Startup App Experts
Who We Are:
We are the nations hottest startup mobile app development and marketing agency. We've helped launch a variety of mobile apps from their inception. We can attribute a lot of our success to our affordable pricing and agile process, which has made us capable of attributing more of the clients budget to growth. We are always willing to adapt to the market, and are always at the forfront of the mobile app scene.
Why You Need Us:
The vast majority of good apps never get to see their time in the spotlight. This is due to poor/lack of marketing. Founders often believe that a good product is enough to be noticed on its own, this is no longer the case in todays market.
How We Make It
Discovery:
- What is the purpose of the app?
- What do people get from it?
- Main Competitors?
- Who are our target users?
- How is it going to get monetized?
Design
- Create Wireframes
- Design the look and feel of the app
- Develop Prototypes
- User Test
- Build Brand Development
Development
- Agile development
- iOS, Android, ReactNative
- React.js, Ruby On Rails
- Node.js, Java, .NET
How We Market It:
The SEM Nexus Process uses a combination of ASO, App Store & Play Store ads, social media ads and influencers to acquire users, followed by in-app analytics to retain active and paying users. We follow our checklist rigourously:
- ASO
- Social Influencers
- Digital Ads
- App Analytics
- VC Prep
As you can see, virality requires capital. Our initial proof of concept campaign will aid you in proving that your app can be a success. Then we can connect you to our VC partners for funding
Focus
Portfolio
https://semnexus.com/case-studies/

Nautical Eye
Who they are:
- Nautical Eye is a forecasting and all-in-one maritime app to help you along your fishing misadventures!
Their problem:
- Nautical Eye is a fantastic mobile app, but they had no users!
Our Solution:
- We developed a full scale marketing plan from conception to execution. As of writing this, the app sports over 50,000 unique users.

Lux Lighting
The Luxlighting app allows you to control your LED lights from your phone. You can create custom themes or have the lights sync with the music playing around you.

YogiGo Fitness
Connect with Certified Yoga and Physical Fitness Trainers in your area. Work out from the comfort of your own home, park, or even hotel gym. YogiGoFitness is your premier all-in-one tool for discovering, messaging, and booking appointments with nearby yoga/fitness instructors and personal trainers. It’s also a great way for trainers to be found by potential clients!

Tito
Who they are:
- Tito is a popup social event app in NYC
Their Problem:
- The app came to us from inception. No users
Our solution:
- A full app marketing strategy was deployed and executed on. Tito now has a thriving active userbase in NYC, and experiences some of the best retention we've ever seen

Teletour
Who they are:
- Teletour is an AR global touring app that provides you with in depth visual tours at any location you select accross the world
Their Problem:
- The app came to us from inception. No users
Our solution:
- A full app marketing strategy was deployed and executed on. For Teletour, we are seeing incredible CPI numbers, as low as $1 per download in the US.

Scan And Translate
+1,000,000 Downloads
Who they are:
- Scan & Translate is a text translation app, designed to help you travel easily
Their problem:
- Ironically, the apps description was only available in english, and they needed assistance with ASO, translation & app localization
Our Solution:
- We optimized the app store page, provided localized translations for various countries, improved their app rankings, and drove downloads to the app.
- As of writing, the app has reached a 20% increase in organic user acquisitions

WinQuik
Who they are:
- We are the proud app marketing agency behind WinQuik. Clickstreams star studded trivia game app.
Their Problem:
- The app came to us from inception. No users
Our solution:
- A full app marketing strategy was deployed and executed on. As of writing this, the app has 50k unique users, and the CLIS stock is up 10x since our original involvement.

Scootroute
Who they are:
- Scootroute is a micro-mobility navigation app helping riders of mopeds, scooters, and bicycles navigate to their destinations safely.
Their Problem:
- The app came to us shortly after launching with a small user base and base app store imagery.
Our Solution:
- A combination of ASO and App Promotion helped Scootroute find success in downloads. On just 3,000 Product Page Views, Scootroute achieved over 1,600 installs leading to a conversion rate of over 53%.

Off Market
Who they are:
- Off Market is a mobile real estate app that simplifies housing transactions.
Their problem:
- Came to us with an underdeveloped app with no design.
Our Solution:
- Created a completely original design for the app. Launched a pre-registration campaign while the app finished development, and eventually a fully live campaign with a conversion rate of 43% on both iOS and Android.

