First Rank

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president and owner of Pinnacle Painting & Decorating, a commercial and residential painting company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with First Rank?

We were a brand new company, so we brought them on to get us into a position on Google that would allow us to be recognized and get some business where we had no previous standing.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First Rank works on our ranking positions, impressions, conversions. The team provides us with monthly analytics, and they work hand in hand with our other marketing firm to make structural changes to our website. 

What is the team composition?

We have one main point of contact, and we’ve also interacted with Jacob (Founder).

How did you come to work with First Rank?

They were previously working with another company and they only work with one company per industry at a time. I’d known Jacob for a long time, so when that spot opened up, we jumped on it right away. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $18,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them in about April or May 2019, and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve definitely been profitable since working with First Rank. We’ve received a couple of large projects based on some of our rankings. 

With SEO, you don’t see results in the first few months, but recently, the team has been able to get us onto the first page and first rank on Google for one of our main keywords, which is exactly where we want to be. 

How did First Rank perform from a project management standpoint?

We have ongoing communication, and they provide us with monthly updates. The team’s phone line is always open, so if I have a question, I can get a hold of them within about an hour. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

First Rank’s knowledge and expertise in SEO is their strength, and they produce results. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’re very good at understanding the technical SEO side, but, in the beginning, we had to work together to help them understand our brand and the conversion side of the website. Over time, the team was able to adapt.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

You have to be patient because you won’t see results in one month. Trust First Rank to do their work, because they will do a good job.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work in business development at PrintPro, a commercial printing and sign facility.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with First Rank?

We were unsatisfied with our previous SEO company, and we had converted our website into an e-commerce platform.

We were looking to overhaul everything, and we wanted to get our ranking boosted as high as possible in our geography. Additionally, we wanted to be one page one and have our keywords in the top three rankings.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First Rank does organic SEO work to help us boost our rankings. They have maintained a steady blog for us. In year one, it was a biweekly blog, and we’ve now converted it into a monthly blog. One of their in-house writers produces fresh content for us.

The team has also done video services, creating an animated video with voiceover with our company. Every month, they give us an analytics report.

What is the team composition?

Tamar (Manager) is our main point of contact.

How did you come to work with First Rank?

I searched on Google for SEO companies in Winnipeg. After meeting with a few different service providers in that space, we had an immediate connection with Jacob (Founder). We then chatted with him and talked about what his plans were for how we could grow our company. Right from that first meeting, they seemed like a good fit. 

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we’ve spent approximately $25,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them in July or August 2018, and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We continue to be satisfied with their services and the results. The work that Jacob and his team is doing has provided us with phenomenal traction. Before working with them, we were hovering around page two or three on a dozen keywords that were important to us. 

Now, we’re consistently ranking either one, two, or three on all the keywords and key searches that we wanted to be ranked on, which has been huge. We’ve also seen our numbers go from an average of 10 requests per month to about 30. It’s been a great partnership.

How did First Rank perform from a project management standpoint?

Our account manager calls or emails us about once every couple of weeks to check up on us and to touch base. What we appreciate about Tamar, is that she’s on us. If she’s waiting on us for something, she will constantly remind us respectfully. It feels like she’s a part of our team because she cares about us getting our content up beyond just the dollars.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their level of communication is a strength. Their ability to take our business and think of it as their own is impressive. First Rank also takes our challenges and comes up with solutions as if it was their own business. They listen to us, even though we ask tough questions and are very particular, and they make the changes we ask for. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I would like them to present new things that we could be doing. If there are other elements or best practices that they come across outside of SEO, it would be great for them to share those with us. They should think out of the box and provide other ideas. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Take the time to meet with Jacob and your account manager. Before you make a decision, understand what you need and explain what you have in mind to the team. If that’s defined from day one, there will be no misalignment of expectations.

This will allow Jacob and the team to work towards a defined target and there will be no issues six months or a year down the line. I would also advise potential customers to be clear and to keep an open line of communication.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner and CEO of RAPTAP marketing.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with First Rank?

Numerous clients of mine needed help with SEO.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First Rank has worked on SEO for numerous clients across several different industries. They’ve helped greatly with web content – they identify the right keywords, optimize website content for keywords, build SEO campaigns around those keywords, and drive up local Google search rankings. We look at Yahoo but primarily focus on Google to identify targeted keywords.

