Bluetext

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the head of marketing at a government services company.

What challenge were you trying to address with Bluetext?

They handled a massive website overhaul, copywriting, and a corporate video.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They were responsible for a full brand refresh, starting with a complete site overhaul. They incorporated new designs and copywriting. Their team also created a corporate video for us.  

What is the team composition?

There were between 4–8 people working on the project. 

How did you come to work with Bluetext?

They were already selected as the partner when I started with the company.   

What is the status of this engagement?

They were working with us from April 2019–February 2020.

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

We were very satisfied with their work because they were highly engaged with us. They’re a creative and flexible team, willing to come back to us with batches of new ideas.  

How did Bluetext perform from a project management standpoint?

Our project manager was incredible. She was very thoughtful and mindful of her process and communications. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re highly creative and well-informed on the government contracting space. Committed to excellence, they were willing to continue refining ideas throughout the process. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they’re a great team. I’d definitely work with them again. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have stakeholders share ideas with them. That will help them distill all necessary information into creative ideas.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Cvent is a leading marketing and management SaaS solutions provider with 20,000 customers and 3,000 users with global reach and scale. We are a 20-year old company headquartered in Northern Virginia outside of Washington, DC. I’m the VP and general manager of the enterprise solutions consulting group, and I work with our largest 500 or so customers on strategic long-term planning, performance analysis, and related projects.

What challenge were you trying to address with Bluetext?

We wanted a way to present CVENT’s solutions in a visual and interactive manner. We have a wide and deep portfolio of products and services, and it’s not always easy to understand what that can do for your business. 

What was the scope of their involvement?

There were two projects that were very related. The first was an interactive sales application — it was a custom application development project, and all of its code was done on Java and PHP using Drupal. The application would reside on a salesperson’s laptop and it would allow a salesperson to demonstrate, see solutions in a 3D photorealistic environment to create a real-life look and feel for how the products and services would be deployed for the customers. The 3D illustration was done in Cinema 4D and visual effects were created using After Effects. The second project was a sales presentation template for what we would call an introductory sales call.

The two assets would be used in tandem with a sales rep who might use the sales presentation to start a meeting and then switch over to the interactive application to demonstrate our solutions. It also had a linear video version —  the video version of the story, and there was also a web-based version of the story. Overall, there were three uses for the application itself. 

What is the team composition?

Jason (Managing Partner) played as the strategic lead on the project. There was also a senior consultant, project manager, senior creative, and two creative Flash developers. There were two resources that were doing most of the work. 

How did you come to work with Bluetext?

We interviewed three different agencies and decided to go with Bluetext. Patrick, our CMO — had done a successful project with Bluetext. He referred Jason to me because they worked together. Then, I looked at their website and they had done a project with Adobe — that was almost exactly what I was looking for. It was also the reason why we started communicating with each other. I told them that if they could do a similar project like that, I would be satisfied. After that, our project started.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent approximately $300,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The collaboration ran from November 2018–June 2019. They finished the first deliverable in May 2019 and the second one in June 2019.

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

The first measure of success was our timeliness — we met all of the milestones and deadlines that we sought to achieve. The second was the quality of their work because we had a vision for the project. The final deliverable exceeded our expectations for what the quality of the experience was. For the sales user adoption, I would give them 8 out of 10, but that was much on CVENT as it is the tool. We wanted to make sure that this was a tool that sales would use and by large, they were able to utilize it. 

A couple of our sales teams don’t have this tool and by design, they don’t really need something like it. However, we’re still trying to understand the difference that it could make with a customer or prospect as compared to those who don't show our solutions through the app and template developed by the team. For now, that process is still ongoing and I will come back and describe the feedback once I have the available data. 

How did Bluetext perform from a project management standpoint?

We had regulars calls scheduled weekly and we also did calls on an as-needed basis. On top of that, email was our primary channel, and we used Basecamp to manage everything. 

They had a strong project manager that was great at communicating. At the same time, you know you have to be a good client for these projects to go well and I’m sure we did our part. The project manager on the Bluetext side did an excellent job of keeping us in sync and on time — and made sure we were doing the contributions that we needed to do. Overall, everything went well, largely because of the strength of our relationship. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their depth and experience in the type of project that we wanted were amazing. We felt like they had a background for the type of project we had, and that gave us a really good comfort level that we were going to be successful. We had a pretty complicated thing that we requested them to build and we wouldn’t want to do that with an agency that has not done one. 

