Full Blast Creative

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Director of Public Programs and Community Partnerships and Interim Marketing Director at the Columbus Botanical Garden in Georgia. We are a non-profit public garden in the United States. We are considered a young garden at 22 years old and a small botanical garden with just 5 acres developed of the 36 total acres we own. We have transitioned from being a volunteer-run garden to a staff-run three years ago.

We are currently in the middle of a Capital Campaign and Building and Expansion Endeavor. My position consists of creating engaging programs, events, and symposiums for the public that generate revenue and further the mission of the Garden. I work strategically to build community partnerships and outreach programs that promote the partner's missions and fill the needs that are found in our community.

These partnerships positively impact our community, from solving food insecurities to conserving the Shoal Lilly, supporting School Gardens, and so much more. I have been serving as the interim Marketing Director for the last six months and the foreseeable future.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Full Blast Creative?

We did not have the in-house knowledge or capacity to launch full marketing campaigns on social media, paid Google Ads, SEO optimization, graphic design for effective marketing, email newsletters, and website maintenance/management. While working collaboratively with me, Full Blast oversees the many facets of CBG's advertising and marketing. We have depended on Full Blast to guide us with paid Google Ads and paid awareness and sales campaigns. As the fill-in Marketing Director, I knew how important it was that our marketing be top-notch, I had a vision, but I had no clue where to start, what to do, how much to spend, and what needed the most attention.

Full Blast has blown me away with their skill and knowledge in general, but the Paid Google Ads and Paid searches have shown results that I never knew possible in such short time-frames. The goal was to elevate the look of the Garden's brand across all platforms and to have strategic marketing plans that ended in ticket sales and loyal supporters. Also, In the short time we had gone without an MD, our social media following and brand awareness lost a lot of ground and momentum. I needed Full Blast to dive back in and stop the regression. (they did that and so much more)

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We initially worked with Full Blast as a former colleague had worked with them at a previous job and brought them in. We are located in the United States. After our last marketing director resigned, we managed in-house and searched other regional vendors to see if someone more local would be a better fit. I asked Full Blast to give their "pitch" again to our new Executive Director when we were interviewing the local agencies. It was clear that just minutes into the zoom call, Full Blast met all of our needs and would be whom we wanted to continue working on our account to a much larger degree.

They offer every service we need all under one roof. They can work with our budget while making recommendations for the best use of the funds available for paid ad campaigns. We have open communication channels and have never experienced any issues with connecting, even with the time zone difference. Full Blast showed excitement about our account and a strong desire to see us succeed. They are always eager to please and strive to reduce the stress around marketing. The Full Blast team of people on our account is a joy to work and collaborate alongside.

I told them at the very start, as the fill-in Marketing Director, I knew enough to know I didn't know enough about marketing, and I needed them to guide me; they have been all in from the start. They have taken my vision for the multiple events we launched, refined them, and made them tangible and successful campaigns. I give them all the credit when I receive compliments from people on the marketing at CBG, which I now receive regularly.

We are so fast-paced and non-stop at our non-profit. I wear many hats, and most days don't go as I plan them; I needed an agency that could put me at ease while they keep doing incredible results-driven work and roll with the schedule not always going to plan. Their skill, quality of work, range of services, and professionalism won me over at the start. Their attention to our account, the proven results, and even more, the relationship that we have built as a collaborative team will keep the CBG account with them for a very long time. I would choose Full Blast again, and again, and again. Choosing Full Blast is easily the most brilliant marketing decision I could have made for CBG at this point.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

The scope of Full Blast's work on our account has focused on paid Google Ads searches, increasing social media following, bringing awareness to our Garden and programs, paid carousel ads, and SEO optimization of our website. They oversee copy and images/designs used in these campaigns. They also manage website design/maintenance and full scope marketing campaigns launching new events and initiatives. We will be increasing their involvement and adding more in 2022 with the increase in our marketing budget.

What was the team composition?

I have worked closely with the company VP, Lead Brand Manager, Assistant Brand Manager, Graphic Designer, and Web Developer. From there they work within their group to bring in others as needed from the Full Blast team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have done a 180-degree turn with our social media brand awareness and results from paid ads. It blows my mind every time they go over the results and analytics with me. The most recent paid ad budget was $50, and within hours of its launching, we had made close to $600 US dollars from ticket sales from new viewers. The CPC was so low that it made me laugh. It was fun to see how excited my brand managers were with the results. And it made my bosses very, very happy. This most recent paid Ad was launching a brand new event that needs to sell many tickets to be successful. The launch started with such momentum from the paid campaigns and strategic marketing, and we are now expecting to sell out many nights. The momentum has not slowed down as of a week later, and ticket sales have continued to pour in.

