seoplus+

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the VP of a Health & Wellness firm that specializes in 1 on 1 coaching for women, to help them permanently lose the stubborn excess weight that often accompanies menopause. This personalized program, created based on a blood test and personal assessment, provides a 34-page customized eating plan, an online video information portal, private Facebook group, as well as personal coaching to help women lose weight and adjust their eating habits and patterns in a gradual, achievable and permanent way. All by eating only real whole foods they buy at their grocery store. No shakes, bottles, pills or shots.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire seoplus+?

We were looking for an online marketing and advertising firm to help us develop a strategy and implement a Google ad program to drive traffic to drive sales through our online webinar/masterclass and website

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were referred to this company by another respected business contact who uses their services

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

After several discovery meetings, we were introduced to a team of about 6 people who would assist in the market research, keyword/phrase and SEO data creation, creative development of graphics and copy of our website landing pages as well as the overall strategy for bringing our program and ads to Google in a coordinated way. Further, the process continues to be monitored since launch in order to allow for adjustments to improve response.

What was the team composition?

Our experience began with an Account Manager who assessed our needs and introduced us to an Ads Manager who was supervised our work. She brought in a team of specialists including a Paid Ads Manager who helped develop the key wording and copy, as well as monitor and adjust our keywords as time progresses, a creative web design person, who put together the creative and functionality for our landing pages and links to our online resources, as well as two other specialists at the beginning who helped develop our copy and functionality of the marketing process. Our Account Manager has continued to monitor progress and hold periodic progress meetings

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Within the first 4 weeks we'd seen a steady increase in both clicks and conversions, which lead to our first sale closing from the campaign. The team has continued to monitor campaign progress and send us data updates as well as make adjustments to suit the trends and results of the campaign. These efforts have kept our click percentage rate quite high for our industry, as well as keeping our cost per click down. Results have continued to improve, driving additional closings.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

During the initial stages of campaign development, online meetings were regular, with as many as 6 people on the coordinating team in attendance. Follow up work and reporting after the meetings was always quick and thorough. Response to questions was typically within 12-24 hrs, with either Zoom calls or emails being exchanged depending on importance of issue. All members of the seoplus+ team are skilled, courteous, and pleasant to deal with.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

How quickly the team was brought together and not only demonstrated their vast understanding of how online marketing works, and should be approached, but also how quickly they developed a good understanding of what we do and how quickly they came up with different strategies to approach different parts of the demographics within our prospects. The assembly of key phrases and wording was remarkable in a very short time

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

It is very difficult to be critical of the process and how we've been handled so far. If anything, with the number of specialists who went to work on our project at the outset, it was challenging at first to keep track of who was doing what. It took about a week to settle into who everyone was. But I'd say that's a little like the first day on a cruise, as you try to figure out where things are on the ship taking you on this fabulous journey. Perhaps having a more regular weekly check-in report as the campaign evolves would be more convenient.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the VP of operations with Power Vac of Ottawa, a duct-cleaning company located in Richmond, Ontario.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with seoplus+?

We were ultimately looking to increase our website traffic and ranking in organic traffic. We weren't getting a lot of business through our website or Google Ads. We needed to optimize our search engine and website management.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

seoplus+ has done a combination of several things. They revamped our website and optimized our Google Ads management, which included working on Google My Business. The team did keyword optimization and backlinking, and they revamped all of our paid and organic ads.

They’re starting to work on PR strategy and digital marketing. There was so much they had to do when they came on board, so they’ve been working in different areas. 

What is the team composition?

Their team structure is phenomenal. I coordinate and regularly speak with 10–12 team members, as well as the account manager. There’s been a specific person assigned to each area of our account, so there isn’t just one person doing everything.

How did you come to work with seoplus+?

It was a referral through somebody else who had done work with them. We had an in-depth meeting with them, and they provided us with information. They definitely did research in advance; the proposal was amazing, and their price structure was very good as well. They were very professional.

How much have you invested with them?

