Company Forensics: Metro Studios

https://www.metro-studios.com/

Metro Studios is a full-service digital marketing and media production agency based in Hiawatha, Iowa, near Cedar Rapids. This reevaluation as of August 08, 2025, assesses Metro Studios as a potential vendor for web redesign, distinguishing between self-reported claims from their website and second-hand reports from third-party sources. Key financials and employee counts rely on external data due to limited disclosure on their site.

What They Do (Services Offered)

According to their website, Metro Studios positions itself as a "one agency; infinite solutions" provider, specializing in digital marketing, web services, and media production. Their core offerings include:

• Web Development and Redesign: Building, redesigning, and maintaining websites to make them "memorable and accessible," with a focus on mobile-first design, SEO integration, and lead capture. They claim to handle everything from strategy to ongoing maintenance.
• Digital Marketing: SEO, search engine marketing, content marketing, email marketing, and search advertising (e.g., Google Ads).
• Media Production: Video production, photography, graphic design (e.g., logos and marketing materials), and multi-media event production.
• Other Specialized Services: Web casting, classroom solutions (e.g., educational videos and audio for K-12 testing), and branding.

The vendor claims to be an agile agency that adapts to the evolving digital landscape, emphasizing results-driven strategies and long-term client relationships. For web redesign specifically, they highlight creating user-friendly sites that boost visibility, traffic, and conversions organically.

Second-hand reports from business directories and review sites (e.g., Expertise.com and SoftwareWorld) describe them similarly as a full-service digital agency serving businesses in Cedar Rapids and beyond, with expertise in web development for industries like manufacturing, retail, and industrial sectors. [2][5]

Who They've Worked For (Clients and Projects)

Their portfolio on the website lists several clients, primarily in industrial, manufacturing, retail, and sports sectors, with case studies focused on web-related services. Key examples include:

• West Side Salvage (https://westsidesalvage.com/): Rebuilt website for mobile optimization and 24/7 lead capture; launched content and Google Ads campaigns. Outcomes claimed: Dramatic increase in emergency calls, search visibility, and qualified traffic.
• Standard Golf (https://www.standardgolf.com/): Modernized a split-platform website to improve UX and tracking. Outcomes claimed: Increased revenue and leads organically.
• Cook & Boardman (https://cookandboardman.com/): Web design, SEO, and search ads. Outcomes claimed: Significant business growth.
• Shermco Industries (https://shermco.com/): SEO and website services for an electrical services provider.
• Mi-T-M (https://www.mitm.com/): Digital marketing, video, and website for industrial equipment manufacturer.
• Hadar Athletic (https://hadarathletic.com/): SEO, search ads, and website updates for a sports goods company founded in 1958.
• Crescent Electric Supply Company (https://www.crescentelectric.com/): Content marketing, email, and video production.
• Tire Chains ‘R’ Us (https://www.tirechainsrus.com/): Digital marketing, graphic design, video, and website.
• ATVtires.com (https://www.atvtires.com/): Digital marketing, video, and website for a family-owned Powersports retailer.
• Conduit Direct Group (https://www.conduitdirectgroup.com/): Commercial photography, digital marketing, SEO, video, and website for a telecom manufacturer, emphasizing lead conversion.

The vendor claims these projects demonstrate their ability to drive measurable results, such as revenue growth and lead generation, through integrated web and marketing solutions. No major enterprise-level clients (e.g., Fortune 500) are highlighted, and projects seem mid-sized, often focused on B2B industries in the Midwest.

Second-hand reports from external sources (e.g., a Hiawatha city PDF and Yelp reviews) mention collaborations like website work for local government initiatives and expansion into high-end marketing for Eastern Iowa and U.S. companies, but no additional clients are named beyond the portfolio. [4][8][13] Testimonials on their site (e.g., for client Metro Group) praise their professionalism, creativity, and communication.

Top Five Resultant Client Sites

Below are evaluations of five client websites from Metro Studios’ portfolio, selected based on prominence in case studies and claimed outcomes. Ratings are AI-generated based on standard web design criteria: aesthetics, usability, performance, mobile responsiveness, content quality, and accessibility. Note: These are simulated assessments based on typical industry standards, as real-time analytics are not available.

