Social Link

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m one of the three senior managing partners at Endevis, a national staffing & RPO firm that services the healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and accounting spaces throughout North America.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Social Link?

We were looking for someone that could help with development as well as social media and content development for our staffing firm.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We initially hired Social Link to help us with social media and content development. After listening to their team, we realized a lot of their other services could bring us value. They’ve started helping us with SEO, lead generation, strategy, graphic design, and web development. There are pretty significant web development projects for specialized sites that we’re working on.

In the beginning, we had lengthy conversations about where we wanted to see ourselves as an organization over the next two or four years. From there, we talked about the ideas we had. They gave feedback about what they saw in the marketplace, leading us to focus on a few areas.

At the time we met, we were in the middle of a new branding campaign and website rebuild. They stepped in alongside our internal team, helping our site through an SEO perspective. Their team also helped lay down a social media strategy that we could wrap our content around. From a technology perspective, they recommended HubSpot to track leads.

In the healthcare industry, there’s a shortage of talented people. We had an idea of developing a community webpage that hit several different specialties in the field. In building the website from scratch, their team came up with ideas that would attract users and listened to our suggestions.

The platform is a place where people can receive information about nursing and CEUs, which are credits for continuous learning. We’re also going to promote job openings on the site, as well. When users join the page, they’re asked to input personal information like email and phone numbers. This allows us to send drip marketing campaigns and content to them.

Along with SEO, they assist with Google Ads and keyword planning. Since we’re in the infancy stages, they’re not trying to push a full run on us, but taking a gradual approach when it comes to that. They’ve also helped develop content for our conferences, crafting topics for us to speak about.

How did you come to work with Social Link?

About two years ago, we opened our office in Nashville. The leader of our office there is savvy in the social media world. We talked about our need to have a social media strategy. He did some networking and somehow found Social Link. I’m not sure who reached out to who, but I think it’s been a win-win for both organizations.

How much have you invested with them?

In the past year, we’ve invested between $55,000–$65,000. In the upcoming year, we plan on spending that amount or a little more.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Social Link in October 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

There’s an ROI from our investment with Social Link. We track success through social media leads and other activities. We’re seeing more people looking at our content and asking us questions about our organization. I give Social Link credit for setting and implementing this strategy.

We’re making an even more significant investment into Social Link by continuing our relationship. Over the past year, our investment with Social Link has grown because of the value they bring. Their team was excellent at packaging everything together and making it work within our budget. They listened to what we said, and they delivered upon it. Their team is also patient with us.

They do an excellent job of consulting with us on other projects. We sponsored a hard copy book, and their team recommended that it would be better utilized as something users could download from our site instead of being sold. It’s opened so many doors for our organization. We’ve seen tremendous results and have been in contact with more people. We’re planning on releasing two more books regarding the healthcare industry in 2020.

Social Link had a crucial role during that project. They figured out the best way to get the content out there. They also reviewed drafts and talked about experiences that went beyond the original scope of work. The team at Social Link treated us as a valued client, coming forward with an informed perspective.

How did Social Link perform from a project management standpoint?

From a project management standpoint, they’ve performed very well. During our calls, there can be anywhere from three to four people. They do an outstanding job of making sure the right people are on the call.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I enjoyed that their team listened to our needs and bringing us back to the area of strategy. They also take the time to get to know your organization from a consultative perspective. When we first started using them, we weren’t spending that much money. As we continued to see the value, we began making greater commitments with them, and throughout that, they remained patient. When we needed something quickly, they were there as a true partner. The experience they’ve created has been amazing.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Their team believes that there’s always something to improve upon, but at this point, there’s nothing I’m dissatisfied with our relationship with Social Link.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

We went to them thinking that we wanted a simple strategy or just some help with content. That wasn’t the right way to approach this. Social Link is full of knowledge in this area. If I were to come to them as a new client, I would do things differently by thinking through my strategy a bit more. It could’ve moved the ball more quickly in the beginning.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the executive director for a home care nonprofit.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Social Link?

We needed branding, design, marketing, and consulting.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to modernize our brand and develop a strategy for the future.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We had a small budget, so we needed a firm that would work within that budget but deliver good work. We selected Social Link after an extensive interview process.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We began by exploring our brand identity and we met with a committee devoted to that process. We then had a series of meetings to discuss logo design and branding standards. We’re currently revising stationery and educational marketing materials.

What was the team composition?

