SEO Sherpa™

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Marketing and Events Coordinator for Mineral Circles Bearings, one of MEA's leading distributor of aftermarket products. The business offers industrial and automotive bearings with powerhouse Japanese, French, Korean and among other brands under one roof.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SEO Sherpa?

Digital marketing was just booming and becoming the bread and butter of both B2B and B2C during that time. As one of the trendsetters in the industry MCB hired SEO Sherpa to take on the project. That includes both paid and organic search campaign/improvements.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to be on top of google ranking / search engines at the same time run a paid campaign that eventually converted to leads and brand awareness for the company.

SOLUTION

How did you select SEO Sherpa?

SEO Sherpa was not so new by then but their digital marketing especially SEO effort is very competitive, of course, we only chose the best. The no. 1 on page 1 of google.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Since it was my very first Digital Marketing project, SEO and google ads to be more specific, I really had a great time and learned a lot of insights. Not only that, I want to highlight how organized James and his team were.

From the moment of on-boarding us, during the implementation, reporting and how he explained well and keep our expectations. From then on, I had my interest in digital marketing and now been working and using it as my professional experience advantage.

What was the team composition?

I've worked from A-Z of digital marketing project of the company.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

After hiring SEO Sherpa, MCB's brand awareness improves as a result of 6 months campaign and strategising. The company's SEO ranking also improves generating new leads for the business.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

SEO Sherpa was easy to work with, their communication and timely delivering of results were on point.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They are very organized and result-driven agency. They deliver what they promise.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None I can think of at the moment, they did expand through the years and receive a number of accolades.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I was the Marketing Associate Director at JA Resorts & Hotels, a 5-star hotel brand that manages a unique portfolio of hotels, resorts and hospitality operations in Dubai, Maldives and Seychelles.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SEO Sherpa, and what were your goals?

The primary objective of the campaign was to increase direct traffic and revenue. In order to drive greater profitability and reduce their reliance on third parties, JA Resorts tasked SEO Sherpa with increasing direct bookings through the jaresortshotels.com website. To support this JA Resorts launched a new website in October 2017 which SEO Sherpa oversaw.

SOLUTION

How did you select SEO Sherpa and what were the deciding factors?

I based my decision on the following factors, which SEO Sherpa full filled with excellent results: 1. Good Technical Advice and Strategic/Business Approach and Understanding 2. Realistic Offerings 3. White Hat SEO Practices 4. Resources 5. Partnerships and Certifications 6. Experience

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

At JA Resorts & Hotels we were making our best attempt to maximise opportunity online through an investment in a new website. So we basically phased the project into 2 major groups:

THE STRATEGY

• The first priority was to launch a new site structured for SEO success and then manage its launch whilst minimising loss of organic traffic.
• The second goal was to optimise user and usage signals by delivering content to meet the demanding requirements of users familiar with robust OTA websites, which was planned through data-driven keyword research and user interviews.
• As a third goal, we would then focus on link acquisition via email outreach mostly to popular travel blogs and websites.

THE WEBSITE MIGRATION & TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION

We developped a quite detailed program to successfully migrate the website without loosing too much organic traffic. In a nut shell we considered the following touchpoints:

• Structuring the new website into silos.
• Developing page templates.
• Conducting user interviews plus in-depth data-driven keyword research.
• Crawling the old website and mapping existing URLs to the new URL structure.
• Implementing a custom 404 page, updating robots, XML sitemap, Search Console and monitoring closely during the migration and fixed broken links that arose.
• Updating internal links.
• Improving critically slow page speed.
• Developing Href-lang attributes for different languages across the site.
• Implementing Schema.org

CONTENT GENERATION

• Optimised the content for all pages on the website prior to launch.
• Rewrote page titles, descriptions and core content for the top 50 URLs.
• Implemented expanded 300 character meta descriptions on URLs being served for queries with long SERP snippets.

We also identified pages with lower than mean CTR for their average ranking position and reworked snippets with more compelling copy to lift CTR and rankings.

BACKLINK BUILDING STRATEGY

We targeted mainly travel bloggers, and destination guide websites with guest posts and other content contribution pitches. We also discovered numerous brand mentions for JA Resorts that were not attributed with links.

Additionally, we implemented several PR based campaigns to leverage the events happening at JA Resorts. The link acquisition process was conducted via email outreach. We used an email account set up in the name of a company spokesperson to leverage JA Resorts brand equity and maximise pitch to conversion ratios.

Built local citations for each one of the seven JA Resorts Hotels. We also fixed many citation inconsistencies.

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

1 Project Manager 1 SEO Analysts 1 Copy writer + Translations 2 SEO Campaign Manager

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

From the new website launch in October 2017 to March 2018 organic search engine clicks grew 511%. By March 2018 revenue from organic traffic had increased 863% and transactions by 1000%

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

They meet every expectation.

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

The way SEO Sherpa manages the partner relationships from the beginning until delivering the different phases of the project: They were very professional and focused on our company's goals

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

Nothing

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

HWM is an integrated copywriting and messaging boutique consultancy working with enterprise clients, corporates, public sector entities and startups to create messages and craft words that deliver business results.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SEO Sherpa, and what were your goals?

To get us found for key services through SEO without needing to budget for online ads.

SOLUTION

How did you select SEO Sherpa and what were the deciding factors?

James and his team came recommended from colleagues that we trusted. They were responsive from the get-go, and offered a personal touch that is often lost in sprawling tech firms.

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

The team have been methodical. They set out realistic goals, defined areas where we could improve ranking, and created a game plan to hit those goals. The nature of our engagement is relatively open and organic - with the idea that a noticeable improvement in ranking be seen over time.