If I incorporate the monthly fees for SEO services, Google Ads management, as well as our Google Ads spend, it would be about $18,500 per month. Without the Google Ads spend, we pay them about $10,000 each month.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our signed contract began April 1, 2020, but we’d been in talks with them for two months prior to that. They wanted to make sure that they had all of their research done so that they could give us a really detailed plan of action prior to starting. We’re still working together.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since we’ve started with them, our website traffic is up by 75%, our organic traffic is up by 36%, and our ranking increase is up by 55 spots. We have 25% new users. Google My Business is generating 82% more clicks and 25% more calls, while our Google Ads is generating more conversions at a lower cost per action. We’ve seen substantial improvements.

How did seoplus+ perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re excellent. If I had to rate them out of 10, I’d probably rate them an 11. They do all of the analytics tracking and provide me with detailed weekly updates. On average, I get at least five weekly reports from five different team members, as well as a weekly update from the project manager. They also provide a comprehensive monthly report.

All of the team members coordinate with me, letting me know what’s happening and asking for approvals.  The account manager keeps on top of everything as well. I have direct contact with several different people there on a regular basis, so it’s been great and refreshing. They’re unlike any other marketing or SEO company we’ve dealt with because we’re getting phenomenal customer service. Rather than one person trying to do everything, they have key people that are knowledgeable in certain areas. We can utilize specific people for specific target areas.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their professionalism sets them apart. They have newer, more innovative ideas in comparison to a lot of people. They research the market and appear to be a bit of a younger group, so they’re more up with what’s happening today, what people are looking for, and how to address the target market. We’ve tried several people over the last four years, and seoplus+ seems to be on top of what’s current in 2020.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’d have to say no. I’ve never had any issues, and there isn’t anything they’d need to change. They’re 100% right on point.

Any advice for potential customers?

Be really forthcoming with all of your information, and be direct about what you’re looking for. Regardless of what you’re looking for, just be 100% transparent, and they’ll make sure to find the results that will match what you’re looking for.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the owner of a custom closet company. We design, manufacture, and install custom closets and other cabinetry.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire seoplus+, and what were your goals?

I hired seoplus+ to design and implement an seo strategy with the goal of improving our web search rankings.

SOLUTION

How did you select seoplus+ and what were the deciding factors?

I found seoplus+ from Clutch who highly recommended them. I wanted a firm with experience and sufficient resources to get the job done right.

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

• SEO Audit
• Discovery
• Keyword research On-Page Audit
• Content -Architecture
• HTML Off-Page Audit
• Trust
• Links Report/Optimizations Conversion Rate Optimization Audit

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

About 6 people have worked on the project including account manager, project manager, SEO coordinator, web development coordinator

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It has been just over 2 months since the project started. After establishing our key search words and phrases, new pages have been added to the site, title tags improved, and other actions implemented.

Our organic rankings have improved already with some keywords ranking on the first page. The CRO Audit recommendations have been implemented and the user experience is better. We expect continued improvement in metrics in the next few months.

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

The account manager has been the point person with knowledge of all activity. Updates are given monthly with metrics showing changes from prior month.

Team members reply promptly and have gone beyond expectations in some instances. Communication has been very good.

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

I think seoplus+ can draw on a wide range of resources to take on different challenges.

You're not just relying on a jack-of-all-trades person who might not know have all the required knowledge.

The account manager always tries to ensure that any issues that come up are dealt with to my satisfaction.

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

There was a little bit of a slow start to the project in terms of understanding and learning our business and industry by all team members. I brought up the issue and it was dealt with properly.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the general manager of a wooden box manufacturer.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with seoplus+?

We wanted to increase inquiries by pulling people into our website. Basically, our SEO company dropped the ball and we needed to switch vendors.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Initially, we had a consultation with Lisa (Account Manager). Their team then created and presented a plan. After we accepted the plan, Lisa coordinated with her team including digital and content specialists. They made minor structural changes to our website. Their team also directs backlinking efforts.

What is the team composition?

We’re in touch with 4–5 people from seoplus+.

How did you come to work with seoplus+?

