SmartSites

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are the authors of the industry leading, Wiley exam review guides, which have helped tens of thousands pass their exams and accelerate their careers. I am the Founder of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SmartSites Digital Marketing?

I hired SmartSites for a visual refresh of my website and to assist with organic lead generation.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal was to improve conversions and increase organic visitors to the website.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I interviewed various firms and like their portfolio, professionalism, and cost.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We met at their office a few times to go over goals, branding, and ultimately design ideas. From their, their team put together a few mock up ideas and we went back and forth until they were looking good. Matt and the team then implemented the designs on WordPress and went through QA stages before and after launching.

What was the team composition?

I worked mainly with Matt who coordinated the project with designers, developers, and seo strategists.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The site itself looks better than ever and I have received lots of compliments on it.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We would talk regularly on the phone, via email, and in person about once per month. We also had access to the project portal which allowed us to see changes in real time.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The team is very knowledgeable and persistent when it comes to finding out issues and providing solutions. Their communication is very fast and transparent.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The organic traffic is not where I hoped it would be yet, but they are continually trying new approaches to improve it.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Next Move Group is a consulting firm focused on creating economic growth for small to mid-sized companies, communities, and non-profit organizations. We do this by way of 3 primary services: site selection consulting for small to mid-sized companies, executive search consulting for small to mid-sized communities and non-profit organizations, and economic development consulting for small to mid-sized communities. I am the Co-Founder and CEO of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SmartSites?

We hired them to help design us a homepage and interior pages which would tie together our 3 service offerings into one cohesive mission and brand.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted our leads and revenue to increase.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We searched online for various potential vendors, and I liked the designs I saw SmartSites had built for other customers.

Describe the project in detail.

Once we selected the vendor, SmartSites had a kickoff web call to get our thoughts and align themselves with our wants. They then gave us unlimited revisions until we were totally happy with the design.

What was the team composition?

We were assigned an overall relationship manager, a project manager, and technical people worked on the design.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our revenue is up 42% since implementing the design, October will be our best month ever by double. I am elated with the job SmartSites did.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very, I give it a 10 out of 10. Their project manager Olivia communicated with me very well.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They were very patient in working through multiple options with me. Their design team is simply amazing.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, I could not be happier.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of Hat Heaven, a premium headwear retailer. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SmartSites?

PPC & SEO.

What were your goals for this project?

Better communication and better ad performance.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I've worked with several marketing companies and none of them worked out. I found about SmartSites through a Google Ad.

Describe the project in detail.

We started off with Dylan (Paid Search Specialist, SmartSites) and Ashley (Senior Project Manager, SmartSites) auditing my PPC campaigns along with my website. They provided a long list of recommendations on what needed to be changed broken out by priority levels. 

What was the team composition?

Dylan was my PPC manager for Facebook and Google Ads. Ashley was my SEO manager.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They have increased return on investment from 2-1 to 4-1 within their second month. My organic rankings are steadily growing thanks to Ashley's hard work.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They are always available for immediate support, and their advice is always spot-on. I have faith in their experience and expertise in web marketing, and they are not afraid to both take my input and at the same time give their own.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I really feel like I chose the right agency to entrust my business to. Marketing agencies are a human resource-driven industry, more than any other field. The quality of the people behind the name means a lot. I am lucky to have people like Ashley and Dylan on my side. If you're like me and are running a business in the 21st century, you cannot survive without a good e-commerce store; and every good store needs great marketing.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, I'm 100% satisfied with their performance.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Searchlighting.com is a division of Aimrite Lighting, a lighting showroom established by my father, A. Arthur Schoenberg in 1960. Our first location was in Rockville Centre, Long Island, NY. In 1973, at the age of nineteen, I became responsible for running the showroom upon the premature death of my father. In 1978, I moved the showroom to Lynbrook, LI, NY. In the year 2000, we embarked on taking the Mom & Pop mentality of our showroom nationwide with the help of the Internet. Sincerely, Lloyd D. Schoenberg (CEO)

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SmartSites?

Pay Per Click Advertising. 

What were your goals for this project?

Increase Conversion Value and Conversion Amount. 

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

My team searched for the best PPC company and we came across SmartSites through an ad.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Working with Dylan has been a great experience. He completely restructured my Google account and drastically improved performance. By March of 2019, we'd already surpassed all online sales from 2018.

What was the team composition?

I worked directly with Dylan, and he worked with his development team to fix a few product feed issues, along with ensuring conversion tracking was properly installed. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The results have been great! Sales keep increasing and I'm a happy camper.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Dylan was very responsive and provided frequent updates on account changes and updates.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their responsiveness and attention to detail. I've worked with many companies and Smart Sites has them beat by a mile!

Are there any areas for improvement?

Zero suggestions. They've completely turned my business around.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a co-owner of Air Duct Brothers, which is a dryer vent and air duct cleaning company. I run the business with my brother.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with SmartSites?