Vodacast
Who they are:
- Vodacast is a podcasting app providing bonus content to users and treating podcasters more fairly while offering a more complete all-in-one podcasting solution. Fully immerse yourself in your favorite podcasts with the Vodacast app.
Their Problem:
- The app came to us from inception. They had no users and were looking for podcasters & listeners.
Our Solution:
- A full app marketing strategy was deployed and executed. We are seeing incredible CPI numbers, as low as $1.53 per download in the US. We also increased their conversion rate by 25%.

Famous
Who they are:
- A digital talent show that ranks users based on their favorability instead of their likes/followers. Winners each week are given cash or career prizes such as $500 or a session with Aloe Blacc
Their Problem:
- They had brought in users previously but they were primarily low value installs lacking talent
Our Solution:
- Completely redid their App Store listing. Primarily used Google Ads and Facebook Ads to target individuals that would be able to create higher quality submissions. Brought in IOS users at a sub $1 CPI.

Headero
Who they are:
- A unique dating app that focuses on oral pleasure. They have created an open and honest dating community that rejects the binary and encourages users to be themselves.
Their Problem:
- They came to us in an early beta stage. We guided them through the pre-marketing process, into pre-registration and finally to a fully live product. Due to the nature of the app, we have been rejected from most ad networks. We found our place on Google Ads and have successfully created a diverse and deep community of users.
Our Solution:
- Leverage both digital and social marketing along with IRL events to help build the community. Went from being banned on all ad platforms to building a self-sustaining user base in NYC. Additionally, we have begun expansion into San Francisco.

Know Wake
Who they are:
Join the #1 fastest growing community navigating together.
Their Problem:
The app came to us with only focusing on specific waters with specific users. They wanted to map more wake zones & become more user friendly to casuals
Our Solution:
A full app marketing strategy was deployed and executed on Apple, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Tik Tok.. We are seeing incredible total install number of 20k

GrainSt
The Best Farm Management tool to Determine Grain Pricing!
GrainSt helps you find the best prices for the corn and soybean crops. Find corn and soybeans at the nearest grain markets. Search for the best bids on old and new crops, and keep tabs on agriculture markets near you.
GrainSt provides you with regularly updated grain economy data that will keep you ahead of the grain market. View up-to-date corn and soybean crop delivery location bids in your location to help determine the best price for your crops on the grain market. Specialized in soybean and corn marketing, GrainSt is the companion app for both new and old crops.
Browse current and future commodity market prices within your area! Find crop markets closest to you or up to 100 miles away. GrainSt provides you with the contact information to delivery locations within the app, saving you the hassle of searching for it yourself!
Reviews
the project
Digital Marketing for Female Dating App
"The CEO has tried to help me as much as he can and I really appreciate that."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the CEO of a dating app. I’m also the founder and creator.
What challenge were you trying to address with SEM Nexus?
I wanted to hire a marketing company to help me market my app through GoogleAds, Apple Search Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads. My goal was to get the word out that there was a new app in the market to give customers and clients the ability to join and create profiles on.
SEM Nexus was doing great at first, and I was initially very happy with the team and how professional and supportive the team was. I was impressed with the ads that they created for me to run on various platforms and I saw the potential of working with SEM Nexus to create a success for my app with their expertise.
Unfortunately due to internal issues, majority of the employees at SEM Nexus quit and that impacted the performance of the company on my app. The second month of my engagement with SEM Nexus was nothing like my first month, and that is why I updated my original review to reflect my experience with the company. After my second review was published, Mike (CEO) reached out to me to alleviate some of my concerns and to help me resolve the issues that I was having with the company. Mike was extremely apologetic and sympathetic to my concerns, and he offered to refund me my second months retainer costs to alleviate the issues which is very admirable, and I want to make sure that he is recognized for that for helping me resolve my issues.
What was the scope of their involvement?
SEM Nexus does my digital marketing. I also work with their social media director to get influencers to launch the campaign. They’ve also done my graphics, my ads, my video promos, our description in the App Store and Google Play, and keywords.
What is the team dynamic?
After initially speaking with Mike, he put me in touch with a project manager, as well as someone to help with social media and influencer marketing.
When the team is working together and on the same goal, they work pretty well together and is very well cohesive. I know that there are new employees in training, and these employees will become an asset when they are fully trained and ready to take on any project and task.
How did you come to work with SEM Nexus?
