Miller Ink

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director, Marketing of Revolution Foods

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Revolution Foods prepares and delivers over 1 million healthy meals each week to K12 schools and seniors across California and Nevada.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Miller Ink to accomplish?

• Increase awareness about the programs offered.
• Develop a PR and communication strategy for the company.

SOLUTION

How did you find Miller Ink?

Referral

Why did you select Miller Ink over others?

• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Miller Ink were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

• Develop a strategic communications capability that reaches target audiences to advance the company’s business goals.
• Securing feature stories in key local and industry publications 
• Drafting press releases announcing new initiatives, programs, and other salient news. 
• Pitching releases to targeted reporters and publications. 
• Brokering opportunities for senior leaders to be quoted in print and broadcast media stories 
• Providing interview prep and talking points ahead of media appearances. 
• Developing spotlight blog posts 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• A strong and thorough communication plan that aligned with the company's objectives
• 2 Press Releases
• Earned media - over 5 televised news segments, 4 radio broadcasts, 6 print news stories and counting over the course of 3 months
• Over 950 new program subscribers as a direct result of the earned media coverage
• A 10% increase to key influencers following the brand on social media

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The Miller Ink team goes above and beyond in every imaginable way. Deliverables are on time and executed with close attention to detail. When coordination is necessary or information is needed, the team does not hesitate to take the lead. PR moves quickly and Miller Ink is always one step ahead making sure that everyone is prepared and all details are covered. As a result of the incredible daily management of our PR strategy, we can fully trust our brand is in the best of hands.

What was your primary form of communication with Miller Ink?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The dedication, knowledge, capabilities, persistence, deep media relationsips, and overall ability to help us meet our goals. They are a team that can get the job done and are lovely to collaborate with.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Miller Ink could have done differently?

None at this time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Art Director / Senior Graphic Designer

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Miller Ink?

I partnered with Miller Ink for a major branding project for an inclusive apartment community. While my company handled the graphic and visual design for this client, we needed a partner with experience in the public affairs and real estate spaces that could develop a compelling message and effective PR strategy to support this campaign.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

I sought out a strategic communications firm that had experience developing messages for clients in the nonprofit, public affairs, and real estate industries. When I saw Miller Ink’s great work and extensive experience in building PR campaigns that result in brand awareness and fulfilled goals for their clients, I knew I wanted to work with them.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

The project included the design and development of multiple pieces of marketing collateral – including print ads, magazine articles/inserts, posters, flyers, billboards, lawn signs, and postcards; as well as the various elements for web – such as banners, emails, social media posts. Miller Ink developed a cohesive messaging framework for the project, executed a fundraising and publicity campaign, and ensured all graphic design work aligned with and advanced the client’s message.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

In total, I worked with four people, including three account executives and one account supervisor.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

As a result of this campaign, the apartment complex was able to raise the needed funds to continue its development and spread awareness. Miller Ink’s brand awareness campaign secured major press placements about the development and caught the attention of key stakeholders who helped move the development forward.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Communication with the Miller Ink team was very efficient. All the team members are extremely professional, dedicated, and detail-oriented people.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I was very impressed with the level of professionalism of the team. It was amazing to see such a vast and effective campaign developed in 4 short months.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I can’t think of anything. I was happy with the work process and final results.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the PR Manager at a biotechnology company developing cell-based products for various industries using a unique cell expansion technology.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Miller Ink, and what were your goals?

Ongoing public relations. Our goals are to raise awareness to our brand, to keep our investors informed about our activities and to create partnerships with other companies.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Personal recommendations, people we heard who were pleased with their services.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

We are a publicly traded company (Nasdaq) and we use Miller Ink’s services to write press releases, set up interviews, articles, podcasts, social media activity and much more.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We have a team of 3-4 people from Miller Ink, the CEO himself is very involved, as well as the VP of Client Services and Senior Strategist.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have had very successful interviews, articles and podcasts. We also had great speeches written by the team, reflected by investors’ response to the items. Our press releases are very well written and informative as well.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

We meet every week to discuss ongoing projects and they are also very responsive to emails, calls and text messages. They take each project seriously, giving it a personal touch.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They are not only talented writers, they are very enthusiastic about our work, they are always coming up with creative ideas and thinking out of the box. Not to mention the fact that they are a very pleasant group of people to work with.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

We are very pleased with their services and have no complaints! They've done great work all around.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the co-CEO of a digital marketing agency called Get Visible.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Miller Ink, and what were your goals?

