Zen Agency

Please describe your company and your position there.

Wholesale Agri Business. Marketing Director

For what projects/services did your company hire Zen Agency, and what were your goals?

Our annual tradeshow needed the order process to be optimized to use the company website as the order entry portal with direct connection to the accounting software.

Zen was able to take excel files and transform them into an order form that submitted orders directly into the company system. After implementing this order form, we were able to process in two days orders that would have taken two weeks. Amazing.

How did you select Zen Agency and what were the deciding factors?

We had recently built a website and had sought out a company that could host the site and would also be available to help up design and grow the company's online business. The website used WooCommerce, and Zen specializes in this particular shopping cart. We were already a customer when we asked about updating the order process of the company's trade show.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and marking tools used.

Our company was using old technology, manual labor, to process hundreds of orders after our company's trade show. Zen showed us how to build an order form, for all of our vendors, and connect these orders with our accounting software.

Afterwards, tradeshow orders were submitted instantly, and order tallies were finished the day of the show. A really great improvement for us. They worked hand in hand with out accounting software company to take these trade show orders and automatically enter them as orders within the accounting software. Much was done out of our view, connecting the website and forms and then the automation of the orders into our system.

How many resources from the Zen Agency team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We worked specifically with Samantha and Tar. Sean also lent a hand in the beginning. They each hold different titles but work together to send the project to the specific specialist. I am sure each played a part and others as well.

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

We were thrilled with the outcome. Our tradeshow order forms worked perfect. Orders submitted were sent into our system directly as orders ready to ship. All orders were in house by the end of the show. For us, this was amazing. A great help and a much-improved order system.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We had several Zoom meetings. Very efficient.

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

They solved issues thoroughly. They host our website but are there for when problems arrive.

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

They could sometimes work a little quicker.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the co-owner, designer, and web manager of Fastpitch Power, a virtual training program for fastpitch softball that runs on WordPress and WooCommerce.

For what projects/services did your company hire Zen Agency, and what were your goals?

Our website, which I had originally designed and built, was outdated and very bloated. As a web designer and WordPress developer myself, I was very aware that so many improvements have been made in theming and page builders since the latest iteration of our site was launched. I had been desperately wanting to do a redesign for about a year, but since I maintain Fastpitch Power on the side of a full time job, I was never able to piece together enough time to make it happen. I hired Zen Agency to help me get my redesign vision implemented on a cleaner and more stable foundation.

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

Zen Agency was one of several vendors I was considering from WooCommerce's listing of suggested experts. It was very important to me to have control over the design process, since my aesthetic goal with the redesign was to coordinate with our new mobile app that I also designed. I struggled to find an agency that was willing to relinquish control of the design process (and most wanted over $30k). I settled on Zen because they were willing to collaborate with me, and only do the work I actually needed for a very reasonable price.

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

I tasked Zen Agency with rebuilding our site based on a mockup I created in Figma and supplied to them. They were able to duplicate my design exactly using Beaver Builder. They also implemented a system of housing our content in custom fields, rather than in the page builder itself. Finally, they assisted with migrating the new design from dev to live, and assuring a smooth experience for our existing members.

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

I interacted with 5 people total, 2 who served as points of contact and 3 designers/developers.

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

I'm extremely happy with the results. The custom field system in particular has drastically cut down on my site maintenance time, and it will make any future redesigns much easier to implement. Comparing the dev to live site also helped me uncover some possible server side speed issues that I can now investigate with my host, whereas before I had no idea where to begin with diagnosing my site speed problems. The new site hasn't been launched long enough to have metrics from it, but we had been putting off advertising out of fear that our old site couldn't handle growth, and we are very excited to be able to start promoting our products more.

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

Everyone I worked with at Zen was extremely communicative, and they finished their work in a timely manner. As I also participated in the redesign process, I found them extremely easy to collaborate with as well. They tailored their explanations to my level of WordPress knowledge. They were extremely helpful in answering my questions and making changes.

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

I was so impressed that I had almost zero changes to the site design after I gave them my Figma file. I was expecting to have to compromise quite a bit, but they really executed my vision with extreme care, and the tweaks I had to make were so minor I doubt anyone else would have even noticed them.

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

I really have no complaints!

