Winning the Coasts: How Clutch Helps 7 Wonders Cinema Dominate in LA, NYC & Philly

Fueled by early momentum and growing client demand, Michael Ayjian and Stephen Skeel launched 7 Wonders Cinema while still in college, building the company from the ground up.  

For three years, they bootstrapped from Michael’s parents’ basement, working for free and building their client base through word-of-mouth, high school networks, and cold email outreach.

But as 7 wonders grew, so did their ambitions. Transforming into a bicoastal agency with national goals, they sought a scalable path to reach high-value clients in key markets like Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and New York.

That’s where Clutch came in.

Turning Point: A Reliable Growth Engine with Clutch

Service lines:

• Video Production - 50%
• Content Marketing - 25%
• Audio Production - 15%
• Social Media Marketing - 10%
   

 “Clutch gives us the quality and kind of clients we’re looking for, especially now as we focus on long-term relationships and recurring work.”
— Stephen Skeel, Co-Founder, 7 Wonders
 

7 Wonders was seeking a consistent stream of high-quality leads that could help them connect with clients beyond their local area. That’s when they discovered Clutch, which marked a turning point in their marketing journey. 

Once they started building their profile and invested in Featured Listings, they realized the platform wasn’t just another directory but a strategic growth lever. Clutch consistently brought in the highest quality leads.

“We get three to five warm leads from Clutch every month, and that can really fluctuate,” Skeel said. “But it’s the quality and consistency that make it stand out compared to other channels, which got expensive and less effective over time.”

Ayjian noted that the platform remains their most dependable inbound source. In recent months, Clutch traffic has also been bolstered by visibility through AI tools like ChatGPT. Today, 7 Wonders now ranks in lists of “top video production companies” via ChatGPT, serving as a major boost for brand discoverability.

Outperforming Other Channels and Streamlining Workflows

While 7 Wonders tested other ad platforms, the results didn’t compare.

Other platforms were “too active,” requiring constant bid adjustments. SEO and podcasting played a role in brand building for 7 Wonders, but Clutch outperformed in both lead quality and conversion potential without needing constant oversight.

“Clutch’s project managers have been a huge help,” said Ayjian. “They’re proactive, looking into Google Analytics and traffic sources. It’s not just about posting a profile and walking away.”

Supporting a Business Model Shift Toward Recurring Revenue

As 7 Wonders matured, they began shifting from a project-based model to retainer and recurring-revenue engagements, a transition that Clutch has actively supported.

“Even if the initial cost per lead is high, the quality is there, and that’s what we need for long-term clients,” said Skeel.

One standout success came from a medical practice in Chicago who found 7 Wonders through AI-powered search results on Clutch. The relationship evolved into a recurring YouTube series, aligning perfectly with their new business model.

Looking Ahead: AI Visibility and Podcast Expansion

With a new focus on podcast production services, 7 Wonders plans to leverage Clutch not just for video projects but for emerging offerings. Clutch remains core to their lead gen and conversion pipeline — not just as a directory but a strategic partner in 7 Wonders’ growth.

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Clutch Team

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