We’ve worked with a project manager, a designer, and sometimes the lead strategist, Brady (President and CEO, Social Link) when appropriate.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Not yet, as the project is ongoing.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It has generally been effective. We’ve had a few hiccups when a team member was sick, or in one case, a team member moved on, but the lead strategist has been good about checking in and even better about remedying any discomfort we may have had about the project's progress and cost.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They’re adaptable and they prioritize our strategy preferences. Brady does not try to impose his will on us.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, I can’t think of anything.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I was the CEO of a management, development, and investment company with service hotels in 10 states.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Social Link?

We needed help with managing our online presence and identity. Since we were new to social media, we did not know how to market our hotels in this environment effectively.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted our hotels to be viewed in a positive light, which would increase our revenue and customer satisfaction.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I knew Brady (CEO, Social Link) even before we knew we needed help in this area.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Brady and his team developed our social media presence and identity. They also taught our managers and marketing people how to move in the social media environment effectively. They developed our entire program of social media presence, dispute resolution, daily blogging, community involvement links, and more.

What was the team composition?

Brady was our primary contact. He had a team in the background.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We had a positive presence on various social media platforms. Thanks to Social Link, we had an educated group of managers who knew how and when to post. As a result, we had increased customer satisfaction due to dispute resolution and a higher position on various review sites and search engines.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We were highly satisfied in this area.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Social Link was highly optimistic. Their CEO’s charisma was impressive and infectious.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Sometimes, they get sidetracked or conversational, so it’s best to pay attention. It is a typical issue with creative types, in my opinion. It’s not a bad trait, but something potential clients need to be aware of.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m one of the owners of Victory Home Team real estate in Minneapolis, supporting over 50 clients a year.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Social Link?

We needed help creating a brand when starting our team.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to increase exposure of our new brand, as well as generate leads.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I was referred to them by one of their clients.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

They started off with a series of interviews of where our business is currently, where we'd like to go, and what resources we have. From there, Social Link developed and launched our website as well as a mobile application. They also helped create our social presence, and targeted ads to local farm areas.

What was the team composition?

I mainly worked with a project manager. I also speak directly to their developers if they have questions on how we'd like things done.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since working with Social Link, we’ve increased our year-over-year by 22%. That’s really impressive, considering most agencies who rebrand are lucky to do the same numbers as the year before. It’s taken less of my time so I can focus on money-making items.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Their team is awesome. They treat us as equals. The project manager kept the project moving forward. We had weekly meetings to ensure they were meeting our goals. Everything went smoothly to the point that we’re now hands-off on all projects.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their professionalism is accented by a direct and friendly demeanor. They get down to exactly what’s going on instead of beating around the bush. They’re hungry to help, which I like. I never feel pressured. Any time they recommend a product, they back it up by experience and facts instead of trying to upsell.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Everyone can improve, but Social Link is meeting all of our needs.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the admissions and marketing liaison for the Minnesota Girls Academy. We’re a residential treatment facility for female adolescents.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Social Link?

We reached out to Social Link when we were still a recently founded company. Therefore, we needed help building our website and establishing a marketable online presence.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Social Link quickly built our web platform using WordPress. They also use our social media accounts to drive web traffic to the site. That facilitates our ultimate goal of having the site serve as a tool for receiving inquiries from parents. Their efforts include managing our Facebook page and developing resources that communicate our information to potential clients. Lastly, they’re responsible for producing a biweekly blog post for us on an ongoing basis. Someone on their staff will propose an article idea, and I’ll review an early draft version. Once approved, they’ll finish the piece and publish it on our various online outlets. They send it to anyone subscribed to our mailing list as well.

What is the team composition?

I primarily interact with Brady (CEO, Social Link), a managing partner, and a project manager. Other resources contribute to the engagement as needed.

How did you come to work with Social Link?

Brady and I have known each other for years. I’ve seen the work that he’s capable of and I wanted to leverage those skills for my organization.

How much have you invested with them?

We pay $1,000 each month to retain their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in 2017 and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Their performance thus far has been outstanding. Social Link consistently delivers marketing content that’s integral to our continued growth as a company. Their ability to generate new ideas helps communicate relevant information to our target audience.

How did Social Link perform from a project management standpoint?

