How The Xcite Group secured $745K and 100% retention with Vendasta AI tools
The Xcite Group is a Denver-based digital marketing agency founded in 2011.
Originally a pay-per-click (PPC) specialist, it evolved into a full-service digital marketing firm.
A Vendasta partner since 2013.
The Challenge:
Initially, The Xcite Group relied on manual processes for directory listings and reputation management, consuming valuable time and resources. Updating directories was especially tedious, requiring constant corrections.
The agency needed a reliable technology partner to enhance their services without adding overhead, scalable automation to reduce manual workload, and a long-term partner aligned with their commitment to transparency and education-first marketing.
That’s when they found Vendasta—a platform that would support and evolve with them for over a decade.
Driving growth, retention, and efficiency with Vendasta’s solutions
$745K
Gross market
revenue
100%
Client retention
with Vendasta AI
Unmatched service, undeniable value, and lasting trust keep every client utilizing Vendasta products engaged and satisfied
20%
Increase in
conversions
Background
As the agency expanded its offerings, the team found itself drowning in manual processes. Updating directory listings, managing client expectations, and tracking lead performance became increasingly time-consuming and inefficient.
Clients wanted real-time insights, faster response times, and cutting-edge marketing solutions, but The Xcite Group’s internal workflows were holding them back. They knew they needed a smarter way to operate—a solution that could eliminate inefficiencies while preserving their core values of education and accountability.
That’s when they discovered Vendasta. What started as a simple directory management solution soon became the foundation for a long-term strategic partnership. As Michael Klabon, Partner at The Xcite Group, put it:
“Vendasta helped us bridge the gap between software and manual processes, showing us smarter, more efficient ways to reduce human effort and let technology do its job.”
With Vendasta’s platform, The Xcite Group didn’t just automate tasks—they unlocked new growth opportunities, streamlined lead management, and positioned themselves as industry leaders in AI-driven marketing.
Objectives
The Xcite Group sought smarter, scalable solutions to improve efficiency, engagement, and growth.
- Increase efficiency: Automate manual processes to free up resources for strategic growth.
- Boost client engagement: Enhance responsiveness with AI-powered tools and CRM integration.
- Scale revenue growth: Improve retention and streamline operations for higher profitability.
- Lead in AI innovation: Leverage Vendasta’s expertise to stay ahead in digital marketing.
Recognizing the need to evolve beyond directory management, The Xcite Group aimed to integrate AI and automation while maintaining the hands-on, transparent approach that set them apart.
Execution
To scale efficiently and improve client engagement, The Xcite Group strategically integrated Vendasta’s automation and AI-driven solutions into its operations.
1. AI-powered directory & Reputation Management
By implementing Listing Sync Pro, the agency eliminated hours of manual updates for client listings. Instead of continuously revisiting directories, the team leveraged Vendasta’s automation to ensure accuracy and prevent listing inconsistencies.
This shift allowed The Xcite Group to reduce manual workload, improve client satisfaction, and enhance local SEO for clients.
2. AI Receptionist: 24/7 availability
With Vendasta’s AI Receptionist, The Xcite Group transformed its lead handling process:
- Automated lead qualification and customer interactions.
- 24/7 availability for after-hours inquiries, eliminating lost leads.
- Real-time CRM sync ensuring sales teams had complete visibility into lead conversations.
“Shortly after launching AI Receptionist, I got a notification—‘You have a meeting scheduled.’ I hadn’t lifted a finger. It was a plumbing company, and the AI assistant, Sophia, had handled the conversation, qualified the lead, and booked the appointment for me,” says Michael. “I did nothing. It was wonderful.”
3. CRM integration: centralizing client data and lead nurturing
Managing client interactions across multiple disconnected systems led to workflow inefficiencies. By integrating their CRM within Vendasta’s platform, they centralized years of client records, eliminated duplicate data entry, and connected Snapshot Reports directly to their CRM for seamless prospect tracking.
“Now, when a prospect interacts with our Snapshot Report, they are seamlessly added to our CRM, allowing us to nurture and convert leads more effectively,” says Michael.
4. Bridging the gap between software and service
As The Xcite Group embraced automation, a key shift in their approach was transitioning clients from fully managed services to more self-service tools. To ease this shift, the agency introduced Vendasta’s Business App as a value-add, allowing clients to access real-time insights and reputation management tools while still receiving hands-on support.
Business App was met with excitement and became an immediate valuable resource: “Business App is opening doors to these smaller businesses. Now, they have resources right at their fingertips that they wouldn’t have had otherwise,” says Michael.
5. Seamless AI adoption without disrupting clients
Vendasta’s Business App helped transition small business owners to embrace AI-powered tools without overwhelming them.
By positioning AI as a support system rather than a replacement for human interaction, the agency eased concerns and showcased how AI-powered solutions could enhance customer experiences rather than replace them.
Through automation, AI-driven tools, and a seamless transition strategy, The Xcite Group improved efficiency and positioned itself as an industry leader in AI-driven marketing. The results? A smarter, scalable business model, stronger client relationships, and more time dedicated to growth.
Results & impact
The Xcite Group transformed from a manual, time-intensive operation to a streamlined, AI-driven powerhouse with Vendasta. Automation, faster lead response, and seamless scaling now drive their success.
| Metric | Before Vendasta | After Vendasta |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Workload | High (Manual directory updates) | Reduced by 60% |
| Technology Reliance | Multiple disjointed tools | Fully integrated Vendasta suite |
| Lead Response Time | Hours or days | Instant with AI Receptionist |
| Lead to Appointment Conversion | 50% | 70% |
| Client Retention | 70% | 100% retention of clients using Vendasta’s AI products |
For Michael Klabon and his team, Vendasta is more than just a technology provider—it’s a trusted strategic partner that has fueled their growth for over a decade.
“We’ve worked with many tech partners over the years, but only two have truly earned our full trust—Vendasta is one of them. Their integrity, innovation, and commitment to our success keep us ahead of the curve,” says Michael.
The Xcite Group has transformed its operations with Vendasta, evolving from a high-touch, manual service model to a highly scalable, AI-driven digital marketing powerhouse.
What’s next?
As The Xcite Group continues to evolve, the focus remains on deeper AI integration, automation, and enhanced client engagement. With Vendasta as a trusted partner, the agency plans to expand its use of AI-driven solutions, further optimizing lead management and customer interactions.
By fully integrating CRM automation, AI-powered assistants, and advanced marketing tools, the full-service digital marketing agency aims to provide even greater value to its clients while scaling operations efficiently.
The long-term vision? A seamless, technology-driven agency that empowers businesses with smarter, more effective digital marketing solutions—while staying true to its core values of transparency, education, and client success.
“For over a decade, Vendasta has been more than just a tech partner—they’ve been a catalyst for our growth, helping us streamline operations, embrace AI, and stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.”
Michael Klabon
Partner at The Xcite Group
Best-selling products:
Conclusion
Looking ahead, the agency is set to deepen its AI adoption, refine automation, and enhance client engagement, ensuring they stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry. With Vendasta, they’re not just keeping up—they’re leading the way.
Ready to scale your digital marketing agency with ease? Let’s make it happen—partner with us today!