OUR STRATEGY IS SIMPLE. DO MORE. CARE MORE.
DSM is an award-winning, full-service, marketing agency located in Bergen County, NJ. We use our performance-based marketing strategies to ensure your brand thrives in New Jersey’s hyper-competitive market. Furthermore, we use fun, new and effective marketing techniques to put our clients beyond their competition.
No two marketing strategies are alike. To customize a strategy that works specifically for you, you need a comprehensive tool chest. Use every tactic at your disposal to grow, adapt, react and succeed in the marketplace. If you just set it and forget it, it’s not going to work.
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Portfolio
Inside Rx, OmniActive, Consumer Product Testing Company, MAINGEAR
It was our job to make sure OmniActive’s website brought as much good health to their business as their products bring to the world.
It was a common problem; their website wasn’t functioning as an active marketing tool, it just existed and provided information. Our team was excited to help this global health company catapult their website and their marketing into the modern era to accomplish what they needed to be successful in their competitive space. It was time for us to give OmniActive’s marketing system the same boost that their products are known for.
With our goals in order, we set off to create a website that was not only beautiful but had the ability to capture leads for their sales team.
Key Results:
We increased organic traffic by 175% quickly after the new site launch by making on-page and off-page optimizations.
Implementing proper SEO best practices across the site in combination with strong brand awareness, the top 10 keyword rankings have increased by 57% in just 7 months.
By incorporating clear calls to action throughout and implementing a new CRM, the website now connects OmniActive’s sales team with dozens of qualified leads each month. In 7 months, their website conversion rate increased by 267%. We are definitely feeling the positive results for this client inside and out.
How To Turn $1,940.32 into $20,740.79 In 7 Weeks.
Objective: Increase sales of a specific product line.
Strategy: Create content that would attract, engage, and convert new customers.
Execution: Produce a long-form piece of content that answered all necessary buying questions, then use paid social media campaigns to distribute specific segments to get the right message to the right audience at the right time.
Results: By producing and repurposing a single piece of strategic content, we were able to drive $20,740.79 in sales with $1,940.32 in advertising spend in just 7 weeks.
Key Insights:
1. Mapping content to a customer journey produces a high return on your investment.
2. Content funnels produce better customers who spend more money.
The inside scoop on how to out-strategize the competitors can make all the difference.
Inside Rx savings cards help consumers across the country lower their prescription drug costs.
We helped Inside Rx find their market fit and thrive, producing a 596% increase in their most important metric with our solutions and strategies in place.
Over the course of 2019, we tested a variety of messaging angles that we thought could appeal to their target audience. We also tested different geographies, ad placements, and platforms.
We learned what was working and what was not and we pivoted accordingly to optimize on positive results.
Our due diligence as an agency that can focus on you and your needs, checking stats and budgets every day, is a huge part of what makes us successful in not only meeting but exceeding business goals and KPIs for our clients.
That’s how we increased Inside Rx’s savings card downloads by 596% from Q1 to Q4 of 2019.
We’re put to the test by a brand that knows a thing or two about testing.
CPT℠ is a global leader in the testing of personal care, pharmaceutical and therapeutic products. CPT℠ is committed to the ethical generation of data, which results in the introduction of reliable products to the marketplace. Our focus is to provide our clients support for the health and well-being of their customers.
We've been working with CPT℠ for over 3 years. In that time we've helped with brand development, a logo study, web design & updates, signage, print advertising, ongoing marketing strategy, content marketing, SEO, tradeshow booth design, collateral, email marketing, paid advertising and social media advertising.
DSM has brought in $1,320,233 in deals closed for Consumer Product Testing℠ Company from organic search alone!
Reviews
the project
Branding for Healthcare Service Provider
“DSM feels like a partner to us — they’re trustworthy, and they give us the confidence to solve any problems we have.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the product marketing director of an organization that provides healthcare services at home.
What challenge were you trying to address with DSM?
Our business was going through a lot of innovative changes, so we hired them to redefine our corporate narrative and positioning. We also needed their help in creating and implementing our marketing and sales assets.
What was the scope of their involvement?
DSM redefined our company’s overall look and feel. They’ve updated our logo, messaging, and positioning to better communicate ourselves and show the value we bring to our target audience.
Additionally, they’ve provided us with creative direction in developing and implementing our marketing and sales materials, such as email and presentation templates. They also come up with new content for our website, which was outdated.
What is the team composition?
I work with several people from the DSM team, including Caitlin (Account Manager), who’s my main point of contact.
How did you come to work with DSM?
