YYC3 Marketing

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

The Bow Valley Club is one of Calgary's premier Executive Health Clubs in downtown offering professionals a place to workout, play squash and enjoy a social setting with a dining experience. I am the Membership and Communications Manager at the Bow Valley Club

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire YYC3 Inc.?

We hired YYC3 to make our social media presence stronger and to overhaul our website to make it more user friendly and informative.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goals were to increase our followers, increase our exposure and increase our membership.

SOLUTION

How did you select YYC3 Inc.?

I've known Hayley Bendzik, President and owner of YYC3 through other projects she's done and she was referred to me.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Hayley and her team executed a digital strategy for the Bow Valley Club. YYC3 was organized and they went beyond our expectations. They improved our digital presence and executed on time with planning ahead.

What was the team composition?

YYC3 had professional photographers and social media experts. They are highly knowledgeable and the team expanded from when we first started with them, which shows their success with building strong client relationships.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I worked closely with the team at YYC3 and if I needed to meet with them to discuss future marketing campaigns they were always available to collaborate. The team listened to our needs and helped us achieve what we couldn't do ourselves.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

YYC3 is the kind of company you can trust to help execute your social media strategy. They are accountable, professional and extremely knowledgeable. YYC3 was always dependable and got the work done! I never had to worry about the quality of work they put forward. They are an excellent team and a great group of individuals.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

YYC3 team is a very impressive company. Hayley is extremely good at building a strong relationship with her clients and her team is exceptional. She hires only the best and her team is good at listening and making content that is relevant and appropriate.

Are there any areas for improvement?

YYC3 is doing everything right! I would recommend anyone looking for social media, web design or marketing to connect with them. They make it effortless and get the job done! If you don't have the staff to do this or the experience, YYC3 can do it for you and they're always there to help you.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of a retail mattress store.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with YYC3 Inc?

I was looking to expand my social media presence.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They managed all our social media accounts. They create some content, and we also provide them with materials. 

What is the team composition?

Hayley (Marketing Consultant & President) was my main point of contact. 

How did you come to work with YYC3 Inc?

I booked meetings with several companies, but my discussions with Hayley were the best. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested about $10,000 so far. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We began our ongoing relationship with them in August 2019. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Since increasing our marketing budget and bringing YYC3 Inc on, our sales have gone up. Their work increased our followers and engagement online. 

How did YYC3 Inc perform from a project management standpoint?

Communication is very good. If there’s ever an issue, I give Hayley a quick phone call or send an email, and it’s addressed immediately.  

What did you find most impressive about them?

They deliver high-quality content. 

Are there any areas they could improve?  

There could be a bit more attention to detail, but overall, everything is good. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers? 

As long as you have clear communication, they’ll take care of everything you need done. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

New West Public Affairs is a full suite public affairs and government relations consulting firm located in Calgary, AB. As a Consultant, I help clients navigate government and create public policy wins. I am also responsible for internal and external communications for both the company and clients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire YYC3 Inc.?

We hired YYY3 to design, develop and maintain a new website for our company as well as to support on social media.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goals were to increase our digital marketing, establishing New West Public Affairs as a thought leader in the industry, which would hopefully lead to an increase in business leads.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I was not privy to this - our firm's Principal was responsible for identifying a vendor.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Design, development and maintenance of website. Social media content and graphic creation. Advertising on social media.

What was the team composition?

Three people.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Increase in website traffic and engagement. Increase in social media likes / followers.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

There has been great work flow and communication between our team and YYC3. We use google docs to collaborate on work. Responses are normally received within a couple hours if not minutes.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I find YYC3's ability to turn around quality work on short timelines the most impressive thing about this company. We produce a lot of content and YYC3's team is always available and ready to get things online. Additionally, their friendly personalities make for a great working relationship.

Are there any areas for improvement?

N/A

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I run the Paramedical Tattoo Academy. We do paramedical and cosmetic tattoos.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with YYC3 Inc.?

