Smarter MediaValidated United Kingdom, Identified 1/3 FTE (Verified LinkedIn) - Jerscy (12/20/2023)

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner and creator of Lust for Life Coaching. A Coaching Business specialising in Work-Life Balance and the Energy Trading sector.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Smarter Media?

I originally hired Smarter Media to help with my SEO, but changed the project to social media marketing about half way through.

SOLUTION

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

I selected the vendor due to an existing friendship within the organisation.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

The initial project was simply to increase my visibility when people searched for coaches. I was impressed with the work smarter media did, but unfortunately it didn't gain me any traction in terms of customers. This led to further market research on my part and the conclusion was imply that people don't choose coaches from google searches, there is ultimately always a link or recommendation.

At this point we held a meeting and Smarter Media suggested switching from SEO to them running a social media campaign on my behalf for the remainder of the contract. They ran a brilliant campaign on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, raising my profile dramatically and in a very positive fashion.

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

I worked with Natalie who was my account manager and 2 Robs who dealt with the technical side of things. Not sure who delivered the social media content, but I was very happy with that as well.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Having chosen to pursue the SEO route, I made a mistake in the first place and wasted quite a lot of money. The flexibility of Smarter Media in terms of switching the focus and shortening the contract, was extremely helpful and really helped me to limit financial damage on my fledgling company. By the end of the social media marketing campaign I had gained several customers and their flexibility really did turn a negative situation into a positive one.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Everyone in the team was a total joy to work with, thoroughly professional and very responsive whenever I needed anything.

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

The personal touch and the degree of empathy shown towards me was an exceptional touch. I had made a bad decision, that was no fault of Smarter Media and they worked extremely hard to go the extra mile to find a positive solution. The content of the social media advertising campaign was also outstanding.

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

Not that I can think of.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Owner/Co-Director of a training and development company specialising in professional qualifications

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Smarter Media, and what were your goals?

SEO Renewal Package. Our goals are to increase traffic to our site and increase the number of enquiries for our services.

SOLUTION

How did you select Smarter Media and what were the deciding factors?

We followed a referral and compared their proposal with two other companies

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

SEO 'Renewal' Package:

• Digital Marketing Plan
• Website & SEO Audit for Strategy Build
• 6 monthly Re-audit & Strategy Review
• Technical Optimisation & Site Health Management
• Site Speed Optimisation
• On page Optimisation
• ink Building
• Backlink Toxicity Checks & Repair
• Brand Tracking & Monitoring
• 6 monthly Content Marketing Review
• Content Creation & Delivery - 1 per month
•  SLA (Resolution)
• Account Manager/Team Support
• Monthly Snapshot Reports & Quarterly Review Meetings

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

Two - Commercial Manager and Operations Director

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Reviewing the snapshot analysis of February 2021, The I2L site has seen a 46% increase in URL Clicks year over year, which was 1,634. This contributed to the 23 goal completions on the site, a 9.5% increase year over year!

Reviewing the snapshot analysis for January 2021 we have seen an incredible start to 2021 for the site!

Comparing year over year, Impressions are up 58% ( hitting over 86,000) and URL clicks are up 41.5% (1,674). In this period, over 85% of clicks are based on 'Non Branded' clicks. This is based on phrases that aren't related to 'inspired to learn' but based on phrases such as CMI coaching, and other key phrases.

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

Monthly reports with full details of results achieved and work carried out on the site.

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

The level of feedback and their frequent update to us are impressive

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Sales & Marketing Director for Amaroc Ltd, an independent builders merchants with branches in Swindon and Bristol. We specialise in selling Render, Drylining and Tools to the trade through our trade counters and through our fully transactional website.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Smarter Media, and what were your goals?

We hired Smarter to take on our SEO and PPC, with a view to expand our e-commerce rankings with our competitors in a joined up 360 approach in building our brand awareness outside of the South West and to a national coverage, and take the fight to our competition!

SOLUTION

How did you select Smarter Media and what were the deciding factors?

Smarter were recommended to us, and after an internal review process and it became clear that our goals were the same, they were the right fit to get it done.

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

It became clear early on that there were some clearly defined areas that needed addressing, namely broken links, back linking, tired google ads, blog refresh and this in turn following through to a clear strategy, audit and monthly reporting.