I worked with them previously at my last organization, and I was really impressed with the work they did. Their price range was also within our current budget, so they were really the first company that came to mind for this project.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve invested more than $100,000 so far.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working with them in June 2021, and our engagement is still ongoing. In fact, we’ve already expanded the scope of work with them.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We’ve received great feedback from our leadership team on the updated design of our website and sales assets, which have helped us establish a fresh new perspective of who we are as an organization.
How did DSM perform from a project management standpoint?
They follow a data-driven approach that has allowed us to validate any specific directions or decisions for the project. For communication, we interact through email and Google Meet.
What did you find most impressive about them?
DSM feels like a partner to us — they’re trustworthy, and they give us the confidence to solve any problems we have.
Are there any areas they could improve?
The content they’ve provided is not as detailed as it should be, but that’s not entirely their fault since we didn’t give them enough time to fully understand our business.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Make sure to help them understand the challenges of your organization. This can serve as a guardrail on how far they can push their creativity.
the project
Digital Marketing & Advertisement for Massage Franchise
"We were a small client to them, but we never felt unimportant."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
We’re a two-local massage franchise in New Jersey.
What challenge were you trying to address with DSM?
We were trying to recruit new massage therapists.
What was the scope of their involvement?
We collaborated with DSM to attract new talent. We went through some exploration calls to address what could draw a massage therapist and explained how our business operates and what we can offer in terms of employment regarding pay, benefits, and training.
Initially, we provided a list of licensed massage therapists in New Jersey, and there was a big push on Facebook for recruitment. DSM created the artwork using some pictures and quotes we provided. They also interviewed our employees to generate the recruiting materials. Lastly, we did a three-staggered in-home postcard, which was sent to the list of licensed therapists.
Additionally, they did a direct mail piece for us and managed all of the digital advertising on Facebook, overseeing which ads were working and doing the plan every week upon the results of various ads. DSM also did email blasts. They created a HubSpot account and pushed that out.
What is the team composition?
We primarily worked with three people: a senior VP of account services, a digital marketing associate, and the director of strategy. In the beginning, we spoke with the CEO, but he wasn’t part of our weekly calls.
How did you come to work with DSM?
I posted that I was looking for a local marketing agency on a neighborhood group on my Facebook page. Somebody put forward DSM, so I went online and filled out an inquiry. We immediately received a call from the CEO.
They were personable and upfront. We wanted to see what they could do for us, and they didn’t want to string us along for money. It turned out that we’d had a personal relationship with them from years ago.
Once we started talking, we were able to connect with them. DSM seemed knowledgeable, and every single person on the team had a great background. They were true to their word; we never felt that we were being sent along on a sales pitch. Moreover, they were honest about what they thought they could help us with. We trusted them, so we wanted to partner with them.
How much have you invested with them?
We spent $25,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We began our partnership in May 2021, and we put it on pause in October 2021.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Recruiting talent and hiring people is extremely difficult right now. We’ve put in a lot of effort, but this is our last step. We have one more postcard to drop. Then, we’ll see what happens.
So far, we’ve hired one massage therapist that received our email and gotten some interest from our postcard. Nothing has panned out yet, but we’ve gotten phone calls. Also, there has been word of mouth that people have seen our ads all over social media, so we’ve had a significant presence.
How did DSM perform from a project management standpoint?
They were great. The team followed through on everything. We had a phone call every week to touch base, and they were clear about what they needed from us. Outside of that, we communicated through a lot of emails.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They were extremely personable. We could tell how much they wanted to help us make a difference and succeed. DSM wasn’t just clocking hours; they really cared. We were trying to get a lot out of the project, and they wanted to build a relationship with us. We were a small client to them, but we never felt unimportant.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I don’t have thoughts on that. If there were something, we would’ve discussed it together. They were open to suggestions, and we discussed things and worked together.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Stay engaged and keep up with weekly calls and feedback. They were open to listening to us, and then they took their expertise and executed the best they could. So don’t sit back, engage with them, and collaborate.
the project
Social Media & Content Mktg for Property Management Company
"Their dedication and passion for what they do impress us."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
We are a property management and development company with nine open buildings running close to over 100–200 units. We're also opening up more properties in the next few months. I'm the marketing director and I ensure that all our properties are getting enough leads.
What challenge were you trying to address with DSM?
We outsource our digital marketing needs to DSM.
What was the scope of their involvement?
The team develops all our Google and Facebook Ads. They also handle our content creation efforts. More often than not, we send them photos and they put it all together. Our overall goal is to drive traffic to our website in order to generate leads for our properties, and they work with us on that effort.
What is the team composition?
They have a team of 5–7 people, composed of account managers and digital specialists.
