfaction. The team understands the market, and what’s topical, providing meaningful advice to deliver the desired product. They’re also really professional.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I couldn’t ask for anything more from their performance.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They have a good handle on what’s compelling in the marketplace so it’s important to listen. But, it’s always helpful to enter the partnership with a concept to guide the project.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the property manager of 444 Social, a multifamily property.

What challenge were you trying to address with 97 Switch?

We hired 97 Switch to help with our social media presence.

What was the scope of their involvement?

97 Switch has handled everything for our social media accounts. Their team manages our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram channels. They create content and write blog posts to put on our website. If we need any changes made to our site, their team supports that effort. Along with this, they also create reports based on our analytics.

What is the team composition?

Jeremy (Founder, 97 Switch) and Josh (Digital Marketing Manager, 97 Switch) are my two main points of contacts.

How did you come to work with 97 Switch?

A few people at my company had worked with 97 Switch in the past, so we chose the team for our project.

How much have you invested with them?

We spend around $2,000 per month on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in July 2018, and our engagement is ongoing.

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

Because of 97 Switch’s help, our marketing efforts have been very successful. We can gauge where our traffic is coming from, and their team helps us find areas for improvement.

How did 97 Switch perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re great communicators, so they manage the project well. Their team knows how to get the job done and are fantastic with following up.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The customer service from 97 Switch is excellent. Their team is willing to go the extra mile—the collaboration has worked very well. They’re thorough and produce quality work.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Even though we have particular needs, there’s nothing they could do better for us.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be open about your needs. Their team is receptive and accepting of any ideas, so tell them what you want to be incorporated in the project.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

MassVR is a startup that’s developing hardware and software for multiplayer free-realm VR for the next generation of esports. I work in business development, but I’m also a UI/UX and product designer.

What challenge were you trying to address with 97 Switch?

We needed to make a cohesive plan for our brand, website, and social media presence. We also needed to fix some things that hadn’t been implemented correctly, including Google Analytics and Facebook Ads.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They’ve done a lot for us in a short amount of time. We quickly put a plan together and created new accounts for social media outlets. They educated us on social media and introduced sites we wouldn’t have thought of, like Travelocity. We have people dedicated to certain roles and responsibilities now, like responding to customers and all the little things that have to do with customer service.

What is the team composition?

I generally talk to Jeremy (Founder & Web Designer, 97 Switch) and Josh (Digital Marketing Manager, 97 Switch). I mostly talk to Jeremy daily.

How did you come to work with 97 Switch?

I think 97 Switch was a recommendation from one of our investors who’d worked with them. My CEO could better answer this question.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with 97 Switch 4–5 months ago, and the engagement is ongoing.

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

Our initial situation was kind of chaotic, but the 97 Switch team has been quite flexible. Thanks to 97 Switch, we now have an online presence. Before we started working with them, we didn’t have things set up properly, and we also weren’t utilizing social media the right way. Fortunately, they’ve helped us understand every detail of what matters and why it matters. 97 Switch has gotten us to where we needed to be.

Our Facebook ads used to perform poorly, but our current numbers speak for themselves. The few ads we’ve done have been effective, and our click rates have increased since we started posting videos and other content all the time. Not only did 97 Switch do this for us, but they’ve also given us a methodical plan for posting content.   

97 Switch’s team is thorough and proactive. They look at things from different angles, which is something we weren’t doing. Plus, their diplomatic approach makes it quite easy to work with them. Instead of just telling us what to do, they ask good questions and listen to us before speaking. That was key.

How did 97 Switch perform from a project management standpoint?

97 Switch’s project manager is great with deliverables and action items. They told us to overcommunicate from the very beginning, and I can see what they’re talking about now. They communicate and get approval from us on everything. Nothing is too small. They usually initiate meetings, but we also have recurring ones. They’re focused and disciplined, which we badly needed. We appreciate that they’re mindful of schedules, even during meetings.

I was expecting to have to deal with a lot of people, and I was happy to only work with 1–2 at most. Jeremy and Josh are quite pleasant to work with. I get the best of both worlds: they’re personable and extremely organized. Whenever I need something, they are very responsive and quick to implement any changes. They were also good at following up with us and making sure we remembered things.