Previously, the campaign for our largest fundraiser of the year engaged new audiences from a little over 100 miles away. This group purchased tickets and attended our event. This event has been happening annually for the last 12 years, and this new group was just one example of several new patrons that attended two different events. Full Blast stays current on all the constant changes with algorithms, and it is so clear by how they keep us in the news feeds of our followers and how the new audiences are converting to followers.

And not just followers but real supporters of CBG by purchasing tickets, becoming members, and signing up new active volunteers! We recently did a paid campaign to recruit new volunteers for a massive planting of 7,000 plants that had to be planted within two weeks. We were desperate for volunteers and had so few signed up. After the campaign went live, we had all of the volunteer spots filled for most days within 48 hours.

The results the Full Blast team has generated from the Paid Ads have been magical. They are so knowledgeable and skilled, and I rest easy knowing that I have the best experts working on our account. (Resting easy isn't something I am usually known for either)

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our system is extremely effective. We have daily communication through web based platform and communicate in real time. I am able to hop on a zoom call if needed, usually the same day within just a few hours or much less notice. If there ever seems to be an issue or something is lost in translation it is addressed quickly. I have zero complaints about communication and meeting deadlines. And they are really patient with me when the missed deadlines are my fault. I sometimes can't keep up with how quickly and efficiently they work and I drop the ball with providing them all the information they may need. They are always asking how they can better support me and that is the most amazing service anyone could hope to receive.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They have been all-in and so committed to our account. The FBC team took the time to learn our account and the vision we have hoped to get across in our marketing. They are always so supportive and helpful. Even when I throw them something new and unexpected, they stay positive and take it all in stride. They respond with honesty and trusted feedback.

I can't imagine having anyone else on our account or team these last few months that have been hectic, to say the least, that could get the same results and be so fantastic to work with, in the process. They have such a unique agency with experts in different areas under one roof, and they seem to collaborate so well. We are in constant contact daily, and I always look forward to checking in with my brand managers. The impressive thing is that they feel like they could be my coworkers, not just people who work at an agency that services my account.

They are in the thick of it with me as we launch new events and campaigns. They are just as excited to see positive results and celebrate success. They are also quick to evaluate if something should be performing better and recommend changes and improvement strategies. Full Blast Creative is a team that you want on your account.

Is there any area for improvement or anything that could have been done differently?

I think with the challenges that our account has come with, the Full Blast team has gone above and beyond to be all that we have needed. When there were concerns early on, they were addressed and resolved so quickly. I am so pleased with how well we are treated and the attention that has been given to our account.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work for the Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE), which is Canada’s association for organizations involved in providing services to people with disabilities. Those are called “supported employment services organizations”. I’m the national project director for a project called “Building a Stronger Workforce”.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Full Blast Creative?

I was hired to implement a six-month digital media campaign to create awareness and rebut myths concerning hiring people with disabilities. We wanted to promote our support of employment services organizations, which may help employers find, hire, and onboard suitable candidates, and with the wraparound services involved in employing a disabled person.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Full Blast Creative ran a digital media campaign on both social media and traditional media. They produced a series of 15 videos that organizations can use as an HR toolkit. They hired the actors, did the taping, editing, and everything else.

They also developed a new website. First, they did an assessment of our existing Wix site and gave us feedback on our current site. Based on their review of our analytics, they proposed that we develop a completely new WordPress site.

They also implemented a variety of widgets for interactive elements that we needed on the site, such as self-assessment and a registration. They also ensured the site was bilingual and fully accessible for people with disabilities.

What is the team composition?

It was quite an extensive team. We work with a project manager, Michael (President & CCO), and Crystal (VP — Digital Marketing and Advertising). We had two separate teams for the campaign and the website development.

How did you come to work with Full Blast Creative?

Because this was a government contract, we were required to go through a full procurement process and find three candidates that could deliver within our timeline and budget. We vetted companies across Canada and felt that Full Blast Creative had the breadth and depth we were looking for.

We were quite impressed with what they were offered us and felt comfortable moving forward with them. This was quite a complex project that we had to deliver in a short time, and we wanted to make sure that we had an organization that we trusted and felt comfortable with.

How much have you invested with them?