We vetted a few different companies and assessed how they could assist our company. We eventually found seoplus+ through a local Google search. As a result of their price, services, and presentation, we felt that their team was the best fit for us.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent roughly $20,000–$25,000 on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them around May 2019, and we have an ongoing contract with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since we made the switch, we’ve seen a solid uptick in inquires. This past August we had 39% more inquiries than last August. The ROI on that’s significant. They accomplished their mission.

How did seoplus+ perform from a project management standpoint?

I receive a monthly report on the website’s performance and our keywords. Our account manager also sends an entirely different email that provides the information in more detail, which gives us a more personal feel.

Their SEO specialist’s fantastic and offers suggestions to help us target different markets. Their content specialist effectively revises and edits content to hit those targets. Their team quickly answers our questions.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their team is invested in our business and provides fantastic customer service. When I have a question, they get right back to me. The ROI is also wonderful. They’re really helping to grow our company.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they’ve done everything that I’ve asked of them in a timely manner.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have ideas for where you want to go and what terms you want to target.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Senior Communications and Marketing Manager of Frayme. Frayme is a national knowledge mobilization network and platform for youth mental health care.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire seoplus+, and what were your goals?

We wanted to expand our reach and exposure through our website and social media channels. SEO+ was hired to drive more traffic and help Frayme gain new followers.

SOLUTION

How did you select seoplus+ and what were the deciding factors?

Through a referral. SEO+ were able to pull together a plan and proposal very quickly that addressed our needs.

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

SEO+ helped enhance the metadata on the Frayme website to rank better through Google and implemented paid ad campaigns on our social media channels

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

We were worked with their account manager, paid ads specialists, content coordinator and key word specialist.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our site traffic has grown since working with SEO+ and we've seen some great gains on social media including 100+ new followers and a higher level of engagement.

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

We use e-mail to communicate. Our account manager, Connor, has been great at keeping us in the loop and abreast of metrics through monthly reporting. The team at SEO+ has always made time to jump on a call if need be as well.

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

I liked the collaborative nature of the organization and how they work closely with their clients to figure out what the needs are. I also appreciate the regular communication and organization on their end in hitting milestones on time.

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

Attention to detail on some of the ad copy - some minor errors but that's about it.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are the exclusive US based distributors of Swift - A microwave therapy device used to stimulate immunity in patients with recalcitrant skin lesions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire seoplus+, and what were your goals?

We needed to reach patients who did not previously know that our therapy was available to them.

SOLUTION

How did you select seoplus+ and what were the deciding factors?

We conducted a very thorough review of all Digital Marketing Agencies both locally and overseas, however, reputation and local support were critically important to us. Across the multitude of individuals we spoke to, SEO+ came up routinely as a group that was technically proficient and client-focused, which ultimately is what confirmed our selection.

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

1. Stage 1 - Project Design - Deep dive into strategy and goals
2. Stage 2 - Website build-out
3. Stage 3 - Construction of Target Market criteria
4. Stage 4 - Initial PPC program paremeters
5. Stage 5 - Ongoing support with SEO, Content Writing and PPC Management

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

A total of 8 people worked with our team

1. PPC Specialist x 2
2. Content Writers x 2
3. Account Manager x 2
4. SEO specialist x 2

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• SEO - Improved Rankings by more than 160 positions on google from program launch
• PPC - Drove lower cost per click and higher conversion % each month
• PPC - Outpaced industry average click-through rates 2:1

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

They were very collaborative and highly supportive. Very quick response times with the goal always focused on agreed, mutual metrics.

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

Their ability to adapt to our needs impressed us. Projects were able to flex with our strategy and that was huge for a rapidly growing business.

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

None that come to mind.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Director of Recruitment and Operations at Talentlab.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire seoplus+?

Despite being a 20-year-old company, TalentLab didn't have very much online presence and in 2019 our leadership team decided we needed to change this. We needed a partner to help us start from the ground up and develop a unified approach to our online efforts.

After meeting with several companies we chose to work with SEOPlus. It has been a great experience. They have several subject matter experts in a variety of areas from content to PPC, to help your team achieve the goals you have set.