They do a lot of additional work for link building, including inbound links and internal linking. The team does blogging, press releases, and numerous citations for all of a client’s business listings across the internet.

What is the team composition?

I’ve primarily worked with Jacob (Founder), but I’ve also worked with Luciana (SEO Operations Manager) and, on a couple of occasions, Tamar (Account Manager)

How did you come to work with First Rank?

I found Jacob while searching for SEO companies. This wasn’t a service I wanted to create within my own agency, so I was looking for a very competent, reliable company. In my search, I came across Jacob. He and his company had the proven record and all of the qualities and skills that I was looking for.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent in the range of $100,000–$250,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our work together began in July 2015, and it’s ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Each one of the clients that they’ve helped has seen significant improvements in search engine rankings because of First Rank’s expertise in SEO. They’ve been extremely effective at doing the various things that impact the algorithm the most to improve Google rankings. We’ve seen pretty quick results for a lot of those clients, including first-page rankings on a lot of targeted keywords.

One of the very early successes was having a property management company rank number one for a very significant number of keywords for the better part of two years. We’ve had an HVAC company ranked number one locally for a lengthy period of time. We’re also doing very well for a plumbing company and a construction company. First Rank recently began working on a cosmetic surgeon’s SEO, and that’s already showing great results.

How did First Rank perform from a project management standpoint?

We’ve been incorporated into Slack for ease of communication, which is pretty tremendous. I’m able to contact them easily and get responses very quickly. I can talk to Jacob or Luciana through that system. They do use project management tools, but I’m not sure which ones.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their ability to understand the end-user client and their needs distinguishes them. Numerous times, Jacob has been involved in the conversations with clients, really understanding and helping the client understand where they want to go, how that translates into SEO goals, and how to go about achieving those goals. I think that’s the core of why they’re so successful.

Are there any areas they could improve?

SEO is challenging in that you can report on Google rankings all day, and that’s very meaningful, but the question is whether that translates into increases in net income or sales, and to what degree it generates ROI. Anything they could do to reflect results on the profit side would be great.

I’d also really like to see more reporting for local rankings. I don’t know if the tools are out there or are reliable enough, but I think a very significant part of using Google today is people looking at the map rankings and selecting businesses based on those. More reporting on that would be very beneficial. An alert system would also be helpful, so that if rankings start sliding, they can be on top of that really quickly and doing everything they can to reverse that trend.

Any advice for potential customers?

They have very high integrity. Jacob is always going to do right by his clients. He works with them to develop goals that are going to benefit their business, and he’s going to be accountable for those goals.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the general manager of Clean Line Plumbing. We do plumbing, drain work, excavation work, sewer, and water.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with First Rank?

We had a marketing plan in place but our SEO was lacking.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First Rank worked on building our SEO for keywords such as “plumbing,” “drain cleaning,” and “hydro-excavation,” among others. The team also redid our website, and they provide analytics for us every month. 

What is the team composition?

I work with Mickey (Business Development) and Jacob (Founder).

How did you come to work with First Rank?

Our marketing group recommended that I sit with Jacob. I then did two interviews with him and Mickey, and they were exactly what I needed. They had a policy in place where once we signed with them, they wouldn’t work with any other plumbing company. 

I also talked to a couple of other people who had worked with First Rank, and they spoke very highly of the team.

How much have you invested with them?

We spend about $2,000 per month, which comes to about $40,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement began in January 2019, and it’s ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’re number one for the keyword “plumbing” in our city. Before we started working with First Rank, we were probably number 100. Any keyword that I’ve given them, the team has been able to build up to be in the top 5–10 rankings. 

How did First Rank perform from a project management standpoint?

The team provides me with weekly updates. When I give them a new keyword, they always tell me the length of time it will take them. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their communication is top-notch. They provide good answers and explanations. I was quite new to SEO, and First Rank didn’t just say they would take care of everything. They explain what they’re doing and why. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’ve had discussions with them about diving more into our business. For example, when they talk about backwater valves, they should truly know what they're talking about. They could dive deeper into the industry they’re dealing with. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Communicate with them, and narrow down exactly where you want your SEO to go, especially when it comes to keywords.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and former owner of Companion Maids. I sold the company two years ago.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with First Rank?

