Nine Peaks Media

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of dotDigital Group Plc

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Dotdigital Group plc is a leading provider of cross-channel marketing automation technology to marketing professionals. Dotdigital’s customer experience and data platform (CXDP) combines the power of automation and AI to help businesses deliver hyper-relevant customer experiences at scale. With Dotdigital, marketing teams can unify and enrich their customer data, identify valuable customer segments, and deliver personalized cross-channel customer journeys that result in engagements, conversions, and loyalty.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Nine Peaks Media to accomplish?

• We brought in Nine Peaks Media to improve our digital marketing performance through SEO, AI-driven optimization, and strategic link building. As a technology and information company, our main goals were to increase organic traffic, improve keyword rankings in a competitive space, and grow overall inbound lead volume from relevant search queries.

SOLUTION

How did you find Nine Peaks Media?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select Nine Peaks Media over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Nine Peaks Media were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Nine Peaks Media started with a full SEO audit of our site and competitor landscape. They implemented AI-assisted keyword research, optimized our technical structure, and helped develop high-quality, intent-focused content. Their link building was targeted at authoritative tech blogs and directories. They also provided ongoing reporting and performance analysis.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Within the first 3 months, organic traffic increased by over 60%, and our ranking for key industry terms improved significantly. We also saw a steady rise in qualified leads and demo requests coming through organic search.

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

Nine Peaks has been highly organized and responsive. Deliverables were always on time, and communication was proactive. They adapted quickly to feedback and updated our strategy as needed.

What was your primary form of communication with Nine Peaks Media?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their use of AI tools to enhance SEO, paired with their understanding of the tech landscape, made a huge difference. They were clear, data-driven, and always focused on achieving measurable results.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Nine Peaks Media could have done differently?

There are no notable areas for improvement at this time. The project has exceeded expectations and is still ongoing.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of Lobster

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Lobster is a software development company dedicated to connecting people and data for a better future. The Lobster Data World is a global data ecosystem that provides a 360° data view and empowers teams to solve challenges effectively. The Lobster Data Platform eliminates complexity by enabling real-time integration, intelligent automation, and built-in quality control, while the Lobster Data Network breaks down silos and fosters secure collaboration across complex supply chains. For industry-specific needs, Lobster Data Products offer ready-to-use solutions that accelerate impact. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Nine Peaks Media to accomplish?

• We partnered with Nine Peaks Media to audit, manage, and scale our paid media efforts. Our primary objectives were to improve ROAS (Return on Ad Spend), reduce inefficiencies in our ad spend, and create a more performance-focused advertising strategy across platforms.

SOLUTION

How did you find Nine Peaks Media?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select Nine Peaks Media over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Nine Peaks Media were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Nine Peaks conducted a full audit of our Google Ads and Meta accounts. They created optimized campaign structures, audience segmentation, and tailored ad creatives. They also implemented performance tracking dashboards and conversion optimization strategies. Ongoing support included A/B testing, budget reallocations, and weekly reporting.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Within the first 60 days, we saw a 35% improvement in ROAS and a significant drop in cost per acquisition. Engagement metrics across paid platforms improved, and our campaigns became more efficient and targeted.

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

Project management has been excellent. Nine Peaks is highly organized, communicative, and meets every deadline. They’re also proactive about identifying opportunities and recommending strategic changes.

What was your primary form of communication with Nine Peaks Media?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their ability to translate complex data into actionable insights was unmatched. They understand paid media on a granular level and consistently refine strategies based on performance data. Their transparency and results-first mindset make them a trusted partner.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Nine Peaks Media could have done differently?

No major concerns at this time. Their team is agile, listens to feedback, and adjusts strategies quickly.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of Mend.io

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Mend.io gives you all the tools you need to build a mature, proactive AppSec program that effectively manages application risk.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Nine Peaks to accomplish?

• Engage new audiences to drive audience growth
• Create modern perceptions of our heritage brand

SOLUTION

How did you find Nine Peaks?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select Nine Peaks over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Nine Peaks were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

We collaborated with Nine Peaks to develop an original content series for our brand. Our aim was to refresh the brand’s image and connect with new audiences to drive sales growth.
The project deliverables included concept development, story creation, storyboarding, post-production, asset delivery, and building a social media content calendar.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We tracked growth across our social channels, engagement metrics for the content, and ROI using a media mix model. All results were positive, and this content ended up being our highest performer of the year.

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

Nine Peaks' project management was outstanding. The team was approachable, reliable, supportive, and receptive to feedback and constructive discussions. Working with them was truly enjoyable. Every member we collaborated with at Nine Peaks demonstrated deep expertise, sharp thinking, and genuine kindness.