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the vice-president and webmaster of the International Waterlily and Water Garden Society, which is a not-for-profit organization. (we wear many hats).

The IWGS international fellowship of water gardeners includes new water gardeners keen to learn, experienced water gardeners eager to share, commercial growers, hybridizers, botanical gardens, university professionals, hobbyists with wide ranging experience, aquatic plant specialists, fish specialists, manufacturers of water garden products, installers and retailers, and others who appreciate the delights of water in the landscape.

For what projects/services did your company hire Zen Agency, and what were your goals?

We needed to have our website updated. Our website was becoming obsolete and could not accommodate the type of functionality our Board wanted to present to its members.

We did not want a "cookie-cutter" type website that so many not-for-profit organizations had, and spent a few months in-house, outlining our expectations and creating a requirement document for a re-developed website, to ensure that our new website was going to meet our expectations.

How did you select Zen Agency and what were the deciding factors?

We put out an RFP to companies that had been recommended to the Board. Our decision to select Zen was based on their willingness to work within our budget, and their suggestions on how to provide the functionality we were looking for, within the budget we specified.

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

We had a kick-off meeting with the Zen team and our IWGS project team, which was a challenge to organize as our team members were in Australia, England, Alberta, Canada and Kansas, USA.

The Zen team introduced their team members and the web developer who was assigned to work with us through the project development. We were given timelines as to when each phase would be delivered to us for testing. Our first step was to re-brand the site with a new theme. 

The second step was to identify key requirements to ensure we developed those first, followed by secondary requirements. Zen identified they would use a Genesis framework on Wordpress, along with the ACF admin.

It was important to us to have a website that our organization could update ourselves, as we had limited funds to spend.

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

Web Design theme Manager Project Manager Web Developer These were our "Go To" people during the web development.

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

We were able to move from a manual membership registration system to an online registration system which managed renewals and expiry dates. This was a huge benefit to our organization, both in the time-savings to our board members and in efficiency.

We now have a regular income from our membership fees. We are now able to offer our members some "perks" to their membership by offering them additional information and resources which are behind our membership paywall.

Our site can be accessed in any part of the world, including those areas where internet speed is an issue.

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

The team kept in contact with me, mostly by email, but were also available by phone whenever I needed to discuss a problem with them, or if I needed an answer on how some functionality was to be managed.

I was always able to contact my developer when I phoned, or got a return call within a few hours if they were unavailable. Having this immediate contact was incredibly helpful. I was notified of the implementation dates of key pieces of functionality so tat I could plan for testing.

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

I really appreciated being able to communicate directly with the web developer. This person did not change throughout the development so it was always easy to identify what my issue was and ways of correcting the problem.

I also appreciated that they created videos showing how to access and manage the website. This was important as a Board Member has a maximum term of 6 years. I wanted to be sure that there was a record on file for future board members.

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

Zen continues to host our website, and provides on-going enhancements that our IWGS web team can't figure out how to create ourselves. So far, everything continues to run smoothly.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the chief visionary officer for Legacy. We’re a trucking business, hauling freight, brokering loads, training truck drivers, providing expert witness, and doing consulting. We have several segments to the business, including the newest addition: Luigi Legacy Cuisine, providing various food kits.

What challenge were you trying to address with Zen Agency?

We needed branding and web development done for a new segment of our business.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They built a website for our truck driving school. Users can sign up, pay for classes, and see the schedule. There is an interactive calendar, as well.

They also did digital marketing, managing Google, social media, and email campaigns. Emails were automatically sent to the leads generated through the website. 

They are currently working on the website for Luigi Legacy Cuisine. There is a master website, where users can see the different food kits offered, and place orders.

The team created the brand for that business, including logo and packaging. They designed each section of packaging, such as ice packs to keep perishables cold, salt packets, yeast, flour, etc. based on the ingredient lists we provided. 

What is the team composition?

I work with four people, including Joe (Founder/CEO) and David (Creative Director/Branding Expert). 

How did you come to work with Zen Agency?

My wife – our President and CEO – found them. I met with them to discuss the services we needed, and we decided to work together.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $42,000 on web development, plus we have a $750/month retainer fee.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together around January 2018, and the engagement is ongoing.

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

The website for the truck driving school works great. We’ve generated so many leads that we need to hire more people to teach classes. We acquired customers very quickly, and more than doubled the business we were doing before they built the website. We have reached the point that we make a good profit on every class we hold. 

