Corkboard Concepts

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the executive director of the nonprofit Community Action Network for Drug-free Lifestyle Empowerment, Inc. (CANDLE, Inc.) and I am the developer of our parent/child drug prevention program called Reality Tour that is replicated in 9 states and has served tens of thousands of families..

Our mission is to provide contemporary and replicable drug prevention education that reaches families in significant numbers. Our goal is to deter youth experimentation with drugs and alcohol.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Corkboard Concepts?

We had to overcome Google's algorithm that negated keywords we commonly used in describing our drug prevention efforts. While our nonprofit has use of a monthly 10K grant for Google Ads, the ads were usually 'disallowed' by Google' due to keywords Google wrongly interpreted as promoting drug use.

No one on staff or in our network had the skills to manage this problem. Several attempts to hire Google Ad specialists were disappointing as well. Corkboard Concepts has worked diligently to express our message via Google Ads with acceptable keywords.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to develop Google Ads with acceptable keywords that described our prevention outreach and initiated a response. This was critical to promote our Reality Tour Program Model to other communities to both fulfill our mission and provide sustainability for our organization.

Up until 2017, Reality Tour's Program Model appeared on the federal government's list of evidence-based prevention programs that communities could use to view and select programs. The list of prevention programs was taken down without notice by the government in 2017. We lost our national exposure.

SOLUTION

How did you select Corkboard Concepts?

Corkboard Concepts was referred to us by our videographer, who knew of our issues and had worked on projects with the agency. I had just had a disappointing experience with an SEO 'specialist' and a Google Ad manager and was truly was ready to give up.

The initial Zoom meeting with Corkboard Concepts and their level of interest in our mission and what we were trying to accomplish for families was one of the factors. In addition, Jordan and Zack were immediately brainstorming to overcome our issues. As executive director, I made the hiring decision.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

In subsequent Zoom meetings, Corkboard Concepts showed the trending keywords, the most successful keywords and I gave input as to how the direction of keywords would also match our mission and website offerings.

The campaign created around promoting our Program Model has proven to bump interest via Google Ads and I am now working with two communities who responded via our website. Also, the Google Ad campaign created for our vaping toolkits for parents had doubled in orders.

What further evolved was a suggestion for me to write blogs that again blended our message with high performing keywords. Inclusion of a glossary on our website was suggested to improve SEO and I was able to engage Slippery Rock University students in helping to create an informative and innovative glossary of drugs that incorporated our prevention tools.

What was the team composition?

I have worked with Jordan and Zack monthly. They recently agreed to host out intern for a day. She is working on a campaign on YouTube. to pair with Corkboard Concepts staff to go over her campaign design and offer insight and suggestions.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

It is clear that our 6 month association with the agency has moved us in the right direction. Now our paid clicks are the highest performer on analytics. By the response received though our contact form on our website, serious interest in our Program Model is evident .

Also we have doubled orders for our Vaping Prevention Toolkit for parents.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The agency created a custom dashboard to easily track performance for any selected time period. I had questions on some of the tracking and they were immediately answered via email as have all of my requests to date.

I use a shared Google doc to recap our phone meetings and track tasks on my end. An issue with a conflicting, inactive Google Ad account was discovered on my end and I had an immediate phone call after sending an email and was directed as to how to mange the account.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Owners Jordan and Zack are regular people! They have the tech knowledge and the people skills necessary to bypass 'tech-speak' and converse in relatable terms.

I can easily gain the technical term background from their blog and website if I have further interest. Mainly, I would have to say is 'they get us' and took the time to know us.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Done differently? When our agency's needs are being met and communication is easy - that is more than any previous hire has been able to mange.

We are 6 months into our association and I have no suggestions at this time - unless they could also develop a COVID vaccine in their spare time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Director at a fairly large non profit with programs in early childhood education and workforce development. I oversee our workforce division though also provide technical support to the other branches of the company as well.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Corkboard Concepts?

We were looking into the Google Grants while also optimizing and preparing our website for not only something that was friendly to Google's algorithm but also to many of our clients who were looking for more online solutions than the old paper and pencil application.

Our IT department is small and a lot of this was really outside their scope, and this is where Corkboard came in and acted as de facto employees of our company to provide not just the advice, but also took the lead on developing much of the content and individual projects needed to get us in a better place technologically speaking. These were things that just simply weren't going to get done without their help and direction.

What were your goals for this project?

Many of our programs have enrollment numbers that can be difficult to fill during certain economic times, so we as a company were looking into ways to get the word out about our programs in a way that we've traditionally not had to do in the past.

