Column Five: A Comprehensive Review of the B2B Marketing Agency

Founded in 2009, Column Five is a B2B marketing agency specializing in brand and content marketing for SaaS companies. Known for its ability to craft compelling narratives and deliver high-quality, data-driven content, Column Five has built a reputation for helping businesses scale their marketing efforts and achieve measurable results. With a focus on storytelling, the agency aims to help brands connect with their audiences, build lasting relationships, and drive meaningful outcomes.

In this review, we’ll dive into the strengths and weaknesses of Column Five based on real customer feedback. Whether you’re considering partnering with them or simply curious about their services, this article will provide an in-depth look at what makes Column Five stand out—and where there’s room for improvement.

Pros and Cons of Column Five

1. Quality of Work

Pros

• High-Quality Deliverables: Customers consistently praise Column Five for the exceptional quality of their work. From data visualizations to animations and eBooks, the agency delivers polished, professional assets that align with brand guidelines. One client noted, “All designs and content developed for these assets were of high-quality. We were constantly impressed with the deliverables we received.”
• Attention to Detail: Column Five’s meticulous approach ensures that every project meets the highest standards. A nonprofit client shared, “Their attention to detail, organization, and flexibility are unmatched. The deliverables always follow our brand guidelines, look beautiful, and accomplish our needs.”
• Innovative Storytelling: The agency excels at transforming complex data into engaging, easy-to-understand narratives. A client working on a documentary said, “They came back with the most brilliant, succinct animation that we’d ever seen. It set up a solid foundation for the rest of the film.”

Cons

• Premium Pricing: While the quality justifies the cost, some clients noted that Column Five’s services come at a premium. One customer mentioned, “We’re paying premium prices for premium outcomes. At times, we need to make tradeoffs and give work to a different vendor simply because it’s more cost-effective.”

2. Project Management

Pros

• Exceptional Organization: Column Five is highly regarded for its project management skills. Clients appreciate the agency’s ability to set clear timelines, communicate effectively, and deliver on time—or even early. A client shared, “They’re incredibly organized in terms of timelines, budget, deliverables, and reporting. We had certain benchmarks for our summer campaign, and they reported back on how the ads were performing.”
• Flexibility and Adaptability: The agency is known for its ability to pivot quickly and adapt to changing needs. A startup client said, “They are flexible and understanding with us, especially because we’re a startup. We’ve never felt any resistance from them.”
• Transparent Communication: Column Five maintains open lines of communication, ensuring clients are always in the loop. One customer noted, “They’re very upfront and transparent about why we needed to do something on a specific deadline and how they were using time efficiently.”

Cons

• Deadline Setting: While Column Five is generally excellent at meeting deadlines, some clients felt the agency could be more assertive in setting and enforcing deadlines. A client mentioned, “They can be more firm on setting deadlines and next steps instead of me pushing the project along.”

3. Client Relationships

Pros

• True Partnership: Column Five is praised for its collaborative approach. Clients feel like they’re working with a partner rather than a vendor. One client said, “It’s a true partnership with this agency. They understand our business challenge and seek to work with us creatively to find solutions.”
• Friendly and Professional Team: The agency’s team is described as approachable, talented, and fun to work with. A client shared, “Everyone I’ve interacted with at Column Five has been so great to work with. They are flexible with timelines and process, always deliver on-time or discuss necessary shifts upfront.”
• Mission-Driven Approach: Nonprofit clients, in particular, appreciate Column Five’s commitment to their mission. One nonprofit client said, “I feel like they value our work and our mission in the same way that they might value a more established corporate client.”

Cons

• Technical Jargon: Some clients felt that Column Five could do a better job of breaking down technical terms for non-experts. A client noted, “It would’ve been good if they spent more time breaking the terms down for me and my team. There were a few times where they used words that we didn’t know the meaning of.”

4. Creativity and Innovation

Pros

• Outside-the-Box Thinking: Column Five is known for its innovative approach to marketing and storytelling. A client shared, “They’ve been super innovative in their suggestions to us. They really understand how to properly tell a story and plan for a brand.”
• Data Visualization Expertise: The agency’s ability to turn data into visually compelling content is a standout feature. One client said, “Column Five is the best in the business at bringing data to life in a way that is interesting and engaging.”
• Cutting-Edge Technology: Column Five stays ahead of the curve by leveraging the latest tools and techniques. A client noted, “They’re always on the cutting edge of technology for telling stories. From a year-to-year basis, the projects we’ve worked on with them have gotten better and have improved a lot.”

Cons

• Occasional Misses in Content: While rare, some clients felt that the agency’s content didn’t always hit the mark. A client mentioned, “On occasion, their writers and content haven’t quite hit the mark—but that’s a hard mark to hit. I can’t fault them too much.”

Conclusion: Is Column Five Worth It?

Column Five has established itself as a top-tier B2B marketing agency, delivering high-quality, innovative, and data-driven content that resonates with audiences. Their ability to manage projects efficiently, build strong client relationships, and push creative boundaries makes them a standout choice for businesses looking to elevate their marketing efforts.

However, the agency’s premium pricing and occasional use of technical jargon may be drawbacks for some clients. Additionally, while their flexibility is a strength, a firmer approach to deadlines could further enhance their project management.

Final Verdict:

If you’re looking for a creative partner that combines expertise, professionalism, and a passion for storytelling, Column Five is an excellent choice. Their ability to deliver measurable results and build lasting relationships makes them a valuable asset for any business—especially those in the SaaS and nonprofit sectors. Just be prepared to invest in their premium services and ensure clear communication to get the most out of the partnership.