Clearwater Agency

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Brand development and acquisition manager at Lauriston Girls' School, a premium provider of girls education from K-12.

For what projects/services did your company hire Clearwater Agency, and what were your goals?

We needed to build our pipeline. I.e. acquire more interest in our brand and convert these to leads and then convert these to our waitlist via an application.

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

We shortlisted 3 vendors and provided them a brief which they presented back to us on. Clearwater demonstrated in this process that they understood the problem to solve, their technical capabilities and a clear roadmap to achieve our objectives. We liked their clear communication and their commitment to helping us to building solid foundations in line with our objectives, before adding in the frills.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and marking tools used.

Clearwater was tasked to manage our SEO, Google ads (SEM, Display, Youtube) and our social ads to achieve the following deliverables.

1. Deliver incremental traffic to Lauriston.vic.edu.au:
   1.  +10% paid traffic with a focus on key entry points & campaign landing pages with an increase of +15% organic traffic
   2. Key pages: Home, Open Mornings, Application Form, Kindergarten, Junior School, Senior School, Scholarships
   3. CPA should remain < $250
2. Deliver incremental leads, applications and enrolments:
   1. 700+ tour bookings per year
   2. 370+ tours attended
   3. 550+ applications per year (last achieved in 2016)
   4. 100+ scholarship applications per year e. <30 enrolments that accept but do not commence
   5. 800+ inquiry forms per year (including general enquiry and request prospectus forms) We also have engaged them to build a new website.

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

We worked with the account manager, SEO expert and a channel manager.

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Prior to Clearwater we were seeing 1 application form for admission to the School per day now we are seeing around 2.5. We have also increased our leads (enquiries) by 17%. We are also on track to achieve our tour booking goals, scholarship applications and sustainable lift in organic traffic.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The communication is both efficient and effective. Clearwater has a great dashboard where we can interrogate their performance. They provide us direct access to the SEO expert in their team and respond quickly to queries and requests. They're clear and direct.

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

The deciding factors were their capabilities in SEO and website builds, their direct communication and their reporting dashboard.

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

They may have benefited from doing more research about the Schools market.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the sole marketer for an Australian SaaS startup operating in the catering, foodservice, and e-commerce space. The company has been around for roughly 15 years and has recently been acquired by another company. 

For what projects/services did your company hire Clearwater Agency, and what were your goals?

Prior to me joining the company, the marketing was done by a mix of agencies who didn't communicate or share strategy. I wanted to condense the work & focus by bringing on 1 agency who could help research, understand, strategize, build & execute multiple campaigns simultaneously since my goals was to target 3 geographical locations & build out our content & SEO for competitive global rankings.

When I found Clearwater, I was very excited, as they were expects in SEO, SEM/PPC/display, content writing, web development & social ads. My goals were to increase the quality of leads coming into my Sales Team, via paid & organic channels, and over the last 6 months we have more than achieved what we set out to do with the quality help from Clearwater.

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

I interviewed roughly 5 agencies, shortlisted 3 & had 2:1 meetings with my CEO & the agency's POC. For us, it came down to:
1) quality of work for the price to be paid.
2) historical results from past/current customers.
3) how our team interacted & jived with their team.

Clearwater was the clear standout for us.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and marking tools used.

First, I did a deep dive into my company's historical marketing activities & results, as well as got a baseline for what our competitors were currently doing. Then campaigned planned based on our company goals, market segmentation & budgetary restrictions. This is when I brought Clearwater in & briefed them on our 3x simultaneous campaigns to be launched ASAP: US grocery AUS/NZ evergreen Content The US & AUS/NZ campaigns required analysis from Clearwater on our current standings, with assess to Google Analytics, building out their own internal dashboard, Google Search Console, Google Ads and Bing Ads.

Next we provided them access to the backend of our Wordpress website & Mailchimp, so they could develop new landing pages. Keyword research was done & display ads were created. And for the Content campaign, heavy technical review of our website was done, competitor ranking & research completed to see where overlapping holes exist & where we could capitalise, as well as a blog calendar created to keep earning organic traffic.

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

I have worked with roughly 4 team members from Clearwater. Our account & ads manager, our SEO manager, & 2 designers (web & graphic).

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

We have been extremely happy with the paid ad campaigns, as well as all the technical & SEO work done to our website, as it has resulted in a clear jump in number & quality of leads. Comparing January 2021 performance to August 2021 performance, we have seen: +200% growth in conversions +630% growth in monthly recurring revenue from contracts signed +50% growth in advertising ROI +60% growth in total ROI & our SEO ranking in our targeted geo's remain #1 or move up +7 spots to be consistently on the 1st page.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We have bi-monthly meetings to sync up on projects, discuss results & understand current tasks & directives, then at the 3-month & 6-month marks we had deep dive meetings to learn the results of our campaigns & moving forward with our strategy.

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

That we've worked with the same people for going on a year now & their understanding of what our goals are. We were impressed with their ability to quickly pivot and execute tasks to keep our campaigns moving forward.

