Top 3 Things I Learned that Make Our Digital Marketing Services a Success
Kathleen is a very successful client account manager and digital marketing services specialist at Holistic Web Presence. In this article, she shares some of her top learnings in her first year. Learn more about Kathleen.
1. The Answer to ‘What Does a Digital Marketer Do?’
All my friends and family were excited that I got a new job, but inevitably they always asked, “So, what does a digital marketer do?” Just starting out, I usually answered with a simple, “SEO.”
Within the first few weeks, I quickly learned that I was really only explaining the tip of the iceberg. Simply put, I have learned that a Digital Marketer needs to at least have a basic understanding of (what feels like) everything!
Mastering Multiple Mediums: Social Media, Advertising, Graphic Design, Branding, Video, Audio, Photography
More about this topic coming soon!
Producing GOOD Content Means You Need to be a Storyteller
One of the biggest role of any good marketer is being a storyteller. As mentioned above, I have learned to create content across a variety of mediums. But even if I had the skills and knowledge about each one—it would all fall flat if I simply couldn’t tell a story! To produce good content, you need to connect with individuals, understand different perspectives, and adjust your story to your audience.
This also applies to communicating with my clients. No, I don’t make-up stories with my clients but I need to understand what style of communication and which elements stand out to each client. And I have learned to adjust my communication methods accordingly.
2. Skilled Communication Is More Than Just Showing the Finished Product
I stepped out of the cold, dreary customer service job knowing there were just some things wrong with the way my boss communicated with our clients.
I stepped out of the cold, dreary customer service job knowing there were just some things wrong with the way my boss communicated with our clients. I just couldn’t figure it out: did they not know how much work we did? Did they not care? I thought back about how much we got trampled and wondered ‘how could they not see we met near-impossible deadlines and requirements?!’
What I realize now, is we just said ‘Yes, sir’ to everything, worked our tails off, and gave a finished product. The client was not informed throughout the process, and essentially that created a wall over time between our communication. Our relationship became unfair to both parties—we were working our tail off, and they weren’t learning what we were doing and working with us on an agreed end result.
Making a To-Do List Isn’t Enough
Sticky notes (physical or digital) are my BEST FRIENDs. I love to have lists, make checkmarks, and work through a ‘To-Do’ list. This is great for organizing, strategizing, and prioritizing my projects. However, I was not getting everything I could out of my lists!
At Holistic Web Presence, I have learned to make my ‘To-Do’ lists work for me. I learned to communicate these lists with my clients in a way that enabled us to work together and more effectively.
First, we review and prioritize together
We look at the list and discuss each project and the expected length of time, and then decide which projects we want to work on. The client now has the control to decide what is important and where the focus should be while understanding the time that project will cost.
Secondly, we draw a line on how many projects to focus on
Previously, I would feel like I was continuously on a treadmill on high, sweating my butt off just to get through the projects. Now I can run at a good pace that doesn’t wear me out. Because the client knows how much time each project involves, they understand why and where the line needs to be drawn for us to accomplish anything meaningful and at an effective pace.
Thirdly, we create simplified ‘To-Do’ lists for each project
Longer projects are no longer daunting to me. When the client and myself walk through the basics of what the project entails, they are given the opportunity to understand the amount of work you are doing. As well, this allows you to create the expectation that things can change, depending on the complexity and issues that arise with each step of the process. Essentially it puts everybody on the same page, and gives them insight into the process and work involved!
Consistent Communication Is Key
At my previous job, my boss, co-worker, and I dreaded meeting with our clients. We tried to avoid it as much as possible, and I would feel so relieved the longer we went between talking with them. That should be an indication that there is something wrong!
Pro-longed communication strained our relationship. I have learned to consistently communicate with my clients through various mediums: e-mail, the phone, video conferences, etc. Not only do we know each other better, but we both feel comfortable reaching out to each other—even for little things.
As well, my clients ALWAYS know what I am working on. They never have to worry that I am slacking off, because I am constantly showing them developments in projects, working with them on it, and communicating new ideas that could benefit their site.
MORE COMING SOON!