The business was young. We brought First Rank on board to help us rank well and capture as much of Chicago as possible.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First Rank initially audited our website to determine the keywords to target and the traffic associated with those keywords. Their team came to understand where we stood in terms of results at that time.

They then gave us a timeline of about three months to see tangible results. Their team managed SEO campaigns and made changes to our website. They gave us reports on a monthly basis that told us where we had or had not improved.

What is the team composition?

At the time, our main point of contact was Jacob (Founder & CEO).

How did you come to work with First Rank?

I try to keep a finger on the pulse of different industries. Jacob and I were in the same SEO Facebook group. Whereas other agencies would criticize their clients, Jacob talked about how to do the most for them. His level of integrity was better than anyone else I saw in there.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $54,000 on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began our partnership around May 2014, which ended when I sold the company in April 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

For most of the keywords, we ranked in the top three search results if not the first result. Their team maintained those rankings too. We eventually reached close to the top three search results for the other keywords.

First Rank had a big impact on our business. They were directly responsible for a 2-times increase in our business.

How did First Rank perform from a project management standpoint?

In terms of deadlines and communication, they were always on point. There was never a time when I felt that their team wasn’t on the ball.  

What did you find most impressive about them?

First Rank secured the rankings that we wanted. If you search for Chicago cleaning services, the company’s still a top result. First Rank’s growth over the last five years is a testament to the quality of their work. Their work was fantastic.

The qualities that make them stand out are integrity and communication. Jacob’s one of the nicest entrepreneurs that I know. As a result of his quality coaching, we maintained a relationship throughout the project. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, not that I remember. I can’t imagine asking for more than what we received. Working with First Rank was a great decision.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

It’s important to know that companies like First Rank try to only have one client within a specific industry or market. If you’re considering them, make sure to retain them as quickly as possible because your industry slot might fill.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president of Quik-Therm Insulation Solutions Inc. We design and market high tech insulation products.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with First Rank?

Our products are new and innovative. The construction industry is extremely slow to adapt, so we needed to get our blog articles and website front and center with the industry.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, we did a video of an insulation system for basements that we developed and First Rank did SEO work on that video.

For another project, First Rank took blog articles that we had been writing and managed the SEO. The team also put in place some call-to-actions on the website and revamped some of the articles to add new keywords. They provide regular analytics every month. 

What is the team composition?

My main point of contact is Jacob (Founder), and I usually work with two teammates. 

How did you come to work with First Rank?

I knew nothing about SEO, so I searched online for a company that could do the work for us. I liked First Rank’s website and the video that they had done about their company. They were also in Winnipeg, which meant I would be able to deal with them in person. We then met with the team and decided to work with them. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent about $25,000 in total. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement began in the summer of 2015, and it’s ongoing. We’ve changed our focus since we first started working together.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We had incredible results for the SEO project including several hundred thousand views. We also sold $150,000–$200,000 worth of product as a result of First Rank’s SEO efforts. Additionally, three of the articles that we wrote are now on the first page of Google. 

As a result, we’ve had a number of inquiries, particularly in the last couple of months, and several of them will result in significant sales. They’re a great team to work with. 

How did First Rank perform from a project management standpoint?

The analytics report that they provide every month is great. Whenever I ask them to do something, it’s typically done in 24 hours. We communicate via email, text, and phone, and we also meet face-to-face periodically.

What did you find most impressive about them?

First Rank is extremely personable and helpful. I’m pleased with their work, which is why I’ve continued to work with them. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, none that I can think of. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They’re good to work with and they get the job done. The results speak for themselves.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president and local director of a consulting firm that helps people struggling with consumer debt.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with First Rank?

We were trying to get increased exposure on search engines.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They performed a variety of SEO services to increase my rankings. This included link-building, content creation, and website updates. They regularly provide analytics so we can see our progress. We track organic search traffic to measure the success of their work. 

What is the team composition?

I had one main point of contact: Mickey (Business Development Manager). 

How did you come to work with First Rank?

I think I actually found them on Clutch when I was searching for SEO firms. 

How much have you invested with them?

We spend $2,500 per month, so, in total, we’ve invested almost $10,000 so far. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We began our ongoing partnership in December 2019. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Website traffic went up over 100% since I engaged them, which was only about three months ago. Our client conversion related to SEO went up 300% as well. 

