Search Engine People

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the President of an Emergency Water Damage and Disaster Response company with two locations (Vaughan and Barrie). We work with homeowners and their insurance companies to dry and sanitize their properties and fully restore them to pre-loss condition.

For what projects/services did your company hire Search Engine People, and what were your goals?

We wanted to grow our newly formed brand with a strong PPC presence in the water damage market. This market is very competitive with multiple industries relying on specific key words like flooded basement and burst pipes. The goal for SEP was to test, learn and roll out best practices for the new brand and business.

How did you select Search Engine People and what were the deciding factors?

We interviewed 3 other agency options and chose SEP based on the teams presentation, professionalism and expertise. Michael won us over and continues to improve our ROI each year.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and campaigns.

SEP worked with our website designer to ensure we had the digital structure to promote both PPC and organic search approached. We refined spending, key words and continue to analyze data each year and build on the key learnings.

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

Only two members and one is Michael and the other is Amber. I would assume both are account representatives, but they are both very knowledgeable in their field and we are comfortable reaching out any time to either of them.

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Yes, our ROI for web marketing is approximately 8 to 1 and is likely higher when you look at the leads and presence from other non SEP sites like Homestars, that benefit from our great reputation.

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

They are very proactive in their approach, reviewing data and presenting new ideas to test, learn and roll out. The team is very responsive and will get back to us typically within an hour or less.

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

They are always available, knowledgeable and responsive. Our previous brand used a different firm and there was an heir of "trust us" or an aloofness about their ability. SEP is built on professionalism, warmth and performance.... a difficult combination for sure.

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

nothing. They are truly excellent.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the President of a boutique relocation company that specializes in supporting businesses and individuals for people relocating from all over the world to Toronto! We help manage the entire project, from pre-decision making to settling in.

For what projects/services did your company hire Search Engine People, and what were your goals?

SEO was required to build up the profile for our website and our two offices, one in Toronto, ON and the second in Seattle, WA. Our Seattle office is newer, and didn't have the 'credibility' to be noticed or seen by Google. This meant a quick and easy refresh of our website as well as some other projects.

How did you select Search Engine People and what were the deciding factors?

We researched 3 different companies. Two in North America and the third in the Middle East. Search Engine People were selected because, hands down, they were the best communicators, the most responsive and were able to shape a meaningful strategy for our business that aligned with our goals and strategy.

They have been incredibly enjoyable to work with - and that is something I put a very high value on. They also worked with our budget, which helped make the decision even easier.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and campaigns.

Truthfully, it's difficult to remember everything as it all unfolded, but there was a focus on a few different areas: making sure our website was optimized with the right key words and tags, new website page development, back-linking and then blog writing.

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

After the sales cycle had concluded, we worked with one Account Director. He was the liaison with his team...and we always had his ear.

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Our going in position was that we wanted to see measurable change within a certain period. Based on this, we were advised to focus on a 6 month strategy to move the position of our website to the first page. This was accomplished at exactly the 6 month mark, and we continue to work with them to improve our results on an ongoing basis.

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

We've had clear guidance throughout around building a set strategy, with calls once monthly to measure the effects of the investments we made. Communication has been enjoyable and impactful!

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

The one thing that struck me as we started the process with SEP was that each person along the way was so easy to speak with. SEO is not my area of expertise, and it was important to partner with a company who were able to educate me about the process so I could participate in a meaningful way. I felt right away that they could and should be trusted!

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

No.

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a manufacturer of highly specialized high temperature materials and fire protection fabrications.

For what projects/services did your company hire Search Engine People, and what were your goals?

Increase our website inquiries from new corporate and commercial clients worldwide, without clogging up our network with inquiries from hobbyists and non-commercial enterprises.

How did you select Search Engine People and what were the deciding factors?

We looked primarily at their ability to understand our unique business, their track record of managing long term SEO campaigns, and the value they could deliver.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and campaigns.

They delivered on all factors shown above, and later in the process also overhauled our website.

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

We worked with an initial sales contact who was actually quite knowledgeable technically, and now we work primarily with long term SEO manager and occasionally with one of their tech support people whenever needed.

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Their SEO program has resulted in over $3.5 million in new business over the 7 years we have been working with them

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

Monthly SEO reviews where we leverage their SEO and tech knowledge with our indepth market knowledge for best results.

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

Matt Pollnow! We are quite pleased with every aspect of Search Engine People's service.