What did you find most impressive about them?

97 Switch is just amazing. They’ve been a breath of fresh air for my organization. They are professionals in their field, but they’re modest enough to listen to our concerns and address them without making us feel bad. Also, they’re good about keeping an open mind.

97 Switch makes good decisions that reflect the best interests of the business. I like that we agree on a lot of things. They know customer service and understand what it means to run a business.

Are there any areas they could improve?

When we pointed out that something looked off in a report, they completely took ownership of it. They fixed it immediately and didn’t blame something else.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

It’s important to know that it’s easy to communicate with 97 Switch. Clients shouldn’t hold back on asking questions, and they should tell what they need. The 97 Switch team also welcomes constructive criticism, so there’s no reason not to be transparent.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-founder of a creative studio that mainly works with small businesses. We typically work on branding, websites, and other digital marketing, such as videos.

What challenge were you trying to address with 97 Switch?

We needed a partner to help with website updates and maintenance for our clients.

What was the scope of their involvement?

After we build a website for a client, 97 Switch takes over maintenance and upkeep. They implement any necessary updates and fix any glitches that pop up, acting as our on-call web IT team. They’ve also done a bit of SEO work, too.

What is the team composition?

We have one main point of contact, who’s brought on a few other technical experts.

How did you come to work with 97 Switch?

They used to work in the office adjacent to ours. We created a video for their business and then realized we could use their services. They did a small project first and were responsive and reliable, so we brought them on to work on this project.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $5,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been partners since April 2017, and the work is ongoing.

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

They’re quick to fix any issues, which our clients appreciate tremendously. They have our clients’ best interest at heart, proactively solving issues. I trust them to work directly with our clients, which I can’t say of my past partners.

How did 97 Switch perform from a project management standpoint?

They call me as soon as they see any issues and check in regularly. They have an effective system that tracks clients and requires minimal oversight on my part. If needed, they even work weekends to solve problems.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Unlike other firms, they’re talented and able to communicate their work in layman’s terms. They aren’t condescending at all but try to help us understand what’s going on.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They should utilize a project management tool that lets us visually see project progress instead of having to send emails to check up.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Take full advantage of their other services like SEO and non-maintenance skills. Engage with 97 Switch sooner than later; it will save you money in the long run.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm a real estate agent with the Corcoran Group in New York City, a large real estate company covering the residential area of Manhattan that is an undisputed market leader.

What challenge were you trying to address with 97 Switch?

Although I was listed on Corcoran's website, I wanted to have my own website to refer clients to separately with greater detail of my listings and topics my target audience might find useful.

What was the scope of their involvement?

97 Switch designed and built a website, providing analytics on a regular basis after launching. They continue to send me an email whenever someone is trying to get in touch me with through the website.

What is the team composition?

I work directly with Jeremy (Founder and Web Designer, 97 Switch).

How did you come to work with 97 Switch?

I had heard of their company by word of mouth.

How much have you invested with them?

I've probably invested a little over $10,000 in total.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in December 2013. The website only took a couple of months to build, but I continue to work with them to keep it updated.

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

97 Switch created a very cutting-edge website that's helped set me apart from others in my field. When I approached 97 Switch, there weren't many other brokers who had their own site, so it's really helped elevate me in the industry. I'm proud to send my new and existing clients to the site because I think it's user-friendly and modern. I couldn't imagine not having it.

How did 97 Switch perform from a project management standpoint?

Jeremy has been great to work with and very responsive whenever I reach out. He provides great customer service, listens to my needs, and is receptive to any feedback I have or changes I request. I'm not very tech savvy, but he's able to explain everything in layman's terms and consistently convert my ideas into deliverables.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Jeremy genuinely understands what I want and is on top of everything. In my industry, I need to be able to post listings immediately, and he's always available to turn things around quickly.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. I'm thrilled with their work.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Don't be afraid to speak out and ask questions, because they're great at being responsive and receptive to your needs.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the VP of talent and culture for SMASHotels, a hotel management company based in Chicago.

