Black Propeller

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the owner of MM Carving and Engraving

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Personalized promotional products

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Black Propeller to accomplish?

• Adwords PPC services
• Website audit
• SEO audit

SOLUTION

How did you find Black Propeller?

Clutch Site

Why did you select Black Propeller over others?

High ratings

How many teammates from Black Propeller were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Paid Media Management: company was responsible for creation of the new ad campaigns and optimisation of the existing ones. It was crucial to prepare everything before Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Cyber week and Christmas sales.

Management, strategy development, creative design, campaign implementation & ongoing optimization of the Google Ads account

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Paid Media Management Experience with Black Propeller

I engaged Black Propeller for PPC management, expecting professional service, clear communication, and tangible results, particularly given the critical nature of the holiday sales period (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Cyber Week, and Christmas). Unfortunately, my experience fell far short of expectations.

Positive Aspects:

Onboarding: The onboarding process was smooth and well-organized.
Major Concerns:

Performance: Despite a detailed discussion of project scope, the results were disappointing. I've signed our agreement and paid $4,000, starting October 18th, yet work officially began on October 31st. The delay significantly impacted my holiday sales preparation.

Communication: Throughout the process, communication was inconsistent. Follow-up emails seeking updates on performance, reports, and progress often went unanswered or delayed.

Team Expertise: During a meeting to discuss account performance, my account manager struggled to answer fundamental questions about the campaign's progress and goals. This culminated in an unprofessional and disheartening moment when the manager became visibly emotional, signaling a lack of preparedness and support from their team.

Account Management: It was evident that Black Propeller placed the responsibility for my account on an inexperienced team member without proper oversight or support. This approach was unprofessional and disrespectful to me as a client.

Conclusion:
Despite emphasizing the critical importance of this project for my business, Black Propeller failed in nearly every aspect of execution. Their lack of preparation, poor strategy, and weak team management not only cost me the $4,000 investment but also led to a devastating loss of holiday sales, a crucial revenue period for my business.

Their strategy, team management, and communication did not reflect the level of professionalism I expected. They appeared more focused on onboarding new clients than delivering results or maintaining strong client relationships.

If you’re considering Black Propeller, I strongly recommend looking for a company that prioritizes expertise, customer care, and accountability. For serious projects, it’s crucial to find a partner who values your business and delivers on their promises.

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

Communication: Throughout the process, communication was inconsistent. Follow-up emails seeking updates on performance, reports, and progress often went unanswered or delayed.

Team Expertise: During a meeting to discuss account performance, my account manager struggled to answer fundamental questions about the campaign's progress and goals. This culminated in an unprofessional and disheartening moment when the manager became visibly emotional, signaling a lack of preparedness and support from their team.

Account Management: It was evident that Black Propeller placed the responsibility for my account on an inexperienced team member without proper oversight or support. This approach was unprofessional and disrespectful to me as a client.

Conclusion:
Despite emphasizing the critical importance of this project for my business, Black Propeller failed in nearly every aspect of execution. Their lack of preparation, poor strategy, and weak team management not only cost me the $4,000 investment but also led to a devastating loss of holiday sales, a crucial revenue period for my business.

Their strategy, team management, and communication did not reflect the level of professionalism I expected. They appeared more focused on onboarding new clients than delivering results or maintaining strong client relationships.

If you’re considering Black Propeller, I strongly recommend looking for a company that prioritizes expertise, customer care, and accountability. For serious projects, it’s crucial to find a partner who values your business and delivers on their promises.

What was your primary form of communication with Black Propeller?

Virtual Meeting

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

Audit: The initial audit was thorough and insightful, demonstrating a strong sales process to onboard new clients.

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

 Prioritize expertise, customer care, and accountability. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an executive at MyStory

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Full-service ghostwriting business specializing in biographies and memoirs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Black Propeller to accomplish?

• Get Google Ads Account Back on Track

SOLUTION

How did you find Black Propeller?

Online Search

Why did you select Black Propeller over others?

High ratings

How many teammates from Black Propeller were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

The scope of work was to fix the Google Ads account after a previous vendor made it unprofitable. Black Propeller was tasked with launching new campaigns, as well as designing ad creatives and a new landing page.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Nick, Jessalyn and Larissa did an outstanding job on meeting the main goal of the account which was to get the Ads account back on track by launching new campaigns and creating new ad creatives. The outcome of the project were qualified leads at a lower CPA.

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

Black Propeller was outstanding to work with. I worked with Nick D at BP, and I highly recommend him specifically. If you have the opportunity to work with anyone at BP, I'd recommend going with Nick. He's a true expert in PPC and was able to provide in-depth analysis and accurate guidance on tough strategic decisions. 
One memorable experience working with Nick was when I adamantly disagreed with him on a strategy choice, but he helped me understand where I was wrong. You don't want a PPC agency that agrees with everything you say—you need someone who knows what they are actually doing. Nick knows what he's doing; he also has a great attitude and excellent communication and client service skills. He goes above and beyond. 