How did you come to work with DSM?
They were referred to us. Before giving us any quote, they made us fill out a questionnaire to know our goals, such as the specific numbers we want to achieve at the end of the year. We chose them because they didn't just throw out a quote and say they could do something. We also felt that they would be able to provide us with the best results.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve spent $150,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We began working together in June 2020, and we are still working together.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We've seen a significant increase in our website traffic and leads. As a result, we've been receiving better conversions from our platform. My colleagues agree that the website has been performing well. Overall, everyone has been pleased with the team's results.
To give more context, out of all the nine properties that they worked on, we managed to lease-up one property around September. We were able to get all the units fully occupied even during COVID-19.
DSM has been a huge part of our marketing efforts. I know a lot of competitors have been struggling to get leads and things did slow down, but we have been able to achieve success despite all that.
How did DSM perform from a project management standpoint?
We have weekly calls. Additionally, they have been great with deadlines. It’s something I don’t normally ask or follow up on because they always pass their deliverables on time.
Even when we had budgeting issues, we always come to an agreement. Furthermore, they have been willing to work with whatever issues we have.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Their dedication and passion for what they do impress us.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, we’ve been pretty happy working with them.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
What they do at the beginning stages makes them different since they have a whole process. They sit down with you and try to understand what your goals are. As a result, they figure out how to achieve your vision. Along with their talent, their process has been crucial in getting us results.
the project
Ads & PPC for Protective Wearables Distributor
"The quality of service has been fantastic."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the president of LG Protective Wearables. As a response to the pandemic, our business started providing PPE, mainly face shields, to meet the need. We have a specialty of trying to bring as many US-made products into our assortment as possible.
What challenge were you trying to address with DSM?
We were doing social media advertising, but we hit a few speed bumps because of all of the regulation advertising changes regarding products like PPE. I hired DSM to navigate those waters for me and my business.
What was the scope of their involvement?
The team at DSM created social media ads, ran those ads, and assisted with the strategy for those ads and my business.
What is the team composition?
I communicated with five or six people directly, including Darren (President), Dan (Director of Strategy), Morgan (Marketing Manager), and Christine (SVP of Account Services). They each handled different aspects of the engagement.
There were some people behind the scenes that I didn’t interact with.
How did you come to work with DSM?
I found them through a quick Google search. I wanted somebody that was local to New Jersey, so if I needed to meet them in person, we could do it. They’re about 10 or 15 minutes away from me, so it was a perfect fit.
What is the status of this engagement?
I brought them on to help in April 2020.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
The quality of service has been fantastic. Since the engagement started, they’ve become like a partner. Beyond marketing, we discuss everything involving the business. They feel like part of the team. They’re always available, and the team is willing to help with areas outside of the scope of work.
How did DSM perform from a project management standpoint?
We normally email to set up Zoom meetings. We speak at least once a day. They’ve met every deadline, even delivering before on some aspects. There have been no holdups.
What did you find most impressive about them?
My favorite part is that this feels like a true partnership. We’re working as one unit. I don’t feel like DSM is a marketing company that I hired to do some projects. They’re fully in the fold with me, whether it’s in their scope or not.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I’ve had zero issues with them. They helped me get over my challenge.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Let Darren explain what he can bring to the table. I highly recommend everyone I work with. Darren knows what the customer will need and will be able to guide them.
the project
Web Dev & Digital Marketing for Roofing Company
“DSM is incredibly flexible, adapting to changes with ease.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I am the owner and president of CRS Roofing Company.
What challenge were you trying to address with DSM?
Initially, we were looking to redo our website and improve our marketing strategy.
What was the scope of their involvement?
DSM redeveloped our WordPress website for us and continues to make tweaks here and there. During the initial stages of the engagement, their team performed industry research to help them best write copy for our site.
The team also provides marketing services, from SEO to PPC to social media campaigns. DSM also provides blog content and inbound marketing services. They also assisted with a promotional print advertising campaign.
What is the team composition?
Our main point of contact at DSM is our account manager.
How did you come to work with DSM?
I had a personal connection with the owner of the company.
How much have you invested with them?
We have invested about $60,000 a year, not including side projects.
What is the status of this engagement?
Our ongoing relationship with DSM began in May 2017.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
This past year, our organic traffic was up by 12% and new site visitors from New Jersey are up by 50%. Our total keyword rankings have increased by 47% and first-page keyword rankings have increased by 12.7%.
Their team catches on quick, as time went on we had fewer and fewer rewrites. The entire team has been consistent throughout the project, which we’ve appreciated. They doa great job of consolidating information and really getting our point out there in a concise manner.