We felt like there were too many moving parts in the business to handle. I needed a partner to help organize our social media and marketing efforts.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

YYC3 Inc. came up with a marketing plan that organized our social media and helped us to move forward. Their team gave us good guidance on our direction so that I didn't have to navigate our marketing efforts blindly.

They also helped us with an online learning platform using Teachable. Their team put that together and helps us stay on a timeline for content. They've also helped with content, but I usually create it. Their team got us organized in a way that I wasn’t capable of doing by myself.

What is the team composition?

I work with one person usually, but I know that other people help behind the scenes.

How did you come to work with YYC3 Inc.?

A colleague referred me to YYC3 Inc. We met so that I could get to know them and interview the company. I liked what they had to say, so we hired them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $15,000 on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started our collaboration in November 2019, and it’s ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Their team’s efforts have made my life a whole lot easier. They always do what they say that they’re going to do. We’ve been busy executing on the efforts, so it hasn’t been a priority of mine to loop back to metrics. We’ve recently launched ads, which need time to show results.

How did YYC3 Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicate via text, email, and phone calls once in a while. Their team’s organized, efficient, and detail-oriented.

What did you find most impressive about them?

YYC3 Inc. exceeded my expectations. I’m never disappointed by what they do. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

This isn’t anything that she could do differently, but they’ve had a couple of issues with staff turnover. That’s something that a business owner has to manage.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

It’s most important to know your goals. That way, their team can complete those projects and take them to the next level.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Co Founder of an international Tech and Blockchain recruitment Agency

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire YYC3 Inc.?

We were looking to improve our marketing / communication strategy. YYC3 improved our website messaging and overall communication strategy in a timely matter.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to improve the messaging on our website, social medias and overall communication with our stakeholders.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I heard from this company from WOM and they have very positive reviews online.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

After discovering this company, we scheduled a total of 3 calls to finalize the projects. Hayley had a very good understanding of our website within the first call and has been able to deliver a great solution for my business.

What was the team composition?

I was in direct communication with the founder.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our SEO improved drastically due to YYC3. They have been able to improve our messaging and our website is receiving 63% more traffic since we implemented their solution.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very effective. We communicated by phone conversations, emails and text messages. Overall, the service did go beyond my expectations. I was expecting the task to take a few weeks but it was done in 1.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I appreciate their personal approach, speedy delivery, and transparency.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of a window and door sales and installation company. We work with residential customers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with YYC3?

The primary challenge was finding customers. We used to rely on traditional advertising methods and send fliers through the mail. That’s a fairly expensive process in terms of printing and distribution. The people who read and respond to those fliers are also typically from an older generation, leaving the younger crowd in the dark.

We started with Google Ads PPC services, but that was ineffective and expensive. Next, we decided to try Facebook based on a friend's recommendation.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

YYC3 provides Facebook advertising services. They also look over the rest of our online profile, Instagram, Facebook, and whatnot, but we only use Facebook for paid advertisements.

What is the team composition?

I only deal with Hayley (President and Marketing Consultant, YYC3). I think there are other people involved, but she’s been our main contact. There's a team of people she employs, but I was not in touch with them.

How did you come to work with YYC3?

My friend had used YYC3 for Facebook and gave a good recommendation, so I decided to try their services.

How much have you invested with them?

Not including the ad spend, the total cost so far has been $6,000–$7,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with YYC3 in June 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

To my surprise, Facebook advertising actually worked fairly well for us. Ever since we started working with them, we’ve almost stopped using mailers as our main advertising. We don’t exclusively advertise on Facebook now, but it accounts for about 70% of our advertising budget, which is way more economical compared to what we were doing before. The cost per lead has dropped by 60%, compared to last year.

How did YYC3 perform from a project management standpoint?

We use email primarily. I will call if there’s anything urgent, but I can send them an email in most cases. The communication style is fairly unique and I don’t think it would work for everyone, but it works very well for me. I’m not sure whether it’s Hayley’s style of dealing with customers, or whether she adapted for working with me, but our communication is minimal.

We don’t talk often: I just tell her when we have a campaign coming up and give her instructions. She takes care of them, and I don’t hear from her for months at a time until we need to make an adjustment. That works for me because I don’t like to micromanage people. I trust what she’s doing and I see the results, so we don’t bother each other.

