SmartSites

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Robert's & Son is a wholesale retail supplier of electrical parts for industrial vehicles and equipment. We specialize in starters, alternators, motors, and vehicle safety lighting. I'm the primary product manager and purchasing agent. My responsibilities also include website administration and development.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SmartSites?

We hired them to maintain our website infrastructure and functionality and perform some SEO.

What were your goals for this project?

Our biggest challenge is showcasing the depth of our inventory. We have not only a starter for your backhoe, but also a battery for your grocery-getter and all the tools to properly test and install those parts. Our goals were simply to improve our website and to enhance customer knowledge of our deep inventory. We felt this formula would improve sales.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We wanted a local vendor. In an industry where you may never put a face to a partner, it's better to do things the old-fashioned way. We wanted to sit with them and discuss our project.

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

Our website was already live, but we'd gone as far as we could with our past developer. We were happy with the customer functionality, but needed more backend flexibility for content input, brand logo placement, and product display. After an almost catastrophic hack, we also migrated our hosting services to SmartSites from one of the big box vendors. 

What was the team composition?

Our project manager is the first person to get a frantic e-mail from me when something goes wrong. She manages the specialists behind the scenes, who always get the job done despite my layman's terminology. Other teams seamlessly guided us through the server migration.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

SmartSites quickly gave us the tools to display as many brand logos and products as we wished. Our customers always know which products are available, and our customer service team has immediate access to the descriptions and pricing of over 12,000 SKUs.

Switching hosts was our best move.  Our web presence now reaches more markets in the U.S. and abroad. Its speed and reliability, on both desktop and mobile, has vastly improved. I can relax knowing that we have such a reliable web maintenance and hosting service.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Their project management is effective. On their active collaboration portal, we track our progress, see who is working on our project, and chime in when needed.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I'm impressed by their availability, accountability, and professionalism. They obviously take pride in their work, and it shows in their product. They aren't faceless cyborgs reading from a customer service script or flowchart. They patiently guide us through issues, understanding that we may not understand how things work.

Are there any areas where they can improve?

They could send messages about new products, services, or technologies that I would find useful.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the vice president of Long Island Carpet Cleaners.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with SmartSites?

We were looking for someone to provide strategy and budgeting advice for Google AdWords. Our account was originally overseen in-house when I took over managing it, but it wasn't being handled effectively and we wanted to hire someone new. After our first third-party consultant got pulled away from us, we researched other options and found the SmartSites team.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We're trying to come up with different strategies to tweak our AdWords presence and maximize every dollar that we're spending, and they’ve also helped us with our SEO. It's been challenging, not because of SmartSites, but just because it's a competitive market.

What is the team dynamic?

They assigned a project manager who they thought would work well with us, and that's who we deal with directly, though they have other team members who occasionally assist.

How did you come to work with SmartSites?

My wife has a decade of agency experience and is familiar with the digital side, so I enlisted her to do some research. She found that they were one of several Google-trusted vendors in our area, so I interviewed those companies and came away feeling the most comfortable with the SmartSites team.

I really liked that they were humble about their expertise and were willing to bring in additional personnel to handle SEO, for example, instead of having the AdWords person try to manage it. That wasn't the model I saw at some of the other organizations we interviewed. We're a small business, so we needed reliable customer service with a hands-on approach, but a large organization was beyond our price range, and many of the small "one-stop shops" came across as disingenuous about their capabilities. SmartSites struck a good balance of expertise and drawing upon different resources to meet our needs.

How much have you invested with them?

Their services cost us about $500 a month.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in October 2016 and they're still working with us.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The biggest benefit to me has been an unexpected one because we use the AdWords Click-to-Call feature, which automatically records any calls we get. I've been able to do a huge amount of business training with my staff as a result of that and it's impacted our ROI when we close sales. The ability to monitor calls daily instead of monthly helped me manage my team better and we've seen a huge impact.

Related to that, we've seen an increase in conversion rates and referral traffic. We're also getting more targeted calls. There are fewer, but the quality of them is better, which is more cost-effective for me because my staff isn't wasting their time fielding unnecessary calls.

My sales have also been improving, and we're moving in the right direction, but the results currently aren't as high as I'd like to see.

How did SmartSites perform from a project management standpoint?

We spoke much more often in the first few months, but once things were up and running we communicated a bit less. Now that we're approaching my slow season, I can spend a lot more time tweaking things and working with them to revamp our strategy so we're ready to go when we up our spending for our busy season.

I'm in touch with them probably every other week right now, and we mostly communicate via email. They do well enough, but I think they're spread a little thin at the moment. I don't know that I'm necessarily getting the full amount of attention that I'd prefer at this point.