How did DSM perform from a project management standpoint?
Our teams have utilized BaseCamp to help with managing the project. DSM also holds status calls, which we’ve moved from having weekly to having bi-weekly. They set an agenda to encourage a smooth meeting. We also communicate via email and they’re always quick to respond.
What did you find most impressive about them?
DSM is incredibly flexible, adapting to changes with ease. They take on changes and pivots in our strategy so nicely. They work really well as a team and are willing to adapt to my schedule.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, we know each other pretty well as companies now so there’s no need for improvement.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
I recommend working with DSM. Get all of your ducks in a row first to really put together a game plan of where you want to go and how you want to get there. It helps set expectations and makes everyone at DSM’s live easier.
the project
Outsourced Digital Strategy for Niche Travel Company
"The DSM team never wavered, kept the ideas flowing while showing incredible support and compassion."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I am the owner and founder of a Business Strategy/Marketing firm.
For what projects/services did your company hire DSM?
I worked with DSM on behalf of my largest client, a niche travel company. Together, we planned an aggressive, highly-targeted, hyper-local campaign targeting a niche travel audience.
What were your goals for this project?
The goals of the projected were to integrate with the community, leverage the long-standing heritage of the company in the region and drive overall awareness while activating our key demographic.
How did you select this vendor?
DSM has a stellar reputation and I always hoped for the chance to work with the company, especially their principal, Darren Magarro. When the opportunity came up, he was my first call. He exceeded his reputation and my expectations.
Describe the scope of their work in detail.
Darren and his team provided strategic counsel and presented a thoroughly vetted, multi-level campaign they developed specifically for our needs. Many agencies pull a cookie-cutter plan off the shelf and just change the logos. DSM is the opposite. They dig in to truly understand the client and create a custom plan.
What was the team composition?
I've worked closely with the principal Darren Magarro and Christine Devereaux, SVP of Account Services.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
Due to covid-19, we were not able to execute our plans. DSM provided counsel and support throughout this time, going above and beyond.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
The workflow was excellent. Darren leads through clear communication and cultivating relationships. It is clear this is a pillar on which the company is built.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
I connected with DSM during what would become one of the most difficult economies for small business. Not only was my business and my client's business decimated, the coronavirus clearly had a personal and professional impact on DSM. In spite of this, the DSM team never wavered, kept the ideas flowing while showing incredible support and compassion.
Are there any areas for improvement?
There are always areas for improvement, but nothing that I've found to date.
the project
Marketing Services for Telecommunications Company
"They grasp our needs and manage our expectations while bringing the project within the budget."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I am the CEO of GAIN Communications. We are a 35 year provider of Telecommunications Consulting Services while providing telecom solutions to clients from Coast to Coast. All of our clients are referred to us by other long term clients.
For what projects/services did your company hire DSM?
Marketing to existing client base as well as assisting other GAIN clients with their marketing needs.
What were your goals for this project?
To cross-sell all of our specialized services our client base and to introduce to notch other service provider who bring a truly value added benefit to our national client base. Due to the trust we have built with our clients over the years we have become a source of recommendations when there is a need.
How did you select this vendor?
DSM was selected due to their impeccable reputation in the industry and their honest approach to satisfying complex challenges. Their team demonstrates professionalism and product knowledge throughout the process.
Describe the scope of their work in detail.
Cross-selling to our large list of clients is a challenge. Since all of our clients have come to us with referrals from other clients DSM is able to leverage their talents in reaching the target audience so that GAIN Communications becomes a single source for many of their needs
What was the team composition?
All levels of expertise get involved with their projects including their CEO.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
It is an on-going process but the results are beyond our expectations.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
Excellent. DSM guides the client every step of the way ensuring the project goals are met or exceeded.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
They grasp our needs and manage our expectations while bringing the project within the budget.
Are there any areas for improvement?
I can not think of any areas of improvement. They are a firm I would highly recommend without hesitation.
the project
Complete Rebrand for Refreshment Provider
"They made an effort to understand our business and our industry and that shown through perfectly."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
Corporate Essentials is New York City and New Jersey's premier office refreshment provider, offering more than 3,500 skus of snacks and beverages to offices of all sizes. When we started working with DSM, I was in the position of VP of Marketing, and during the time of the relationship I moved to SVP of Operations and eventually Chief Growth Officer.
For what projects/services did your company hire DSM?
When we initially engaged in conversations, we were looking to "refresh our website." What it turned into was a full re-brand of the company, and the creation of a full inbound, digital marketing strategy moving forward.
What were your goals for this project?
The original goals were a logo and website redesign before hiring DSM. After signing with them, the goal became much loftier - to create the new standard for the world of convenience services.