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

There have been multiple people over the years, but there is always a tech/SEO team deliving into the works, a co-ordinator, and the founder (James) himself when specific expertise or troubleshooting is required.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The results have been largely in line with expectations and initial forecasts. What is more impressive is the team's ability to swing into action and provide additional support in case of tech emergencies, etc., and be in your corner 100%.

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

We've set up our relationship where they work autonomously for the most part given the level of trust that now exists. They provide us periodic updates and sometimes nudge us on actions we have to take. I understand that the SEO Sherpa team is happy to involve the client as much or as little as is requested.

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

They're good at their job. But they're also 100% in your corner when troubleshooting tech issues, etc, even when that isn't strictly part of the remit. It's this idea that you have a partner with multiple strings to their bow that you can call upon when you need some emergency troubleshooting firepower.

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

Growing pains are common to most of us, and SEO Sherpa was no exception. A few years back, there seemed to be a few points missed here and there due to team growth and churn. We're happy to report that those teething issues have been resolved and the current setup works like a well-oiled, responsive, machine.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the head of digital marketing for the MENA region of a healthcare company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SEO Sherpa, and what were your goals?

SEO. Double organic leads.

SOLUTION

How did you select SEO Sherpa and what were the deciding factors?

Expertise, experience and skills.

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

SEO Sherpa is hands down the best SEO agency in Dubai. No one else can compete with them in terms of expertise, execution, search engine optimization know-how or customer experience. I hired them during my time at VLCC.

My first meeting with James was very impressive as he understood the objectives very clearly and the plan and strategy was exactly how I expected it to be. It's rare to find agencies who are aligned with the business objectives.

I was consistently impressed by the team's approach to our project, their friendliness and their singular focus on generating real business results (i.e. leads and sales and not just the vanity metrics AKA rankings "promised" by other SEO firms).

SEO Sherpa took a truly holistic view on our project and integrated seamlessly with our internal marketing team and developers - that was something I really appreciated.

I wholeheartedly recommended them for any size business in any industry that wants to scale. SEO Sherpa will help you grow

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

POC was one person. I am sure on the back end there were more people working on tech tasks, content etc.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The work they do is very extensive. They set realistic goals and never over promise.

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

They were very transparent and respond to emails promptly.

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

Transparency, knowledge, comprehensive.

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

May be use a project management tool for ease of task tracking.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Digital Manager (Marketing & Projects)

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SEO Sherpa, and what were your goals?

We needed an expert agency well versed with the complexities of the technical as well as functional SEO for a multi-lingual website in a competitive niche. The goal was to be prominent on branded as well as business keywords for the region which will provide qualified leads

SOLUTION

How did you select SEO Sherpa and what were the deciding factors?

We did a detailed evaluation of the vendors and SEO Sherpa stood out with their strategic approach and focus on the key business objectives that they would assist us with through the SEO rather than working on ranking and traffic

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

The project involved a discovery phase where the key objectives were agreed on, the research of the prospective keyword, study of the competition, and laying out a detailed plan. This was followed by the planning and execution phase with a focus on optimizing the website from a UX and marketability POV as well as the quality of content.

Execution involved technical optimization, building content, and links organically. All along the process, measurement, and analysis through web analytics and search console featured extensively to ensure that we are progressing in the right direction.

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

• 3 people worked on our project and the SEO Director:

1. Set the strategy and objectives of SEO Manager
2. Manages/Reports on the campaign on an ongoing basis SEO Executive
3. Deals with the nitty-gritty of the campaign

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The rankings improved significantly from the initial benchmark of around 30 keywords (brand + business) to over 100 keywords within a couple of years. The traffic gain was more than 30% and the quality of the leads was quite good as well

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

They are quite organized and structured in their approach. Their project timeline is quite detailed measurable. The reporting gave a lot of insights as well. with a broader perspective on analytics and CRO. We used online collaboration tools extensively during the project

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

Strategic approach In-depth knowledge KPI based reporting

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

They could probably diversify the content they produce in terms of format

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO and lead photography for Shea Winter Photography LLC.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SEO Sherpa, and what were your goals?

They needed to improve website usability, increase website traffic, maximize keyword rankings and ultimate improve SEO.

SOLUTION

How did you select SEO Sherpa and what were the deciding factors?

I spoke with 5 different companies offering SEO services and went with SEO Sherpa because of the knowledge, clarity, and responsiveness of their team members.

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

Our engagement started with a diagnostic look at my business and website, followed by a technical audit, a usability audit, content quality audit, and keyword research.

In the next steps, the SEO Sherpa team presented content ideation, content calendars, design mockups, and promotion strategies for my business. They then assisted with website template revisions, usability improvements, content enhancement, link building outreach, and Google my business optimization.

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

I have worked with at least a half dozen people from SEO Sherpa. This includes emailing with the CEO, my account manager, the SEO specialist, GMB specialist, website designer, and more.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since working with SEO Sherpa my website traffic is steadily growing and I've had client feedback about how much easier it is to navigate the new site.

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

They are very hands on and deadline-driven. All questions are answered immediately with clarity.

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

Their level of professionalism and overall knowledge about search engine optimization really helped them stand out from their competitors. They set and manage my expectations never falling behind on deadlines and going above and beyond to help my business succeed. It includes completely rebuilding a website from scratch when originally we planned on only updating an existing theme.

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

I'm incredibly happy with the SEO service provided and have no improvements at this time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Head of digital of a financial services company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SEO Sherpa, and what were your goals?

Smoother website with higher SEO rank

SOLUTION

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

experience in category expertise in subject matter chemistry

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

All personal CBD website, GMB and Maps

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

2

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Ongoing, excellent results

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

Communication on Monday.com, weekly meetings. Very proactive

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

We're impressed by their skills and proactivity. 

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

No