The project cost is $500,000 CAD (approximately $400,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Full Blast Creative in October 2020 and the project is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We plan to wrap up the project in April 2021. So far, we’re happy with Full Blast Creative’s work. Our new corporate site is a better reflection of our organization. Between the new site and campaign, we’ve seen a significant increase in website traffic.

Our board of directors and the community of practice have given us glowing reviews. They’re impressed with the design, interface, and architecture of the site.

Digital marketing has been an uphill battle because “supported employment service provider” will return very few results. It has been difficult to create awareness and recognition on that topic, but Full Blast Creative has come up with some creative ways to use our relatively tiny budget.

They ran a broad spectrum of digital marketing tactics, making sure that our limited dollars were spent effectively. We received some positive analytics coming back on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram as well.

How did Full Blast Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

We’ve used Basecamp and Gannt charts to manage the project. We have check-ins twice a week via Zoom. We’ve also communicated via email, but Basecamp was our preference because it centralizes notes and ensures that we don’t lose anything.

Michael and Crystal ensure that the project is kept on track and we meet our budget requirements.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re well informed about the digital media space and are knowledgeable on various social media tools. They’re creative, innovative, and outside-the-box thinkers

They’re also very easy to work with. Their management team is friendly and client-focused. They always keep the best interests of the client in mind. They’re quick to respond if we have an issue or request, even if it’s not part of the project. We’ve made a lot of changes to our scope, but Full Blast Creative has been very good at pivoting and making sure that we stay within the budget and time.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Full Blast Creative is one of the best agencies I’ve ever worked with. They really delivered. It’s hard to pinpoint something that I would’ve changed. I’m very satisfied with our working relationship.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I’ve referred them to a number of people in the nonprofit sector, where we have limited budgets and resources. Full Blast Creative is able to work within those parameters.

Full Blast Creative has a wide network of organizations that they’ve been working with, that they can quickly tap into in order to get the types of services or products that the client is looking for.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the executive director of RR Calgary Plumbing & Drains, a full-service plumbing and drain cleaning company in Calgary and surrounding communities.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Full Blast Creative?

We were previously part of a franchise, and we bought it out last year. We hired Full Blast Creative to lead a complete rebrand under RR Calgary Plumbing & Drains.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Full Blast Creative began the project by developing a strong logo. They’ve also produced collateral for us, including business cards, letterhead, T-shirts, and our van route.

Then, they developed a multi-page website with a blog. They took information from our old franchise website and translated it into something original. They reworded everything and provided more detail than our previous website did. I proofed the pages they developed, and then they posted them. Users can post comments and questions, look up FAQs, see all of the services and products we offer, and find our contact information. 

Full Blast Creative is now working on advertising. They helped us build out our Facebook page, and we’re moving forward in developing a Facebook ads program. We’re looking at posting a one-minute commercial to Facebook, followed up with radio ads.

What is the team composition?

I originally contacted Crystal (VP – Digital Marketing & Advertising), and I now work with our creative manager Jeff (Brand Manager). He coordinates the rest of his team to bring in the various areas that they specialize in. 

How did you come to work with Full Blast Creative?

I found them through a Google search. I contacted several companies around the start of COVID-19, and Full Blast was the only one that called me back. I immediately established a good rapport with Crystal, so we went with Full Blast.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $7,000–$10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

I initially contacted Crystal in March 2020. We began working on the website at the beginning of August, and we took control of the company at the end of that month. They really put their nose to the grindstone and got a one-page website and logo done within three weeks. They’ve since built out more web pages and collateral.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website is very original and stands out in comparison to what else is on the internet. Once our website was live and we sorted out our listing on Google, we got the same number of calls per day — if not more — as what we were getting as part of the franchise, which is a major, well-known corporation. We also ranked first on the page, whereas we weren’t as the franchise. 

How did Full Blast Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

Their communication is fantastic. We use Basecamp, which allows us to see all submitted messages and a complete list of to-dos. They always hit deadlines right on time. The team comes forward with ideas and is very open to changes — there aren’t any egos involved.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Full Blast has a team of 3–5 people at any given time to get things done. We’ve been to their offices, and the team works great together — there’s a really good energy. Everybody is polite and respectful, and they have a sense of humor. They’re also very creative and offer ideas we hadn’t thought of. It’s been a really good experience; I couldn’t have lucked out more.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Having dealt with a corporate marketing department, I can’t see any changes that they need to make right now. I’ll be happy if they just maintain what they’re doing. 