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

The outsourcing of the content writing has created a few pain points, but overall I wouldn't say it was a massive detractor.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the director of a small house inspection company. We mainly focus on Pre-purchase (building & pest) inspections, and new home stage inspections.

For what projects/services did your company hire Clearwater Agency, and what were your goals?

We wanted to grow the company, and expand our reach to anyone in need of a house inspection in Melbourne. We hired Clearwater to provide full-scale SEO services and later Pay per click adwords, in order to grow online traffic to our existing pages.

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

After using several SEO companies in the past that did not achieve the desired results, we followed a referral, and after hearing their proposal and pricing, we felt they would be a good fit and capable of achieving the results we desired.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and campaigns.

We began by discussing goals and methods to be used to achieve these goals. They helped with keyword research, analysis of competitors etc. They helped with changes to the website to ensure the best rankings possible with Google and other search engines. There are regular discussions to provide advice and recommendations on future plans and how things are tracking.

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

A campaign manager was assigned when I first signed up. I have been in regular contact with him since - David.

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

SEO rankings are steadily increasing, and we are on the 1st page for a number of keywords & phrases. Noticeable increase in traffic have occurred over prolonged period.

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

They have been great at managing our expectations, and recommending various changes to the website that may be causing limitations.

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

They are very knowledgeable and professional. Great communication and presentation of results in reports and online access.

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

No

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Marketing Segment Advisor for a leading not-for-profit organisation with a mission to provide older Victorians, their families and carers with a full range of quality community-based services and residential homes and apartments.

For what projects/services did your company hire Clearwater Agency, and what were your goals?

We identified an opportunity to expand our reach and generate more traffic to our website through SEO.

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

I have worked with Clearwater in the past and built a great rapport with their team, so when the time came to contract an agency to help with our SEO efforts, it was a no-brainer.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and campaigns.

Clearwater conducted in-depth keyword research, website architecture and local search to deliver on organic performance.

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

We work closely with David - one of their Digital Strategists'.

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

We're now ranking first for a number of keywords, as well as ranking on the first page for many others. As a results, we've seen our online conversion numbers increase and opportunities coming into our Customer Centre grow.

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

David has been fantastic to work with. We've developed a working style that is informal and approachable where nothing is left unsaid or miscommunicated. Having a busy schedule, this approach works great, and our short and sharp sessions keep our SEO campaign on track, agile and performing well.

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

Their ability to really take to our business and invest their time to understand the industry, the competitive landscape and opportunities. Also, identifying our scope of knowledge in the SEO space and helping us to understand the campaign complexities.

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

No, we're really happy with how everything is going.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Marketing Manager of an Australian agricultural machinery designer and supplier business. We cater to customers across Australia and the globe.

For what projects/services did your company hire Clearwater Agency, and what were your goals?

As we were a new business, we hired Clearwater to rank us higher in google and grow awareness of the new company. Clearwater did so by managing our SEO and Paid projects. Our goals were to increase organic and paid conversion, which was achieved.

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

I discovered them due to their ranking on a google search for SEO companies. My theory was that if you rank first or top three in such a competitive space, you must know what you're doing. After that, the deal was sealed by their responsiveness and customer service.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and campaigns.

Our engagement began with a site audit and keyword research applied to SEO and Paid campaigns. Following this, we were given a list of tasks to improve the content on my site. While this was happening, Clearwater began building backlinks, speeding up my site and building the paid campaign. On the side, they also went the extra mile and managed any technical issues, such as crashing the site when a plugin would break. Clearwater also successfully managed a Therebrand for my company, where we changed company names and shifted the domain, which required redirects and other important tasks.

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

We had an account manager, an SEO specialist and a Paid Specialist. Most interactions were from the account manager, who did a stellar job.

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Clearwater has achieved the expected outcomes. We have a seen noticeable increase in domain authority and traffic. Which in turn means more leads and sales

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

They have excellent communication skills and go out of their way regularly, for instance, fixing my site when it breaks. They are great at meeting deadlines and are very upfront with their communications. Most communications were over the phone and by email.

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

Their customer service and timeliness have been outstanding. Their responsiveness is excellent, especially when you need a change made fast.

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

No, they are great.

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a Digital design and print agency. I am the Creative Director.

For what projects/services did your company hire Clearwater Agency, and what were your goals?

We use Clearwater to help our clients increase their online presence. We wanted to maximise exposer for keywords in a niche industry.

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

We have used Clearwater in the past for a number of clients with great success.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and marking tools used.

We communicated our goals to Clearwater and wanted their help with launching a new site for our client without losing rankings. We engaged Clearwater to research keyword opportunities, make content suggestions based on research results, and to ensure that rankings were gained over time both locally and within their niche.

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

We worked with 2 digital Strategists, David and Ash.