I interviewed several teams on Clutch that were in my price range for my project. I chose SEM Nexus because of the quality of work that they showed me as well as the potential to get more investors from their network of investors. They also will create your VC prep for investors and that to me was something that was not offered by any other company.
How much have you invested with them?
$15,000-$20,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
I have decided to work with another company to help me market my app at this point but I have no issues with Sem Nexus as they tried to do their best to their ability to help me and my project and I appreciate that.
How did your relationship with the vendor evolve?
Initially was great, then it was not so great after the employees quit, and now that they are rebuilding their company back to where it was, I have no issues. The CEO has tried to help me as much as he can and I really appreciate that.
How did SEM Nexus address the challenges that arose?
Mike refunded me my second-month retainer in good faith attempt to alleviate the issues that I was having with the company. I appreciate this gesture as it was very appreciated. I have limited resources to market my app at this stage so this really helped me try to fix the problems that I was having with my marketing plan.
Describe the impact this engagement has had on your business.
Initially was great but then it did not work out for me in the end. I am happy with where I am now with my company as I am working with another vendor and I have been refunded half of my costs with SEM Nexus and that is admirable.
How was project management handled?
It was handled to the best ability. Unfortunately when the company lost employees that affected my outcome and goals. However I have been compensated for the mistakes that were made.
Is there anything that the vendor did well or that you would consider a strength?
The visuals and ads that were created for me on my first month were really great.
In what specific areas can they improve?
Account management needs improvement, however this will improve with time as the current employees become more seasoned and experienced.
What advice do you have for clients with similar needs to yours?
Really do your research before hiring any company. I find that a crucial to your success.
Ali Ashouri
CEO, Dating App
Social Networking
1-10 Employees
Los Angeles, California, United States (26487)
$10,000 to $49,999
Mar 2022 - Ongoing
Project summary:
SEM Nexus was contracted to provide social media and digital marketing services. They set agreed-upon goals for users and downloads at the three-month mark and made initial strides to develop creative.
Feedback summary:
After missing promised targets by 90%, the vendor ended the relationship and has not refunded any of the cost, despite the client's requests. The client reports high turnover and costly time spent training new resources. When they elevated concerns to management, executives were nonresponsive.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the CEO of a dating app. I’m also the founder and creator.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with SEM Nexus?
I wanted to hire a marketing company to help me market my app through GoogleAds, Apple Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads. My goal was to get the word out that there was a new app in the market to give customers and clients the ability to join and create profiles on.
SOLUTION
What is the team composition?
The first person I spoke to was Mike (CEO). He told me what his company offered, and everything sounded great. I was particularly excited about the connections with investors that they said would be available to me after I worked with them. Other companies didn’t offer that, and I was looking forward to the ability to raise more money to continue marketing my app. They promised that, after marketing my app on Apple and Google for three months, I would have 10,000 users and 10,000 downloads.
After speaking with Mike, he put me in touch with a project manager, as well as someone to help with social media and influencer marketing.
How did you come to work with SEM Nexus?
I found them on Clutch, along with a number of other companies inside my price range. I interviewed them separately and thought that SEM Nexus had the best pitch for the money I was going to spend.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve spent around $15,000–$20,000 so far.
What is the status of this engagement?
We’ve been working together since March 2022.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
How did your relationship with the vendor evolve?
We’ve hit that three-month mark, and I have 930 downloads, not 10,000. I paid them a retainer for the creative work during the first month, and I was very happy with the results. I then did a first Clutch interview, as they’d done what said they would so far: create the app store listing and create a few ads. They haven’t done anything since then, however. The project manager and a number of other resources quite simultaneously, and even after giving the CEO time to hire new people, I still had to train the resources they assigned.
Moving forward, they created ads that targeted the entirely wrong population. My app is only for women, and they were targeting ads to men, meaning I was wasting money. I even had to remove those people from the app because it wasn’t for them.
How did SEM Nexus address the challenges that arose?
After bringing these issues up with the CEO, he said that they were going to end the partnership because they didn’t like working with me. I haven’t received any money back.
Describe the impact this engagement has had on your business.
I didn’t receive any sort of professional marketing — no ads, no social media posts — and I was paying them a $4,000 retainer. On top of that, they kept changing the terms of the contract. When I first did an influencer contract with someone, the only cost was to the influencer, but the second time we did a contract, SEM Nexus instituted a 20% fee for themselves on top of the influencer cost. Additionally, they told me I could pay by credit card but then they never disclosed that this incurred an extra 3% fee. All of these fees were piled on top of them not delivering. They kept changing the terms of my contract without telling me to make themselves more money.