We hired them to help with our web positioning. We did an advertisement with magazine that is mailed to people around New Jersey, but we didn’t find it very satisfying. Because of this, we decided to hire someone to take care of SEO and web positioning for us. Being on any page other than the first would mean we weren’t going to get a lot of business, so we needed to work on that.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

SmartSites liked our existing website, so they just changed several things in order to help us be recognized on Google. They also managed our PPC and Google Ads efforts, focusing on how it would affect the positioning of our website. 

Also, we’d inherited our name from another business, and SmartSites suggested we should change it in order to be more air duct-cleaning oriented, and have that term included in the name of the business. Additionally, they helped design our trucks based on what they thought would be more effective. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with four people from their team altogether. I was in contact with Michael (Co-CEO and COO, SmartSites) and Anita (Director of Project Management, SmartSites). She kept an eye on everything. Over the years, there’ve been other people from their team who provide input on our positioning strategy. 

How did you come to work with SmartSites?

I wasn’t involved in finding them, so I can’t comment on that process. However, we had a meeting with them, and they explained what they were capable of in the short and long term. They asked us about our goals and where we saw ourselves in 1–2 years, then started elaborating on what kinds of services they provide, how they tacked them, what projects they’d worked on, and so on.

How much have you invested with them?

We spend around $80,000 per year with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with SmartSites in January 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve been continuously receiving great feedback from clients. Our web positioning has improved so much that people find us when searching for local companies and call us. Even though we’re a small business, SmartSites has tackled our web positioning in such a way that, when someone looks for air duct cleaning in Clifton or Paramus, New Jersey, for example, we will automatically appear locally.  

This visibility has definitely been a game-changer for us. As soon as SmartSites implemented their techniques, we noticed a huge spike in our calls and in the number of deals we closed.

How did SmartSites perform from a project management standpoint?

They take care of everything, from our web positioning to the website management. We don’t need to do anything to manage the workload. They have full control over the management of our website. We meet with them in person as frequently as we can—I’d say it happens every other month. On a weekly basis, we stay in touch with them via email, and we call their office if we need them immediately.

What did you find most impressive about them?

SmartSites is a great company, and we feel comfortable with them. We’ve never had a problem communicating with Mike. All of our requests are answered right away. As far as communication goes, they’re top-notch. 

They’ve done a great deal of work for us. Our business is improving, and their positioning tactics are doing wonders. Michael is very hands-on. He’s there to answer any questions we may have. That attribute is something that we like because they always hear our feedback.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The only thing I think they could improve is their accounts payable. Every time we submit a payment, there seems to be a certain misunderstanding. Sometimes we’re charged too little, and other times it’s a bit more. We always correct these mistakes within a day or two, but it’s an annoying thing to have to stay on top of and make sure we’re squared away.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Clients should keep an eye on how much money they’re paying SmartSites. Because they have full access to our cards, they usually charge us whatever amount we’ve agreed upon, but there is sometimes miscommunication with those in charge of their finances. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We're printing organization, and I'm a VP.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SmartSites?

We partnered with SmartSites to bring our companies onto the web. SmartSites helped us with every aspect: website design, advertising, analytics, e-commerce, and more.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goals were to bring our companies online and to generate traffic and revenue. We had a poor online presence before we teamed up with SmartSites. SmartSites helped us create a professional web presence and generate more leads.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We chose them from a referral.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

We gave SmartSites our domain names and scoped out a plan of action before they started our project. They designed our website and created an e-commerce platform for one of our companies. Then we began advertising and analytics. SmartSite continues to monitor all our websites and advertising dollars.

What was the team composition?

The project team had four people, each covering a specific role or area of the process. Three years later, we're still working with them.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

We began our partnership with zero online presence or knowledge. Today, our online presence has increased our leads, sales revenue, and paid and organic traffic. We have high expectations, and they meet them.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Communication is key, and they nail it. We started with one point of contact, who laid out the project and brought the designated staff on board. The transition was smooth because they learned our process and product. They help us understand the process and choose the best approach. SmartSites uses an online tool that allowed us to communicate with every team member at the click of a button.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The most impressive thing is their communication. Since 90% of their work is remote, we're lucky to have a partner with the right tools. SmartSites has learned our product and suggested how we could make a difference. We gave them our vision, and they brought it to life. We're comfortable giving them free range with our online presence. 

Are there any areas for improvement?

This company is impressive, and they're going in the right direction. I don't see an area of their team that shows weakness.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Marketing Coordinator for a Residential Real Estate firm in Northern New Jersey.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SmartSites?

Paid Advertising via Facebook, LinkedIn & Google as well as some small site optimizations

What were your goals for this project?

Increase lead count and grow our company to help our agents reach more local homebuyers and sellers.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Research of local firms throughout the tri-state area.

Describe the project in detail.

We started off with meetings to identify our goals and what we wanted SmartSites help with. They identified an opportunity to grow our leads through Paid search on Facebook, LinkedIn & Google. Within a few weeks we were rolling on these sites getting a good amount of leads per week. Small site optimizations made it easier for potential clients to scroll through our listings and contact us easier.

What was the team composition?