How did Zen Agency perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re doing a great job – I would rate them very highly. We have Zoom conferences and email, talking a couple of times weekly, and I visit them occasionally. They are available, and very responsive. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have the best designs out there. I’m blown away by their artwork and the creative minds behind it. They deliver what they promise.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Build a rapport with the team members who will be working with you.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Executive Director of The Waverly Community House, a not for profit serving Northeast Pennsylvania residents with educational, recreational and cultural opportunities.

For what projects/services did your company hire Zen Agency?

Our website was created 15 years ago and was in dire need of updating . We approached Zen based upon a recommendation from a graphic designer who recommended them based on creativity, expertise and service.

We have since developed two additional sites with them and are constantly striving to update and improve.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to increase traffic, promote our business and make it user friendly.

How did you select Zen Agency?

Zen was selected after reviewing a number of proposals from other web design agencys and upon receiving positive recommendations. In addition we did have a few initial meetings to discuss the proposal and were impressed with the depth of detail.

Describe the project in detail.

Once we selected this vendor we have a series of meetings as the first website was built to ensure that it met all of our needs. This process was followed for two more websites, each of which continue to serve our needs. Our relationship has continued for almost a decade and the business relationshiop

What was the team composition?

We were assigned a project manager who worked with us on the website development along with his team. We have since worked with support staff and the owner has taken an active interest in our service and needs.

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

Within a short period of time we saw increased traffic on each of the sites and increased interest in our business. The websites are now an integral part of our interaction with and promotion to the public

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It was very effective.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Customer service and ability to adapt over time.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We were satisfied with the pace of work and they were receptive to "ASAP" changes adaptations as required.

Please describe your company and your position there.

CEO / Co-founder / Surgeon & Med Device med ed

For what projects/services did your company hire Zen Agency?

Web design and LMS Integration

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

I chose Zen for several reasons, trust being first and foremost.

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

Concept discussion - description of platform needs / creation of categories / LMS engine integration / Woo Commerce set-up

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

3, designer x2 & CEO, Joe.

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

The project, so far, is a success. I have had no problems to date.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Very. Everything was easily communicated and put into data.

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

Trust & open education.

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

No

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the branding and marketing director

For what projects/services did your company hire Zen Agency, and what were your goals?

Zen was hired to create and maintain our company website

How did you select Zen Agency and what were the deciding factors?

Someone else chose Zen, I just picked up working with them when I started at this job

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

Not sure

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

Just one mainly for me, her name is Sofie

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

Zen is great! Super quick turn around time on projects and they always get right back to me when I email.. cant beat it!

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

We just email files and chat, very simple and very efficient

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

I like that they're just people like me, they dont feel super corporate.. or like a machine that just wants my business. A little goes a long way with treating people like people!

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

No

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the CEO of Global Player Network. We set up high end casino clients trips at many different casino resort affiliates. We are contracted with over 70 casino's worldwide.

For what projects/services did your company hire Zen Agency, and what were your goals?

Complete website design

How did you select Zen Agency and what were the deciding factors?

referral

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

Meeting to discuss ideas of new website. followed up with some mock ups, cost of project and timeline of project completion.

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

3 Owner/CEO Managing director Creative director

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

Our team loves new website design

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

prompt email response to every request

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

Very fair pricing. Extremely fast response time.

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

No improvements needed. Just keep doing what you're doing.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of an e-commerce brand making healthy meat snacks and lifestyle apparel.

For what projects/services did your company hire Zen Agency, and what were your goals?

I wanted a company that could create a user friendly website that was aesthetically appealing, and used visuals over words to navigate the site.

How did you select Zen Agency and what were the deciding factors?

Finding Zen Agency on Google, and seeing their expertise with Woocommerce, I sent them an email and arranged a conference call. After realizing they could hit my timeline and budget - I was all in.

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

We had a kick off meeting, and dove straight into development.

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

I worked with Dave, Sofie and Samantha who all are web developers. They were incredible.

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

The project exceeded my expectations, as we are just about ready for launch!

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

Extremely responsive and helpful

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

Incredibly quick turnaround time - and the ability to take an Idea and turn it into a functional website was amazing.

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

None