I can’t believe I wasted my time and resources with them. Why did I spend all this money when I have limited resources and could have gotten serious, professional help elsewhere? They also promised me that I would get data back on my app, and I never received a single data set. I had app tracking software installed, even paying for it, and SEM Nexus never used it.
How was project management handled?
Initially, when the relationship was solid, they delivered on time and were available and accessible. They even gave me their phone numbers. Responses to my emails came quickly, and that was nice.
Is there anything that the vendor did well or that you would consider a strength?
Initially, their connections with investors stood out. I never reached the stage of getting to meet with them, so I don’t know if that was true or something they just said to get my to sign on with them.
I don’t know if they were more effective at an earlier time, but they’re not doing well with their current structure.
Star Ratings:
Overall Rating: 0.5
Quality: 2.5
Cost: 0.5
Schedule: 0.5
Willing to refer: 0.5
the project
Digital Marketing for Real Estate Investment Firm
"The company would respond to us in the middle of the night, and there was never a task they could not do."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
Gorjian Acquisitions is a privately held real estate investment firm based in New York, specializing in acquiring and operating opportunistic value-add properties. As the firm's Vice President, my obligations include overseeing all Real Estate Acquisitions and JV Equity Investments at Gorjian, and in doing so administrates micro-level investment strategies, financial analysis/valuation, due diligence and investor relations.
For what projects/services did your company hire SEM Nexus, and what were your goals?
Our digital presence prior to working with SEM Nexus was very poor, our website was awful and did not encourage engagement. Additionally, our methods of outreach and communicating with prospective partners was not efficient.
How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?
We decided to go with SEM Nexus after a consultation, as the whole team was on board with solving and understanding our issues to make us a better company.
Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and marking tools used.
Upon reviewing our website, SEM Nexus brought in a consultant to build us a new site optimized for our business. They were there every step of the way to ensure the content, layout and SEOs were all in line. Next, they automated our outreach campaigns, allowing the Gorjian team to spend more time deal-making and less time sending out emails and cold calling. Finally, SEM Nexus began a targeted LinkedIn ad campaign that brought in website visits and inquiries.
How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?
We worked with an entire team over at SEM Nexus, each team member had a specialty.
- Email Marketing
- LinkedIn Ads
- Graphic Design
- Website Monitoring
Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?
With full credit to SEM Nexus, our web presence is now top notch, with record setting website visits and engagements. Email outreach automation has made a very important impact on our business. We can certainly credit multiple transactions and investments to the help received by SEM Nexus.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
Having a shared slack channel made communication with SEM Nexus super easy!
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
The company would respond to us in the middle of the night, and there was never a task they could not do.
Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?
They could have a better software or portal to manage ongoing tasks/projects.
the project
Advertising for Geolocation App
''Anytime something comes up, they’re able to answer according to what we need.''
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the CEO of a geolocation and social media mobile app.
What challenge were you trying to address with SEM Nexus?
We were looking for marketing and advertising services for an app we were launching.
What was the scope of their involvement?
SEM Nexus has been doing marketing for us; we started by having initial meetings where we talked about our app and what we wanted to do in terms of advertising. After that, they came up with a proposal, and once we accepted it, they started very quickly.
We’ve worked on strategies to define the demographics and locations we wanted to target. We also had a meeting with the creative team to develop a plan to hit our download numbers and how we’d roll out a certain period.
In terms of content, they did screenshots for the app stores for Google and iOS. They also dud videos for ads that we post on Facebook and Google, among other platforms. In addition, they helped us find influencers and did outreach and bids to them for our campaigns.
What is the team composition?
We’ve been working with an account manager, Michael (CEO), and a creative and marketing team. Overall, we’ve engaged with 2–5 people throughout the process.
How did you come to work with SEM Nexus?
We found them through a Google search while looking for advertising agencies specializing in mobile app marketing.
How much have you invested in them?
We’ve spent $25,000–$30,000 with them so far.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working together in October 2021, and the engagement is ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We were able to scale up users very quickly; in our first campaign, we scaled up to 1,100 users!
How did SEM Nexus perform from a project management standpoint?