Any advice for potential customers?

Communicate what you want and be clear on your ideas. Keep an open mind on what they have to offer, and work with them. Let them bring their creativity forward, because they have some great ideas.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Our company is Red Door Events Inc. I’m the director of the company. We run four major festivals throughout the year, revolving around music, beer, and Christmas. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Full Blast Creative?

We needed a full, comprehensive marketing strategy and implementation method as we entered a new market with a new event proposition. Our main goal was to get people excited about the event and buy tickets for it.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We started with an email subscription and influencer plans. They’ve also fleshed out a digital ad spent strategy, website design, social media management, SEO strategy, and SEM work.

They primarily promoted us on Facebook, Google, and Snapchat. We also explored TikTok and Instagram. We work with them on branding collateral as well. They honed in our image and color scheme for print banners, signage, outdoor billboards, and more.  

What is the team composition?

I worked primarily with Crystal (Co-Owner, Full Blast Creative).

How did you come to work with Full Blast Creative?

I’d approached four companies in Calgary but none of them were working out. So, I ran a Google search and decided to reach out. Crystal answered and fit me into her schedule right then and there. Within the day, my partner and I were able to meet with them face-to-face. We knew they were the right choice directly after that meeting. They communicated clearly and were all highly intelligent.  

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $100,000–$150,000 on their services. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in July 2019 and finished up in January 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Through Google Analytics, we have a ton of data. Our real focus, though, is ticket sales. Their results on the marketing end were phenomenal. We had solid impressions and engagement on our website during their partnership with us. The conversion costs were also phenomenal. 

How did Full Blast Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

They were strong performers, showing exemplary dedication in time crunches to get things done. Crystal was always available through text or email. They also worked in Basecamp on their end. Regardless of the type of communication, they would answer almost any time of day. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They were brilliant at efficiently budgeting for digital marketing. Their team showed intelligence, technical skills, and an awareness of the budget. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing notable that stands out here.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Get to know their team and treat them like a member of your staff. That goes for the team lead and those working in the background. We had high levels of commitment from them, so they deserve to be recognized and acknowledged.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm an independent journalist and filmmaker, running my own platform on SkyReporter.com. I also produce films on commission for broadcasters and, eventually, streaming services. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Full Blast Creative?

I reached out to Full Blast Creative to redesign and develop my website, making it more modern and user-friendly. I essentially wanted to start from square one, keeping the same domain but revamping the rest. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Full Blast Creative redesigned and developed my website from scratch, implementing new features as requested while ensuring our channels were optimized and performing well on YouTube and Google. 

What is the team composition? 

I mostly work directly with Michael (President & CCO, Full Blast Creative) and Roxann (Graphic Designer, Full Blast Creative), but others have worked on the site as well. 

How did you come to work with Full Blast Creative?

When I found the company, Mike and his team immediately brought me up to speed on what we could do to simplify and improve the site, so I was confident they were the right vendor for the job. 

What is the status of this engagement?

I've been working with them since January 2019 and, even though they launched the site in February, the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Although they provide very detailed analytics reports, my biggest concern is whether or not my work is having an impact, which I can definitely say they've helped me achieve. The new site is a lot more modern, simple, and user-friendly overall. 

They've also successfully met important deadlines that have enhanced the impact of my work, including a short film I recently posted that's received over a million views so far. 

How did Full Blast Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

They're always there for me, and I work hard to keep up with them. They're responsive, solution-oriented, and prompt in communication. Their workflows are also very streamlined, which has enabled them to meet important deadlines in a relatively short time frame. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Full Blast Creative is top-notch all around. They're friendly, prompt, well-informed, curious, and open to my ideas. I know I can rely on them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything. I'm very pleased with everything they've done. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Go into the relationship prepared, but also be openminded to their input. They may offer solutions or new ideas that hadn't been considered. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I own Spacious Basement Builders Ltd. We develop unfinished basements and build garages.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Full Blast Creative?

We relied on Full Blast Creative for a full range of creative tasks. They developed my website and orchestrated my social media marketing, my SEO efforts, and my content creation.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

In addition to developing my website on WordPress, Full Blast Creative also designed my company logo. They implemented and maintain our SEO, PPC, and Google Ads campaigns. Similarly, they oversee our advertising on Facebook and Instagram. They have also refined much of our website content—primarily blogs.

What is the team composition?

Michael (Founder, Full Blast Creative) is my main point of contact, but I also interact with various members of his team at times.