We have found them to be flexible, solutions-based in their approach and able to create customized plans that help you achieve unique business goals.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed to start our online marketing efforts essentially from scatch.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I met with 7+ vendors and asked very tactical level questions about how they could help us achieve our goals and about their track record to date. I also investigated the vendor's own online presence. Surprisingly, I found several SEO vendors actually had terrible SEO themselves, which didn't inspire confidence.

In the end, we choose SEOPlus because they developed a well thought out plan, included a detailed proposal outlining the plan, and Connor (our Account Exec) was honest and avoided an overly sale-sy approach.

Describe the project in detail.

We have them doing several different projects concurrently for us, and this will continue into next year. We have changed content to our site, developed a effective metatag approach, and helped us develop an over-arching online strategy.

What was the team composition?

They have a substantial team of subject matter experts. All of which have been professional and attentive. I believe each core area has a leader, which is who interfaces with the client. You also have one official Account Exec, in our case, it's Connor, who has just been amazing to date. Responsive and reliable.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Huge increases in our SEO rankings, in particular, our trust and citation flow scores have improved significantly in just a few short months.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very good. A few hiccups along the way, but overall, we have been very happy at how responsive they have been. They definitely use the motto do what you say you will since I have yet to see a missed deadline or promise go uncompleted.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Generally, the leaders I have interacted with at SEOPlus have been young professionals, and I find it impressive that they have figured out some real keys to success when it comes to client-facing interaction. Respect, communication, and accountability are all words that come to mind.

For something as modern as SEO, the team's approach feels very traditional. Great company to try if you have had bad experiences elsewhere. Connor, our Account Exec is an exceptional relationship builder.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We have one interaction with a junior member of staff that wasn't ideal. That being said. I escalated to Connor, and he immediately handled it very well. He listened to my concern, immediately took accountability and within a few hours, the issue was resolved.

The junior employee in question even sent a very nice apology note to us, which I thought showed a lot of maturity and responsibility. I don't think there is anything that could have been done differently and in this case, the resolution was above my expectations.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a 35-year-old business renting out party equipment – everything from tents to teaspoons. I came on board almost five years ago as a sales and marketing manager. I oversee everything from customer service to print and digital marketing.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with seoplus+?

We hired seoplus+ to help us with our digital marketing, specifically SEO and Google Ads.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

seoplus+ takes care of our website and our digital marketing. They deliver SEO and Google Ads and fix issues with the site. For example, we made an error recently with our hosting provider, and they took the time to address it. 

The website, which is a WordPress site, was completed when we engaged with them, but they’re continuously adding to it and making improvements. Every month, they’ll add new content and made edits to the information that's already on the site. 

What is the team composition?

We have a team of 6–7 people working on our account. One person handles all of our content, and she works closely with our SEO specialist. We also have two individuals who focus on Google Ads and additional team members to maintain the website. I communicate directly with Derek (Account Manager, seoplus+) and Amanda (Digital Marketing Manager, seoplus+). 

How did you come to work with seoplus+?

I came across Clutch while I was looking for a new digital marketing agency. I called 5–6 of the companies listed, and seoplus+ seemed to be the best. They were honest and straightforward, even in those initial conversations.

How much have you invested with them?

We spend $1,500 per month.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with seoplus+ in April 2019. The partnership is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The website needed a lot of work when we hired seoplus+, and it’s been steadily improving since they started.  In terms of the effectiveness of our Google Ads, we’ve had a fantastic year. We’ve seen a 20% increase in calls coming in.  The SEO team has also worked efficiently.  Increasing the content on the website has definitely helped us move up in the organic ranking.

How did seoplus+ perform from a project management standpoint?

The project management has been excellent, and they respond right away. They’re also specialized; we’ll have multiple experts on an email thread trying to help us address whatever needs to be done. Derek and Amanda oversee everything to make sure each task is completed.

We communicate via phone on occasion, but it’s mostly through email and Google Docs. I’m always checking with them to make sure the site is working and up-to-date. If I ever need to add a picture or another piece of content, they’ll get to it right away.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their transparent approach sets them apart, even from firms here in Toronto. Their plans are laid out well, and they stand by what they say. I’m sure they have at least a hundred other clients, but I’m still confident that they care about my project. I’ve never felt that way with other providers, and I think that’s so important.