We have weekly check-ins conducted by our account manager; overall, they’re a responsive team, so if anything is happening, we can email or call them to get a quick answer from their team. Regarding tools, they offer a portal where we can see real-time statistics for our engagement in marketing through the ads.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They’re more swift and responsive than other providers in the industry. Additionally, they specialize in startups, which is great for us because we’re in a pre-seed funding mode where we don’t have a lot of money at the moment. Overall, they like to build a partnership where, if we succeed, they succeed.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I don’t think there’s anything they can improve on — anytime something comes up, they’re able to answer according to what we need.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
They’re very easy to work with, so I recommend telling them your budget upfront, and they’ll make it work. It’s also helpful to give them the marketing budget control because they’re able to come up with great ideas.
the project
App Marketing for Educational App
"They’re excellent at meeting deadlines and keeping their word."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the founder of an app that teaches kids with autism and other developmental needs to associate words.
What challenge were you trying to address with SEM Nexus?
I needed help in marketing.
What was the scope of their involvement?
SEM Nexus is providing us with app optimization services. They’ve helped us find areas of improvement within our app so we can increase our sales and appeal to more people. They’re also marketing our app on Facebook and other platforms. In addition, they handle our influencer marketing efforts.
SEM Nexus creates the visuals, videos, and other assets for our campaigns. They’ve supported our product launch in app stores, which is available on Android and iOS.
What is the team composition?
I’ve worked with Greg (Digital Campaign Manager), their COO, and one guy who handles our influencer marketing. Other teammates come and go as needed.
How did you come to work with SEM Nexus?
We found SEM Nexus through a Google search. While other companies only sent generic proposals, they met with me, and we discussed their packages and our project’s goals. That spoke to me because they took the time to develop a proposal with data and comparisons. I felt they would see me as a person instead of a number, so I chose to work with them.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve spent $25,000 so far.
What is the status of this engagement?
We’ve been working together since October 2021, and our partnership is ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
I don’t have any metrics right now.
How did SEM Nexus perform from a project management standpoint?
SEM Nexus is great at project management. They’re very transparent and open — if something is not going well, they’re quick to disclose and present solutions. Additionally, they constantly explain things to me and show me data. I can have meetings with their team whenever I want. They’re very responsive and quick to get back to me.
SEM Nexus always stays within my budget, and they present cheaper options if we need to do something beyond my range. They’re excellent at meeting deadlines and keeping their word. We communicate through emails and have regular meetings.
What did you find most impressive about them?
SEM Nexus’ customer service skills are excellent. In addition, I appreciate that they treat us as if we’re a big organization, even though we’re not.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I can’t think of anything.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
You have to be willing to be committed for the long haul — don’t expect changes overnight. It will take some time before things go where they need to be.
the project
Digital Marketing for Connectivity Mobile App
"They simply know what they’re doing."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the president of Monkeysphere, a mobile app that reminds people to call their relatives, friends, and close acquaintances.
What challenge were you trying to address with SEM Nexus?
We needed help with our digital marketing efforts.
What was the scope of their involvement?
SEM Nexus helps me with very comprehensive digital marketing services, including SEO, social media marketing, PPC, and email marketing. They work closely with us on keyword research and campaign launches. Additionally, they’re currently working with us to get our price per install lowered.
What is the team composition?
I mainly work with Sergio (COO) and Max (Digital Campaign Manager). In the beginning, I also talked with Michael (Founder & CEO).
How did you come to work with SEM Nexus?
I looked at different companies online, as well as at their reviews. SEM Nexus had great reviews, so I reached out to them, and they told me what they could do for me. I liked what they offered; that was why I hired them.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve invested around $10,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
I first contacted SEM Nexus a year and a half ago, in 2020. However, our app took a long time to get developed, so we just stayed in touch until we were ready to launch our marketing strategy. Once we got closer to launching, around April 2021, we started working with them, taking steps towards advertising and marketing our app. When it got released, SEM Nexus was able to provide more services. Currently, we’re still working together.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
SEM Nexus’ efforts have helped us get more installs. For example, we were able to get 404 installs last week from the Google Play Store alone. Additionally, they’ve greatly decreased our price per install, although we keep working on that.
How did SEM Nexus perform from a project management standpoint?
SEM Nexus’ project management is very good. They’re very transparent about how much money different campaigns and paid efforts cost. Additionally, they’re very communicative.
They set up a meeting with us at least once per week to touch base and let us know what they’re doing. We use Firebase to manage the project, which is the same platform our development company used during that portion of the project. Additionally, we communicate via email and Google Meet.
What did you find most impressive about them?