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

We get 3 calls a week from unknown companies claiming to be some type of google certified partner. We just hang up them because we are very happy with SEP.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Digital Communications Specialist for an Insurance Brokerage. We service clients in the home, auto, recreational, farm, and commercial sectors. I oversee all communication for the organization.

For what projects/services did your company hire Search Engine People, and what were your goals?

We hired SEP in 2018 to take charge of our PPC and some SEO strategy. As a small in-house team, we wanted to focus more attention on these key areas of the business but did not have the time or resources to do so.

How did you select Search Engine People and what were the deciding factors?

I was not with the company at the time SEP was hired and cannot speak to the deciding factors.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and campaigns.

We work with SEP to build our Google Ads, backlinking, Bing and Facebook placements. We meet with SEP bi-weekly to review results and adjust strategy as needed. They also support any in-house initiatives as needed for PPC.

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

We work closely with an account manager who oversees activity and provides updates on results.

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Since working with SEP, we have seen a significant increase in traffic to our website and higher conversion rates. They have exceeded our expectations.

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

SEP is extremely organized and is always prepared for our bi-weekly check-in meetings. They are able to speak to all aspects of the campaigns and provide updates, areas for improvement, and recommend changes. We meet with our account manager who provides updates on these initiatives.

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

The level of professionalism, organization, and care is standout. Search Engine People is quick to answer any queries we have and provide a friendly and professional service.

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

If SEP is held up with a project because we have not provided it, it would be nice if they expressed a sense of urgency in order to move forward with initiatives.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Vice President and Co-Owner of Canadian Mortgage Services, a boutique mortgage brokerage and mortgage investment firm in the Greater Toronto Area.

For what projects/services did your company hire Search Engine People, and what were your goals?

We originally hired SEP for SEO projects to start, which led to site development, PPC management and is further heading towards social media marketing as well.

How did you select Search Engine People and what were the deciding factors?

We contacted at least a few different companies during the process. SEP assessed our goals and budget. They didn't try to sell on us things we didn't need... nor did they try to sell us at all. It was just genuine interest and conversation.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and campaigns.

• SEO - Build, deliver and maintenance
• PPC - Research, design, launch and maintain
• Site Development - Copywrite, design, functionality and responsiveness

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

• Michael - Account Manager
• Vamsee - PPC Specialist
• Craig - Director

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

SEP effectively increased our rankings to page 1 of Google with many targeted keywords. There are continuous efforts to improve rankings on related keywords, bounce rates, conversions, etc.

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

Timelines are specific and realistic. Communication is on point with effective use of available resources.

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

The culture of the company is great. Everyone seems to emulate the same common interest of the client, which makes each individual valuable and each team powerful.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Director, Marketing. Custom mobile application development organization, selling to IT and LOB (Field Service) in Manufacturing, Energy, and Healthcare.

For what projects/services did your company hire Search Engine People, and what were your goals?

SEP is our provider of SEO and PPC across Google and Linkedin Ad Campaigns. We outsource SEO and PPC to keep pace with the rapidly changing landscape of digital marketing, in order to stay competitive.

How did you select Search Engine People and what were the deciding factors?

We evaluated several demand gen/digital marketing vendors but have sticked with SEP as they are transparent, professional, and focus on customer relationships.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and campaigns.

SEO manages our PPC accounts on google ads, and Linkedin Campaign Manager. We also have a minor ongoing SEO engagement/retainer.

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

We've worked with several members of the SEP team over the years but our primary contact is with our account manager(s) who coordinate tasks amongst their internal domain experts in ad management and seo.

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Difficult to provide concrete data as this has been a multi-year engagement across many projects but we're highly satisfied with our engagement and have been able to retain our market position in a highly competitive landscape.

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

Collaborative, weekly meetings on ongoing tasks, monthly larger scale executive discussions and quarterly business/strategic reviews.

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

I'd say Search Engine People's competitive advantage is customer service - we've had a few account managers and points of contact over the years and across the board they've all been results oriented and professional.

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

Continue the pace - be more proactive and prescriptive with budget management and areas of improvement.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Digital Marketing Team Lead for an insurance brokerage.

For what projects/services did your company hire Search Engine People, and what were your goals?

We wanted to grow our online presence and knew we needed the help of an agency. We wanted to start/optimize a strong PPC campaign. We were also looking to build our organic content.

How did you select Search Engine People and what were the deciding factors?

We vetted several agencies and found SEP to be highly knowledgeable and have a proven track record.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and campaigns.

We started with a discovery phase where the SEP team dived into our business, our values and objectives. We explored market research, reviewed analytics and came up with a solid keyword strategy for our Google Ads campaign. The SEP team setup the campaigns and continue to monitor closely. We are provided with detailed, transparent reporting which we discuss bi-weekly.