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

Through our time with Smarter we have been afforded a lot of attention from the MD down to project managers and weekly contact with our account manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

2020 was a marked step change in our success which continues to grow with their help. Namely 77% growth in organic visibility supersueding all expectations and the growth keeps coming as we hurtle into 2021

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

Management style is very similar to myself in that it's important to manage expectations and benchmark realistic goals. The communication between us and Smarter is very fluid, they know exactly what we are wanting to achieve and how we aim to achieve it. Monthly reports are as expected and promised with all the required detail and the all important "headlines"

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

I like the way they want to dig down into the real detail about our company, and get a real understanding of what we are trying to achieve and what we are about, us and the customer.

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

Nothing to date.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I own an online retail business with full ecommerce website selling personalised paw print gifts and silver jewellery with your pet's own paw print.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Smarter Media?

Smarter Media rebuilt my ecommerce website so it was fully equipped and ready to cope with the planned scale up of the business. Once the website rebuild was complete I hired Smarter Media to carry out ongoing monthly SEO work on the website to increase organic traffic to the website.

What were your goals for this project?

The main goals were to rebuild the website so it was more competitive, improve user experience with added features such as document uploads, improved product pages, automated features back shop and a gallery for customer photos. After the rebuild was complete the next stage was to increase organic traffic, search rankings and revenue through the website.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I had in depth discussions and quotes from both Smarter Media and the company that had previously built my website. Smarter Media were able to delivery the work needed at a much more competitive price and they were also able to then deliver the SEO work that was required afterwards.

As the owner of the business I made the decision on who to hire for this project. Smarter Media also came highly recommended by two trusted business contacts of mine. I am a big believer in hiring on recommendation.

Describe the project in detail.

Rebrand website, upgrade plug ins, improve product page layout, remove and redirect old product lines to a holding page, create a gallery, overhaul the blog page layout, connect website to CRM system, mailchimp, accounts software and social media shops.

Add new ecommerce features, change the menu layout and homepage layout, upload video to the homepage. I supplied a list of ideas and we then discussed what was possible and best for the website to achieve the desired goals and outcomes. On and off page SEO techniques, registering with various directories, providing regular blog content for the website.

What was the team composition?

I have had contact with many team members including the owner, web developer, SEO expert, content writers, operations director, office manager and commercial manager. All have been amazing and extremely professional.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I have had countless comments from new and previous customers at how amazing the new website is and how easy it is to use. Organic website traffic is up 24% which is great after only a few months SEO work. Revenue from the website is up as well. All initial goals and expectations have been met.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

I have had regular contact with all the team members via phone, face to face meetings and Basecamp. Responses were prompt and everyone has been very helpful even helping out of office hours as well. I can't fault them.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Smarter Media is one of the most professional, caring, values-driven, and all-round outstanding companies I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Every team member has been so supportive and helpful. They explain things properly to me so I can understand and have given me lots of tips and advice on digital marketing as well.

I would not hesitate to recommend Smarter Media to anyone looking for digital marketing, web build, content writing, SEO and sponsored ad campaigns. Smarter Media have been more flexible than previous vendors I have worked with in the past and they truly care about you and your business.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Nothing that I can think of.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Director of an Event Service Company

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Smarter Media?

We hired Smarter Media to look after our SEO and Social Media projects

What were your goals for this project?

To increase organic traffic to our website and to create a bigger community through social media. Increase our 'Crowd'

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

An internal colleague had a friend who new the Sales Manager of Smarter Media and put us in touch. I was very impressed with Sales Managers pitch and personality so put them on a 3 month trial to test their services.

Describe the project in detail.

We pay a monthly retainer for Smarter Media to be accountable for all our SEO work for Chordiem.com and EventServiceCheck.com. They report to me monthly online and whenever I require meetings to discuss the projects.

What was the team composition?

We liaise through 'Basecamp' and for project work and to be aware of our input. I also ahve regular meetings with the Sales Manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our rankng on google has risen considerably and organic traffic increased two fold. As a result we spend so much less on PPC advertising. We're getting better results for less spend basically.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very good. The use of Basecamp means nothing is missed and they remind us if things need to be done our end, yet understanding that we are busy with other duties too. They are always at the end of a phone call too, if needed.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

A more human approach to a very technical subject. They seem to have the knack of explaining a very complex area to make it understood by all.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Only perhaps further explanations on the reports for new clients to avoid having so many questions to begin with.