SEM Nexus’ professionalism and knowledge are impressive. They’re very punctual to our meetings, and they’re always in a professional setting, even wearing suits to those meetings. Additionally, they don’t second guess themselves, and they seem to know the answers to all of our questions — they simply know what they’re doing.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No. So far, I have no complaints.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Do your research as I did and give them a shot. Call them, hear them out, and explain your needs so that they can tell you what they can do for you. Once you do, trust that what they tell you they can do, they’ll do it.
the project
Design, Advertising & Influencer Marketing for App Firm
“They’re highly communicative, and the team is on point in terms of delivering the data we need.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m working with a smartphone app company in a division that was founded 1–2 years ago. I serve as an external advisor with a background in marketing technology and marketing communications. I’ve been helping their founder in the decision-making process and in managing their relationship with third-party vendors, including SEM Nexus.
What challenge were you trying to address with SEM Nexus?
We hired SEM Nexus for app development guidance and influencer marketing.
What was the scope of their involvement?
We’re doing an influencer campaign with SEM Nexus. They've assigned a person to manage the campaigns and to put together a list of people that are audience-appropriate for the app. He takes us through the process of selecting influencers and enables us to work with them. The influencers' end deliverables are videos on their channels to promote the app.
SEM Nexus has also been giving us feedback on the app experience, giving us instructions on how to track all the activity in our app in a sensible way. They also create reports and advise us on user flows, covering how the app is downloaded and how users are onboarded into the app.
We’re in the early stages of this process. So far, we’ve had onboarding conversations about the brand feel. The team has created our ad collateral, including copywriting work. Moreover, SEM Nexus resources have designed all of the assets we need to go live in the App Store and Google Play. These assets include our logo and the compiled pictures users see on the app stores.
The team has also launched ad campaigns on both app platforms. We also have banners on Facebook, and we’ll expand those into Instagram and TikTok. On top of that, their resources help us with our keyword strategy in terms of descriptions and app content.
What is the team composition?
We’ve primarily worked with Max (Digital Campaign Manager) during the onboarding process and in getting everybody settled. At present, we work with a project lead. Under the project lead, we interface with Kasey (Director of Digital Campaigns), who handles the tactical side of things. He does keyword research and keeps an eye on our budgets for our digital marketing activities. Skyler (Director of Social Media & Influencer Marketing) handles our influencer campaigns, while their internal design team members design our collateral.
How did you come to work with SEM Nexus?
We looked around for a number of agencies that had experience in app launches, and they turned out to be hard to find. Many agencies, including relatively big-name firms, turned us away. The ones that talked to us came with outrageous costs for a startup running on seed funding.
Then, we found SEM Nexus online. The reason we chose them was that they were comfortable with doing an app launch. On top of that, they had all the components that we were looking to use. Their pricing model was also way lower than other agencies’ offers even when we included the amount of money we’d spend on ads.
More importantly, they offered to give us feedback on how the app was performing. For comparison, it seemed that other agencies only planned to blast our ads out on the internet and then wash their hands after that. In other words, SEM Nexus wanted to help us build a user base, and that was highly compelling to me. That was the start of our engagement.
How much have you invested with them?
We spend around $5,000 per month, including their retainer fee and our budget for ads.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working with them in September 2021, and the engagement is ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
The first run of ads has been better than expected. In fact, we’ve hit our two-week target in just three days. We’ve also had several hundred downloads and signups, which is in line with our team’s expectations. As we go, we hope to optimize these leads and increase our conversion rates.
While it’s too early to claim success or failure on anything, the SEM Nexus team has been refining the user flows and app processes even more. Their recommendations are based on data, and they fall in line with what I might have done if I had built and designed the app myself. I’ve been a UX design practitioner for around 15 years, and I sense that we’ll achieve a positive ROI in this project. However, it’s too early to tell.
How did SEM Nexus perform from a project management standpoint?
SEM Nexus has managed the project well. They’re highly communicative, and the team is on point in terms of delivering the data we need. They also haven’t missed any deadlines. Meanwhile, our influencer campaigns are a little more fluid. Skyler has to reach out to influencers and sign contracts with them, and we can’t simply put these things on the calendar and work on them. In any case, we’re getting what we need from them from a project management perspective.
Further, we have standing meetings every other week where they talk about the results and data they’ve gathered from the app and our ads. The project itself has been straightforward enough that we can get any information we need through email. We also have access to SEM Nexus’ platform, which shows us ad data and conversion rates.
What did you find most impressive about them?
