What was the scope of their involvement?
Arc Reactions analyzed the market segment we wanted to compete in. They identified keywords, trends, topics, and even what brand colors were being used by competitors. They then mapped these out on a virtual diagram, using an AI program. Based on our segment, we could see how we compared to our competitors.
This exercise was phenomenally helpful for us in identifying keywords for our organic search ranking, as well as determining what trending topics were being discussed, for use in our blog content. They utilized this information to develop a concrete brand strategy.
We had two initial meetings. The first meeting was the discovery session, and they asked very good questions while letting us do most of the talking. By the next meeting, they had delivered three branding options—which were laid out for us on the table, professionally printed.
Everything looked and felt exactly as we’d expect a finished product to look. I got a little nervous when I walked in and told them that given our startup budget, we couldn’t afford to pay them for all of it. They then told us it was on them.
Their package had everything in it for us to review. We only had minor iterations to make at our next session. They really nailed it on the first one, through the requirements gathering session they did.
Arc Reactions built everything on our website from scratch. We also did some traditional print media marketing. They joined our Slack channel in order to stay up to date with all tasks. David provides monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting on all our marketing campaigns and efforts.
What is the team composition?
Our primary point of contact was Dave (Owner, Arc Reactions) but he took a very hands-off approach. We mainly worked with two members of the team. We interfaced directly with the member responsible for social media management and copywriting. The other handled the graphic design.
How did you come to work with Arc Reactions?
I found them through a recommendation on Clutch. I was looking at a couple of marketing agencies in Calgary and reached out to meet with a few agencies. Compared to the first two companies I talked to—who struck me as being stuffy—David and his team were very relaxed.
David was quick to point out the things we didn’t need to spend money on, which really caught my attention. He understood that we were a startup and had a tight budget. He didn’t try to upsell us on anything. We had $150,000 for the branding, and some of Arc Reactions’ competitors were asking for $220,000 or more.
While other marketing firms seemed to strictly refer to the proposal requirements, David was very flexible in scope. I was immediately taken by his passion and drive to support startups.
How much have you invested with them?
$150,000 covered brand design, web design and development, and marketing efforts. We’ll be renewing our contract with them for a reduced rate this year since we’ve completed brand and website development.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working with Arc Reactions in October 2018, and are in the process of renewing our contract with them.
Arc Reactions' work led to a significant increase in business. They successfully branded the startup who now enjoys a larger online presence. The team’s excellent SEO work has improved the conversion rate. The engagement was extremely cost-effective, and the whole team a pleasure to work with.