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

We work directly with one account manager.

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Since implementing our campaigns we have increased our visibility on Google which has resulted in an increase of traffic to our website.

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

Our account manager is very responsive. We communicate mainly through email and our bi-weekly meetings.

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

I appreciate the honesty and transparency the SEP team displays. We receive detailed reporting with explanations and recommendations. The SEP team is very knowledgeable and have built strong relationships with Google and Facebook which benefits us as clients.

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

This isn't a bad quality however I find them to be modest. They don't try and oversell themselves or push their services on you. While we don't want services pushed on us it would be nice to have services recommended and not have to ask about them.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Donek Snowboards manufactures custom snowboards and I am the marketing and branding manager

For what projects/services did your company hire Search Engine People, and what were your goals?

We hired them to help us gain ground in SEO and to help with our PPC. We were looking to build brand awareness and produce more online conversions

How did you select Search Engine People and what were the deciding factors?

I wanted to work with a local company that was close to me we could easily meet in person when needed. I work remotely from the head office in Denver. The deciding factors were cost, reputation, and location.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and campaigns.

Our relationship started with setting goals of increasing brand awareness and online conversions. SEP laid out what they were able to manage for us and adapted it to our budget. They were able to educate us in many areas and to work with us in building our presence and more conversions.

We have a unique company since every project is tailored to each client. We are working on going with them to continue to meet our goal of building up our small company.

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

We have worked with around 4 people from SEP and they were are account manager, Video creation team, and social media team

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

We have seen our online conversions increase over the years and we have seen Donek creep up search engine's lists to be first offered. We have seen help from AD Words and PPC

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

Project and account management has been great with monthly reports and they are always there when I need to communicate with them through email, phone, and in the past in person as well. They are great with keeping on task and staying within the timelines set.

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

The fact that they are adaptable to every budget, even a shoestring one like ours, being a very small company.

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

We are happy with how the relationship has grown and supported Donek Snowboards

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a leading labour and employment law firm in Toronto. I am an articling student at the firm.

For what projects/services did your company hire Search Engine People?

Our firm was anticipating a rebrand and had the underlying desire to be more searchable and appealing to those doing standard Google searches. As such, we hired Search Engine People to completely re-do our website, stay on top of our media appearances, and help us with our social media presence.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to see more traffic on the site, as well as have more avenues where the community can find us, whether that be through our media appearances or are recent cases. The team helped us integrate everything we would like to see on our website page.

How did you select Search Engine People?

We had researched a few companies, but based on the wide range of services they provided, we ultimately chose them. We have an ongoing relationship that works for our firm, given our busy schedules and our desire to completely delegate this portion of our business to those who know best.

Describe the project in detail.

The Search Engine People assisted us with: searchability, social media presence, rebranding of our website, integration of our media presence and court appearances on the site, as well as open communication for anything that may come up.

What was the team composition?

Michael is the hands on guy for our project, as well as Amanda's assistance on social media and general media we would like to appear on the site.

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

We have a complete new website with higher searchability!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Michael is easy to communicate with, as well as helpful in explaining next steps. It is great to have someone who is knowledgeable and focused on the goal of our firm.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

How quick the turnaround is and the ongoing communication available to us.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not at this time.

Please describe your company and your position there.

Duliban Insurance Brokers is a family-owned brokerage that has won many insurance awards for leading the insurance industry in the tech sector. My job is to ensure all the internal and external platforms are used fully and all integrate with each other to create a seamless ecosystem.

For what projects/services did your company hire Search Engine People, and what were your goals?

We hired SEP to run our PPC campaigns to help generate leads for sales. Our goals change from month to month but we always surpass them thanks to our rep.

How did you select Search Engine People and what were the deciding factors?

SEP was already partnered with our team when I moved into the department.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and campaigns.

We broke down our campaigns into lines of business; home, auto, tractor etc. Created visual ads to help increase conversations that would lead to a prospect calling our company for a quote

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

We usually deal with one rep from SEP as our marketing team provides work for them to post and manage.

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Our ads are continually growing and bringing in leads on a monthly basis. Everything that is created is measurable and open for changes and discussion.

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

We meet with our rep on a bi-weekly basis where we review the campaigns, insights, deliverables, and takeaways to move forward with to help enhance our presence.

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

Their level of professionalism, knowledge, and expertise in the area of PPC and SEO. They lifted a lot of weight off our team's shoulders.

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

Nothing that comes to mind.