There had already been a trend towards more paperless solutions, then Covid hit and that ramped up the need, but it's a lot to navigate when every grant or project requires different protocols especially with the highly sensitive information and data we were collecting off people to see if they qualify.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I had heard of these guys and worked with another client who had used them and heard good things, so when I reached out and had an initial conversation with the owners, I knew I had to bring them in to the rest of management for them to meet them and hear their proposals.

It was clear they had a lot of digital advertising knowledge, but they also had a lot of knowledge in regular advertising buys, website advice, SEO advice, and really just all things marketing. It was very comprehensive.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Corkboard helped us hit all those goals and then some, while also helping with overall brand of the company. They not only provided technical support, but just overall sound business advice and solutions that we would have not thought of otherwise.

What was the team composition?

We worked directly with the owners and some of their reps, but always very responsive, attended meetings on time, and were always prepared.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Nothing measurable, just that our workflows made so much better sense and brought us into a much better place digitally.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Great. Like I said, always responsive and always professional.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Like I said above, their general knowledge about the industry and how quickly they caught on to the depth of our company was impressive. Usually people have a hard time understanding everything that we do but they got it right off the bat and saw very quickly where we were bleeding and losing people. So it was that quick learning curve that really impressed us.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not really, it is still all going very smoothly and we have a good relationship with them so far.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the customer experience coordinator and creative director at a Chrysler Dodge Ram dealership. We sell new and certified preowned vehicles.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenges were you trying to address with Corkboard Concepts?

We wanted to gain control of our digital footprint so we could better compete with others in the area.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They help us implement weekly changes based on market needs. Recently, we’ve changed the way we’re advertising on Facebook. In the past, we’ve done display ad campaigns. We get constant feedback from them on how we can better approach those campaigns. 

What is the team composition?

I primarily work with Zach and Jordan. 

How did you come to work with Corkboard Concepts?

They actually approached us. They felt that they would be able to do a better job for us. We liked their approach and that they were a small, dedicated team. 

What is the status of this engagement?

It’s been at least two years, and we’re still working together. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I think it's been a wonderful experience and I think that's our conversion rate really speaks to the impact that they've had for us as a dealership. They’re far better than the previous companies we’ve worked with. It’s helpful that they’re local, rather than a national company. The team is flexible and able to adapt on the fly. 

How did Corkboard Concepts perform from a project management standpoint?

We use a few virtual tools. However, typically, we communicate via text or email. We also have a shared drive where we can keep information on our campaigns. They’re responsive and can meet with us in person regularly if needed. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re dedicated to moving us forward. They’re doing a great job and it shows in the results. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, we haven’t seen anything that we feel could be done better. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers? 

Sit down with them and listen to their advice. They may have ideas that you hadn’t thought of. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of marketing for a religious organization. We’re a Catholic organization with 78 parishes within our dioceses throughout four counties, and we serve about 140,000 parishioners. Our organization produces a half-hour television show, publishes a monthly newspaper and quarterly magazine, and is on several social media channels.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Corkboard Concepts?

We needed Corkboard Concepts’ guidance in optimizing our ranking in Google searches, establishing address locations, and managing our social media platforms. Basically, we brought them on to ensure we were at the forefront of all our marketing efforts. This included coming up with a social media calendar and joining all of our social pages together.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The main goal was to improve engagement and get a larger audience to view and interact with our posts. Once we started the TV show, it became important to promote it for awareness. We wanted our target audience to share that it was something new, fresh, and exciting for the dioceses and local community at large. Their social media management was mostly for our Facebook, but also included our Instagram and Twitter.

What is the team composition?

Jordan (CMO), Victoria (Campaign & Creative Specialist), and Zach (CEO) are the three individuals I work with. However, I’ve met all the Corkboard Concepts teammates and know anyone would be capable of helping at any point in time.

How did you come to work with Corkboard Concepts?

I know Jordan from a previous company. I knew what he was capable of beforehand so he was somebody we wanted on our team. He’s very smart, reliable, and up-to-date on trends.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our ongoing partnership began in June 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Corkboard Concepts’ efforts have helped us gain more followers and grow our audience reach. As soon as a post goes up, we immediately receive about 40 likes. We’ve become a point of reference for a lot of people’s social platforms.

When we promote a show, our content is being seen. People are aware of what’s going on within our diocese. We’ve become so popular that a lot of people are now tuning in to our TV program due to the social reach.

Corkboard Concepts really cares for our company and became a part of our team. They’ve brought us into the new age with new content such as videos. We still have our newspaper to engage with our older audience, but as a whole, Corkboard Concepts has brought us into the digital age.

How did Corkboard Concepts perform from a project management standpoint?