As far as deadlines, they’re pretty good. I gave them one big, challenging request several weeks ago that I’m still waiting on, but I knew that might be difficult given their limited resources and my limited budget as a client.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I went to a conference that they hosted a few weeks ago, and I was really impressed by some of the projects that they've implemented for some of their other clients. They had one particular client with a similar business model to ours, and they did an amazing job at getting them off the ground. Now, their budget is 10 times larger than ours, so I understand why they allocated so many more resources to it, but I was very impressed with their ability to mobilize and solve this client's problem so quickly.

What advice do you have for clients with similar needs to yours?

Like many businesses, they're going to be more responsive to a large project than a much smaller one, so if you're only spending a few hundred dollars a month it might be challenging.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner/president/CEO of South Florida Distillers, a craft rum distillery that also contracts liquor manufacturing for private brands. I’m also the proprietor, so I sign all the tax documents for the business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with SmartSites?

We initially needed to drive attention to our website and let people know that we are physically in our area. It wasn’t so much about data gathering in the beginning, but about local awareness. We needed to associate our name with local restaurants using SEO. 

The website needs an exact purpose, and I had an idea of what I wanted to achieve. I had a narrow-minded goal for the website at the beginning because of the laws our industry has to abide by.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Matt Prepis [Project Manager, SmartSites] talked with us about our goals and theme, which was nautical. I found websites I liked and showed those to them to initiate design, and then there was a collaborative effort between Matt and I. Afterwards, he had developers and graphic designers put together three samples which I selected from, and then they started development.

They obtained rights for images on a website I chose that made sense for our company, and then uploaded everything, including the content we wrote, onto the WordPress site. It took 6-8 weeks to develop.

They also associated the brand name of our rum, FWAYGO, with liquor so that when you search on Google, we come up. I’m now starting to add information to the site for contract manufacturing, and SmartSites continues to implement other things, like downloading pictures.

Were there certain features you asked for?

On the left side of WordPress, they made a cocktail section that allows me to load in simple recipes. They made it very easy to input this information, and created pop-ups on a certain page which has been very helpful for SEO. When you type in our name, you get cocktail pictures on our website, and then people want to see what they can make with our product.

What is the team dynamic?

I’m not sure, because I wasn’t in direct communication with the developers or graphic designers.

How did you come to work with SmartSites?

I called one of the guys from SmartSites who I met in college and asked him to do the website. I didn’t contact many people because I just didn’t have time. I do have a local friend who makes websites, but I always thought SmartSites’ were better.

I like and trust SmartSites, and they had built a website for a business I sold. The current website took the same amount of time as that one, and they delivered on my expectations, so I stuck with them.

How much have you invested with them?

I spent between $12,000-$13,00 total. I already had hosting for them, but that got the WordPress site live.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in May or June 2014, and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have 3,500 unique visitors per month, and every time someone visits, we ask how they found us, and it’s always because of the website. I don’t advertise at all other than on social media, and we don’t do sales through the website. Yet, we still have a lot of traffic and it’s performed well in terms of SEO. SmartSites delivers in an appropriate amount of time, and when they spec it, it doesn’t change design paradigms before they’re finished.

There’s only one company that ranks higher than us due to keyword phrases because they had the first license in the state, and they’re old. There are 30 distilleries in Florida, but because our name is South Florida Distillers, it helps with SEO. The rest of the success is because of the website.

Having people visit the website is important to me because we operate a production facility, and I don’t have a tasting room yet. However, people from all over the country still visit us, take tours of the facility, and purchase our products to take back to someone who loves our rum. Between Facebook and our website, our visitors know all about us.

How did SmartSites perform from a project management standpoint?

A lot of the work was done through a bug/development tracking system. My point of contact was Matt and he took care of everything. We communicated via Skype and it was easy to have constant communication. The first several weeks, I talked to him every day. After that, they were working on getting it done, and then, towards the end, we were refining the site and making changes.

They did a great job, and I would use them for my next website. You should always have someone else do your website for you, especially if you’re not familiar with the business, because you’ll miss out on factors important to SEO. I haven’t used anyone else besides SmartSites because they’ve done well by me every time.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their speed is a huge plus. Right now, they’re supplying content, including images and articles, and they’re always open to feedback while maintaining a quick turnaround.  

Are there any areas they could improve?

Knowing more of the team would be useful and make you feel more committed, because their team is big from what I understand.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of Revival Plumbing

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Revival Plumbing is a premium 5 star residential plumbing service company. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire SmartSites to accomplish?