How did you select this vendor?
Other vendors pitched us only on their vision of what we thought we needed. DSM went in another direction completely, and showed us their view of the landscape of our industry, and what we should be doing to be years ahead of the competition. They sold us the vision before we ever discussed what the cost of that vision looked like, and we decided that their vision perfectly fit our needs.
Describe the scope of their work in detail.
The process began with several all-hands discovery sessions. The entire DSM leadership team and account team, along with the Corporate Essentials leadership team, at that time it consisted of the CEO, COO, VP of Marketing, VP of Sales and the VP of Operation. Over time the regular engagement continued with the VP of Marketing from Corporate Essentials and members of the DSM leadership team.
After the initial rebrand of company collateral and such, the focus turned to the company mission and values. They (DSM) had us focus on why we do what we do as opposed to what we do, and this helped us land on the concepts of company culture and employee happiness as why people use our products. The tagline of "Fuel Culture. Work Happy." became the driving force behind all things to do with Corporate Essentials.
In the years that followed, there continued to be regularly scheduled meetings with the newly formed Corporate Essentials Marketing Team, and regular work done by DSM including blog posts, website updates and SEO reviews and maintenance.
What was the team composition?
The regular DSM account team was composed of an Account Manager, a senior leader, an intern and a member from another department at all times. This last person changed some times depending on the current focus.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
The most-interesting outcome from this project is one that we've seen over the past few years as it relates to the Convenience Services Industry (of which Corporate Essentials is a part). From the time of the relaunch of the Corporate Essentials brand, and in the four-plus years that followed, there has been a shift with this industry of focussing on what the items sold represent (ie keeping people caffeinated and at their desks) to the "why" people choose to work with a Convenience Services company to promote company culture and improve employee happiness.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
There was never an issue with workflow. Using Basecamp and Slack as the main tools of communication were very effective for all involved.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
The thing that I found most impressive was the ability of DSM to feel like part of the company. We never felt like just another project, we always felt like the only project. They made an effort to understand our business and our industry and that shown through perfectly.
Are there any areas for improvement?
Off the top of my head, I can't think of any areas for improvement that stand out.
the project
Oritani Bank Marketing and Advertising support and
"I learned a great deal about marketing and advertising strategy from their team, especially the project leader."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I served as the coordinator of marketing for this community bank.
For what projects/services did your company hire DSM?
DSM partnered with us as they offered day to day advertising design, guidance and support for marketing strategy. The team assigned to our account was always filled with great ideas for marketing materials in our branches, print ads and email blasts.
We worked closely with DSM staff on everything from strategy and planning to design and budgetary impact.
What were your goals for this project?
I could always count on them for creativity and a professional approach to meeting and exceeding our expectations.
How did you select this vendor?
The Chief Operating Officer interviewed several local firms before choosing DSM for their approach and flexibility.
Describe the scope of their work in detail.
They helped develop marketing materials and advertisements as well as planning and strategic advice.
What was the team composition?
I worked very closely with the VP of the firm. The principals were.always involved and accessible.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
We regularly had inquiries and business generated by our ads.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
The team leader was always responsive, more importantly, she was proactive in addressing our needs and ensured we never missed a deadline.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
I learned a great deal about marketing and advertising strategy from their team, especially the project leader.
Are there any areas for improvement?
Nothing that I can point to.
the project
Marketing & Advertising for Clothing Retailer
"The quality of their work is exceptional, they excel in all fields."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I am the Owner of Sal Lauretta for Men. We are a men's high end clothing retailer specializing in custom made clothing.
For what projects/services did your company hire DSM?
DSM handles the entirety of our marketing. They design all of our print ads, website, emails and social media content as well as handling our inbound marketing.
What were your goals for this project?
specifically to grow our brand awareness in the tri-state area.
How did you select this vendor?
They had been originally recommended to us to handle our social media. After a year of working together, we decided to leave our old marketing firm and hand over every component of marketing to DSM.
Describe the scope of their work in detail.
We initially started with print ads and social media. As the advertising landscape rapidly changed into digital platform, we started working on developing a website and finally on SEO marketing.
What was the team composition?
At this point we have a monthly retainer in place. I would say a group of 5 to 6 people are working on our account at all times.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
Since we've been using DSM, our sales have grown tripled.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
It is a seamless work relationship. They are constantly working on improving the lines of communications. These days i know exactly who to speak with depending on the project at hand.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
The quality of their work is exceptional, they excel in all fields. Both creative and technical work
Are there any areas for improvement?
At times i would like the projects to be submitted for approval in a more timely manner.