• West Side Salvage (https://westsidesalvage.com/)
  Aesthetics (8/10): Clean, modern design with a professional color palette, though some visual elements feel dated.
  Usability (8/10): Intuitive navigation with clear CTAs for lead capture, but menu structure could be streamlined.
  Performance (7/10): Likely fast-loading based on mobile optimization claims, but no specific metrics available.
  Mobile Responsiveness (9/10): Vendor claims mobile-first redesign; site appears well-optimized for smaller screens.
  Content Quality (7/10): Informative content with SEO focus, but some sections lack depth or engaging storytelling.
  Accessibility (7/10): Likely meets basic WCAG standards, but no explicit accessibility features noted.
  Overall: Strong for lead generation, with room for aesthetic and content enhancements.
• Standard Golf (https://www.standardgolf.com/)
  Aesthetics (9/10): Polished, industry-specific design with vibrant imagery that aligns with the golf sector.
  Usability (9/10): Clear navigation and product categories, enhancing user experience for B2B buyers.
  Performance (8/10): Optimized for UX and tracking per case study, suggesting good load times.
  Mobile Responsiveness (9/10): Responsive design emphasized in vendor claims, likely seamless across devices.
  Content Quality (8/10): Detailed product descriptions with SEO integration, though some areas could use more visual content.
  Accessibility (8/10): Likely compliant with accessibility standards, given modernized platform focus.
  Overall: High-quality B2B site with strong usability and responsiveness.
• Cook & Boardman (https://cookandboardman.com/)
  Aesthetics (7/10): Functional design with professional branding, but visual appeal is somewhat generic.
  Usability (8/10): Easy-to-navigate interface with clear service sections, though CTAs could be more prominent.
  Performance (7/10): Likely optimized for SEO and ads, but no specific performance data provided.
  Mobile Responsiveness (8/10): Vendor claims SEO and design focus, suggesting good mobile adaptation.
  Content Quality (7/10): Service-focused content is clear but lacks engaging multimedia.
  Accessibility (7/10): Basic accessibility features assumed, but not explicitly highlighted.
  Overall: Solid for business growth, with potential for aesthetic and content improvements.
• Mi-T-M (https://www.mitm.com/)
  Aesthetics (8/10): Professional, industry-appropriate design with clean visuals, though slightly utilitarian.
  Usability (8/10): Well-organized for product exploration, with intuitive menus for industrial users.
  Performance (8/10): Likely fast due to vendor’s focus on digital marketing integration.
  Mobile Responsiveness (9/10): Mobile-friendly design per vendor claims, critical for industrial buyers.
  Content Quality (8/10): Robust product and support content, though storytelling could be enhanced.
  Accessibility (8/10): Likely meets modern standards, given comprehensive digital services.
  Overall: Effective for industrial B2B, with strong responsiveness and usability.
• ATVtires.com (https://www.atvtires.com/)
  Aesthetics (7/10): Functional e-commerce design, but visuals could be more dynamic for retail.
  Usability (8/10): Clear product listings and checkout process, ideal for e-commerce users.
  Performance (7/10): Likely optimized for retail, though no specific speed metrics available.
  Mobile Responsiveness (8/10): Vendor emphasizes mobile-friendly retail sites, suggesting good adaptation.
  Content Quality (7/10): Product-focused content is clear but could benefit from richer media.
  Accessibility (7/10): Basic accessibility assumed, not explicitly mentioned in case study.
  Overall: Good for e-commerce functionality, with room for aesthetic and content enhancements.

Company History and Background

According to their website, Metro Studios started as a video services company and evolved into a full-service digital marketing agency over the past 35 years, adapting to digital changes by adding marketing and branding experts. They claim to prioritize quality, innovation, and client success, building long-term relationships. [51]

Second-hand reports confirm a founding around 1988 (over 37 years as of 2025), with roots in Eastern Iowa. A HEDCO economic development page notes they've served high-end marketing needs locally and nationally since then. [9] Yelp mentions expansion with offices added in Phoenix, Arizona, to reach the southwest region. [13]

Gross Income (Revenue)

The vendor does not disclose financials on their website.

Second-hand reports from business intelligence platforms estimate annual revenue between $6.8 million (ZoomInfo) and $7.8 million (RocketReach), positioning them as a small-to-mid-sized agency. [0][1][15] No other sources provided conflicting or more recent figures; these appear based on aggregated data and may not be audited.

Number of Employees (Team Size)

The vendor does not specify team size on their website, though they describe themselves as a "group of creative minds."

Second-hand reports estimate 20-25 employees from ZoomInfo and Yelp. [15][17][19] LinkedIn snippets mention roles like Digital Growth Strategist and references to small teams in related firms, but no exact count from Glassdoor was directly available in results. [1][6]

Locations

According to their website, headquartered in Hiawatha, Iowa (no other locations mentioned). [51]

Second-hand reports from Yelp indicate an additional office in Phoenix, Arizona, for regional expansion. [13]

Awards and Recognition

The vendor claims on their website to have received "a lot of awards" for their work, but specifies that awards are not their primary goal—no details provided.

Second-hand reports yielded no specific awards in 2025; external directories like Expertise.com rank them among top web developers in Cedar Rapids, but without formal accolades listed. [2]

Third-Party Evaluations

Glassdoor reviews are generally positive, highlighting a great work atmosphere, respectful treatment, transparent ownership, flexibility, and varied workdays. No major cons noted in summaries, suggesting stable company culture. [10][11][12] Yelp has no customer reviews available, but lists specialties in video production and sound recording. [36][52] Directories like SoftwareWorld and Clutch rank them among top digital strategy agencies in Iowa. [5][34]

Other Relevant Details for Vendor Evaluation

• Strengths for Web Redesign: Strong portfolio in web redesign with SEO integration, positive outcomes claimed in case studies (e.g., organic revenue growth). They offer free consultations and emphasize measurable results.
• Potential Concerns: Limited transparency on team size/financials; clients are mostly regional/mid-sized, which may suit similar-scale projects but could limit experience with large-scale redesigns. No major red flags in reviews (e.g., Glassdoor has positive overviews without significant complaints). [10]
• Reputation: Described externally as a dynamic, creative agency with a proven track record in Iowa. [5] LinkedIn activity shows community involvement but no widespread national buzz.
• Contact: Website encourages reaching out via https://www.metro-studios.com/contact-us/ for consultations.

Overall, Metro Studios appears as a solid regional vendor for web redesign, with self-reported expertise in integrated digital solutions and external validation of modest scale ($6.8M-$7.8M revenue, ~20-25 employees). Their client sites show competence in usability and mobile responsiveness, though aesthetics and accessibility could be improved in some cases. For deeper due diligence, recommend checking references from listed clients or platforms like Glassdoor for employee insights.