What challenge were you trying to address with 97 Switch?

We are a relatively new hotel management company so about a year ago we began looking at our branding as it relates to prospective employees. We really wanted a brand that would attract more qualified candidates and represent the company effectively in the markets we recruit in.

What was the scope of their involvement?

97 Switch has helped us define our brand and refine our marketing collateral. This includes things like our banners used for recruiting at job fairs and college visits, and our online content used to gather and track job applicants. The team is also helping us completely rebrand our corporate website which will launch soon and has been a major project for us. 

What is the team composition?

I mostly interface with Jeremy (Founder, 97 Switch). There are times we have talked once or twice a week on a fairly continuous basis, and we still speak regularly as we are wrapping up the website reboot.

How did you come to work with 97 Switch?

They have helped us work on different marketing initiatives for our hotels over the years and we developed a strong comfort and confidence level in them. Thus, when it was time to take on this new project it was an easy decision to lean on 97 Switch.

How much have you invested with them?

We have spent $15,000­­–$20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We have been working with them since December 2016.

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

They have provided us with great new collateral and refined some of our existing collateral to produce much higher quality content when we are recruiting. As a result, 97 Switch has given us a much stronger presence in an incredibly competitive labor market and helped us differentiate ourselves from the many other management companies out there.

How did 97 Switch perform from a project management standpoint?

They have been excellent. We communicate over phone and email, and their follow-up and sense of urgency are outstanding. We never have to ask them where we stand on something as they are always the first to tell us where we are and what is still left to do. They are very collaborative and ultimately concerned with how we feel about things. They don’t push designs or ideas on us, and they make us feel like we are a huge part of the process, which I really appreciate.

What did you find most impressive about them?

97 Switch works really hard to get a firm understanding of what your goals are and what you are looking to achieve. I have always felt that is probably one of their biggest strengths. They are incredibly creative, and they give you a lot of different options to look at, and they really make you feel like you are a part of the process. I have been incredibly satisfied with the relationship.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There is a reason why we continue to stay very engaged with them, and it’s because I have never been disappointed or felt they could deliver on a higher level. So no, I don’t think they need to change anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

It is important to have a really clear idea of what you are trying to achieve. What are your goals? What are you not delivering on that you want assistance with? When you have a good understanding of your needs, 97 Switch is really adept at helping you.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the General Manager of the Hampton Inn & Suites, a Hilton-brand hotel, in the Lincolnshire suburb of Chicago.

What challenge were you trying to address with 97 Switch?

We needed help with a digital strategy for our property. There’s a lot of competition between hotels right now. In order to be competitive in the market, we needed to have a good strategy in place to highlight our hotel as best as possible.

What was the scope of their involvement?

97 Switch manages digital marketing for us. They take care of Google AdWords for us and manage our social media, including Facebook Instagram, and Twitter. We generally offer hotel packages that 97 Switch gets out on social media with special ads. They also work with us on our website for Hilton to make sure that the photos are great and we’re shown in the best possible light.

What is the team composition?

We work directly with the founder.

How did you come to work with 97 Switch?

They were in place when I got here so I’m not sure how the engagement started. I’ve been really impressed with them and don’t have any desire to change things.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested about $60,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

I’ve worked with them since January 2014. The work is ongoing.

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

We’ve been happy with the work they’ve done. The ads for our hotel packages get a lot of views on social media, which brings in more revenue. They’re very good at thinking of new ideas to gain viewers on Facebook and other social media platforms.

How did 97 Switch perform from a project management standpoint?

The communication is amazing. We are in touch with them about three times per week. We have an open dialogue about any new things that we’re going to add. We communicate via phone, email, in-person meetings, and conference calls. I always get an immediate response, even nights, weekends, or vacations.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They do a Monday morning catch-up email in which we address the things we need to think about for the week or month, and what’s coming up. It orients us to what needs to be done and what we need to be thinking about. It’s been a really good strategy for us that sets the week off right.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Trust their opinion about where and how to spend money. They have good knowledge of what works and what doesn’t, and how to maximize the money you have available. Even though you may not understand why they want to allocate funds as they do, it almost always works.