Direct Online Marketing

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

In general, we’ve noticed that some of their competitive campaigns have helped drive more bottom-to-late-stage traffic to our site, and they’ve helped us identify new trends. For example, we’ve seen that people often search for popular industry terms when news outlets report on law changes to data security. Leveraging this insight has proven valuable to driving lead volume while keeping a low cost per lead (CPL).

How did Direct Online Marketing perform from a project management standpoint?

While I can’t see task progress in real time, we discuss the majority of our items during weekly meetings. They also send agendas that show us what we’ve covered the week before and what we plan to do for the following week. This allows me to judge which deliverables will make it to the next meeting.

What did you find most impressive about them?

One of Direct Online Marketing’s main strengths is that they learn about your product to tailor their solutions. There’s a huge difference between an agency that targets numbers compared to one that takes a qualitative approach. Their team tries to understand how an end user would resonate with your product before developing the message. I appreciate the time they take to do their due diligence.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There is no glaring area of improvement needed. If anything, the client should be doing a better job of specifying needs, goals and mutually work towards a plan of action.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Provide as much detail as possible during the onboarding process, and be transparent about what’s working and what’s not. Then, look at what the data says compared to your broader, executive goals, and create a plan of action to achieve them.

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

They planned all of the SEO strategies months before launching the new site, which has made it easier to rebuild our audience. There was an initial dip when we debuted the new site, but traffic is increasing by 15%-20% each week.

How did Direct Online Marketing perform from a project management standpoint?

After our weekly meetings, they send a follow-up email to ensure that both of our teams have a clear set of deliverables. For good measure, documents are also shared and managed on Google Docs. Whether by phone, email, or Skype, they’re always available to answer our questions and provide immediate assistance. They’ve even traveled from West Virginia to sit down with us at our California office and get a better understanding of what we’re trying to accomplish. Their willingness to literally go the extra mile is one of many ways they’ve shown their commitment to their work.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Working with Direct Online is like working with colleagues who have our company’s best interest at heart. I recommend their services to any business looking to enhance their online presence.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We wouldn’t change anything about them because they always bring us spectacular results. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be willing to put in the necessary work on your end to make the engagement worthwhile. Direct Online has specialized in digital marketing for decades, so take advantage of their knowledge. 

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

Every week, we look at our number of conversions (or a request for information from the school) and make adjustments as needed. Those results depend on the campaign we’re running at that point in the year, and whether they involve our paid social or search engine marketing. Their responsiveness to the adjustments we need to make helps us better interpret and improve those conversion numbers.

How did Direct Online Marketing perform from a project management standpoint?

They are excellent. We’ve had some in-person meetings, but we communicate mostly via phone and email. Since we’re at an arts college, there are many creativity-driven people who have different ideas about what makes something visually appealing or engaging. DOM is always happy to accommodate last-minute changes or adjustments, whether it be the verbiage in an ad or revising text. Digital marketing is only one of several areas I cover in the advertising department, so I try to give DOM notice about work we’ll need from them but it’s not always possible. Nevertheless, they get completed work back to me or answer my questions the same day.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m approached daily by other digital marketing agencies who want to pitch their company to me, but I never consider anyone else. We’re already working with a company that understands search engine marketing and social media, and that will get back to me quickly if they need to research something or don’t have an answer for me immediately.

Some of our work is international, which is as new for me as I'm sure it for them, but even though we’re both learning about the new field, they always have their client’s best interests at heart. I'm not interested in even trying to work with anyone else because they're able to do so much for me, given that I'm pulled in a number of different directions.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they are incredibly accommodating.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They’re dedicated to their clients. They offer suggestions for reaching new audiences, but it doesn't come across like a pushy sales pitch, which I know can happen with other marketing companies. No matter what you’re trying to market, DOM will learn about the product so they can provide the best support.