What did you find most impressive about them?

What impresses me is that they can actually deal with Facebook, which I find to be beyond annoying and irritating. When I try to use Facebook, I don’t find it user-friendly or easy to use. I don’t want to deal with it, so I like that Hayley handles it so easily and effortlessly.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The biggest challenge in receiving leads from Facebook is following up with them. Most of the leads are coming in late at night or in the evening when someone’s clicking on stuff. We try to call that person later, and they’ve moved on with their lives. Either the user doesn’t respond, they’re busy, or they've forgotten about it. That’s more of an inherent Facebook advertising challenge, and not so much related to YYC3. They do what they need to, and I’m happy with that.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I’ve dealt with other companies offering similar services in other digital advertisement areas. However, those relationships were not as easy-flowing as the relationship with YYC3 has been. I’d advise customers to just go ahead and try it. Facebook does work; it's better than Google and PPC ads, in my experience. There’s no long-term commitment compared to the organic presence on search engines, which requires long-term commitments without directly seeing results. Here, it’s fairly straightforward: we allocate a budget and go ahead with the service. If it works, it works. If it doesn’t, we just stop and look for something else. It’s definitely worth a try, though.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an independent consultant with Rodan + Fields, and I also have a company that serves everything from motherhood to beauty to fitness.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with YYC3 Inc.?

I hired YYC3 Inc. to expand my market and network so I could offer more of my consulting services from Rodan + Fields. I wanted them to create a landing page and branding materials.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

YYC3 Inc. created a website for us that had a lot of features to display our community and overall messaging. Hayley (President, YYC3 Inc.) also works on our branding materials, gathering and writing content for mass emails and other efforts. They’re currently working on launching the site and getting our marketing efforts set up. 

What is the team composition?

Hayley is our main point of contact, working as the mastermind behind the project. I also interact with some of her media experts for videography and branding work. 

How did you come to work with YYC3 Inc.?

They came as a referral from a family friend. Hayley understood where I was coming from, and brought a fresh and young perspective. She was the right fit for what I was looking for. She has an old school mentality combined with innovative ideas in the marketing world. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $2,500–$5,000, so far. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve had an ongoing relationship since October 2018. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We haven’t launched anything officially yet, so we don’t have any metrics so far. However, the look and functionality of the new site are far beyond anything I imagined was possible—it’s great. YYC3 Inc. captured my personality as well as my organization’s mission. All of the content they’ve produced fully speaks to my beliefs.

How did YYC3 Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

We always have direct communication, especially if we have feedback for them. They’re always willing to listen and adjust; everything is seamless. We email for a lot of things, but Hayley also adapts to texting when it’s easier for me. When I get 200 emails a day, texting is much nicer and Hayley goes outside of her comfort zone to help me. No matter what, there is always a way for me to get in touch with her. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They truly understand where I’m coming from and take our brand to the next level. The work they’ve produced has been beautiful and functional. In my industry, there is a typical look and feel for my demographic, but YYC3 Inc. makes us stand out and be different. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

They should just prepare to continue growing and get ready to take on more projects. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Stick to who you are and allow them to help you understand your brand even better. For example, I had too narrowly picked a demographic, so they helped me see who my brand could impact and expanded my customer base. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

REV is an electrical manufacturing company that offers flexible, durable, reliable and responsible electrical designs, products and services for oil and gas, mining, commercial and utility industries. During the time of this workshop I was the Marketing & Communications Coordinator.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire YYC3 Inc.?

We were looking to elevate our marketing efforts and were in need of a workshop to help us strategize and understand what marketing elements would work best for our company.

What were your goals for this project?

To learn more about marketing in general and what would work best for us.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Hayley is a known friend. Weighed multiple options for the delivery of the workshop and decided that Hayley was the best option.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

After selecting Hayley, she prepared for a few sessions with our team. To not only teach us marketing concepts that were relevant to today but to help develop a strategy that was specific to REV. She then delivered the presentation and workshopped the strategy that was specific to and achievable by REV.

What was the team composition?

