Hill Productions & Media Group, Inc.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the owner of a quilt shop and a yarn shop.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Hill Productions & Media Group Inc?

Initially, I needed a website for my brand-new business. As my business grew, so did my business needs.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Hill Productions designed and developed a WordPress website for my company. They also provide social media consulting and provide assistance for my platform on an ongoing basis.

What is the team composition?

I primarily work with Justin (Creative Director & CEO, Hill Productions & Media Group), Diana (VP & Social Media Strategist, Hill Productions & Media Group), and Alixandria (Graphic Designer, Hill Productions & Media Group).

How did you come to work with Hill Productions & Media Group Inc?

I learned about Hill Productions & Media Group by going to the entrepreneurial center at our local college and I met Justin through a mutual contact of ours.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve invested approximately $5,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in March 2014 and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Working with Hill Productions changed my entire business. I recently moved into a new building because my capacity doubled; I attribute my success largely to Hill Production’s advertising and marketing efforts. They’ve enabled my business to thrive in a town of less than 500 people, which is astounding.

How did with Hill Productions & Media Group Inc perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very good at managing my projects and the team is responsive to all my correspondence. They also keep me updated on what I need to contribute and send out reminders, which is very helpful. We communicate via phone and email, and they also have a separate project management tool.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their caring nature and attention to me as a customer is worth noting. They’re very good at making you feel supported. Working with them is like talking to your best friend.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, nothing comes to mind.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would urge people to come into the engagement unafraid of being judged. It’s important to be genuine with them, and they’ll return the favor.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a financial planner for an independent financial planning and wealth management firm.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Hill Productions & Media Group, Inc.?

We inquired for video production that could be used to express our company's values and principles to prospects and current clients.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal was to produce high-quality marketing videos that would tell our story.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We selected Hill Production & Media Group, Inc. after viewing other work that they had done and developing a relationship with members of their team. Their goals and ambitions reflected our own, so we chose them to help us with our project.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Their team helped us develop the language and action steps necessary to make our videos a success. They were very enthusiastic to listen to our story and helped us verbalize what makes our company unique. The production team they partnered with was also top-notch and professional. They helped us bring out our message in the videos produced.

What was the team composition?

We worked primarily with two members of the team but, if we felt that we needed more feedback, they would leverage other internal talents. The company that helped create the videos also joined us the day of the shoot and were great to work with.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We now have the opportunity to tell prospects and clients more about our company and the goals that we have. The Hill Productions & Media Group, Inc. team helped make that happen with effective, high-quality marketing material.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They were very responsible and assisted with any questions or concerns. Anything we wanted edited or reworked, they happily helped us with.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Hill Productions & Media Group, Inc. listened to us about what we wanted to convey. Instead of giving us a cookie-cutter idea, they took our story and helped us tell it clearly and concisely.

Are there any areas for improvement?

My experience with them was wonderful. The next time we need online marketing assistance, we'll go to them.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the owner of an Amish retail shoe store. We sell shoes and other gift items.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Hill Productions & Media Group?

We had no tracking system for our catalog or any kind of overall marketing plan. We needed a marketing team on site to evaluate our financial situation and create business solutions.
 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Hill Productions developed our catalog tracking system by reviewing our receipts and manually inputting customer's addresses and purchases. They also completely rebranded it with better pricing for items and a redesigned look and feel to target an optimal consumer base. To make sure our catalogs were going to paying customers, they created our mailing list by aligning customer purchases to addresses. 

In addition, their team reviewed our catalog and found some legal issues with our advertisements. To fix this, they immediately obtained our account numbers and called the marketing departments of our distributor companies to resolve the issue. From there, they set a new advertising standard and stabilized our relationships with our distributors.

They're currently working with us on our next catalog.

What is the team composition?

We work with their COO.

How did you come to work with Hill Productions & Media Group?

I looked around for some vendors. I talked one on the phone, but they weren't willing to even visit our store. In comparison, Hill Productions was willing to come to our store and evaluate our situation.

How much have you invested with them?

We invest $2,500 per month right now.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started in October 2017, and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Their work significantly increases our profits. They're amazing and took care of everything. We now have a much better understanding to market ourselves.

How did Hill Productions & Media Group perform from a project management standpoint?

