Jacob Tyler

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

Since we’re in the biometrics industry, a lot of very high-profile clients and companies are looking for our solutions. At a recent tradeshow, a perspective client commented on the caliber of our booth presence compared to our competitors. That was very flattering since we’re a young company. We couldn’t have done it without Jacob Tyler's work creating such a beautiful backdrop and stage to tell our story.

How did Jacob Tyler perform from a project management standpoint?

They perform very well. We have a standing call each week since we’re working on multiple projects at the same time. My main point of contact is wonderful, proactive, and reactive. I can call her on nights and weekends. She is very conscious of our repositioning needs, since we're still a new company. They are very flexible.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I have worked with a lot of different graphics agencies, and I really feel that this is more than just a business to them. They help and make suggestions. Some companies just come in, get a retainer, and receive their monthly fee. You don’t hear much from them and there isn’t much interaction.

At Jacob Tyler, they are very responsive and personable. We have gotten to know them and feel very comfortable with them, both on the phone and in person. They are easy to work with, which is one of the highlights. They call it like they see it and tell you why choices are good or bad.

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

Our company isn’t very forward thinking when it comes to utilizing new technology. Jacob Tyler tried to pull us into the current century by increasing the web traffic on our site. However, all of our investment funds come from private investors. We don't try to attract new investors to our website because it’s not necessary. Instead, we want people to have a positive experience when interacting with our brand online. The internal response has been positive as my colleagues have praised the site’s fresh and modern appearance. We didn’t realize how dated our old website was until we saw the new one.

How did Jacob Tyler perform from a project management standpoint?

They're organized, they never reschedule meetings, and they stick to the tasks at hand. Andrew was our dedicated project manager and he was absolutely wonderful to work with. He was responsive whenever we had questions and could explain tech-related topics to people not well-versed in web development. He effectively collaborated with the various parties needed to make the project happen. Nothing fell through the cracks and every member of their team seemed focused on the project.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The employees of Jacob Tyler seem genuinely happy to be there. No one likes working for a company that isn’t run correctly, so seeing a happy and engaged staff gave us the confidence to hire them. I appreciate that they got the job done and remained personable while doing it.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We had some frustrations during the final days and weeks before the launch date. I’m not a web developer, so I had difficulty providing the login information to our hosting platform. As it turns out, the hosting platform we were using was the wrong type. Their use of an outside consultant might've caused some of that confusion during the final stages of the project. Ultimately, they delivered on what was promised.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Jacob Tyler will deliver an amazing end product, as will others. So if you are choosing between several developers of good repute, choose the one whose personality suits your work approach best. They're a more relaxed company, so if you're looking for people who wear suits every day, Jacob Tyler probably isn't the team you'll feel most comfortable with. However, if you want a group of people who you can have a casual conversation with between meetings, you'll be very happy working with them.

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

Ten potential clients reached out to us through the redesigned website to request proposals in the first two months after launching.

How did Jacob Tyler perform from a project management standpoint?

Amanda was phenomenal. She was very communicative, stayed on top of every task, and kept me updated along the way, answering any questions. Our second project manager had a different style, and while there was obviously a period of adjustment, she was also very helpful.

We ended up having to extend the launch by three weeks due to project manager turnover, but the new launch date ended up being better for us.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We had a lot of specific needs and our own ideas about how to accomplish those goals. Jacob Tyler’s team was very accommodating. They took in all of our suggestions and made sure every need was met.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I would have appreciated more regular updates during the development phase. We didn’t hear from them for a few weeks as they prepared the first draft. I also wish I had received more notice about our change in project management.

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

We review our Google Analytics closely, and we’ve been able to fine-tune our target audience. Our sales conversions are up in quality and quantity. Our online audience last year was about 55% repeat business and 45% new customers. This year, we’ve seen 72% new customers and 38% repeat business. That’s a significant increase in the number of people coming to the park for the first time. Jacob Tyler is doing a fantastic job attracting new people, and have really upped our game.

How did Jacob Tyler perform from a project management standpoint?

Through our partnership, all of our account managers have been very good, and always with an open channel of communication. With each new manager comes a bit of a lag time as they come up to speed on our account. In most cases, they had some familiarity with our account before assuming the lead role.  

This scenario sometimes creates a learning curve for both OOA and Jacob Tyler, but we understand we are not their only client and change is a constant. They need adequate production time, and we’ve had to adapt by balancing our irregular schedule. We’re a seasonal business, so we have to be as efficient as possible during the off-season. They do well working with us, in spite of our variability. They understand the dynamics and the psychology at play.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The team at Jacob Tyler has always been very creative and flexible to our needs. They have excellent, innovative ideas but aren’t hurt or insulted if we can’t or don't use them all. We work well together because they understand the uniqueness of our business. Knowing when to take a leadership role and when to be sensitive to the politics of a dynamic environment has given us confidence in the decisions we make.

For example, they showed us that retargeting ads would grow conversions over time, and helped us be patient. That guidance did, in fact, lead to substantial online sales increases, so their coaching and counseling is a great strength.

Are there any areas they could improve?

While I consider our communication very good, it's something that can always be improved. In particular, prioritizing projects to better work within our retainer and regularly updating that list. It's a good sign when you have to think this long and hard about areas where they can improve.