We have been an agency that grows through relationships. We wanted to rebrand and become perceived more as a thought leader to the larger industries in which we canvas for business. To do that, we needed to understand what we have been versus what we could be.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Funny enough is we were referred to Miller Ink and connected with Nate Miller directly. It surprisingly took less than one meeting to recognize that the fit was really on par with what we were looking for.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

The score here was pretty simple. We were going thru a massive reassessment of our brand trying to figure out which services to highlight more than others and how to retell our origin story. And then figure out who to target both for the business itself and separately to pick up our story.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We worked with 2 people on their team. One was the CEO and the 2nd person was the communications director.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The simplest answer I can share is that with our rebrand we were able to figure out who we wanted to connect with in the media that would not just get our story but want to share our story. It's not often you find a marketing agency founded by a former CPA and attorney.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

The key item here is professionalism and not wasting time. There are ways to run meetings and there are ways to run meetings. Before we would meet, we would have an agenda written up. This sounds like something picayune but really it's much more serious that you would think. A lot of service providers just get on Zoom or on the phone and sort of call it in and wing it. That may get things done but it's not streamlined and then things get missed.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I was instinctively going to say that they listen well but honestly that is not their secret sauce. It's good that they listen and heard us so that they could understand what was in our heads that we couldn't very well articulate to the media. What stood out to us was their in-depth knowledge of different media players. Media to them is about channel growth. It's not one big thing called Media. Instead it's about finding the major players within specific channels and then killing it inside that channel. Most PR type companies don't see the little big players. They see one big bucket instead of many big buckets.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

There are always ways to improve or do things differently. I think what I would say here is maybe to slow things down. They move quickly. We sort of move quickly too but at the same time, not everyone is as adept at things so maybe for the purpose of this survey other people might want an approach that is not necessarily slower but maybe feels slower. I don't mean that they rush and miss things. That isn't the point. It's just that publicity has this rush to it and for the client maybe being a good intermediary to slow things down and not get caught up in things could be helpful

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a project manager for a DTC shoe wear brand that is known for versatile, stylish ballet flats.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Miller Ink?

We were launching a national philanthropic effort and wanted to thoughtfully craft our messaging and digital marketing campaign to reach and impact as many people as we could.

What were your goals for this project?

Our team is very well versed in what they do, but when it came to messaging and philanthropy, we wanted to treat this campaign with a lot of thought and detail to not only help spread our message, but to help as many people as we could.

That's where the Miller Ink team really shined with their strategic know-how and holistic approach to media relations.

SOLUTION

How did you select Miller Ink?

The firm was highly recommended by individuals in my network whom Nathan and I share many close connections with.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We engaged Miller Ink fairly early in the process, for their communications and PR expertise. Miller Ink joined us as a consultant and a holistic partner, for all content and marketing strategy.

For this and other engagements, Miller Ink has created a messaging framework, secured us numerous significant media placements, produced marketing assets and assisted us with an SEO overhaul.

They advise on projects across several of our teams to help align our goals from media to philanthropy to influencer marketing.

What was the team composition?

Our work consists of brainstorming meetings, strategy talks and campaign execution with Nathan Miller, the CEO and founder and Allie, our go-to Account Executive.

We feel supported by their attention on each of our projects, as well as Allie's outstanding attention to detail and creative problem solving.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've secured some excellent press opportunities that has increased our brand visibility and have launched several philanthropic initiatives under Miller Ink's guidance.

Because of our work with Miller Ink, we've been able to increase awareness and engagement in our target audience groups, reach new audiences, and thoughtfully give back to communities who need our support most.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Miller Ink goes above and beyond, taking our initial campaign concepts and turns them into a reality with high impact.

When the COVID-19 crisis struck, Miller Ink helped us think about our business goals in a new way and encouraged us to really do the work that people desperately needed, ultimately giving back to our brand ethos and connecting to new audiences across the country.

With every new product launch or giving back initiative, we collaborate on how we can create the most impact that will have long-term benefits for both our customers and the communities we support.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their dedication and creativity are great. Their team is focused on creating solutions while supporting us on a number of projects and they do this swiftly and with a can-do attitude.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No. They have been great partners consistently.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the co-founder of the Jewish Future Pledge, a major philanthropic initiative within the Jewish community. We are a fairly new initiative and engaged Nathan Miller and the Miller Ink team to help us get our project off the ground and launch in cities across the country.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Miller Ink?

When my co-founder Mike Leven came up with the idea to launch the JFP, we knew that we had a lot of challenges ahead of us, including getting our messaging, website, and high impact marketing campaign together to launch this effort.

What were your goals for this project?

Build a communications platform, strong social media presence, website, PR campaign and earned media.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

The firm was highly recommended by numerous individuals in my network.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We engaged Miller Ink fairly early in the process, just a year after founding. Miller Ink joined us as a consultant and a holistic partner, for all content and marketing strategy. In our short engagement so far, Miller Ink has created a comprehensive messaging guide, secured us numerous significant media placements, produced a stellar marketing video and oversaw the design, content, and execution of our website overhaul, and so much more.

What was the team composition?

Our work together began with a series of visioning meetings with Nathan Miller, the CEO and founder; Hannah, our go-to Account Executive; Sam, the Creative Director; and Meira, the Accounts Director.

