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Revolutionizing SEO & PPC

5.0
5 reviews

Firestorm SEM specializes in SEO and PPC for businesses that need a level of expertise and attention beyond what your average provider can offer. Startups, "bridge" PPC/SEO, in-house transitions, and high caliber work are what we specialize in. 

 
Undisclosed
 
$100 - $149 / hr
 
2 - 9
 Founded
2008
Show all +
Philadelphia, PA
headquarters

Portfolio

Key clients: 

Rutgers University, Blink Health, Leesa Mattresses, Diamond Resorts International, Life Extension, Hum by Verizon

Google AdWords Premiere Partner Image

Google AdWords Premiere Partner

We are a Google AdWords Premiere Partner 

$1MM+ Managed in Ad Spend - June 2016 Image

$1MM+ Managed in Ad Spend - June 2016

This is a screenshot from our AdWords MMC account showing the $1MM+ managed mid-June to mid-July.

Reviews

5.0
5 reviews
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Google Ads Optimization for Game Hosting Business

"Jonathan has a very deep knowledge of Google Ads, campaign management, and various tools which add to our success."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Less than $10,000
 
Feb. 2020 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

After setting up a hosting company's Google Ad campaigns, Firestorm SEM has continued to monitor and manage the ads. Staying flexible allows them to adjust their target with a high degree of accuracy.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
Cleveland, Ohio
Co-Founder & CEO, Game Server Hosting Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Firestorm SEM's efforts have resulted in a substantial decrease in cost per click (CPC) while increasing conversions. The team is easy to work with, taking the time to explain nonintuitive marketing concepts.

The client submitted this review online.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the co-founder and CEO of a hosting company that mainly focuses on gaming servers at 15+ worldwide locations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Firestorm SEM?

We needed assistance with setting up and managing Google ad campaigns.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal for this project was to have a Google ads campaign that was functional and flexible, allowing us to target our demographic with a high degree of accuracy while driving down the CPC.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Jonathan was seemed extremely knowledgeable and eager to help. After the initial call, we were excited to work with him as he was able to quickly grasp the scope of the project and offer answers to any questions we had with explanations that were easy to understand.

Describe the project in detail.

Jonathan spent time setting up campaigns with Google Ads that worked for us and slowly ramped up those campaigns based on what we thought was working.

What was the team composition?

We're always in communication with Jonathan and he's always quick to reply and provide us with updates when needed.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Since the start, we have seen a substantial drop in our CPC and increased conversions.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Jonathan has been extremely easy to work with and is always happy to explain anything to us that might be new or hard to understand due to us not dealing with it before.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Jonathan has a very deep knowledge of Google Ads, campaign management, and various tools which add to our success.

Are there any areas for improvement?

So far we are very happy with everything!

5.0
Overall Score Extremely happy with the company and the results.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    Everything is always on schedule as discussed.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    The cost is worth the work.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    We see good success with our campaigns.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    Would be happy to recommend Firestorm SEM to others.

SEM Services for Beverage Company

“Within two months of implementing their strategies, we earned more than $70,000 in equipment sales.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Less than $10,000
 
June 2018 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

In an effort to improve the ROI for marketing, Firestorm SEM is providing search engine marketing (SEM) services. They develop custom growth strategies and compile monthly reports that illustrate their results.

The Reviewer
 
51-200 Employees
 
Atlanta, Georgia
Meredith Singer
Executive Director of Marketing, Revelator Coffee Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Firestorm SEM implemented viable growth strategies, and success quickly followed. The ROI improved dramatically within the first two months, and online sales doubled. Despite their amazing results, they continue to optimize their tactics for continuous gains.

The client submitted this review online.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Revelator Coffee Company is a subsidiary of Bronnie’s Coffee Tech. As the marketing director, I am responsible for guiding the strategy and execution of our ongoing and campaign-based marketing efforts within retail, wholesale and e-commerce verticals.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Firestorm SEM?

We wanted to establish, optimize, and maintain SEM strategies for Revelator Coffee and Bronnie’s Coffee Tech. While we had unique goals for each brand, our main priority was improving our ROI.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Firestorm SEM’s first priority was to develop a viable plan for our brand. We started with a lengthy phone conference, in which we discussed our objectives. After hearing our goals, they began developing a custom SEM strategy that aligned with our needs. They also gathered information, set up our baselines, and integrated analytics plugins on our website. Since completing the onboarding stage, they have been providing monthly reports and optimization calls.

Their efforts for our parent company were more straightforward. They produced a clear SEM roadmap to convert leads to sales. We continually optimize our spend to enhance our results.