What was your primary form of communication with Black Propeller?

Virtual Meeting

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

Every moment working with Nick at Black Propeller, I felt my account was given the utmost attention. Nick made me feel that our account was a priority. He truly felt like a member of our own team and not an outsourced vendor. That level of going "above and beyond" is rare, and I commend Nick for it.

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

The onboarding could have been a bit faster - but I think they were busy researching. It might just be a requisite. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Marketing of an event catering company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We provide off-premise full-service and drop-off catering for all types of events.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Black Propeller to accomplish?

• Increase Leads
• Help with google visibility

SOLUTION

How did you find Black Propeller?

Online Search

Why did you select Black Propeller over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit

How many teammates from Black Propeller were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Black Propeller has worked with us to increase our visibility on Google and Meta through various campaigns including remarketing. They've done research on keywords and strategies to best attract consumers. They've also built a landing page to direct clients to that is built to encourage them to submit a lead form for catering services.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The team at Black Propeller is constantly striving to increase our leads. We have had some internal challenges with lead tracking but Black Propeller has worked with us through feedback of the leads to ensure that we are maximizing our visibility and effectiveness through language, keyword selection and in Meta, images. Our cost per lead has decreased overall.

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

The team is always very helpful and quick to respond. Whether its an issue that needs to be resolved or just a question. They are always available to help and if it isn't directly in their expertise they help get the answers from other members of their team that can help even if it's beyond the scope of their typical work.

What was your primary form of communication with Black Propeller?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Over our time working together what I value the most is the connection I feel that we have, they have learned about who our company is and also how I work and we work well together. I know that I can ask them any questions or make suggestions and they will be not only received but also implemented if applicable or I can get direction on how I can be implementing it in other areas that we don't necessarily work together on. They are very dedicated and knowledgeable about what they are doing, and I know that we're in good hands.

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

Nothing comes to mind!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the General Manager of Snowy Pines Labradors Inc.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We breed and train the best Labradors and Golden Retrievers in the world.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Black Propeller to accomplish?

PPC

SOLUTION

How did you find Black Propeller?

Online Search

Why did you select Black Propeller over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Black Propeller were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

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

Increased vision to certain aspects of our business through PPC.  The key deliverables that we were looking for was an increase in traffic to our Service dog and Golden Retriever pages.   The goal was to accomplish this and keep the spend within reason while having a good ROI.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Bev has continued to deliver results in terms of high quality leads while also driving down cost.  She has been instrumental to the continued growth of certain sectors of our business model.  

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

They deliver everything on time and are responsive to our needs any time they arise. The personal touch and partnership is truly valued here at Snowy Pines.  Bev has fit in seamlessly with our team and truly heard the goals we needed to accomplish.  She also followed through with a great plan to make it happen.  

What was your primary form of communication with Black Propeller?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The part I love the best about Bev and the Black Propeller team is that they are constantly looking at ways to improve the services they provide for us.  This ideal aligns with how we operate as a team/business.

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

I think following up on the last question is that they already are looking at continuous improvement.  This outlook fits perfectly with our organization(s).

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an executive at LSTX LLC

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We sell products online.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Black Propeller to accomplish?

• Manage Google Ads
• Increase SEO

SOLUTION

How did you find Black Propeller?

Online Search

Why did you select Black Propeller over others?

• Pricing fits our budget
• Company values aligned

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

I had the pleasure of working with Paige A. on my project, and I must say, her expertise in Google Ads made a significant difference in our campaign's success. Paige's knowledge and understanding of Google Ads strategies were evident from the very beginning. She took the time to thoroughly analyze our project goals and target audience, ensuring that every aspect of our Google Ads campaign was tailored to maximize results.

Bill's approach to SEO was both strategic and meticulous. He conducted thorough keyword research, optimized on-page elements, and implemented effective link-building strategies to boost our project's visibility in search engine results. His proactive attitude and attention to detail were instrumental in driving organic traffic to our project and improving its overall search engine rankings.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I am thrilled to report a remarkable increase in sales volume, with both organic traffic and paid channels contributing significantly to this growth. Year-over-year, our sales volume surged by an impressive 30%, reflecting the effectiveness of our marketing efforts across various channels.

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

Both Paige Aldave and Bill Barbre demonstrated exceptional project management skills, delivering timely results and promptly addressing my needs. Their proactive approach ensured tasks were completed on time, while their responsiveness to feedback and queries facilitated smooth communication. Their dedication and efficiency greatly contributed to the project's success.

What was your primary form of communication with Black Propeller?