What was your primary form of communication with Nine Peaks?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Nine Peaks offers a truly unique perspective on what captures audience attention and drives effective social and content marketing. They’ve mastered how to help brands authentically and creatively break into the social media space and make an immediate impact.
Beyond their deep marketing expertise, every video production project we’ve partnered on has been seamless—well-organized, delivered on time and within budget—and we’ve been consistently impressed with the final results.

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

No improvement needed

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Former CMO of a blockchain-based cloud company.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We're a startup building a blockchain-based cloud network.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Nine Peaks Media to accomplish?

• To increase global awareness of our decentralized storage protocol by dominating search share for Blockchain-based cloud and Web3 infrastructure keywords.
• To bridge the gap between complex technical documentation and user-facing marketing, ensuring our value proposition was clear to both enterprises and the developer community.
• To secure high-authority digital placements that would validate our technology and build trust within the highly skeptical crypto and cybersecurity ecosystems.

SOLUTION

How did you find Nine Peaks Media?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select Nine Peaks Media over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Nine Peaks Media were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

The engagement was a multi-layered Web3 Growth Strategy that went far beyond traditional SEO. Ninepeaks.io performed a comprehensive technical audit of our site architecture to ensure search engines could properly index our rapidly evolving content. They architected a sophisticated content-led growth strategy, producing high-level technical articles that simplified our blockchain-based cloud network for a broader enterprise audience.

A critical component of their scope was strategic authority building. They executed a precision outreach campaign, securing placements and backlinks from top-tier technology and crypto-centric publications. Key deliverables included a robust keyword mapping for our niche, the creation of "educational pillars" to drive developer adoption, and a transparent reporting framework that tracked our progress against the industry’s most competitive benchmarks.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The results were instrumental in our growth. We saw a significant uptick in organic visibility for mission-critical terms like "decentralized storage" and "blockchain cloud," which led to a surge in high-quality organic traffic. These weren't just vanity metrics; we tracked a direct correlation between this traffic and increased community engagement and developer inquiries. Their work helped us establish as a top-tier contender in the decentralized infrastructure space, providing the "social proof" and search presence required for a blockchain project of our scale.

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

Their project management was agile and highly professional; a necessity in the fast-moving blockchain world. We utilized Slack and bi-weekly strategy sessions to stay aligned. Ninepeaks.io was incredibly responsive, often adapting their strategy overnight to account for shifts in the market or new technical updates to our network. They acted as a seamless extension of our marketing team, providing the level of accountability and technical depth that I rarely see in the agency world.

What was your primary form of communication with Nine Peaks Media?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

What impressed me most was their deep technical fluency. Most agencies struggle with the nuances of Web3, but Ninepeaks.io understood the underlying technology of our decentralized network from day one. They didn't just write for search engines; they wrote for our audience. Their ability to combine SEO with a high-level understanding of the blockchain ecosystem makes them a rare find. They are a "SaaS and Web3 powerhouse" that delivers actual strategic value, not just keywords.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Nine Peaks Media could have done differently?

Nothing.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the VP Engineering of Tellihealth

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Provide Remote Patient Monitoring and Chronic Care Management utilizing custom manufactured biometric devices and compliant cloud platform software.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Nine Peaks Media to accomplish?

Increase our online visibility, rank on the first page of Google, and leverage AI-powered content to strengthen our brand awareness in the healthcare technology space.

SOLUTION

How did you find Nine Peaks Media?

Clutch Site

Why did you select Nine Peaks Media over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Nine Peaks Media were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Nine Peaks Media provided a comprehensive strategy including SEO optimization, AI-generated content recommendations, and content marketing campaigns. They delivered detailed performance reports, optimized website content, and implemented strategies that improved our search rankings and brand visibility across Google and major AI platforms.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The team was highly organized, responsive, and transparent. They consistently met deadlines, communicated clearly, and quickly adapted to our feedback, making collaboration smooth and efficient.

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

Thanks to Nine Peaks Media, our search rankings improved significantly, website traffic increased, and our brand gained more recognition in the digital health space. Their AI-driven content strategies gave us a competitive edge in a crowded market.

What was your primary form of communication with Nine Peaks Media?

Email or Messaging App

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

Nine Peaks Media stood out for their deep understanding of AI-powered SEO and content marketing. They combined technical expertise with practical insights that directly impacted our business growth, making the process simple and results-driven.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Nine Peaks Media could have done differently?

 the results were excellent

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder of Orisha Socialcare Software

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Orisha Socialcare (formerly Teranga Software) is a key player in the ESMS software sector. Our teams, made up of nearly 150 employees, support more than 5,000 ESMS (independent and multi-establishment structures) in managing their daily activities with a scalable and customizable software suite according to their needs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Nine Peaks Media to accomplish?