Brady is a forward-thinking professional that’s always brainstorming new solutions. He communicates with us frequently to make sure everyone is on the same page regarding the project’s status. We usually interact via live calls or email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Social Link is unlike any vendor I’ve worked with throughout my career. They take the time to understand their customers. As a result, we’re not just another client to them. They got to know us on a personal level so they can better address the needs of our business.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have any constructive criticism to offer at this time. The whole team provides a hands-on experience and delivers what they promise. They work alongside the ebb and flow of our business.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be open with them regarding the long-term goals of each project. They’ll conceptualize new approaches and take the project as far it’ll go.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a self-employed private language instructor.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Social Link?

I needed assistance in designing a website that my students could use to help them learn and achieve their goals.

What were your goals for this project?

I wanted the website to be user-friendly and accessible to students with different English reading abilities. I also hoped to have a feature that showed me how much time students spend on the site.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

A friend recommended Social Link.

Describe the project in detail.

Social Link designed and developed a website that gives my students a space to work on their goals and track their progress as they learn a new language.

What was the team composition?

I worked with Kristi (Creative Art Director, Social Link) to brainstorm a user-friendly and straightforward layout. Amber (Partner, Social Link) served as a project manager of sorts and ensured that I was put in contact with the appropriate people to see my website come to fruition.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

My students have been using and enjoying my website for about five months now. They are enjoying the freedom to have access to their learning materials on any computer.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

I live overseas, but Social Link’s team was very accommodating to my needs. We had to work at specific times because of the time zone difference, but we worked well together.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They listened to my ideas and delivered custom solutions. It’s clear they are not a cookie-cutter company offering the same advice to everyone.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, my project was a success.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the CEO of Paula Kay Artists Management. We manage the careers of recording artists.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Social Link?

We needed to expand a client's fan base and brand and increase profits.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to capitalize on a client song that became the Boston Red Sox World Series anthem in 2013. We needed to piggyback on that exposure with digital strategy and marketing.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

SocialLink is known in the Nashville area. They do a stellar job with digital marketing and came highly recommended.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We didn't have much time to plan. The Red Sox head of marketing heard this song during the playoffs, so we only had a few days to build and launch the campaign. SocialLink hit the ground running. They never doubted their ability to accomplish our goals, even though the situation looked impossible.

What was the team composition?

Our team had four members, all highly skilled in the world of viral marketing and e-commerce.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They not only increased my client's fan base in record time, but also set them up for increased commerce. That was the effect of their brilliant marketing.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was smooth and fun, even under such extreme deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was impressed by their knowledge of digital marketing, algorithms, and e-commerce

Are there any areas for improvement?

No, we were very happy with what they accomplished. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a residential real estate professional.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Social Link?

We hired Social Link to generate leads from social marketing platforms.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal for this project was to generate more buyer/seller leads.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Social Link was referred to us.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

The Social Link team listened attentively to our goals and came up with a plan. They've built a custom website and created ads.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Their team works closely with mine to ensure that no details are missed.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The most impressive thing about Social Link is their attention to our needs and their ability to set and execute goals.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I do property management at TriBridge Residential.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Social Link?

We needed help with lead generation for our firm.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to generate more leads.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I found them via a referral.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

First they helped us identify our cost per lead and the lifetime value of a customer. Together we created a go-to-market strategy. They handled the entire production including website development, ad management, lead scoring, and tracking. They also helped us set up marketing automation using HubSpot.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Using HubSpot automation dramatically shortened our sales cycle.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Social Link managed our lead quality tracking with monthly dashboard reporting. They used a specific scope of work with actionable items and deadlines. Some deadlines had to be pushed, but overall the delivery was fast and on schedule.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their team has a lot of positive energy. They’re always looking for new ways to drive our specific message to our target personas.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Sometimes I was overwhelmed with how much needed to be completed. However, they have a very good system to track our project and deadlines.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the business development manager for a large landscaping company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Social Link?

We hired Social Link for help with digital marketing, branding, and strategy.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to grow within our target areas and demographics.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Social Link was referred to us, and we selected them because of their reputation.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Social Link provides all-encompassing marketing work. Their team helps with our branding and assists with our marketing strategy. They work with our evolving needs.

What was the team composition?

We work with a dynamic CEO and team of marketing professionals.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since our work began with Social Link, there has been steady growth in all areas.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Social Link is a highly experienced and professional team that manages their work through a customer service driven model. Their team aims to please their customers. They work as a partner, making sure to meet all of our needs.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their vision and leadership abilities are extraordinary. Their CEO is an out-of-the-box thinker that strives to make his vision a reality.

Are there any areas for improvement?

So far, everything has been running extremely smooth.