We felt confident having Nate’s attention on each of our projects, as well as Hannah’s outstanding attention to detail and quick-thinking. Our success thus far is directly connected to Miller Ink’s team’s dedication to our work.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve secured some excellent press that has increased our brand visibility and directly led to new strategic partners and spokespeople. Because of our work with Miller Ink, we’ve seen a direct increase in the number of people who have signed the Jewish Future Pledge, an increase in press coverage, and a considerable interest in awareness and engagement in our target audience groups.

In addition, you can see our new website: https://jewishfuturepledge.org/, as well as our stellar launch video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-_bMY3FRDY

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Miller Ink goes above and beyond, taking some of our nascent or blue sky ideas and making them a reality. Unfortunately, we planned our formal, nationwide launch right before the outbreak of the pandemic, which threw a big wrench in our plans.

When the COVID-19 crisis struck, Miller Ink was instrumental in our successful pivot and reorientation. They approached us with a number of ideas, including webinars and digital engagements that have been hugely successful. We could not have launched without Miller Ink, especially once coronavirus forced us to completely rethink the entirety of our launch campaign.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their agility and nimbleness. Every time a problem presents itself – or a goal seems particularly challenging – not a single team member seemed phased.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No. They have delivered above and beyond consistently.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the vice president of communications for the American Jewish University (AJU). We have two campuses in California. We’re not a traditional university as, in addition to delivering academic and accredited degree programs, we also have a very large community offering for children from ages 5–17 and adult education programs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Miller Ink?

It had become abundantly clear that we needed some professional outside help to spread the AJU brand and amplify who we are. We also needed help in determining some policies and procedures. We wanted to be able to accurately describe who we are and what we do in a broad sense to the great community. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

In general, Miller Ink has worked with us to push our brand forward. They came back to us with a proposal for a revision of our brand, and we’re currently in the process of reviewing our brand architecture. 

We began with a senior leadership retreat and an examination of who the university was across the different channels we deliver our services to. We’ve had different focus groups and meetings, though because of COVID-19, these efforts have been cut down a bit and we’re on hold. 

We’re in the final stages of presenting some of the brand architecture to our board for broader discussion, and Miller Ink has been instrumental in helping us pull together language that is more reflective of who we are and what we’re doing in the space. 

In the last year, we’ve had a few crises within the last year. They’ve worked with us to focus on crisis communication and helping us manage the media and access. From managing those crises, we realized we needed more in-depth procedures in place, so they’ve helped us train our staff on media relations and helped us determine a path for handling media inquiries. 

What is the team composition?

There are two people we’re in contact with, which is Nate (Founder & CEO) and Michelle (Account Director) but there is a whole team behind the scenes. 

How did you come to work with Miller Ink?

I’d worked with Miller Ink under a previous employer and was impressed with what they were doing. A few other people had experienced working with them, too. So they were a finalist for us among other companies. 

They understood the needs of the broader Jewish community. They also understood that we had a large variety of programs that operate as nonprofits within the university. Demonstrating that they understood the city of L.A. and our marketplace, along with the broader media relations needs, they showed a combination of their skill sets. They had experience in earned media exposure. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since July 2019 and our engagement is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve been able to create a clear pathway for communication with any media inquiries. We now have a tight process and procedure in place, and Miller Ink is at the helm of that. Their crisis management work has been really well-received; they did an excellent job.

We’ve seen an increase in the number of publications we’ve been featured in and our staff are now interested in writing to get placed, which has been really successful for us. 

How did Miller Ink perform from a project management standpoint?

They are so attentive to our needs and give us access. Since we’ve been needing to shift our priorities in the last couple of months, they’ve shown great agility. They redirect as needed and provide a customized service plan. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

If an issue comes up, they help us prepare for it and get our ducks in a row. Their attentiveness has been fantastic. Their thought leadership has been really phenomenal. They have a clear understanding of who the players are in the community and help amplify our brand, which is wonderful. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Overall, we’re quite pleased. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure you’re a good customer and willing to do the work. Set time aside to be dedicated to them, with some type of standing meeting. Be a good client so they can be a good service provider. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am on the board of a prominent educational institutional.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Miller Ink?

We needed to expand our national presence and design a marketing campaign around this.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We had been highly referred and then conducted a formal process of interviewing a number of options.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

They were tasked with putting together a marketing proposal for a campaign — both creative content and strategy.

What was the team composition?

We worked with the executives of the firm as well as junior staffers who were all extremely reachable.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We were extremely happy with the proposal that was brought to us and it helped us understand how to present the institution to the public and our target audience.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was extremely effective. When needed, we provided specific actionable items like interviews, but it was not taxing on our resources.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their creativity, sensitivity to important issues, and responsiveness were above and beyond.

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

They were truly a pleasure to work with.