How did First Rank perform from a project management standpoint?

Their communication is excellent. They’re always available when I need them. I’ve never tried to call them and not have them answer.

What did you find most impressive about them?

In my search for a provider, I interviewed around 20 other SEO companies. They were the only company that I had confidence in. Other vendors openly admitted to using unethical practices like buying links, which is not sustainable long term. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have any complaints. At this moment, I’m 100% satisfied. 

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I recommend talking to different firms so you can get a better understanding of the industry which will help you see the value in First Rank’s expertise.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the owner of Anago Cleaning Systems in Winnipeg. We provide commercial cleaning and janitorial services to our clients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire First Rank?

The cleaning industry has a lot of competition in Winnipeg. We needed to hire an external resource to help us rank highly on Google.

What were your goals for this project?

We had very little online presence, but we wanted to be the number one result on Google for most keywords related to the cleaning industry. The goal was to have potential clients call us for commercial cleaning in Winnipeg.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

They were referred to me by a reputable business acquaintance. I met with three different vendors during the due diligence process. I found First Rank to be the most professional and knowledgeable, with a clear grasp of the subject.

Describe the project in detail.

First Rank started by interviewing us in order to understand our operations. Then they listed major keywords to target. Now they handle all management of our Google Ads account. 

What was the team composition?

Our primary contact is Jacob (Founder & CEO, First Rank). A number of other members of their team work on our account.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

While the task facing them was mammoth, First Rank quickly improved our web presence and got us on the first page of Google results. We now rank in the top three spots on Google, and the phone rings non-stop.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow is quite smooth due to First Rank’s professional approach. Communication is a strong suit. All expectations are clearly laid out. Jacob and his team took over the project and really own it; we’re in safe hands.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

First Rank’s innovative approach, knowledgeable staff, and commitment to results is why I love them.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, I hope they continue to do well and can be a long-term partner for us. We highly recommend them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president of Powertec Electric Inc/Powertec Solar Inc, a commercial electrical contracting and solar installation company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with First Rank?

We needed a partner for SEO support. We don’t have internal marketing capacities but wanted to improve our website traffic. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Predominately, First Rank performed SEO support that evolved to include social media and blog management which the team syndicated to our platforms. To optimize traffic, they developed a link building campaign and researched an improved Google Ads keyword strategy. The team redesigned our entire website, improving visual content and updating its front- and backend.

How did you come to work with First Rank?

I spoke to their team after they presented to a business group that I’m a member of. We’d done SEO campaigns with several other companies that returned poor results. The success of First Rank’s trial period resulted in our long-term engagement.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $60,000–70,000 CAD (approximately $44,900 USD) throughout the partnership.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began collaborating in June 2015, and it’s ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

As a result of First Rank's efforts, call volume tripled for service work. Our website has become significantly more searchable, which has increased site traffic. Looking at our keywords, we appear in two postings on the first page and high in local results. We’re ranking quite high for all of the search items we wanted to rank for. The positive results were instantaneous.

How did First Rank perform from a project management standpoint?

We're getting the work we want so I haven't tracked progress. If we weren’t seeing the increase in phone calls, I would account for how the team’s time is spent. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Unlike competitors, their efforts quickly got results. Digital marketing is difficult for us so it was significant that the team is local, which enables us to meet face-to-face. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I would say they could provide better metrics, but it's not a complaint considering the success of their efforts. If my website weren’t doing well, I would probably want a better monthly detailed report of project management.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Ensure that you do your cost-benefit analysis within the first year and track things well to find out if there’s actually a profit being turned.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the owner of Affordable Bins, a waste management company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire First Rank?

We needed digital marketing consulting and review software.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to increase our creditability online and gain a stronger foothold in our local market.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I interviewed three similar service providers and reviewed their past and current clients. First Rank was the superior company with a good track record and leadership.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We discussed opportunities and how our competitors were working. They focused on how we could compete with them and how to capitalize on the areas they were overlooking.

What was the team composition?

We met with the owner directly and received follow up service and assistance from his team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They developed a digital marketing plan that has resulted in higher conversion and more leads. We’ve begun to see more reviews since their work.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was very simple and effective.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They offered good value. Everything was well explained, transparent, and it was simple to take to action.

Are there any areas for improvement?

More customization would be great, but for the cost that we paid, it was good value.