They're wonderful at communicating with us. We're Amish and don't use cars, so they drive up to meet us in person and even help us take deposits to the bank.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their design and marketing skills are extremely strong.

Any advice for potential customers?

Ask the founder any questions or concerns you may have. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I own a career coaching service.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Hill Productions & Media Group, Inc.?

Since I no longer offered image consulting services, I engaged Hill Productions for a business rebranding, which included a logo redesign and a new website. 

What were your goals for this project?

My goal was to reshape my brand to better reflect my business and current services.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Hill Productions had hired me as the image consultant for three of their clients, and I was so impressed with their first-class methods and approach to going above and beyond that I knew I wanted them for my project.

Describe the project in detail.

Rather than assume what I wanted or offer a design of his own preference, Justin (CEO, Hill Productions & Media Group, Inc.) really took the time to explore what I wanted my brand and website to look like. My "homework" assignment was to gather examples of other sites and describe what I either liked or didn’t like about them. He and his team then created a design that matched my own personal brand and aesthetic. After establishing the hosting platform, they have continued to maintain the website and provide feedback on the updates I perform myself. 

What was the team composition?

I am not sure of the exact team composition, as Justin didn’t require me to interact with a lot of different people; he served as my primary contact and advocate. Since then, I have worked with a few others on his staff for maintenance upkeep and smaller short-term projects, and they have all been wonderful. Working with them feels like family.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

My website consistently receives compliments not only from my strategic partners and potential clients—who often convert to committed clients—but even from my competition. Site traffic has increased and I remain in the top Google search rankings for my industry.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Being a solo entrepreneur and my previous work with Justin and his staff has facilitated a steady professional relationship and effective workflow. Any emailed question or request receives a personal response within minutes from an individual who is either working directly on my project or knows it well, not from an outsourced customer service rep or an automatic reply.  

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The customer service, work ethic, and professionalism Hill Productions provides is unmatched, and I know I’ll receive first-class products every time; that is how they operate and why I use them time and time again. Shoddy or careless work is unacceptable to them. They raise the bar for industry standards, and accomplish it with a friendly, familial approach.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I honestly cannot think of any.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your organization.

I am the owner of U.S. Wholesale & Imports LLC, a wholesale business with an online platform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What business challenge were you trying to address with Hill Productions & Media Group?

I needed Hill Productions & Media Group to design logos and build an online platform for my company. 

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their involvement in greater detail.

They designed logos for me and built a platform for my website. They are knowledgeable about what platforms to use and suggested WooCommerce. If something ever fails in certain areas online, we can take the WooCommerce page and move it to another platform, and everything would be okay. They also came up with a great plan of action. They manage our e-commerce page and have done a great job with getting the word out, doing advertising for us, and making sure everything runs smoothly.

How did you come to work with Hill Productions & Media Group?

I found them through a friend who’d spent thousands of dollars while working with them. I did quite a bit of research and talked with several other companies, but they didn’t seem as well informed. Hill Productions may be more expensive, but when we look at the end game, they only tackle tasks that will make me money. Our relationship was worth my investment. They have a great 5% referral process. I’ve referred several people to them who also haven’t been disappointed.

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

Before Google AdWords advertisements, I spent between $6,000–$7,000 for building the platform, loading the contents, and getting everything ready for a launch.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in May 2017, and the site was ready to go within 30 days. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any statistics or metrics from this engagement?

We are only in the beginning stages, but so far everything has been great.

How did Hill Productions & Media Group perform from a project management standpoint?

They have a 24-hour turnaround time. If I send them a link to my Google Drive and ask them to upload a product description, for example, the work happens immediately.

We correspond mostly through email. I usually work with Mitch [VP of Business Development], who acts as the buffer between me and the team. If I ask for something, he makes it happen, and I don’t need to talk with four different people first. Their whole team shows care and integrity.

What distinguishes Hill Productions & Media Group from other providers?

Everything about their business is a step above other firms. They strive for 100% customer satisfaction.  

Is there anything Hill Productions & Media Group could have improved or done differently?

I think they have everything covered.

Do you have any recommendations for others considering working with Hill Productions & Media Group?