We communicate through phone calls, conference calls, and emails. I could pick up the phone at any point of the day and someone would answer. They’re pretty much on call 24/7.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m most impressed with their partnership skills and the way they’ve become one with our company. Corkboard Concepts really cares for their customers and their products. They stand by their service and will find a way to bring new ideas that we perhaps didn’t think of.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there are no areas for improvement.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They will stand by your company 100%. The Corkboard Concepts team is who you want to call to help your business grow in multiple ways from website development to social media to videography. They’re a company that will bring you to the next level to grow yourself or build awareness if you’re a new company. Their team is here to help.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work for an automotive group based in Pittsburgh. We have 7 rooftops. I am the director of digital business and marketing.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Corkboard Concepts?

We partnered with Corkboard Concepts to better understand our customers, connect with a new audience, and have a further reach into mediums previously untapped.

What were your goals for this project?

Corkboard Concepts does a number of things for our team. Better web design, cleaner creative work and understanding analytics were our goals.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We selected Corkboard because of their attention to detail on large and small projects. They can scale more easily than their competitors.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Corkboard provides web design, creative work with still images and also drone and video work that is excellent. We have used this on past and current projects. They also provide SEO, SEM, OTT and other forms of digital advertising for our business.

What was the team composition?

I work closely with nearly all their team members. We have weekly meetings to discuss performace, current projects, and long term goals.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Sales have steadily increased during our partnership.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

This is the main reason for partnering with Corkboard. Their team is easy to reach and have meaningful discussions. Their people is what sets them apart.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The ability to learn and understand our business and adapt to a constantly evolving economy is critical. Corkboard does this exceptionally well.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None at this time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Partner of Cannabis Law PA

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

regulatory litigation law firm with a specialized practice area in cannabis law

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Corkboard Concepts to accomplish?

• website development
• social media marketing

SOLUTION

How did you find Corkboard Concepts?

Referral

Why did you select Corkboard Concepts over others?

Great culture fit

What was the size of Corkboard Concepts’s team?

2-5 Employees

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

Website development for three separate websites and social media marketing advice.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

• completion of websites

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

Excellent

What was your primary form of communication with Corkboard Concepts?

In-Person Meeting

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

hands on customer service and indepth marketing expertise

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

They perform beyond my expectations.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work in business development/marketing for a healthcare company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Corkboard Concepts, and what were your goals?

We were a new startup company in need of an entire marketing strategy.

SOLUTION

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

We were referred to this vendor by one of our business partners and immediately knew it was a great fit.

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

First, we sat down with their team to discuss what our business model was and what we were trying to accomplish. From there, we worked with the team to identify key areas to focus our marketing and advertising efforts in to see the best returns. We worked together to set budgets and come up with a plan to rebuild and optimize our website, create Google/Bing paid search campaigns, local advertising placement, social media/Google review strategy, etc.

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

We have worked with their entire team from the partners to their interns. All have been great.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Paid search - which is managed by Corkboard - has been our top performing appointment generation tool since we started working together leading to 60%+ appointments coming from those campaigns.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It has been as effective as we could possibly make it. Our business moves very fast and can be demanding at times - the Corkboard team has been extremely flexible and great with communication throughout the process.

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

They can handle essentially all of our marketing needs, which helps give our leadership team peace of mind that we have resources in place without having to hire an entire internal team. We view them as partners rather than vendors. They constantly go above and beyond with our best interests in mind.

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

Not that I can think of.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the owner of BluMars Media

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Corkboard Concepts?

Design and program landing pages and web sites along with a digital campaign

What were your goals for this project?

Create traffic on a new service

SOLUTION

How did you select Corkboard Concepts?

Highly recommended by a PR firm

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Design, write and program landing pages and web sites along with a digital campaign. Budget and manage ad spend for digital campaign

What was the team composition?

4-5

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The traffic to my site increased several fold.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Fast, creative and professional. Everything hit the mark on schedule and execution.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We were very impressed with the level of insight and tools for creating and measuring results.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Everything I requested they responded to.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder of a women's health educational company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Corkboard Concepts, and what were your goals?

• Ongoing SEO advisory

SOLUTION

How did you select Corkboard Concepts and what were the deciding factors?

They were a referral from a satisfied Corkboard client.

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

• Looking for SEO opportunities for our company goals and budget

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

A marketing strategist worked on our project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We now have a better understanding of how to use social media for new content and a better understanding of Google Analytics.

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

Jordan makes complicated topics easy to understand. He's available and flexible in terms of finding time to connect.

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

They have a willingness to educate along the way so that we can do more on our own.