Next, they really did a good job of blending the creative and design-oriented aspects of the project with the technical side of the engagement. The technology was pretty seamless, and it didn’t feel like we were using an engineered thing. Thirdly, the involvement of Jason was also impressive. He was very hands-on at the outset of the partnership. He mentioned that he wanted our project to be ‘award-winning’, and he was incredibly involved. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

There was nothing that stood out as things that were lacking or missing during the engagement. This might be a bit of a stretch, but in the software business, we have an eye towards user adoption and we will sometimes provide services for that. However, I’m not sure many agencies are necessarily built to do that.

Despite that, Bluetext built a piece of software that our sales users would use. In connection with that, maybe we could’ve had some more of the training with our sellers because they know the application better than anybody — we didn’t ask them to do that and we hired them to do this project knowing that wasn’t a capability. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I think we really benefitted from the team structure we had, so I would describe that an engagement needs very strong senior consultant involvement — or from an executive stakeholder. One of the principals should be personally involved in the project and not someone who would just come in for a kickoff meeting. That's why Jason’s role was very instrumental because he was a strong project management person. That let things just flow because we had all of the components we needed. Other projects wouldn't have an executive stakeholder, strong project management, creatives, or developers — and things don't go smoothly. However, with our project, the engagement was seamless because we had all that we needed.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president and co-founder of Best Day Ever. We’re a sports hospitality service and software provider. We work with companies, teams, and professional leagues that are looking to maximize their customer touchpoints through sports and entertainment.

What challenge were you trying to address with Bluetext?

We had a gamification platform in beta that we developed internally. We worked with Bluetext to give it a look and feel and to make sure that our architecture was stable. We wanted the platform to be more client-friendly.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We wanted to work with Bluetext to revamp our platform. While they had our original code, their team essentially rebuilt the platform from scratch.

Our gamification platform allows users to compete against each other through games and contests at events that we put together for our clients. It handles everything from client log-ins to adding professional teams and their logos.

We can create different games and assign them to different events. There’s a lot of customizable features through client logos, team logos, custom fonts and colors, and watermarking images. After the events, we like to use the reporting features they built out.

They made it possible to receive an image report that we can email to all of the guests through our CRM. The Salesforce and HubSpot integrations allow us to view the data from our end. We’re able to show our clients that data.

What is the team composition?

We had two account managers, two lead software engineers, and other software engineers. Jason (Managing Partner & CCO) is the one we closed the deal with, so he would project manage at a higher level.

How did you come to work with Bluetext?

I knew Jason through a mutual contact. We had lunch one day, where I discussed our needs. When we realized that we wanted to make a concrete investment to build the platform, we shopped it to a few different places.

Bluetext was more expensive, but their client list was extensive and impressive. They had the right amount of experience, so we felt comfortable knowing that our money would be in safe hands.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around $110,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the project in November 2019, and it wrapped up in April 2020.

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

We’re a sports company trying to work during COVID-19 when the sports budgets are completely tough. We’ve managed to onboard about five new clients in the last month and a half.

We have a pretty good success rate for the platform during events. If there’s an event with 100 people, we’re averaging about an 89% participation rate.

How did Bluetext perform from a project management standpoint?

We met through Google Hangouts once a week. Our main project managers were in communication with me often. Internally, they used Monday for their process.

During our weekly meetings, we would go through testing and QA to refine all of the work.  

What did you find most impressive about them?

Bluetext has completed a diverse scope of work for numerous companies. I believe they had done similar work in the past with our company, but it wasn’t their core competency. They were able to deliver as if it were.

They have a number of different abilities that they’re able to do successfully. During their client onboarding process, their team is trying to understand the goal, but also why. Their work gives clients the power to achieve that goal.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We had one hiccup in the beginning. We lost a little time figuring out what programming language to use, but we ultimately settled that very quickly.

In general, I was very pleased and satisfied with the work that they provided and the way they went about it.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Ask for the weekly meetings. They’ll insist on them, but don’t hesitate to reach out. They’re responsive on weekends and at night, so if you have a question, they’ll take care of it.

Ask for the founders. They’re adept at what they do, and they’re willing to spend their time with their smallest clients. You’ll be able to lean on them throughout your engagement with them.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Our organization, SSB BART Group, manages digital accessibility needs. We make websites, mobile applications, and learning management platforms accessible to people who have visual, hearing, and mobility impairments.

What challenge were you trying to address with Bluetext?

Our messaging did not represent what we do as far as a cutting-edge software firm. For example, SSB BART Group had no meaning. We sounded more like a consulting firm versus a software company. None of our colors represented what we do. 

What was the scope of their involvement?

We hired Bluetext for a complete rebrand of our business. Bluetext came up with a name change, branding, logo, tagline, and messaging. Once the rebranding was complete, they redesigned our corporate website and marketing collateral. Since we also integrate with Salesforce, those components had to be built into our corporate website and made accessible to our users.