Myself, our Sales Manager and 2 of our Principals attended the workshop. Hayley was the lead in delivery.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

After the work shop we had taken on a clear strategy for what needed to be done. We were able to take all of Hayley's ideas and suggestions and apply them to the business, which has developed greatly ever since.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Flawless! Hayley was very patient with questions and was able to relate to her audience which was comprised of mostly professionals without a background in marketing.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was impressed by their preparation and dedication. Hayley was very thorough in making sure that we understood all elements of the workshop and even reached out multiple times afterward to ensure we didn't have any questions.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No! Just that we want more workshops!

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a partner in a home building company. My individual branch specializes in retail sales and residential and commercial real estate.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with YYC3?

YYC3 was hired to establish our company’s brand and assist with marketing.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Hayley (President, YYC3) helps with the overall brand of the company. She handles all of our social media including Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram. If we need any web work done, she takes that on as well, upgrading and changing elements of the site as projects develop.

What is the team composition?

Our primary point of contact is Hayley. Sometimes Nelson (Marketing Assistant, YYC3) helps out.

How did you come to work with YYC3?

Hayley did a presentation at one of the brokerage offices I used to work at. I enjoyed her take on social media and marketing, so that’s when we began working together.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $15,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our ongoing collaboration began in 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our goal for the first year was to reach 5,000 followers on Instagram. Now we’ve doubled that size and cut the time in half, so we’re on par to hit 10,000 by July. Before working with YYC3, we had no traffic on our Facebook business page. We have around 3,000 followers now. Our webpage is now averaging about four leads a month organically through direct traffic that’s built from the different accounts Hayley manages.

How did YYC3 perform from a project management standpoint?

Hayley keeps me on track and motivated. We generally text and email to keep our communication organized. Biweekly, we meet for an hour to go over the process.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Hayley created a brand for my business. There’s been an increase in followers, and companies have sent me free stuff to review. Everything we set to achieve, we accomplished with YYC3.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, not really. I’m not a marketing guy, but in terms of growth, it would be nice to see more leads come in. But that also depends on how much you’re putting into that process. Right now, we’re spending a minimal amount, which equates to the leads we’re receiving. I’m happy with that at this point.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I’m delighted with everything YYC3 has done. Working with Hayley is excellent and extremely affordable. She works with her clients consistently, going beyond the contract. She puts in an extra 10%.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the CEO and Founder of Gabriella's Kitchen Inc, a specialty food manufacturer and marketer of fortified, functional foods.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with YYC3?

We needed help managing our social media and digital marketing.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

YYC3 managed our social media accounts, including the calendar and posting content on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter accounts. Although I sent them some ideas, they had complete autonomy over content and responded to any comments or questions within those channels.

They also oversaw our digital marketing, including a Facebook ad campaign that involved a collaboration with our marketing group. For that project, they encouraged people to submit photos using our products on social media and posted the winners' photos on a digital billboard on our website.

How did you come to work with YYC3?

My son knew someone who worked at YYC3 and introduced me to them.

How much have you invested with them?

We probably invested about $500,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them around the Fall of 2014 or 2015 and the contract ended in 2017. We wanted YYC3 to work with us full-time at that point, but unfortunately, they were unable to given other commitments to their customers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

YYC3 took us from nothing to having a significant social media following. Under their control, we grew to about 10,000 Facebook followers and 17,000 Instagram followers.

How did YYC3 perform from a project management standpoint?

They were great. As a small group, we don't have a lot of time to micromanage others, but we didn't have to with YYC3. Most of our communication was informal and through email. They were very responsive and checked in with us often to make sure everything was on track. As self-starters, they proactively worked on tasks without us having to intervene at all.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I'm most impressed by the level of commitment and creativity they brought to our work.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. The reason we parted ways was to no fault of their own—we just wanted them all to ourselves.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Before we started working with YYC3, we knew nothing about social media and digital marketing, but we've learned a lot from their team along the way. It's important to take part in the process of planning out your long-term goals with them as much as possible. I recommend creating KPIs to measure against as you progress, so you can better understand what works in driving behavioral change within your target audience.