• We were launching a new B2B SaaS product in a crowded market. With zero brand recognition and a modest budget, our primary goal was to establish a foundational online presence and generate our first pipeline of qualified leads purely through organic search. We needed to punch above our weight.

SOLUTION

How did you find Nine Peaks Media?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select Nine Peaks Media over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Nine Peaks Media were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Nine Peaks Media built our SEO strategy from the ground up, focusing on quick wins and sustainable growth.  
Key Deliverables: 

• Technical & On-Page Foundation: They conducted an SEO audit at launch to ensure everything was crawlable and indexable, then optimized our core service pages. 
• Strategic Content Pillars: They identified low-competition, high-intent long-tail keywords and helped us create an SEO optimized blog content strategy around them. 
• Initial Authority Building: They executed a targeted backlink campaign to industry-specific blogs and directories to build our initial domain authority. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Within the first 90 days, we started ranking on page one for several key feature-specific terms. After six months, organic traffic became our number one source of marketing-qualified leads, accounting for over 40% of our pipeline. For a startup with no paid budget, this was a game-changer.

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

They were the perfect SEO agency for a fast-moving startup. Their communication was clear and concise, and they always delivered reports and tasks on time. They understood our resource constraints and focused on the highest-impact activities first.

What was your primary form of communication with Nine Peaks Media?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their ability to be strategic with a limited budget impresses us. They didn't propose a generic, expensive SEO plan. Instead, they were scrappy and focused on the SEO strategy that would actually move the needle for a startup company at our stage, delivering an incredible ROI.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Nine Peaks Media could have done differently?

The process was excellent. The only minor suggestion would be to provide even more educational resources upfront on SEO basics for our team, but they were always available to answer our SEO questions.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Co-CEO of SISORG

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

SISORG is a company specializing in the design, development, implementation of software, and provision of services for passenger, package, and cargo transportation.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Nine Peaks Media to accomplish?

• We had a content library full of old, underperforming blog posts. We needed to identify and update "striking distance" content pieces that were almost ranking well and overhaul our content strategy to drive more targeted traffic and leads.

SOLUTION

How did you find Nine Peaks Media?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select Nine Peaks Media over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Nine Peaks Media were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

The engagement was heavily focused on content analysis, consolidation, and strategic creation.Key Deliverables: Content Audit and Cluster Analysis: They identified duplicate content, content gaps, and over 50 pieces that were on the cusp of page one. Content Refresh and Optimization: They systematically updated and improved these "striking distance" articles, boosting their authority and relevance. Strategic Link Building: They built high-quality links to both these refreshed pages and to our new cornerstone content to maximize the impact. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The focus on "striking distance" content was a game-changer. We improved rankings for 40+ keywords by moving them from pages 2-3 to the top of page 1. This effort alone led to a 40% increase in organic leads from our blog section. It was a incredibly efficient use of our budget.

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

One of Nine Peaks Media's strongest strengths that I personally enjoyed most of all was their collaborative approach. They felt like an extension of our own marketing team. They were always on time with deliverables and often delivered early. They were incredibly receptive to feedback and incorporated our ideas into the strategy seamlessly.

What was your primary form of communication with Nine Peaks Media?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

The team we work with is super knowledgeable and friendly. They have a great balance of professionalism and personal ability. They make complex SEO concepts easy to understand, and our monthly calls are both productive and enjoyable. This comfort level makes the working relationship fun and easy.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Nine Peaks Media could have done differently?

We have nothing to say when it comes to improvements because they did everything correctly as we had discussed before we started working with them. The entire process was flawless.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CFO and Co-Founder of Aztek

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Aztek helps its customers realize the opportunities that lie in having a secure cloud-based infrastructure with associated platform and services. The company is not a traditional consulting firm, but a company that can assist the customer's modernization process with consulting and development services based on its own method in combination with heavy professional and business expertise. The method, which is experience-based, helps ensure the safe establishment of a secure and viable cloud solution. The method has a particular focus on which questions should be addressed when modernizing the company's IT support in a secure way through establishment in the cloud. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Nine Peaks Media to accomplish?

• We hired Nine Peaks Media to improve our search engine rankings, grow our organic traffic, and strengthen our online presence. Our main objectives were to optimize our website for better keyword performance, clean up and enhance our backlink profile, and use AI-driven strategies to monitor and improve results over time.