How did you come to work with Full Blast Creative?

We found them through an online search, but they were also recommended to my business partner.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $10,000–$50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement began in July 2018, and the bulk of the development work was complete by October 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We now rank higher for specific keyword searches, which has helped generate far more leads. Our marketing and branding have improved significantly.

How did Full Blast Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

We interacted well through Basecamp, phone calls, and in-person meetings. We experienced no scheduling delays. I had a negative experience with a different company, but Full Blast Creative resolved all of those problems.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They operate very professionally. The end result is exactly what I was looking for.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. All things considered, it was a successful engagement.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the head coach and program director for Riders On Board, Canada’s longest-running snowboard club.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Full Blast Creative?

I wanted to upgrade our website and create a more interactive platform to host our information.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had a lot of our content already created, so Full Blast Creative mainly worked on making the WordPress site look good and function properly. I gave them a general idea of what I wanted, and they built the structure to reflect that. They presented an initial layout, and I made a few tweaks and suggestions. I wanted a timeline on the about us page, and they made sure to implement that. They currently do small updates and add content as requested.

What is the team composition?

We worked with three people.

How did you come to work with Full Blast Creative?

They found me and I liked the previous work they’d done, so I hired them. This was our second project together.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent between $1,500–$2,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

This project lasted from March–May 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The site is clean and easy to read, which is exactly what I wanted. Our registration level is good, and I’m happy with their work.

How did Full Blast Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management is probably one of their biggest strengths. I could always contact them, and I felt like we were a top priority. We mainly communicated over phone and Basecamp.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Working with their team was amazing. They clearly explained their plans, and I got a product that perfectly met my expectations. They’re transparent and don’t make things more confusing than they need to be. I had a lot of control in the partnership, which wasn’t always the case with other web design partners I’ve used.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Alpha Plumbing Ltd. Our business offers plumbing and heating services in Calgary, Alberta.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Full Blast Creative?

We had an outdated website, which we were looking to revamp and improve. Additionally, we needed ongoing help with SEO and search engine marketing (SEM).

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had an initial meeting with them, which included a proposal for expanding and redoing our current WordPress website. Additional landing pages were created for the marketing side, according to the keywords we discussed. From there, we’ve been working on an ongoing strategy to help take us forward.

One important challenge we had was to make sure all of the website changes and improvements being made wouldn’t affect our organic SEO rankings, and we were able to do that successfully.

What is the team composition?

Their president is my main point of contact. He puts me in touch with the person that’s best suited for the specific task we’re working on.

How did you come to work with Full Blast Creative?

I found them online through a Google search along with five other local firms that offered similar services. I picked Full Blast Creative because they’re excellent communicators and the proposal they sent to me after our meeting matched exactly with what I was looking for in a marketing agency.

How much have you invested in them?

We’ve spent around $10,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in April 2018, and the relationship is ongoing. They still take care of our monthly marketing efforts.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website met and exceeded my expectations; I’m very happy with it. From a business point of view, I’m seeing a lot of customers interact with the site and making purchases as well, which is all very positive. I’m looking forward to seeing where we are at the end of the year.

How did Full Blast Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

We use Basecamp for project management. It has been pretty seamless to connect and interact with all the different team members, such as their graphic designer, SEO expert, or copywriter.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their communication is impressive. They’re very transparent and clear regarding the work that’s being done as well as what’s to be expected, which is a big deal to use. We can sit down and have a candid discussion about what we are doing and how it will be done. It was never like that with the similar firms I’ve worked with in the past.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The turnaround time on proposals could be a bit faster, but it’s to be expected since they’re so busy.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

It’s very clear when you meet the owners that they are good and honest people. I think that trickles down and seeps through their whole business and end product. As a fellow business owner, I appreciate that.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

My name is Donita Fowler and I am the owner/operator of Ground Zero Digital Marketing. I do digital advertising for small businesses in and around Calgary.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Full Blast Creative?

While my background is in communications, I wasn’t confident developing Google AdWord or remarketing strategies for clients. I could post on social media platforms, but I wanted to be able to provide statistics around the ads and the audiences targeted. I was looking for a training opportunity to improve my skills in those areas.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Each month, they provide a 2-hour private coaching session in digital advertising and a 2-hour private coaching session in Google AdWords.