How did you come to work with Firestorm SEM?

We were referred to them by a trusted source within our network.

How much have you invested with them?

To date, we have spent less than $10,000 for their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our partnership began in June 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The SEM roadmap that they developed for our parent company has generated massive returns. Within two months of implementing their strategies, we earned more than $70,000 in equipment sales; our yearly profits were more than 12 times our SEM spend.

Our subsidiary company has also benefited from their services; we're receiving at least 10 inbound wholesales each week, and our online sales have doubled.

How did Firestorm SEM perform from a project management standpoint?

We enjoy working with their team because they are efficient. Teamwork, phone, and email were our main channels for communication.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Firestorm SEM provides friendly service and delivers practical solutions. Their agility is unmatched.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Their reports are easy to follow, but they could be more detailed.

5.0
Overall Score Firestorm SEM provides exceptional SEM services.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    Scheduling is always simple.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    From a management perspective, their prices are incredibly cost-effective and amenable to changes.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They deliver clear reports, helpful insights, and overall fantastic results.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I would recommend them to any business without hesitation.

PPC Consulting for Mattress Seller

"Firestorm SEM helped put us on the map in terms of having an Ad Words presence and increasing our impression share with competitors."

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5.0

Quality: 
4.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
4.5
The Project
 
Confidential
 
2Q 2015 - 4Q 2015
Project summary: 

Firestorm SEM was hired to perform an audit of the client's competitive landscape for search terms, as well as their AdWords account. Firestorm then rolled out new campaigns and ads for the client.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 employees
 
Virginia Beach, VA
Head of Marketing, Mattress Seller
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The client praised Firestorm SEM for their solid approach and in depth knowledge around the pay per click industry. The client notes that they were able to increase their impression share and recommends Firestorm to others for their reliability and reasonable prices.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We're a direct-to-consumer online mattress company. We launched our business at the beginning of 2015, and were the fastest-growing e-commerce brand in North America at the time. We sell luxury foam mattresses which are delivered compressed to customers' doorsteps.

I am the Head of Marketing for the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Firestorm SEM?

The mattress industry is extremely competitive when it comes to online search terms in the pay-per-click space. As a new brand, we were trying to gain traction with the incumbent ones, and make a dent within the generic mattress terms. We also wanted to protect growing brand queries. We didn't have an in-house capability to do this, so we reached out to Firestorm SEM.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Firestorm SEM performed an audit of the competitive landscape for pay-per-click terms, as well as a specific audit of our Ad Words account. Firestorm SEM then structured new campaigns, ad sets and creatives for Ad Words, and shopping campaigns, specifically around branded, competitor, and generic terms. Firestorm SEM wasn't involved in social media marketing.

How did you come to work with Firestorm SEM?

I think that we found Firestorm SEM through a recommendation from a SEO [search engine optimization] expert which we'd worked with. We went through some due diligence on accounts which Firestorm SEM had worked on, checking out their online search presence. I thought that Firestorm SEM was doing a good job, so we gave them a test campaign. It went well, so we decided to employ Firestorm SEM on a retainer model.

How much have you invested with Firestorm SEM?

This is confidential.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in the 2nd quarter of 2015. We hired an internal resource at the end of 2015, so we're not working with Firestorm SEM anymore. We found this to be more effective.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Firestorm SEM helped put us on the map in terms of having an Ad Words presence and increasing our impression share with competitors. Firestorm SEM drastically lowered our cost per acquisition as well.

What did you find most impressive about Firestorm SEM?

I have no base for comparison, but I found Firestorm SEM to have a solid approach and a deep knowledge for what they're doing. I trusted Firestorm SEM's methodology.

Are there any areas Firestorm SEM could improve?

Not that I was aware of.

5.0
Overall Score Firestorm SEM provided solid work, was reliable, and will be a good fit for other people.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    Everything was on time, and Firestorm SEM was prompt regarding meetings.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    For what we received, and relative to other vendors, Firestorm SEM was extremely reasonable, cost-wise.
  • 4.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    It wasn't the most innovative approach in the industry, but Firestorm SEM definitely provided solid work.
  • 4.5 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I would be more likely to recommend Firestorm SEM to an emerging brand.

Search Engine Marketing for Healthcare Products Retailer

"They always go with their gut because their intuition and knowledge is fantastic."