How did you come to work with Bluetext?

We approached several agencies, gave them a list of requirements, and asked for a proposal. As each agency came onsite, they gave a presentation and talked to us about their proposal and methodologies. We ultimately decided to go with Bluetext.

How much have you invested with Bluetext?

The brand identity project cost us between $60,000 and $70,000. We spent $110,000 on the corporate redesign.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in fall 2016. Our corporate identity rebranding is complete, and we are now in the process of web design.

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

For the corporate identity, what impressed us the most was their methodology and process for getting from point A to B. Since we are a very process- and methodology-driven company, we look for that in our partners. We grilled them pretty hard on why they would do things a certain way and their responses were always great. Furthermore, they had to make sure to build accessibility into the site. We did not have time to teach them how to do this, so it was something they needed to take on themselves. They have taken care of our challenges and have done it well.

How did Bluetext perform from a project management standpoint?

They are great from a project management standpoint. We have a dedicated project manager. Communication goes through her and then she relays information from her team back to us. All of our communication is documented. After every phone call, they send out meeting minutes and action items for each team member, whether internal or external.

What did you find most impressive about Bluetext?

We were impressed by their expertise in the field. The group, as a whole, works really well together and they pick up on each other sector’s part, which is great. There is one employee of theirs whose eye for design is very aesthetic while there is another one who is just as aesthetic when it comes to messaging. I cannot stress the fact that their methodology on how they came up with our new corporate identity was the reason that we ultimately chose them. Although they were more expensive than other vendors, their process and methodology were the most in-depth.

Are there any areas Bluetext could improve?

I do not think so.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a digital pathology solution provider. Our focus is on cancer diagnostics and improving the workflow for pathologists using digital pathology and leveraging all the benefits that it affords besides slide sharing.

What challenge were you trying to address with Bluetext?

We turned to Bluetext mid-2014 to help us brand our company. We needed everything including a name, logo, graphics platform, and a website.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We started out with the naming of our company. We were using a working name that we knew was not going to be our go-to-marketing. We wanted a professional, creative name development approach. Bluetext did a very good job of coming down and hosting ideation sessions with our key executives, working through different iterations on names and then ensuring they were available from a domain standpoint to be registered. That’s how we ultimately selected our name.

They also developed our graphics platform—logo, colors, and imagery—through ideation and strategy sessions with our key executives.

How did you come to work with Bluetext?

Before I came into the picture, our company had interviewed six agencies throughout the nation, but we liked Bluetext’s strategic thinking. One of their Principals, Michael Quint, graphed very quickly what we were hoping to achieve with our strategy. We worked very closely with Michael Quint and Jason Siegel on the graphic design, key messaging, and brand identity for the company.

How much have you invested with Bluetext?

We have spent approximately $200,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We had gotten down to the proposal stage with Bluetext in July 2014. The work is now completed. Following our market launch in March 2015, we are in self-maintenance mode.

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

We have been very well received in the market. There is more intrinsic value in that than actual measurable value. We received the 2016 Technology Innovation Best Practices Award from Frost & Sullivan, but that is more related to our approach to the market, technology, and business model.

They also worked very closely with us to brand ourselves in a marketplace that was yet to mature. Over the last 2 ½ years, we have made great progress. We have the first digital pathology implementation that we are working on right now at OSU James Cancer Center in Columbus, Ohio, one of the 42 comprehensive cancer centers in this country, which is a very prestigious opportunity. We got there due to our unique approach and the brand that we were able to establish in a very short timeframe.

How did Bluetext perform from a project management standpoint?

We went through a transition because our account rep became ill and had to take a leave of absence, so there were bumps along the way. Bluetext is a niche agency, so they were juggling clients and priorities. But in general, I think it went very well. Everything was delivered on time although sometimes too close to deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about Bluetext?

Their creative and strategic thinking. They get their head into your business and think about it as if they were part of the internal team.

Are there any areas Bluetext could improve?

They could do better at managing deadlines and deliverables. Regarding project management, multiple things were pushed to the end, converging together with other activities such as launching the website, video production, tradeshow booths, and development.

Please describe your organization.

I work at a company called Workday, a software service provider.

What is your position?

I am the Associate Creative Director for Digital Marketing. I focus on our websites and our other interactive marketing components.

What business challenge were you trying to address with Bluetext?

We had two projects that came in at the same time. Both were interactive micros sites that we needed external help for.

Please describe the scope of their involvement in greater detail.

Bluetext conceptualized different creative directions for the challenges that we had. They provided design and front-end development support, and worked closely with various members of my team to ensure we were prepared for a successful launch.