• Marketing
• branding
• optimization

SOLUTION

How did you find SmartSites?

Online Search

Why did you select SmartSites over others?

Customer service in one phone call.

How many teammates from SmartSites were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

I'm not sure what the scope of work consists of as i leave that up to smart sites. But its awesome! If that helps. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We are just getting started but the gratitude and stress free experience has been perfect!

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Mike has responded beautifully from day one. And when something difficult comes up mike handles it! He is amazing!

What was your primary form of communication with SmartSites?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their ratings and how quick they make things happen. The knowledge they possess is quite impressive. 

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

Smart sites has got it together its other BIG service providers, who will remain names, needs to step it up in their customer service department. No more AI assistance, i want to talk to a human and smart sites gives you a personal team member to assist you along the way. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the President of Jason Rubin Insurance Services LLC

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Insurance agency that focuses on the senior market primarily with Medicare.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire SmartSites to accomplish?

• SEO Optimization
• New and relevant content

SOLUTION

How did you find SmartSites?

Online Search

Why did you select SmartSites over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget

How many teammates from SmartSites were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

My project manager, Tori is the best, and she always makes herself available whenever I need her.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The entire team knows SEO, and I have definitely noticed a difference.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

SmartSites has been amazing to work with.

What was your primary form of communication with SmartSites?

Virtual Meeting

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

Thank you Tori and SmartSites.

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

none

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an Executive of Solar Guides

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We sell residential solar.   

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire SmartSites to accomplish?

• Launch ppc campaign.
• Get leads
• Refine the results.

SOLUTION

How did you find SmartSites?

Online Search

Why did you select SmartSites over others?

• High ratings
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from SmartSites were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Launch ppc campaign. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We had to shut down the campaign due to loss of funding. 

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Quick and easy to work with. Great communication.  

What was your primary form of communication with SmartSites?

Virtual Meeting

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

Willingness to take the time to explain all strategy and offer insights into other marketing we were doing.  They wanted to help in any way possible. 

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

Nothing. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of Simple Surrogacy

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Surrogacy Agency

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire SmartSites to accomplish?

• Social Media
• Improve Website
• PPC

SOLUTION

How did you find SmartSites?

Online Search

Why did you select SmartSites over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from SmartSites were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Smart Sites has revolutionized our social media in just a few short months.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Improvement on scores

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Eddie is easy to work with and very flexible. Axelle is incredible and helpful. Our business is dealing with a complicated meta issue, and Eddie has been incredibly flexible in a challenging meta work environment to make things work as well as possible.

I am very pleased with their work, performance and their ability to get the job done! I never have to ask for status, things are sent to me on time and before I ask.

What was your primary form of communication with SmartSites?

Virtual Meeting

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

I am beyond impressed with how much the whole team goes above and beyond.

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

I love working with them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Acquisition Specialist of Evolution Power Tools

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a power tools company that engineers metal cutting technology for serious tool consumers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire SmartSites to accomplish?

• Meta Advertising
• Google Advertising
• Amazon Advertising
• Microsoft Advertising

SOLUTION

How did you find SmartSites?

Referral

Why did you select SmartSites over others?

Good value for cost

How many teammates from SmartSites were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

PPC Advertising, budget management, digital sales, conversion value, ROAS etc

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Solid sales, ROAS, good relationship, solid recommendations and optimizations.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Yes, they were very responsive and always delivered on time when possible.

What was your primary form of communication with SmartSites?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

I'm impressed by SmartSites' personal relationship and willingness to communicate.

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

Be better prepared for meetings. Slide decks or more professional monthly reports. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of Ahmad and Associates

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a boutique immigration law practice. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire SmartSites to accomplish?

• Increase traffice
• SEO

SOLUTION

How did you find SmartSites?

Online Search

Why did you select SmartSites over others?

• High ratings
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from SmartSites were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Increase traffic through Google Ads and SEO

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Our traffic increased, our number of new leads has increased significantly. 

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Yes, they've delivered dedicated, reliable services from the very beginning.

What was your primary form of communication with SmartSites?

Virtual Meeting

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

Their personal (human aspect) touch.  

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

none

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Social Media Manager of S&S

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire SmartSites to accomplish?

• Google Ads

SOLUTION

How did you find SmartSites?

Online Search

Why did you select SmartSites over others?

High ratings

How many teammates from SmartSites were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Working with Isaah at SmartSmites has been a truly positive experience.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We value his partnership and appreciate the excellent service he provides.

What was your primary form of communication with SmartSites?

Virtual Meeting

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

He's a pleasure to work with, always responsive and dedicated to meeting our needs.

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

n/a