There were 3-4 people involved from the vendor. Helping us during the sales process and then 1-2 helping us when it came down to doing the site optimizations and advertising.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We saw Site Traffic increase as well as lead count by about 50% within the first 2 months. We wanted growth by about 20-25% with their help, so they exceeded our expectations.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Excellent, I mainly communicated with them through Skype & Email. We also had bi-weekly calls to understand the results of our campaigns and to identify potential opportunities to improve

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They're great communicators that really care for their clients. We are a small company, but we still got a ton of attention. The results were better than what we ever expected

Are there any areas for improvement?

Nope. I hope to work with SmartSites for years to come

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the manager at a pond construction and supplies company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with SmartSites?

We wanted to upgrade our basic website and promote it through SEO and digital marketing.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

SmartSites redesigned our WordPress website and provides ongoing SEO and some paid advertising services, including Google AdWords. They also built a second e-commerce website for us from scratch on WordPress as well.

What is the team composition?

We mainly work with Anita (Director of Project Management, SmartSites), as well as a few others.

How did you come to work with SmartSites?

We found SmartSites through an online search and, even though other companies reached out to us, we liked that SmartSites was local and could meet with us one-on-one to present their ideas. We felt they were very knowledgeable and had the right expertise for our needs.  

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together around July 2016 and launched the first website by that December, but the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

SmartSites helped us significantly boost our organic search rankings for our top keywords, increasing overall traffic to the site dramatically. We've gained quite a bit of business from our improved online presence, so it's been a great experience overall.

How did SmartSites perform from a project management standpoint?

They're very attentive and responsive to any questions we have. They stay in constant communication with us; any hold ups in timelines are usually a result of our own team not responding quickly enough.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're very accessible and responsive despite the larger size of their company. Since they're local, we feel like we get a lot more personal attention than we would have had we gone with a different vendor.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I'd just recommend working with them. They offer the whole package.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We’re a truck body/trailer manufacturing company. I oversee the e-commerce side of things.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SmartSites?

We hired them to help improve the look and function of our e-commerce site.

What were your goals for this project?

To draw more traffic and business to our site and increase sales as a result.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Through research and professional contacts.

Can you go into detail about the services they provided and the scope of the project?

We have a wide variety of parts that we sell through our e-commerce site. Due to that range, we face a lot of challenges in the appearance. SmartSites worked on the design to make it more suitable.

What was the team composition?

We communicate with multiple team members. Anita (Director of Project Management, SmartSites) has been our main contact.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

Their work has made our site much more customer friendly.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

They’ve been very quick to implement any changes we’ve needed, and they met all deadlines. Our project manager handled our project and the team very well.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their communication is impressive.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

There is always room for improvement, but all in all, they’re great to deal with.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-owner of a lighting and electric company. We sell LED lighting to contractors and building managers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with SmartSites?

While my partner and I have been in the industry for a long time, we wanted to utilize an online platform to sell products to a niche market. Therefore, we needed to hire a web development firm to create a Magento site for e-commerce.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

SmartSites agreed to design and develop our Magento platform while delivering nonstandard features. For example, we wanted our products to be easily searchable within the site and appear in a column format. We also requested that they build a dynamic pricing feature. Additionally, we wanted the shopping cart to include a specific functionality that sends information to partners while they make purchases. We recently signed off on their proposed design, so the custom development process is scheduled to begin soon.

What is the team composition?

Ryan (Senior Account Manager, SmartSites) functioned as our sales contact during the initial discussions with them. Once the contracts were signed, they assigned Anita (Account Manager, SmartSites) to lead the project.

How did you come to work with SmartSites?

We searched for companies in the local area and considered three candidates. After a thorough evaluation, SmartSites demonstrated the qualities we looked for in a development partner. Most importantly, their team consists of experienced Magento developers. We had four or five meetings together and Ryan’s expertise solidified our decision to hire them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in September 2018 and the project is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We started the project after producing some PowerPoint mock-ups internally. Once SmartSites took over the design process, the iteration stage lasted longer than we expected. However, that’s because they were flexible and let us make changes to the UI/UX as we gained a better understanding of the platform. Overall, the experience has been excellent thus far. Their designs are exceptional.

How did SmartSites perform from a project management standpoint?

We have a weekly call with Anita and she always comes prepared. We communicate well with her, so tasks and assignments are quickly understood. That’s important considering she sends our requests to their design and development team overseas. While the turnaround time is incredible, we never interact with their designers.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Ryan and Anita are highly valuable resources. They’re confident, professional, and able guide us through the project when necessary. We appreciate SmartSites for their design capabilities and quick deliveries.

Are there any areas they could improve?

After working with them for 45 days, I have little to complain about. However, the project could benefit from having face-to-face interactions with their offshore team. Also, the design deliverables could be more creative; however, I recognize they’re somewhat limited by what the platform allows.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be willing to interact with SmartSites on a regular basis. Whether it’s for status updates or additional information, we communicate with Anita frequently. That collaboration is key to a successful project. We’ve had to compromise on some features, but they’ve also suggested new functionalities that we’d never considered.