Upward Engine

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the SEO director for DDM, the company that manages KSL.com, Utah’s news source, and the largest classifieds website.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SEO Werkz?

We hired SEO Werkz to help us optimize the cars and classifieds section of our website.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goals were to bring our websites up to par with SEO best practices.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We already had a great working relationship with SEO Werkz through their management of paid search campaigns and decided to bring them on for SEO.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

They gave us on-site support and worked directly with our development team to implement changes. KSL.com has over a decade of technical debt in technical SEO. SEO Werkz was contracted to identify the elements that need fixing and work directly with our development teams on-site to fix these issues.

What was the team composition?

Brian (SEO Director, SEO Werkz) worked directly with our product owners and developers. They had face-to-face interaction to get things done right.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We haven’t fully rolled out all of SEO Werkz’s suggestions yet, but they’ve set us up for success by leaving everything in place after our contract ends with them. They also performed equally as well with the paid search project.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow went smoothly with Brian being in our building working directly with us every week. It minimized email chains and created a team atmosphere.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The knowledge and experience that Brian brought to KSL.com was top of the SEO industry level. His technical understanding gave confidence to our teams.

Are there any areas for improvement?

It would’ve been great if we could’ve had more in-person time with SEO Werkz's consultants.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the marketing specialist for Alpenwild, a leading tour operator in the Swiss Alps offering hiking, trekking, walking, rail, winter, and culinary tours. I manage our social media, email marketing, and SEO marketing efforts.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire SEO Werkz?

We were looking for assistance and guidance with SEO marketing, as well as a retargeting ad campaign.

What were your goals for this project?

Our primary goal has been to increase organic traffic to our site in order to generate additional tour bookings.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We were referred by an SEO Werkz employee we’d worked with in the past. We were impressed by Paul (CEO, SEO Werkz) when he personally visited us at our office.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

SEO Werkz does a number of things each month to help improve our company's SEO. They have added us to several online directories, created many external links, and created content aimed to boost our SEO. They track a large handful of keywords, which are the focus of most of their efforts. We receive reporting on their work each month. They have also designed and managed our retargeting ad campaign.

What was the team composition?

In the beginning, we worked directly with Paul. Eventually their director of client relations became our main point of contact. We also work with their director of paid search on our retargeting campaign.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve had several organic search "record setting" days in the past few months, which has been exciting. Our tour bookings have increased as well. We know that some of this can be attributed to SEO Werkz. We were already growing at a healthy rate, but SEO Werkz has helped us expedite that growth.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow has been quite effective. They did a good job at explaining the retargeting process to us before we started our campaign.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Paul is involved and invested in our projects. He's obviously busy as the CEO, but he always responds promptly and ensures the best experience possible.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Overall, SEO Werkz has been very prompt with communication and reporting. We did have a short window where communication was lacking, but it was quickly resolved after escalating the issue to Paul.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work for Enviro Care, an environmental services provider for the Western US. We provide remediation, waste management, transportation, industrial, emergency response, and consulting services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with SEO Werkz?

We needed help with SEO, so that mostly our return clients could find us online by searching for certain terms.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

SEO Werkz initially went over our goals with us in person and performed an SEO audit of our website to assess areas of improvement, collaborating on a list of keywords to focus on. While they've also done PPC campaigns for us, we've decided to focus mainly on SEO. In addition to ongoing SEO work and providing backlinks, they also edit and rewrite some of the content on our website as needed.

What is the team composition?

We mostly work with Paul (CEO and Managing Director, SEO Werkz) and Daphne (Director of Client Relations, SEO Werkz), as well as some developers and web designers on their team.

How did you come to work with SEO Werkz?

I knew one of the owners of SEO Werkz and, after researching their company and comparing them to others, felt most comfortable moving forward with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We spend between $1,500–$2,000 per month.

What is the status of this engagement?

We've been working with them for at least three years (since 2015), and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

SEO Werkz' efforts are directly responsible for about 70% of our organic searches.

How did SEO Werkz perform from a project management standpoint?