I would get very frustrated with other vendors because I would call them about urgent needs, and they would wait long periods to address them. seoplus+ will resolve an issue within a day. Our entire team is comfortable with them, and it didn’t take long for me to reach that level of rapport. It’s essential, and you can’t put a price on it.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Coming from a situation where I was very unhappy, seoplus+ has been a win-win. I don’t want to jinx it, but I don’t think there is anything that they could improve upon. I would love it if they came to visit us in Toronto!

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They respond well to honesty; I can tell that it’s important to them. I’ve also had to realize that, as much as I hesitate to let them take ownership, they are the experts. When you’re a small business owner, it’s difficult to give up control. Making the decision to put my trust in them has gone a long way.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the owner & designer at Joy Creations Jewellers & Designers. The company consists of me and my business partner/ goldsmith Dennis. We specialize in custom designs.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire seoplus+?

Building the website, digital marketing, increase google search ranking & more exposure online.

What were your goals for this project?

Generate more sales & get known by the public.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Read reviews and met with the team to understand what they do.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

They take care of our website and manages all our online marketing ads. I don't usually need to contribute unless there's a PR opportunity and it's field specific to my industry.

What was the team composition?

I work with a handful of people in the team and they are in charge of different departments from website to Google ads.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Sales have increased. We get more leads from google ads (phone calls, walk-ins, emails).

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Great communication. Very helpful and informative.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They review the results every month and make changes to improve the overall performance. There's always follow up and they find new ways to make things better.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Everything is great.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Marketing Director at Tehama. I am responsible for all marketing and communications. We are currently a team of 2 in marketing. Tehama is a cloud-based SaaS solution that provides all the IT infrastructure needed for enterprises to connect, leverage, and grow global teams securely.

With Tehama, enterprises quickly connect with increased security through virtual and secured perimeters that extend zero-trust network access to global employees and 3rd-party IT services providers. The Tehama platform reduces the risk of malware intrusion into corporate networks from remote devices. Tehama eliminates the potential of privileged credential theft and lateral network movement associated with VPN access.

Tehama is a SOC 2 Type II compliant platform that enables global enterprises to onboard, manage, scale, secure, and audit a global workforce and 3rd-party IT service providers, while avoiding the costs and project delays associated with IT infrastructure procurement and deployment.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire seoplus+?

We hired SEO plus to help us with our paid digital advertising, to help us with SEO and manage our website production environment.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to increase traffic to our website, get more digital leads, and drive traffic to download our content and request a free trial.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Pythian was our former parent company. We split in September 2019, and they highly recommended SEO+. We were using a different agency and it was not working out.

The SEO+ team is amazing to work with and they are doing an incredible job. We really can't compare them to the agency we were using before because their expertise, attention to detail, enthusiasm, responsiveness and advice is far superior.

Describe the project in detail.

We are a startup, and only started spending money on digital in April 2019. We are a team of 2 and the goal was to use an agency to help us with the goals stated above and at the same time provide us with the knowledge that we would one day not need to rely on them in the same capacity.

What was the team composition?

We have an excellent project manager named Derek Cosgrove. We work closely with his team and individuals that help us with SEO, website management and PPC/digital ads. We mostly deal with four people in total.

On our end it is myself, marketing director, and Su-Hui our graphic designer/website and digital specialist in-house. We are both learning a lot from SEO+.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have just gotten started and already have some good success. I will use the last month as a measure: - 101% increase in website traffic. -Increased our SEO rankings by 114 spots -Increased our organic traffic by 10% - Generated a good number of digital leads/conversions

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They are so organized. The process is seamless. We have been impressed throughout at how smoothly things go. They are very responsive. They best thing about SEO+ is that if we ask them a question they don't just give us the answer. They explain the "why".

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They are a fantastic team. They are like a well-oiled machine. I think what we find most impressive is the way they respond, and the level of detail they are able to share in a way that makes sense to us. They take complex campaigns and explain how they are working in a way that we understand. They are always willing to listen and try new thing. They are very patient and calm!

Are there any areas for improvement?

We are working together all the time to set new goals.