Straight North Review

Straight North is a full-service digital marketing agency that has been helping businesses boost their online presence since 1997. With its headquarters in Downers Grove, Illinois, and additional offices in Chicago, Charlotte, and Baltimore, Straight North has become a trusted name in digital marketing. This review explores the company’s history, services, pricing, client portfolio, and the pros and cons of working with them, offering insights for businesses evaluating their marketing needs.

About Straight North

Straight North was founded in 1997 as Duffy Design Works, a graphic design agency located in the western suburbs of Chicago. In 2008, founder Kevin Duffy partnered with entrepreneur David Duerr to form Straight North, which merged graphic design with web development and internet marketing services. This shift laid the groundwork for Straight North to evolve into a comprehensive digital marketing agency serving both B2B and B2C clients.

Services Offered by Straight North

Straight North provides a wide range of digital marketing services designed to drive traffic, generate leads, and boost e-commerce revenue. Here’s a closer look at their primary offerings:

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Straight North uses advanced SEO strategies to enhance organic search rankings and drive targeted traffic to client websites. Their services include keyword research, on-page optimization, technical SEO audits, and link-building campaigns.

2. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising

Straight North manages paid search campaigns across platforms like Google Ads and Bing Ads. Their approach includes keyword selection, ad copy creation, and ongoing campaign optimization to maximize return on investment (ROI).

3. Web Design and Development

The agency specializes in creating responsive and user-friendly websites tailored to meet clients’ branding and business goals. Their web design services emphasize functionality, aesthetics, and mobile-friendliness.

4. Email Marketing

Straight North develops and executes email campaigns designed to nurture leads and improve customer engagement. Their services include email list segmentation, content creation, and performance tracking.

5. Graphic Design

Straight North offers graphic design services to enhance brand identity. Their expertise includes logo design, brochures, marketing collateral, and other creative assets.

Pricing Structure

Straight North’s pricing is customized based on each client’s needs and goals. Here’s a general breakdown:

• SEO Services: Monthly costs typically start at $1,500. Most clients invest between $4,000 and $8,000 per month, with larger campaigns exceeding $40,000 monthly.
• Web Design: Pricing depends on the type of website:
  • Core Websites: Starting at $6,000
  • Growth Websites: Starting at $12,000
  • Growth Plus with On-Site SEO: Starting at $16,000

Businesses should contact Straight North for a detailed quote tailored to their specific requirements.

Client Portfolio

Straight North has worked with clients from a variety of industries, including:

• Automotive
• Business Services
• Dental and Medical Practices
• Education
• Financial Services
• Hospitality
• Manufacturing
• Real Estate
• E-Commerce

The agency’s diverse portfolio reflects its ability to serve small businesses, mid-sized companies, and large enterprises.

Pros of Choosing Straight North

1. Proven Track Record

With over two decades of experience, Straight North has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses across various sectors.

2. Comprehensive Service Offerings

The agency’s extensive range of services ensures clients can meet all their digital marketing needs under one roof.

3. Focus on Lead Generation

Straight North emphasizes lead generation in its marketing strategies, making them ideal for businesses prioritizing customer acquisition.

4. Transparent Reporting

Clients benefit from detailed performance reports, which provide clear insights into campaign effectiveness and ROI.

5. Dedicated Teams

Straight North’s team structure ensures that each client receives personalized attention and support.

Cons of Working with Straight North

1. High Cost

Straight North’s pricing may be prohibitive for small businesses with limited marketing budgets. Their services cater primarily to mid-sized and larger organizations.

2. Limited Focus on Small Businesses

While they do serve small businesses, their core expertise and pricing structure are better suited to larger enterprises.

3. Lack of Real-Time Communication Tools

Clients seeking real-time updates and communication may find their process less agile compared to smaller, boutique agencies.

Is Straight North Right for Your Business?

Straight North is a great fit for businesses looking for a data-driven digital marketing partner with a focus on lead generation and e-commerce success. Their extensive service offerings, experienced team, and proven strategies make them an excellent choice for mid-sized and large organizations. However, smaller businesses may find their services less accessible due to higher costs.

Final Thoughts

Straight North has built a solid reputation in the digital marketing industry, offering a full suite of services to help businesses grow online. Their expertise in SEO, PPC, web design, and lead generation makes them a strong contender for companies aiming to achieve measurable results. While their pricing may be out of reach for smaller budgets, their commitment to quality and performance ensures a high return on investment for those who partner with them.

This Straight North review provides a comprehensive overview to help you decide if their services align with your business goals.