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5.0

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
4.5
The Project
 
$1,000,000 - $9,999,999
 
Nov. 2015 - May 2016
Project summary: 

Firestorm SEM provided website SEO for a pharmaceutical company with the goal of improving overall search ranking.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
New York City Metro Area
Founder and CEO, Pharmaceutical Products Retailer
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The project was successful at lowering costs per click and generating more leads. Firestorm SEM understands project management and has expertise in the SEO field. However, the team tends to rely on their significant experience rather than data and analytics. 

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

We sell discounted pharmaceutical products.

What is your position?

I am the marketing manager of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What business challenge were you trying to address with Firestorm SEM?

We needed search engine marketing services. Our aim was to obtain as many conversions as possible, within a certain cost per action target.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their involvement in detail.

Firestorm SEM provided strictly search engine marketing services for us.

How did you come to work with Firestorm SEM?

I'd worked with them previously for another business that I ran. The experience was reasonably positive, so it made sense to bring Firestorm SEM on board for our current project.

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

The average monthly budget for the work was $200,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The work has ended. We've brought on an in-house team as of a couple of weeks ago [May 2016]. We worked with Firestorm SEM during a six-month period.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any statistics or metrics from this engagement?

The work's been reasonably successful. We've done well, raised expectations and met most of them. SEM continues to be a marketing channel for our company, so we're continuing to focus on it, but we decided to have an in-house team focused on this.

We launched the business a relatively short time ago, so our understanding and knowledge of the space continues to evolve. We offer 20,000 different drugs and run multiple campaigns, so the mix of those has had an effect on the overall cost-per-click as well as our click-through and conversion rates.

Firestorm SEM's work was pretty good. The overall cost-per-action for this channel improved in time, and we came to get more and more acquisitions, which was exactly what we were looking for.

How did Firestorm SEM perform from a project management standpoint?

Firestorm understands how to run and manage these types of projects because their two guys at the top [partner and managing director Mark Barletta and partner and president Jonathan Stec] have years of experience and great industry knowhow. They always go with their gut because their intuition and knowledge is fantastic. They wouldn't be a fit for a client who requires a very strong data and statistics focus of the PPC [pay-per-click] work.

What distinguishes Firestorm SEM from other providers?

They were able to lower costs per click and help generate more qualified leads for the client during the substantial engagement.

Is there anything Firestorm SEM could have improved or done differently?

There are certain advantages to having an in-house team that, unfortunately, we couldn't find with Firestorm SEM. The people that we train here will always know our industry better. Since we have such a niche product base and industry that is a global market, it's quite difficult for agencies to make an impact with our marketing.

I also wish they would focus on data and analytics more. They have been in the industry for many years, but a data focus would provide better client service.

5.0
Overall Score I think they were very good, but not necessarily great. We are just moving in a different direction by hiring and training in-house online marketers. That is no fault of Firestorm's.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They were always on time and timing wasn't a major issue.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    Costs were reasonable and close to expectations.
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    . Their quality is excellent, and we received the lower cost per acquisition that we wanted. I just think they might fit other clients better in different industries.
  • 4.5 NPS
    Willing to refer
    .

SEO & PPC for Law Enforcement Camera Manufacturer

“We have great communication with them, and they’re very responsive to input.”

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
May 2015 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Firestorm SEM provides ongoing SEO and PPC management. They optimize ads to target key audiences and promote sales.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Fayetteville, Tennessee
Jubal Ragsdale
President, 10-8 Video, LLC
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

Since the initial engagement, Firestorm SEM’s digital marketing efforts have helped establish a strong online presence. The team is communicative and responds well to feedback. Monthly progress reports keep the project on track. 

The client submitted this review online.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the president of 10-8 Video, LLC. We manufacture in-car and bodycam video recording equipment for law enforcement agencies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Firestorm SEM?

We hired Firestorm SEM to manage our SEO campaigns and PPC ads. 

What were your goals for this project? 

Our goal was to continue to increase traffic to our company website by optimizing our PPC ads. We hoped to better target our audiences to sell more products.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor? 

We found them through a web search and then interviewed them. 

Describe the project in detail. 

For years, they’ve handled our SEO and PPC campaigns, enhancing our ads to better target key audiences. 

What was the team composition? 

Jonathan (Lead Digital Strategist, Firestorm SEM) has been our point person on this project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any statistics or metrics that speak to the quality of their work and impact of the engagement? 

They provide monthly reports on our traffic. The project is ongoing, and Firestorm SEM continues to improve our online presence. 

How did Firestorm SEM perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicate primarily through email in addition to the monthly progress reports.

What impresses you about Firestorm SEM?

We have great communication with them, and they’re very responsive to input.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, I can’t think of anything.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They produce great results.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer