ClickThrough Marketing
Case Study

Building Resilience and Seamless Operations

Introduction to ClickThrough Marketing

ClickThrough Marketing has been at the forefront of digital marketing for over 21 years. Starting as an SEO-focused agency, it has grown into a full-service digital marketing partner for businesses nationwide.

With offices in Lichfield and Manchester and a hybrid working model, the agency requires an IT infrastructure that supports its evolving needs - especially in a world coming off the back of a pandemic - which is where Fifosys stepped in to provide a tailored, robust solution.

Company Overview

Debbie Bissell, HR and Operations Director at ClickThrough Marketing, describes the business as one with a dual focus on people and performance.

"ClickThrough is a digital marketing agency. We've been in existence for 21 years. We started out just focusing on SEO, and as the digital journey has progressed, so has the business." Debbie also emphasises the operational side of her role, saying, "[My role] encompasses IT… making sure that [the team has] the IT equipment and setup that enables them to do their job."

The company's hybrid model—with employees working from home and multiple office locations—called for seamless IT solutions, strong communication channels, and scalability to support future growth. Options that may seem perfectly suitable for a forward-thinking marketing company but weren't on the table with their incumbent MSP.

The Transition to Fifosys

Three years ago, Debbie led the process of switching from a previous IT provider to Fifosys. The decision was driven by the need for better security, modern infrastructure, and a partner that could future-proof the business.

Reflecting on the choice, Debbie says, "Part of the reason for choosing to work with Fifosys is the language they spoke. It wasn't always heavily technical or like they were trying to confuse us. Everybody that we've worked with has been able to explain in layman's terms [what the solution is] and how it benefits the business."

Spearheaded by Debbie, the procurement process for the right MSP to partner and enable ClickThrough to reach its goals was far from straightforward... Until they found Fifosys.

"I was doing the procurement process with a scoring matrix and interviewing Nick [our account manager] and the Fifosys team to understand what they could bring to us and how they could support us."

The partnership began with small projects to gauge Fifosys' capabilities. "We did a couple of projects with them to test the waters. After being impressed by the turnaround, the team and how they worked, we had a huge reason to transition away from our previous IT provider properly, as they weren't fit for where we needed to go as a business; Fifosys were the answer."

Security and Infrastructure Improvements

The transition to Fifosys also addressed critical gaps in security and infrastructure. Debbie recalls, "It was about moving away from antiquated servers and not having the level of security we needed."

When discussing the advancements Fifosys implemented, she points out, "Now, every project has added value [and] added security. It sounds daft to say, but everything we've done with Fifosys just makes us run better and gives me peace of mind."

Projects such as implementing Azure security measures and incorporating two-factor authentication have equipped ClickThrough Marketing with robust tools to secure their operations. Debbie admits, "Sometimes the added security or 2FA is a bit of a headache and makes us pull our hair out… but what that means is I have a confidence that it's protecting us."

Communication and Support

A key component of Fifosys' success has been its approach to communication. Debbie explains, "We have great relationships with everybody that we encounter… Nick and the Fifosys team fully understand ClickThrough, who we are, how we operate, and what matters to us."

Regular monthly check-ins and ad hoc conversations have built a trust-filled partnership. Debbie adds, "If something's stuck, I'll just drop Nick an email and it just gets dealt with. Internally, people have a confidence that Fifosys will sort it."

This transparency and accessibility have created peace of mind for the team. "Whether it's a simple issue or a complex one… they work with us to understand what the solution is. It gives me peace of mind to then explain to our MD and CEO," Debbie notes.

Cybersecurity Integration

One area of particular importance has been cybersecurity. Fifosys seamlessly integrates these services into their overall offerings, an approach Debbie values deeply. "It's not a bolt-on. Cybersecurity is just woven into the things we consider… it's constant, it's all the time."

Debbie acknowledges the proactive nature of Fifosys' support, saying, "If we ever get anything dubious, we can just raise it. Things can be blocked or need updating - but we work to do everything we can to minimise the risk of things getting in the way from our side so Fifosys can protect us."

This emphasis on training and vigilance has been instrumental in keeping the business secure. Debbie shares, "We've created customised training specific to our business - Fifosys supports this by understanding our risks and providing relevant advice to filter through the team."

Internal Adoption and Support

The support from Fifosys extended beyond technology to day-to-day interactions. Initially, on-site technicians played a vital role in building trust. "We had office days, and there would always be a technician on site… they'd do floor walks to check in on employees and identify any issues. It really helped cement people's faith that we hadn't just chosen any old MSP. We'd chosen the right MSP," Debbie says.

This approach encouraged employees to engage with IT support more openly. "Having face-to-face communication alongside the support desk was the thing that really cemented it," she explains. Now, employees feel empowered and confident to report issues, knowing they will be resolved promptly.

The Fifosys Difference

Over the years, the partnership has grown into an extension of ClickThrough Marketing's team. Debbie sums it up perfectly, describing it as "friendly, trusted, and part of our team." She continues, "[Fifosys is] an extension of our business. Whatever the future might bring… we're now ready without thinking, 'Oh, my God, we've got two years of projects to complete.'"

By embedding itself in ClickThrough Marketing's culture and operations, Fifosys has delivered tailored solutions, strengthened infrastructure, and helped position the business for long-term success.