Simplemachine

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of Hill City Popcorn Co., a family-owned retail shop specializing in gourmet, small-batch popcorn, made in-house. My role is primarily coordinating all business functions, management, and operations of both our retail shop and the online store.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Simplemachine?

We initially contracted with them to help maintain our website.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

They were recommended to us after our former web developer became unable to maintain the site he built. I met with them and was very impressed with their enthusiasm and their plan for moving ahead. Their turnaround time was very efficient.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We worked in tandem. In the beginning, we only needed minor updates. The engagement has expanded to include site updates, email list management, and bimonthly email campaigns. I use them to help us find subcontractors for marketing work. They have helped us develop an ongoing marketing plan and development.

I now use them on an ongoing basis and they give me constant feedback about changes we are doing and plan to do in the future to our site, as well as strategies for future growth.

What was the team composition?

I began working primarily with Ally (Vice President, Simplemachine) and Sean (President). Over time I have worked with a few other staff members. I deal with different individuals for different projects, such as email creation and marketing projects, but both Ally and Sean are always aware of our projects and keep in constant contact with me.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

For me, the biggest success is a positive working relationship. We'd had bad experiences with previous vendors who we felt ignored us, but this was never the case with Simplemachine. They're also a great marketing sounding board. This helps when making marketing decisions with a very limited budget.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Our workflow has always been seamless, and each of their team members has been amazing. They know me when I call.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They always respond in a timely fashion. Their work has been excellent and professional. This has been our best working relationship of any company.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, I can't think of anything.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a retail furniture store. I am responsible for our marketing and development.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Simplemachine?

We had complaints about our website functioning poorly and weren't happy with our previous provider.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They took over our existing WordPress website, tweaked it, and added SEO functions to help improve our recognition on search engines. They've also helped with our social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram. They linked our posts so they can be visible on our website whenever we post, and they host our website. I know they can do more than we require of them in terms of brand recognition and blogging.

What is the team composition?

Our primary point of contact is one of the owners, but we worked with the other owner at the beginning of our relationship until we were established.

How did you come to work with Simplemachine?

They were referred to us by a contact who runs a news station.

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent somewhere between $5,000–$10,000 on their services so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We've worked together since early 2018. We've just reached out to them for a quote for a new website.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We're very happy with their services. We don't sell online, but users can view our inventories. We haven't had many complaints about functionality, and it's considerably better than the previous version of our site.

How did Simplemachine perform from a project management standpoint?

They're on top of our account 100% of the time. If we ever want to make changes, we can work through everything quickly. When we moved locations for one of our stores, we got through that whole project within a week. Most changes happen within 24 hours. 95% of our communication is through email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their customer service is a huge benefit to us, especially compared to our previous provider. I can always expect an answer to my emails within the hour, and they're always kind and courteous.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I wish we did more with them. Since our involvement with them is so minimal, I don't have any critiques.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They're worth the price. Anyone who reaches out to them will fall in love with the company. They're so kind and responsive, and we chose them because they're so endearing.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm a speaker, author, and facilitator of my own company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Simplemachine?

I was looking for a vendor to create and manage my social media accounts.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Simplemachine created and continues to manage content for my Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts. I generally provide them with some direction and suggestions for graphics, and they create a schedule, themes, and posts for me to approve. They've also taken some headshots of me, photographed some of my speaking events, and revised my logo.

What is the team composition?

I primarily work with Brianna (Marketing Assistant, Simplemachine) and Ally (Vice President, Simplemachine), as well as a couple others on their team.

How did you come to work with Simplemachine?

I met a couple members of their team through Business Network International.

How much have you invested with them?

I've invested close to $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

I've been working with them since around May 2017, and our contract is ongoing through December 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Simplemachine sharpened the overall appearance of my brand, creating inspiring social media posts in line with my image.

How did Simplemachine perform from a project management standpoint?

They continue to improve their processes as their company grows, adapting to my needs very well. They send weekly analytics reports and are very responsive overall.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I appreciate their creativity, flexibility, and desire to please their clients. I also value their input to help make improvements to my brand. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be clear with their team regarding project expectations.