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

We are seeing some great results, with lots of ranks one's where there were none before. Their presence on google has increased dramatically which is turning into qualified leads.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We have worked with Clearwater in the past and have a well-streamlined process. Clearwater is very good at communicating and keep clients in the loop with progress.

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

Our rep David is always in touch with good advice, recommendations, and even just a friendly chat. Their customer service has been excellent.

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

Occasionally, they assume you know all the tech talk.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Get My Refund is a refund claims management service for Australian consumers. Getting back money for those consumers that have been mis sold financial services products.

For what projects/services did your company hire Clearwater Agency, and what were your goals?

We hired Clearwater for an ende to end marketing plan, social, seo, marketing and advertising. The goal being the first company is Australia was to Initially start educating consumers and then advertise to the right people but to also make Get My Refund the first company they see on google.

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

Lots of phone calls. Transparency, hard workers, and passion for what they do.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and marking tools used.

Creating content that is new to Australia that provides the correct amount of education and authenticity to enable consumers to feel safe and continue through our process. Bringing through qualified leads, blogging content to increase Seo, backlinking and mai ting adverts. Clearwater have their own dashboard enabling us to see the increase in progress at any time.

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

We have worked mainly with three team members. From paid content, and socials. To SEO and website design.

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Our position in google is number one for our company an ranks high in most other search terms also. We increase in traffic monthly and the click to spend goes down each time also.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Use of excel sheets and meetings enable good communication and process productivity.

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

They are passionate and dedicated. They all have specific roles and work together to get a result. With the help of Clearwater they have increased our business and helped generate the right consumers we need for our company. They are available for us when we need them. This is most important for a growing business

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

Nothing to report.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the director of a Wedding entertainment company, we supply DJs and equipment for Weddings in Melbourne.

For what projects/services did your company hire Clearwater Agency, and what were your goals?

a full-stack digital marketing campaign, including SEO, Google Ads, website speed and user experience performance.

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

I always love amazing customer service and this company is it, even exceeding my expectations for this. We have used other digital marketing companies before and this is the personalised service you want for your business, they will care just as much as you do about the success of your business. Strategy, planning and communication are always on point.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and marking tools used.

We went over my business objectives, expectations and wants and they then created a digital marketing plan to suit my needs. They have implemented everything they said they would in a timely and easy to understand fashion.

As we have grown they have added to and adjusted our marketing strategy to always maximise our results. The backend tools are great for me to track the campaigns and give me a clear understanding of how we are going.

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

we predominately work with a digital strategist for all things and when needed they bring in their own experts to help along the way whether that be the technical team or anyone more suited to the situation.

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

At the moment the results are always improving (even during lockdown months) when the income would usually stop we are able to keep turning over sales due to the strong digital campaigns we have created.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We have regular calls to discuss and plan for our digital marketing strategy to make sure we are on top of all things at all times. Communication is amazing and they are always contacting me rather than me chasing them which is unheard of and amazing customer service.

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

I appreciate their customer service and the genuine care they have for our business, they don't just say it, they do it! Without being prompted they are always all over it. The results are outstanding and the ease in which it happens is everything I wanted for a digital marketing company.

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

not for me, they have exceeded my expectations.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the director of a pest control business.

For what projects/services did your company hire Clearwater Agency, and what were your goals?

We were unhappy with the number of leads being generated by our previous marketing company. We were looking for a review and revamp of our website and digital marketing campaign.

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

We spoke with a number of companies both local and interstate and were happy with the advice and strategy provided by Clearwater.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and marking tools used.

Clearwater completed a review of our website and current digital marketing campaign, presenting us with a strategy on how best to move forward over the coming months. Clearwater 'cleaned up' our website making it more favourable from an organic and targeted ad standpoint. They then worked with us to build on the content already on our site, tracking keywords, visits, conversions etc.

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

We work directly with a Senior Digital Marketing Strategist and Digital Strategist.

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Our organic traffic increased over 600% in under 1 year.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

In addition to monthly reports and monthly phone calls to discuss said reports, we talk via email/phone whenever necessary. The team is always responsive.

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

We're impressed by the knowledge of the team and their short- and long-term planning.

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

Not that I can think of.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Marketing Manager of Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS NSW) and we help primary producers and small related agricultural business who are experiencing financial hardship.

For what projects/services did your company hire Clearwater Agency, and what were your goals?

We wanted to grow our traffic in specific geographic locations develop brand awareness.

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

Clearwater have a wealth of knowledge and delivered a personalised solution to what we needed. They worked with us on the budget that we had and were responsive to our concepts.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and campaigns.

Clearwater help with keyword research, target audience analysis and development of online engagement strategy

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

We have an assigned project coordinator who engages with specialist members of the Clearwater team when necessary.

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Our traffic over the past 2.5 years has increased 200% and our user group has more than doubled.

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

All of our deadlines are always with excellent reporting. We have a dashboard that I can monitor and our project coordinator and I talk regularly by phone and email.

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

Their professionalism is always outstanding. Their understanding and willingness to above and beyond to really discover where they can get the best results.

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

No.