Impression Review: A Performance Marketing Agency That Delivers Results

Introduction

Impression is a B Corp-certified performance marketing agency with offices in Manchester, Nottingham, London, and New York. They specialize in SEO, Paid Media, Digital PR, Digital Strategy, and Performance Creative, helping brands maximize their marketing effectiveness through data-driven strategies.

Their approach combines creative problem-solving, proprietary technology, and a rigorous experimentation process to ensure measurable growth. With a minimum monthly retainer of £5,000, they cater to businesses looking for sustainable, high-impact marketing solutions.

Pros & Cons: What Clients Say About Impression

1. Measurable Growth & ROI

✅ Pros:

• Consistent YoY Growth: Multiple clients reported 66%+ lead growth (2021 vs. 2020) and 71%+ (2022 vs. 2021) while maintaining cost efficiency.
• Revenue & Conversion Boosts: One client saw a 119% revenue increase, 88% more transactions, and an 80% higher e-commerce conversion rate in just six months.
• Award-Winning Strategies: Their work during COVID was shortlisted for multiple industry awards, including "Best Use of Search" at the UK Search Awards.

❌ Cons:

• Data Overload: Some clients found detailed reports overwhelming and had to work with Impression to simplify insights for non-experts.

2. Project Management & Communication

✅ Pros:

• Agile & Responsive: Clients praised their quick turnaround on requests and ability to adapt to budget changes.
• Structured Workflow: Tools like Teamwork and content trackers keep projects organized, preventing miscommunication.
• Transparent Reporting: Monthly/bi-monthly reports ensure accountability, with daily updates for PR campaigns.

❌ Cons:

• Initial Overservicing: One client noted early inefficiencies where tasks took more hours than necessary, though this improved over time.
• Occasional Communication Hiccups: A few reviewers mentioned brief lapses in clarity, but noted ongoing improvements.

3. Strategic Expertise & Innovation

✅ Pros:

• Brand-First Approach: Clients loved how Impression shifted focus from promotions to premium messaging, boosting engagement and ROAS.
• Multi-Channel Mastery: Success in PPC, SEO, and Digital PR led to 22% more impressions YoY for one brand.
• Continuous Optimization: Even after hitting Page 1 rankings, they keep pushing for new growth opportunities.

❌ Cons:

• Brand Awareness Challenges: Some clients in competitive markets (e.g., retail) felt more could be done to boost CTR and brand recognition.

4. Client Relationships & Collaboration

✅ Pros:

• "Feels Like an Extension of Our Team": Clients repeatedly highlighted their friendly, proactive, and embedded approach.
• Honest Feedback Loop: Regular check-ins ensure alignment on priorities and expectations.
• Integration with Other Agencies: Smooth collaboration with external partners for fully integrated campaigns.

❌ Cons:

• None Major: Most clients had no significant complaints, with one noting, "We’re very happy with the way the account is progressing!"

Final Verdict: Is Impression Worth It?

Strengths:

✔ Proven track record in driving revenue, leads, and conversions.
✔ Agile, transparent, and client-centric workflow.
✔ Award-winning strategies with long-term impact.

Weaknesses:

✖ Complex reporting may require simplification for some stakeholders.
✖ Early-stage inefficiencies (though quickly resolved).

Who Should Hire Them?

• Brands needing scalable, data-backed growth (especially in e-commerce, lead gen, or competitive markets).
• Companies valuing B Corp ethics and collaborative partnerships.

The Bottom Line:

Impression delivers exceptional ROI and fosters trust-based relationships. While minor tweaks in communication and reporting could enhance the experience, their results speak louder than flaws.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – A top-tier agency for brands serious about performance marketing.