SEM Nexus’ cost structure has been impressive. On top of that, they’re the only agency that’s willing to help us with the project. To reiterate, we’ve experienced rejections from other agencies. Others haven’t said outright that they’re rejecting us, but they’ve priced the project at a cost that isn’t going to work for us.
As a result, I’ve been delighted that SEM Nexus is willing to help us out. We have a new app, and most new apps fail — they’re willing to take that risk with us.
Are there any areas they could improve?
In the beginning, we didn’t know what feedback to give to influencers. To be fair, this is a minor sticking point, and we’ve already sorted this out. It’s also a by-product of us not being familiar with influencer marketing.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Come with a little more pre-existing market research. On top of that, sketch out all your KPIs before engaging with SEM Nexus or any other agencies. That way, you can give them a leg up in terms of optimization and planning. This may accelerate things for your project.
For context, in our engagement with SEM Nexus, we initially didn’t have a fully baked idea of who our audiences were; we were making those decisions as we went. If I had to do it over again, I would have taken a week to put together a research deck that we could present to them before we started.
the project
Marketing, PPC & Design for Nonprofit Theater Company
"The team does an adequate job, but their approach isn't working out for us."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the artistic director of a nonprofit theater company. We have an app that offers an immersive theater experience.
What challenge were you trying to address with SEM Nexus?
We needed help marketing our app.
What was the scope of their involvement?
SEM Nexus provides marketing services. First, the team guided us through the process of setting up ad campaigns. They continue to manage our ads on Google Ads, Facebook, and Instagram.
We’ve also worked closely with the SEM Nexus team on designing various marketing pieces using our existing assets. Additionally, they’ve offered suggestions on optimizing our app’s listing on the App Store and Google Play Store.
What is the team composition?
We only work with two teammates, including a project manager.
How did you come to work with SEM Nexus?
Another marketing agency recommended SEM Nexus to us.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve spent about $10,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
The project started in September 2021, and it’s ongoing.
Describe the impact this engagement has had on your business.
SEM Nexus initially predicted that we would have around 10,000 downloads within three months of the engagement. Unfortunately, we have yet to hit even 1,000.
We’re a nonprofit organization, and this was a considerable investment for us. Overall, the team does an adequate job, but their approach isn’t working out for us. We plan on ending the project soon.
How was project management handled?
Their project management is satisfactory — they’re good at sticking to deadlines and budgets. We primarily communicate via email.
Is there anything that the vendor did well or that you would consider a strength?
The SEM Nexus team has done a great job of helping us understand the marketing campaign process. Other than that, I don’t think they had strong points.
Are there any areas they could improve?
SEM Nexus didn’t immediately learn about the app, so we initially felt like they were using a formulaic approach to marketing that wasn’t suited to our product.
They have overcome that challenge by getting more familiar with the app, but they could’ve done that earlier.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Make sure that your app is heavily marketable for a mainstream audience before engaging with SEM Nexus. I think their campaigns would be more successful if your app is trendy.
The vendor responded on December 7, 2021.
This issue has actually been resolved with the client shortly after this review's submission. The problem was not with the app, but rather with the Grant Google Ads Account we were provided to work with, which is unable to run mobile app campaigns, and restricts us to Google Search Ads. These ads are horrifically inefficient for mobile app campaigns. Using other, less restricted channels/ad accounts, we both are able and have the data on this campaign to show that we have been achieving the KPI's we've aimed for.
To any and all future clients reading this, I would heavily advise against relying on any form of Grant account from Google Ads to achieve your mobile app download goals. It is far too restrictive to be of any practical use.
the project
App Dev & Advertising for Gifting Tech Company
"I believe we had a strong workflow between the two teams."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I am the Marketing Manager for a technology company that focused on the gifting industry.
For what projects/services did your company hire SEM Nexus, and what were your goals?
We hired SEM Nexus to help us with our app store optimization and advertising.
How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?
We selected this vendor out of many others that we interviewed after speaking with the owner, Mike. He understood our company, goals and how we worked.
Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and marking tools used.
Mike and team took the steps to learn about our product in order to deliver their best suggestions for our app store optimizations. They provided the optimizations and instructions for updating in our app store. They also provided the strategy and management of our app store ads.
How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?
We worked mainly with one, Sergio. He was the account manager on our account.
Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?
Mike, Sergio and team delivered the app store optimizations very timely and professionally. They also delivered the strategy for the advertising in a timely and organized manner.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
I believe we had a strong workflow between the two teams. Both teams were flexible when needed to be and communicated weekly on the progress, any issues and successes.