Now that I have more experience, I also go to them with specific challenges I’m facing with a client (e.g., an ad that I can't get any traction on). One client had very low relevance scores before I was hired. The first online ad that I ran was still quite low, so I worked on it with Full Blast. They helped me better define the audience for the ad. They also suggested changing the wording, and using one picture instead of a carousel.

For another client, they helped me clean up a Google AdWords account. It had been run with all the keywords lumped together in one campaign, which meant you couldn't really understand what worked well and what didn’t. Full Blast helped me understand how to break out keywords into seasonal campaigns, turning words on and off in strategic months.

What is the team composition?

I work primarily with their marketing consultant on digital advertising, and the owner on Google AdWords. I’ve also worked a little bit with their junior brand manager.

How did you come to work with Full Blast Creative?

I saw the marketing consultant speak at an event in Calgary, so I reached out to her to set up social media training. She introduced me to the owner who then began working with me on Google AdWords. I did speak to another agency before working with Full Blast, but didn’t like their answers to my questions.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent between $8,000-$10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

I started working with them in March of 2017, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I had one client when I started working with them. I have eight clients now, and that is entirely due to Full Blast and the training they provide. The team is very smart, and they are really good at what they do.

For my client that never had a relevance score above a two, the coaching from Full Blast helped me increase the scores up to eight and nine. That made the ads perform better and require less spend by the customer, which made the client very happy. Their coaching on Google AdWords helped me provide clarity to the other client’s campaign. Now I really understand when keywords are doing well and the optimal times to use them.

How did Full Blast Creative perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re great; very responsive. They’re willing to work with me on solving my client’s problems, even if it’s outside of our scheduled coaching sessions. If I have something urgent, I will always hear back from them that day, usually with a few hours.  

What did you find most impressive about them?

They care that their ads are do well and that they're making money for the client, but they care most about the experience for your customer. That is really important.

I was also impressed that they understood that I wasn’t competing for the same type of clients that they serve, so they’re totally willing to teach me everything they know. They don't hold anything back, and they share all this knowledge with no expectations.

They’ve always treated me with utmost respect, and never once made me feel like I ask a silly question. They'll just explain it in a different way so that I can understand.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the co-manager of media & publicity for a music festival. I have been in my position as co-manager for five years going on six. I manage eight crews of approximately 120 volunteers responsible for distribution, promotion, writing, photography, videography, social media, and media relations.

Michael and Crystal from Full Blast Creative were long-time volunteers as roaming ambassadors for the festival. Last year, as the landscape of traditional media is changing, we realized that we needed to create a new crew dedicated to social media. Knowing that Crystal and Michael had this expertise, we put forth the suggestion for them to create a crew dedicated strictly to social media. They were more than happy to make the change to the new crew and hit it out of the park.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Full Blast Creative?

Traditional media is a quickly changing landscape. Because we are a huge community-focused event that draws international artists, visitors, and sponsors from all over the world, the media relations and communications aspect of the festival is key. Social media rapidly changes and my co-manager, the staff of the festival, and I could not keep up with it and remain sane. It was a perfect opportunity because Crystal and Michael were longtime volunteers at the festival. They understood the philosophy, the mandate, and what the festival tries to achieve each year. Their experience with us coupled with their expertise in social media made them able to create an engaging online experience for many folks. It was a superb experience for everyone, I think.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I am not an expert in social media, but it was an aspect of my position that stressed me out considerably. I couldn't even tell you what they did exactly; all I know is that the staff and many other volunteers have reported that they knocked it out of the park. I know that they worked with several staff members to make sure our promises in contracts were fulfilled in terms of the number of social media mentions that were promised. They worked in pushing out messaging throughout the weekend, so engagement and user experiences were higher. I also know they worked extensively with explaining proper use and targeting Facebook ads to be the most effective, rather than just throwing money that doesn't have as high of a return on investment.

How did you come to work with Full Blast Creative?

They were longtime volunteers already, and I knew they were experts in social media and marketing.

How much have you invested with Full Blast Creative?

They would have to value their contribution, as it was on a volunteer basis.

What is the status of this engagement?

They've been volunteering with our organization for at least 10 years. This specific project started in February 2016 and we had more one-on-one interaction.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Sorry, I don't have this information.

How did Full Blast Creative perform in terms of project management?

They were excellent.

What did you find most impressive about Full Blast Creative?

They just knew so much and were amazing. They really alleviated so much stress from several areas.

Are there any areas where Full Blast Creative could improve?

None that I can think of.

What tips or recommendations could you share that might increase the likelihood of success with Full Blast Creative?

They are excellent.