They execute projects well and are always willing to go the extra mile to make sure we're happy and that tasks are completed on time. They've performed SEO audits for us both on and off site, coming into our offices or accommodating our schedules over conference calls as needed. They also provide regular analytics reports, so we always know where we stand.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their customer service and responsiveness sets them apart. Whenever I need to reach them, I'm able to get a prompt response by someone on their team.

Are there any areas they could improve?

While they're a little pricier than I'd like, they consistently deliver positive results.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be open and honest with their team about your goals, and they'll do everything they can to achieve them, whether it's through PPC, SEO, or web development work.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Graduation Alliance is an education service provider primarily working with school districts. We find and re-enroll dropout students. I am the chief marketing officer of the company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with SEO Werkz?

We run a private online high school. Even though it's not a major portion of our business, it does bring in some money. Earlier this year, we decided to spend some time and money growing that business. The best way to do this was to partner up with an SEO [search engine optimization] firm which could drive some traffic to the site.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We have a unique relationship with SEO Werkz, whereby they're paid based on the increased revenue on our site. Because of this, SEO Werkz has been involved in not only adjusting our SEO efforts but also made suggestions on improving navigation and layouts, helping us convert at a higher rate. It's been a good relationship, with SEO Werkz remaining heavily invested in making sure we're making money.

How did you come to work with SEO Werkz?

I reached out to around 6 companies, looking at who could be the best partner for us. I went through a formal interview process, getting a feel for how they could organize a partnership with us. SEO Werkz rose to the top.

How much have you invested with SEO Werkz?

Since we have a unique payment structure with SEO Werkz, the figures may not be representative. Thus far, we've paid SEO Werkz very little, because they're still making some initial investments in SEO.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with SEO Werkz in July 2016. The work is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

SEO is a long-term play, but SEO Werkz has made some immediate suggestions with regards to the navigation of our site, workflow, and other things of that nature. We've seen a significant revenue boost because of that, in the ballpark of 15-20% monthly increases.

How did SEO Werkz perform from a project management standpoint?

SEO Werkz is very good in this respect, so much so that we've tasked them with the redesign of our corporate website. SEO Werkz has demonstrated its ability to get things done.

What did you find most impressive about SEO Werkz?

Overall, I've liked the fact that SEO Werkz is a real partner. They've helped us improve our business, as opposed to most other providers of this kind, who don't deviate from their lane. SEO Werkz has tackled things that don't necessarily fall under SEO, but they've recognized that we're in a partnership together.

Are there any areas SEO Werkz could improve?

It's a fairly new relationship, and I've been happy with SEO Werkz thus far.

What tips or recommendations could you share that might increase the likelihood of success with SEO Werkz?

SEO Werkz is flexible and willing to do what we ask them, making suggestions on how we can negotiate our deal and so on. Things aren't set in stone, but clients need to be proactive in doing those kinds of negotiations.

BACKGROUND

Could you provide a brief description of your organization?

Uintah Fireplaces is a retail showroom with 17 burning displays. We work with both residential and commercial clients selling, installing, and servicing all types of fireplaces and fireplace-related products.

What is your position and responsibilities?

I am the owner. I manage the showroom, do outside estimates, and keep the books.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

Could you describe the business challenge that you were trying to address with SEO Werkz?

When I purchased this business two years ago, the business had great name recognition, but a terrible Internet presence. If you are not on the front page of a Google search, you don't exist. I needed a website redesign and to move up in Internet ranking.

Could you describe the scope of the work performed by SEO Werkz?

I rely on SEO Werkz to maintain and update my website, host my email, and increase my Internet search ranking.

SOLUTION

What was your process for selecting SEO Werkz? 

I was referred to an SEO [search engine optimization] provider when I purchased this company. After three months, I couldn't see any difference, and they couldn't really tell me what they had done other than take my money. A business associate recommended SEO Werkz. Paul [Staten, managing director at SEO Werkz] made an excellent presentation. He had researched my business and came prepared to discuss exactly how they could help me. The investment each month was quite a bit more than I had been spending or ever expected to spend, but the results have been much better than I anticipated.

When was the work started and completed or is it ongoing?

I started with SEO Werkz in November 2013, and our relationship is ongoing. It has expanded and continued to improve.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Do you have any statistics or metrics on the project?