SOLUTION

How did you find Nine Peaks Media?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select Nine Peaks Media over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Nine Peaks Media were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Nine Peaks Media handled a full SEO and digital optimization project for us. They began with a comprehensive backlink audit to identify and remove harmful links, then built high-quality, relevant backlinks to boost our domain authority. On the on-page side, they optimized our site structure, improved keyword targeting, and refined meta tags to strengthen search visibility. They also implemented AI-powered tracking tools to monitor performance in real time and make strategic adjustments. Key deliverables included a detailed backlink analysis report, on-page SEO improvements, quality link building, AI-driven performance insights, and regular progress updates.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We saw a clear improvement in our search rankings, with several target keywords moving to the first page of Google. Organic traffic increased steadily, bringing in more qualified leads and boosting our conversion rates. Our domain authority strengthened thanks to the high-quality backlinks they built, and their AI-driven tracking showed consistent month-over-month growth in both visibility and engagement.

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

Their project management was excellent. They delivered every milestone on time and kept us informed with clear timelines and regular progress updates. Communication was prompt and transparent — they responded quickly to our questions, explained their strategies in simple terms, and were flexible in making adjustments to meet our evolving needs.

What was your primary form of communication with Nine Peaks Media?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

What we found most impressive about Nine Peaks Media was their ability to blend deep SEO expertise with AI-driven insights to deliver measurable results. They tailored every strategy to our specific goals, avoided one-size-fits-all approaches, and proactively adapted to changes in search algorithms. Their transparency and commitment to our success made them feel more like a true partner than just a service provider.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Nine Peaks Media could have done differently?

None that i can think of.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of MesserSoft GmbH

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

MesserSoft is the leading manufacturer of software for integrating the Messer machine technology into the technical and business processes of customers worldwide. From quoting to post costing, from designing parts to creating nesting plans, transferring the plans to the machine, and cutting the parts, the products and solutions are the effective links between machines and the business platform. Locations of the software specialist are Dortmund and Groß-Umstadt. Sales offices are located in the USA, China, India and Brazil. MesserSoft is a Messer Cutting Systems GmbH company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Nine Peaks Media to accomplish?

• We hired Nine Peaks Media to improve our SEO rankings, grow organic traffic, generate qualified leads, and optimize our presence across both search engines and AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity.

SOLUTION

How did you find Nine Peaks Media?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select Nine Peaks Media over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Nine Peaks Media were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Nine Peaks Media began with a comprehensive audit of our website, fixing critical on-page and technical SEO issues. They optimized our content for AI visibility across tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews. They also developed a backlink strategy, cleaned up broken links, and provided monthly progress reports. Key deliverables included an SEO strategy document, improved website structure, AI-ready content, and quality backlinks.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Within the first few months, we saw a 60% increase in organic traffic, higher rankings for targeted keywords, and an uptick in inbound leads. Our content also began appearing more prominently in AI tools and answer boxes. 

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

Their project management was smooth and organized. They used shared documents and bi-weekly virtual check-ins to keep us in the loop. Tasks were delivered on time, and they were highly responsive to feedback. 

What was your primary form of communication with Nine Peaks Media?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their ability to merge traditional SEO with cutting-edge AI optimization is truly impressive. They’re not just following trends; they’re helping shape them. 

Are there any areas for improvement or something Nine Peaks Media could have done differently?

So far, we’ve had a positive experience. No major areas for improvement at this stage communication and results have both been excellent. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Marketing & Brand Manager of Ultra Ankle

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We sell medical grade ankle braces

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Nine Peaks Media to accomplish?
Improve our SEO rankings, optimize our content and site structure using AI-driven strategies, and develop a robust link-building strategy tailored to our B2B tech audience. Our goals included increasing organic traffic, generating high-quality leads, and establishing greater authority within our niche.

SOLUTION

How did you find Nine Peaks Media?

• Online Search
• Referral

Why did you select Nine Peaks Media over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Nine Peaks Media were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Nine Peaks Media conducted a full technical SEO audit and implemented structured on-page optimization. They also built a scalable backlink strategy through high-authority domains and leveraged AI tools to identify keyword opportunities and competitor gaps. Regular content updates, monthly reporting, and algorithmic risk mitigation were included. Custom dashboards and quarterly strategy reviews were also part of the engagement.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Within the first 90 days, we saw a 65% increase in organic traffic and a 30% improvement in domain authority. Our keyword rankings for core commercial terms jumped significantly, and we began receiving a higher volume of qualified inbound leads. Their AI-based analysis allowed us to better align content with buyer intent.

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

Their project management was highly efficient. We were kept in the loop through weekly updates and monthly performance calls. All deliverables were met on schedule, and the team was highly proactive in identifying issues before they became problems.

What was your primary form of communication with Nine Peaks Media?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their expertise in combining AI with SEO strategy was impressive. Their reporting is incredibly detailed and easy to understand, and they’re always willing to walk us through complex metrics. The team’s ability to pivot and adapt quickly to changes in search engine algorithms sets them apart.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Nine Peaks Media could have done differently?

There are no significant areas for improvement at this stage.