Role: Digital Content Manager
Company: MXB Shopper Marketing Agency
Track Record:
What does your role involve?
My role is incredibly varied from day-to-day and sometimes even from hour-to-hour! I recently found myself on the streets of Dublin recording vox pops for a client, I’ve had to have my own voice recorded for radio stings too, but that is the more ad hoc side to agency life!
My job revolves everything that is digital content; from creating email campaigns and digital newsletters to writing advertising copy for print and online, running blogs and social media accounts for clients and for our own agency as well. I handle the native content for clients which involves liaising with different publications (both digital and traditional) on putting together stories and news articles to promote our brands.
I get to work on digital campaigns to promote events, TV and radio sponsorships as well. I also create brand tone-of-voice profiles to educate clients on how they should be presenting their brand and its personality online. The great thing about working in a vibrant agency setting is getting to have a hand in so many exciting projects, being able to brainstorm on key campaign messages, come up with unique ideas together and really throwing ourselves head first into something to show just what we can deliver.
How did you get into the position in the first place?
Before moving to Belfast, I had been building a career in digital in Dublin. Most recently as a Content Coordinator for ecommerce where I created website copy, worked on email copy as well as delivering complete packages of product imagery, video and written content for online. I have also worked as a copywriter for web development as well as working as a freelance writer, technical writer and content creator for a number of websites. I also worked for a number of Irish magazines and created copy for their pages. All of my previous experience was a mixing pot of jobs that is the perfect fit for my role at mxb.
Did you always want to work in this sector in some capacity?
Absolutely. Since completing my degree in New Media and English I knew I was destined for a career in content writing in some form. Originally, I had wanted to work within magazine publishing but after spending some time creating content and writing for a number of websites, I found that I really loved everything about online content. I enjoy the speed of it and everything I read myself is online so it’s a great natural fit.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
The most challenging aspect is the speed. Things change so quickly that you have to be very reactive and flexible but as someone who can be quite chaotic in general, I find this works for me. I may get frustrated and swear a bit when things are flipped around or I’m given a tight deadline but it’s that buzz that I love. I would hate a slow-paced or dull office environment. It’s the variety of agency work that interests me.
What training or previous experience do you have that has helped you in your current role?
All of my experience in previous roles have helped me get to this point in my career, particularly my work in ecommerce as it helped hone my writing for web skills. After working with magazines, I decided that I wanted to move into digital content and so completed a diploma in digital marketing which really gave my career a boost. I always recommend upskilling as I was always competing with degree-holders who had the same experience level as I did. Upskilling and showing an interest in self progression sold me to employers.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
‘Always trust your gut, it’ll never lead you astray.’- Ita Gannon (aka my mother).
What do you enjoy doing outside work?
I’m a crafting fan! I love to knit and always have a few little projects on-the-go.