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
One thing we loved about this company at the time was their size and willingness to move as fast as we do as a startup type of environment.
Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?
None that I can think of. The issues we had with these campaigns were on our end. We didn't have the proper infrastructure for the level of tracking needed for this.
the project
Conversion Optimization & Strategy for Dining Marketplace
"They are 100% data-driven."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
Lovvett is a marketplace creating fair digital connections between local restaurants and diners
What challenge were you trying to address with the vendor?
We needed more downloads, and better conversion and retention
What was the scope of their involvement?
Define the strategy to get more loyal users in the platform and implement it
What is the team composition?
In the front end we had Mike, the CEO, which was incredibly involved, Greg, our account manager, Sergio, who was focused on methodology and strategic overview and took care of
one of the channels. In the background there was a team of graphic designers and copy writers.
How did you come to work with the vendor?
We found them in a list of top 10 digital marketing agencies for apps. We short listed and decided for them based on their holistic approach (download - conversion -retention), CEO’s vision and hands-on involvement, great references and competitive price.
How much have you invested with them?
9k in services, and 5k in ads budget
What is the status of this engagement?
We just wrapped it up.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
They were incredibly helpful selecting the right channels and pivoting when needed. We had some challenges due to new iOS14 release but they were ready and able to navigate
them. Overall, we experience an steady improvement in CPI throughout the project, and received good recommendations to improve the conversion and retention.
How did the vendor perform from a project management standpoint?
Very well. We had weekly meetings to follow up results. Before the meetings, they sent a brief executive summary to bring us up to speed.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Their flexibility. When something did not work, they tried something different or new. They are 100% data-driven. The CEO jumped in when needed and was always of assistance. They feel like an extension of your team.
Are there any areas they could improve?
Maybe on the graphic design / copywriter side (the one we did not have direct contact with), to better hone on the essence of your company and create better performing assets. It would make easier to get good initial CPIs.
the project
Mobile App Marketing for Mobile App Development Company
"Thanks to SEM Nexus, we have over 100,000 users on our app's waitlist."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the VP of a mobile application development company. We offer a live-streaming app.
What challenge were you trying to address with SEM Nexus?
We needed someone to provide app marketing solutions to help us build our product’s brand awareness.
What was the scope of their involvement?
SEM Nexus handles our marketing campaigns. We first had an introductory call with the team as we were starting to develop our app. They then started building out creatives and advertising materials.
Once we finished the app, SEM Nexus helped us position the app and optimize it for both the App Store and Google Play Store. We also asked them to work on our product’s SEO.
The SEM Nexus team is now helping us advertise the app on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms. They provide various SEO strategies and implement them through content.
What is the team composition?
We work with eight people, including the CEO, the CTO, the VP, a social media manager, and marketing associates.
How did you come to work with SEM Nexus?
I did a Google search for app marketing agencies and found SEM Nexus’ page on Clutch. The team had great reviews from other startups that needed help with brand awareness.
After reaching out to SEM Nexus, I found them to be very genuine and understanding.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve spent about $10,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
The project started in January 2021, and it’s ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
The project has been highly successful. We’ve gained 500,000 impressions and 2,000 followers on Instagram. Meanwhile, our TikTok has earned about 15,000 views.
Thanks to SEM Nexus, we have over 100,000 users on our app’s waitlist.
How did SEM Nexus perform from a project management standpoint?
Their project management is excellent — the team is very professional and always provides perfect customer service. In terms of deadlines, they’re always ahead of the game. They’re always organized and never miss a beat.
We used Jira and Trello to manage the project and Slack and Google Meet to communicate.
What did you find most impressive about them?
We’re impressed with SEM Nexus’ willingness to go above and beyond. Although the project has been very successful, they’re not satisfied and continue to improve our numbers further.
They’re one of the most patient teams I’ve ever encountered thus far. SEM Nexus truly cares about providing the best value for us. Overall, our experience has been phenomenal.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I have no negative feedback — SEM Nexus has done an incredible job.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Make sure they have the documentation they need to fulfill the project. Additionally, set clear deadlines and communicate well with them.
Though the client was ultimately dissatisfied with SEM Nexus's results, they appreciated the CEO's efforts to meet their expectations and praised the initial quality of creative materials. SEM Nexus also took key steps to end the engagement on good terms, including refunding part of the project cost. This review is an update by the client company. The original content is located below the new review.