Virtual Meeting

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

• Transparency: The company's upfront approach regarding what may or may not work instilled confidence. They provided realistic expectations, fostering trust and alignment with project goals.
• Action-Oriented: Their proactive stance ensured swift progress and adaptation. Openness to feedback facilitated agile decision-making and adjustments, enhancing project efficiency.
• Collaborative Atmosphere: They actively listened to ideas, offering constructive feedback on feasibility. This collaborative dynamic encouraged innovation and ensured that decisions were well-informed and purposeful.

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

lol charged me less?

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the Directory of Business Development of a transportation company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Local and Long Distance Relocation for consumers

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Black Propeller to accomplish?

• Bring in more leads in a down economy

SOLUTION

How did you find Black Propeller?

• Online Search
• Other

Why did you select Black Propeller over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Black Propeller were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We need to be competitive in our space and strategic with ad spend. We hired Black Propeller to help bring in good leads in a down economy. Black Propeller has shown us a great return each month and has brought in additional quality leads. We see a great return with them each month.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We review the return on ad spend every other week and are in regular communication with their team.

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

Yes! They continue to deliver each month. They have really gotten a handle on how we operate and our message in the Chicago market and we continue to see returns each month. Their team is sharp and great to work with.

What was your primary form of communication with Black Propeller?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The team! We have built a great relationship with the team at Black Propeller. Each meeting they come prepared with a recap and next steps. They are good at following through and speak up with ideas and suggestions.

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

NA

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of Carpet and Rug, Inc

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a retail store that provides flooring.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Black Propeller to accomplish?

There were a few goals that we were trying to achieve when we brought on Black Propeller:

• Reach prospective clients
• Raise ROI

SOLUTION

How did you find Black Propeller?

We found Black Propeller via an Online Search

Why did you select Black Propeller over others?

We selected Black Propeller rather than another provider because:

• Their pricing fit our budget
• Our company values aligned

How many teammates from Black Propeller were assigned to this project?

We worked with 2-5 employees from Black Propeller during this project

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

The services that they provided included PPC campaign management and strategy.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

There were a few different ways that we measured the success of our engagement with Black Propeller. One metric we tracked was higher conversion rates and ROI, and we also saw more form fills and phone call leads from potential customers.

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

We were very pleased with their project management approach, which is a 10 out of 10 across the board.

What was your primary form of communication with Black Propeller?

We primarily communicated with Black Propeller via:

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

We were most impressed by their communication and their ability to deliver on their promises

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

There aren't any improvements that I can recommend at this time

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Marketing of Enlightened Equipment

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We have two brands that manufacture and sell backpacking equipment and tactical gear online.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Black Propeller to accomplish?

We hired Black Propeller because we were looking for support in the following business areas:

• Manage Advertisements
• Expand Advertisement Growth

SOLUTION

How did you find Black Propeller?

We found and hired Black Propeller after searching online for service providers

Why did you select Black Propeller over others?

Two of the factors that contributed to us selecting Black Propeller were —

• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Black Propeller were assigned to this project?

We've worked with 2-5 employees from Black Propeller during the project cycle.

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

Black Propeller has been tasked with managing our advertisements, creating new designs for campaigns, and expanding advertising for both brands.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We tracked success in our engagement with Black Propeller via —

• Understanding of the brands
• direction for growth
• helping us overcome internal advertising obstacles
• optimizing ad accounts
• being great to work with.

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

Yes, all items have been delivered in a timely fashion, and they've been quick to respond to our needs.

What was your primary form of communication with Black Propeller?

We've primarily used Virtual Meetings to communicate with them.

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

Real people, hard work, and impressive results.

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

It's too early to tell, but there's always something to improve upon.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Co-owner of Zia Martina

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We do E-Commerce for Italian confection

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Black Propeller to accomplish?

• We were looking for a paid marketing push for holiday season, so we hired Black Propeller to help us achieve this

SOLUTION

How did you find Black Propeller?

We found Black Propeller via an Online Search

Why did you select Black Propeller over others?

Their high ratings were a main reason we chose them as our provider

How many teammates from Black Propeller were assigned to this project?

We worked with 2-5 Employees from Black Propeller

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

They supported our paid marketing efforts across both Google and Meta for one of our seasonal bakery products

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We hit a record sale and had a great season for our product. We also learned a ton about paid media and how to plan and execute from seasoned professionals. The scope included high performing creatives as well.

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

Everything was delivered on time and our needs were met in a timely manner. The team was great at answering our questions, addressing any concerns, and proactively adjusting the tactics and pivoting the strategy.

What was your primary form of communication with Black Propeller?

We primarily communicated with Black Propeller via:

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The team from Black Propeller is extremely professional and efficient. The communication between our teams was super clean and straightforward.

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

No feedback.