Case Study: Empire Growth Marketing x B&H ColorLab
Client Overview
B&H ColorLab is a leading photography and print lab with a long-standing reputation for quality and service. In 2011, as the photography industry rapidly shifted online, B&H ColorLab wanted to expand beyond its traditional business model and establish a direct-to-consumer (DTC) eCommerce division.
The Challenge
In 2011, eCommerce was still in its early stages:

• Online marketplaces lacked the ease and infrastructure that brands enjoy today.

• B&H ColorLab’s catalog existed only in print and needed to be digitized.

• The company needed to generate consistent online traffic and sales while preserving its strong reputation with loyal customers.

The challenge was not just building an online store—it was creating a digital-first business model in a space where many competitors had not yet ventured.
Our Strategy
Empire Growth Marketing partnered with B&H ColorLab to bring their business into the digital era:

1. Catalog Digitization

   • Transformed B&H’s extensive product catalog into a fully digitized version optimized for eCommerce.

   • Ensured accuracy, usability, and seamless customer experience.

2. eCommerce Development

   • Helped establish the company’s online DTC platform.

   • Designed the framework for sales, promotions, and customer engagement.

3. Traffic Generation & Marketing

   • Implemented strategies to drive consistent web traffic and generate online sales.

   • Collaborated with The Shelf, an influencer marketing platform, to launch campaigns that tapped into loyal customer communities.

   • Leveraged customer love and advocacy, turning fans into influencers who created authentic, high-impact content.

The Results
This early eCommerce push transformed B&H ColorLab’s business model and helped them thrive in the digital age:

• 💻 Launched a DTC Division – Established a fully functional online sales channel years before it became the industry norm.

• 📊 Generated Steady Online Traffic & Sales – Built the foundation for sustainable growth in eCommerce.

• 🤝 Community-Driven Success – Leveraged passionate customers and influencers to authentically market the brand.

• 🚀 Early Mover Advantage – Positioned B&H as an innovator by modernizing ahead of competitors.

Client Impact
B&H ColorLab successfully transitioned from a traditional print lab into a digitally enabled business, building an online presence that not only generated revenue but also deepened customer loyalty. By combining forward-looking digital strategies with the power of community-driven influencer marketing, B&H secured a lasting place in the evolving eCommerce landscape.
✅ Empire Growth Marketing helped B&H ColorLab modernize its operations, digitize its catalog, and launch a pioneering eCommerce division—setting the stage for long-term digital success.