Even though they seem expensive, don’t wait. Start working with them right away. I guarantee it’ll be worth your time. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Stay Outdoors which is a travel website similar to a vacation rental website but for outdoor industries such as camping, cabins, and houseboat rentals. Campgrounds or properties can list their properties on our website and travelers can research and book trips.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Hill Productions and Media Group?

We needed to market and brand our business.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Since we’re a brand new company, Hill Productions has provided us with a lot of services. I gave them the name we wanted to use and they helped set up a logo. They developed strategies to get our name out there through social media and press releases. They provide a newsletter every month for our customers both on the property side and traveler side. They take pictures for our banners and brochures, which we use at our trade shows.

How did you come to work with Hill Productions and Media Group?

I knew their background in marketing and branding.

How much have you invested with Hill Productions and Media Group?

We have spent $2,500+ a month with them since we began our relationship.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in May 2015 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our product is not live yet and we already have 40,000 social media followers. Our company wouldn’t be where it is without them. At our trade shows, everybody loves our pictures and business cards and how much they capture your eye. Because of that, I know we have a great partner.

How did Hill Productions and Media Group perform from a project management standpoint?

They were excellent. I don’t have a background in developing a business but they have guided me in what I need to do, which makes them a true partner.

What did you find most impressive about Hill Productions and Media Group?

I don’t have any experience with other providers so, to me, they’re number one. I don’t plan on looking for another provider.

Are there any areas Hill Productions and Media Group could improve?

Not that I can think of. They know when, how, and what needs to be done.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of a food, gift, and grocery store located in Bloomfield, Iowa. We bought the business 4 years ago.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Hill Productions & Media Group?

We wanted to begin competing online instead of strictly on a retail basis.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

A lot of retail is drying up. Around Christmas, I see a lot of customers walking around scanning barcodes and checking prices online and then buying products online if they’re cheaper. The only customer base we have are the ones that stop and come in our retail location. We want to be able to target people outside of our specific geographic area, and that is what Hill Productions is helping us with.

Hill Productions took pictures of our products and built our website. They are helping us with market research and development and selling the product.

How did you come to work with Hill Productions & Media Group?

I had hired another company to build a website for me, but it took them too long. I felt like I was paying them to learn how to do it; they really didn’t know what they were doing. Hill Productions & Media Group came on the scene and asked if they could do it. Within a month, they had built a website where we were up and selling products as compared to waiting 3 months for the other company who hadn’t sold a single product yet.

Hill Productions is a locally-based business. Their services are as good or better than what would come out of the corporate office somewhere in a big city. Hill Productions is a lot cheaper than what you would have to pay for the same type of services in a big area like that.

How much have you invested with Hill Productions & Media Group?

The first website was smaller with 1 product and 3 colors for $3,500. Another project we are working on with them is worth $20,000. Hill Productions is building some websites for a larger company out of France for $40,000. They can pretty much do anything, and they scale the pricing to each individual and to what is needed.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them September 2016, and the work is still ongoing. The first website that Hill Productions built is so amazing that they’re building 3 more for us.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I had paid someone else a little bit less than what I paid Hill Productions & Media Group and didn’t sell a single thing. With Hill Productions, within a month, we were up and selling. Within three months, we had sold $40,000 worth of product, even during our off-season when it wasn’t the right time of year to be selling it.

We were selling flowers in spring. Hill Productions promoted the ad on Facebook. Hill Productions took over our social media ad campaign, and we sold 400% more of that product this year than we had the year before just from promoting. Hill Productions has a unique way of promoting items on Facebook besides what Google or Facebook tells you to do. A lot of those companies tell you what to do in their best interest, not in your best interest. Hill Productions does it in the way that makes most financial sense and can reach the most customers in the most economical way.

How did Hill Productions & Media Group perform from a project management standpoint?

They are very open. Hill Productions' team lets me know where they’re at throughout the growth of the project. On the website we are working on right now, we’ve got a timeline. We go back and forth all the time, letting me know where they’re at in each stage, whether it’s the sales rep, project manager, or web developers.

What did you find most impressive about Hill Productions & Media Group?

I can go on GoDaddy or Shopify and build a website myself, or hire someone in their basement to create a website for me. More often than not, it will not work. It will not sell products. These guys can sell products.

Are there any areas Hill Productions & Media Group could improve?

I can’t think of anything Hill Productions could improve.