Bluetext was very accommodating with our tight schedule and constant demands. They made sure we were delivering everything on time and they were very receptive to our back and forth as we got feedback from stakeholders.

How did you come to work with Bluetext?

We had an open call for these projects, but I've known the executive team at Bluetext for a number of years and they were at the top of my list. We went through a number of conversations with other agencies that already work with our company, but ultimately chose Bluetext because they were the most accommodating of our schedule and budget. It turned out to be an excellent experience, and now they're one of our top vendors.

Could you provide a sense of the size of this initiative in financial terms?

The project was around $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

It is ongoing.

Could you share any statistics or metrics from this engagement?

The sites have been live for about a year now. We plan to keep them live and add content to keep them fresh, as needed. We plan to leverage experiences within other marketing tasks on an ongoing basis.

What distinguishes Bluetext from other providers?

I have worked with Bluetext a number of times before this project and know the caliber of work that they deliver. Bluetext's ability to take our brand and creative drive and run with it was ultimately what they delivered on. The expectations were set high and they nailed it.

Is there anything Bluetext could have improved or done differently?

No, and we still have an ongoing relationship with them. When the need arises, we can always reach out to them and be sure we're going to get the same quality of service that we got previously.

Please describe your organization.

Our organization is The Washington Times, an international media firm.

What is your position?

I was the chief operating officer.

What business challenge were you trying to address with Bluetext?

We were looking for a firm to come in and help us transition the company from an old-school media company to a digital media company. We wanted to reach our audience through different media: newspapers, websites, and apps. I was looking for a firm that could understand our business and how to build operating platforms that could help us grow.

Please describe the scope of their involvement in detail.

Bluetext was responsible for creating a single platform that would allow us to distribute our content on various devices: computers, smartphones, iPads and so on. We have reporters that create the content. We needed a firm that would help us display that content in a way that would be rich, inviting, and sticky. We wanted readers to stay on our site after reading the article that brought them to the site. That could mean going to another page, clicking on an advertisement, or purchasing something. Bluetext created that experience within our site. They build a very dynamic site and did some SEO [search engine optimization] work around it.

How did you come to work with Bluetext?

Bluetext came highly recommended.

Could you provide a sense of the size of this initiative in financial terms?

It was more than $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project is completed.

Could you share any statistics or metrics from this engagement?

We're privately owned, and the information that we have on our site is confidential. I will tell you they far exceeded any expectation that anyone on our team had. 

How did Bluetext perform from a project management standpoint?

Bluetext's project management was outstanding, and they were sympathetic teachers and mentors. They did what they said they were going to do and then some.

What distinguishes Bluetext from other providers?

Bluetext's team is made up of subject matter experts in their field. There were never any excuses. 

Is there anything Bluetext could have improved or done differently?

I don't think so. There's nothing they should have done differently on their end.

Please describe your organization.

For my partnership with Bluetext, I was working with Reznick Group. It's around the 10th largest accounting firm in the world.

What is your position?

I was the National Director of Marketing for the group, but I’m now no longer with the firm.

What business challenge were you trying to address with Bluetext?

The challenges for that firm were enormous, from a digital perspective. The website hadn't been updated in close to eight years. It was a first generation website platform. The company brand, overall, was disjointed and watered down, as a professional services accounting firm. While the marketing efforts were very prolific, none of them were really targeted at the correct audiences, and really were not integrated.

I teamed with Bluetext for a full-scale digital review of the digital assets at Reznick Group and my team. We engaged them for a complete rebrand of the company, also a complete redesign in terms of the website.

Please describe the scope of their involvement in greater detail.

We teamed with them over the course of a year and completely redid the website. We built it out on the Drupal platform, complete with search engine optimization [SEO] as well as full-scale content review and updates.

How did you come to work with Bluetext?

We considered quite a few agencies in the DC area as well as New York. Bluetext was just the right fit. They spoke our language and they understood our target market. They were extremely flexible to work with in terms of pricing and project management.

Could you provide a sense of the size of this initiative in financial terms?

The partnership with Bluetext exceeded $200,000.

Could you share any statistics or metrics from this engagement?

There are all kinds of success stories in terms of specific metrics that Bluetext brought to usability in their website, as well as new business. Also, specific applications that they helped us build out focused on target audiences. I don't remember the specific analytics around it, but suffices to say that they dramatically improved the usability, the reach, and the depth of the website.

What distinguishes Bluetext from other providers?

Bluetext is just very, very hands-on, great project managers, very creative in terms of overall design, and very on point in terms of budget. They don't work on an hourly basis; its project fee-based, which is very attractive to professional services firms.

Is there anything Bluetext could have improved or done differently?

I can't think of anything that comes to mind.