This week marks nearly a decade since Digital Marketing Director Nicole joined RED. From the early days of social media algorithms to the emergence of AI and TikTok, Nicole has seen the digital marketing landscape shift.
We sat down with Nicole to reflect on highlights of digital marketing and agency life.
What first drew you to a career in marketing – and what’s kept you here?
I studied Journalism at university and started my career on magazines at Press Association to get a foot in the door. During those early years (2011-2014), I worked a four-day week, so would often moonlight in different departments on Friday. One of these was online content marketing, and I really enjoyed finding different angles, and the way digital content was differed to print.
What’s been one of your favourite projects to work on, and what made it stand out?
There are a lot of different projects I have enjoyed working on, and they’re varied.
One stand-out project was part of a full campaign to promote Hitachi Construction Machinery’s buckets. As part of it, I visited a customer in Germany and Coreum (their dealership headquarters) to gather video, social and print materials.
It appealed to my sense of adventure and travel; but also I like collaborating with different people on projects.
How has your role evolved over the last nine years?
Digital marketing has become more prominent each year I’ve been working. I’ve picked up a more varied skillset, and there are a lot of opportunities to keep growing.
I think the social media landscape has changed the most, we now offer reels as part of our service – which was unheard of nine years ago!
Which skills have you developed that you’re most proud of?
My project and people management skills. I went from working as part of a small team where I mostly do the work, to managing many different suppliers and colleagues for various projects.
What’s your favourite part of a campaign – strategy, creation, or seeing results?
I like all these aspects, I recently completed a CIM in Digital Marketing which involved a lot of strategy – so this is something I’m keen to do more of. However, I’ve always loved looking at analytics and interpreting trends and themes.
Who or what inspires you creatively at work?
My colleagues and some of the people we have worked with. They are meticulous and I strive for that eye for detail too.
Our designer, Tony, who sadly passed away this year, was also a real inspiration. He was incredibly creative – he had something special.
If you could describe your past nine years in three words, what would they be?
Fast. Varied. Evolving.
What’s a standout moment that made you feel proud to be part of the team?
There are a lot of them – most revolve around our ability to come together in unusual circumstances – like a pandemic!
The last quarter I have been particularly proud of how our team has pulled together and supported each other through some difficult times.
What are you looking forward to next – personally or professionally?
At work – more team building, more projects and seeing where things go next.
Personally, I have a wonderful three-year old (Noah), so watching him grow into himself.