I receive a very professional report each month detailing what they have done and how it has affected the results. I have not only moved to the first page of Google, but am continually ranked number one in the majority of my keywords. For those not at a number one rank, I am no lower than number four.

Is there anything that you would consider unique about SEO Werkz that makes them stand out?

Their customer service is outstanding. On the rare occasion that I need to leave a message, it is returned promptly, and my service requests are usually handled with an hour.

In hindsight, are there areas in which you think SEO Werkz could improve upon as a service provider?

No. I am very happy with all aspects of their service.

What advice, if any, would you give to a future client of theirs?

Don't wait. Get started right away. These guys deliver.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of Freewater Coin Co.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Retail store- coins, gold, silver, etc.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Upward Engine to accomplish?

• Consulting on web traffic

SOLUTION

How did you find Upward Engine?

Referral

Why did you select Upward Engine over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Upward Engine were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

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

I have used them on and off for several months on a consultative basis. They provided a strategy/framework on how to build our local presence in the market starting with google reviews and then working up to SEO. It has been great working with them

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The rollout of the google review initiative has been great. We are in the early stage of implementing an SEO strategy 

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

Yes, they're very responsive and great to work with

What was your primary form of communication with Upward Engine?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their culture is awesome. Starts from the CEO who is a great leader imo. It has translated to how communicative they have been with us.

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

Not that I can think of

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Marketing Director of Custom Marketing Solutions

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a digital marketing agency for Home Service Companies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Upward Engine to accomplish?

• Backlinking for SEO Clients

SOLUTION

How did you find Upward Engine?

Referral

Why did you select Upward Engine over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

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

We have several SEO clients that have backlinking included in their SEO packages. We came to Upward Engine to help fulfill the backlinking load that we had for these clients. We submit the details of what the links need to have and they fulfill it every month. They have provided us with hundreds of high quality for our clients.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The overall domain authority scores of our SEO have gone up exponentially since beginning with Upward Engine. As we have compounded the new links, the backend authority and presence has improved drastically.

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

They always deliver on time and are very proactive.

What was your primary form of communication with Upward Engine?

Email or Messaging App

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

Their proactiveness on projects and ability to be extremely transparent about everything happening.

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

Nothing comes to mind. They’re excellent.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Partner of Owl Planners

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Organizational product sales

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Upward Engine to accomplish?

• SEO
• Branding and design
• Website creation and optimization

SOLUTION

How did you find Upward Engine?

Referral

Why did you select Upward Engine over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Upward Engine were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

Working with UE to deliver a brand ready for market.  Helped with web and brand design, graphic design, SEO, back end web developement, content writing, business marketing strategy, etc.  

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

My brand is shining after working with UE.  They have been a great partner and am excited to continue working with them.  

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

Every part of the project was well communicated and delivered on time.  They were always available to answer my questions, provide education and direction, and overall keep me excited about the work.  

What was your primary form of communication with Upward Engine?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting

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

Special thank you to the design team.  Rod and his team have been incredible to work with.  

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

I dont have any areas of improvement to recommend.  The team has been great to our business venture.  Would highly recommend!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Account Lead of an advertising & marketing company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a performance marketing agency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Upward Engine to accomplish?

• To improve SEO

SOLUTION

How did you find Upward Engine?

Online Search

Why did you select Upward Engine over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget

How many teammates from Upward Engine were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

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

They were brought on to assist with content writing, backlink building, and enhancing the overall SEO for multiple websites. We had the flexibility to choose the number of keywords to focus on for improving rankings for each site.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It's a little too early to measure outcomes, however, we're very happy with the efficiency with which they were able to provide recommendations and complete deliverables.

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

They delivered projects on-schedule and provided timely follow-up emails to ensure we remained on track. They responded to all of our questions clearly and thoughtfully.

What was your primary form of communication with Upward Engine?

Email or Messaging App

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

Their package pricing was a great fit for our needs, and we greatly valued their expert SEO recommendations and insights.

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

There is room for improvement in providing clearer and more consistent timelines and task updates to avoid any potential confusion on our end.