Launching into marketing: My Q4 beginnings
As the calendar flipped to January, the digital marketing battlefield seemed to quiet down, and I found myself reflecting on the whirlwind that was Q4. Black Friday and the December deals had put me through the high’s and low’s, testing my ability to juggle tight deadlines whilst trying to produce high performing ads and successful email campaigns that would stand out in an extremely crowded digital space. As a newcomer to D24, I had four weeks leading up to the peak holiday season to study my clients, understand their products and create high performing campaigns.. yes as you can imagine it was a little stressful, but we got there.
I love the hustle and bustle of agency life, where every day is filled with excitement and new challenges. I spent my days getting to know the ins and outs, and building relationships with wonderful clients which has made the days fly by.
As November transitioned into December, the rush of Christmas brought another wave of responsibilities, and hard work became my daily mantra. However, I knew that stepping into the new year required shedding the baggage that Q4 had left behind. Leaving behind the stress, I made a conscious effort to reset and refocus. Here are some of my top tips to start January on a fresh note.
Mastering the reset: My 7 tips to recharge
1. A tidy schedule
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, an organised diary has become my secret weapon for staying on top of tasks and deadlines. I recommend jotting down your tasks for each day in order of importance. Another tip that I found helpful was categorising tasks by separating them into under 20 minute and over 20 minutes. This way, I can effectively mix and match different tasks and manage my time more efficiently. Try it out – it might also help with productivity!
2. A savvy email marketing calendar
Who would have thought something so simple could help so much? Utilising an email campaign calendar has allowed me to plan campaigns well in advance, avoiding that feeling of last-minute rush. This was a godsend for me during busy periods when I was juggling multiple clients, each requiring three to four emails per month and being sent on very specific dates. I would definitely recommend creating an email calendar; it’s a great way to organise your months in advance and plan out key focus points and campaigns.
3.Touching up your skills
It’s important to allocate dedicated time to digital learning. Taking courses and optimising my skills has became a proactive step towards staying relevant in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Meta and Google provide great training courses on Facebook ads and Google Analytics, which I have been completing since I started. I would definitely recommend enhancing your learning by completing these courses.
4. Work-life balance
Recognising the importance of work-life balance is something I am only just learning to do while working full time and running a small business. However, moving into 2024, it has become my daily mantra as I incorporate physical activities, cinema outings, and quality time with friends at least 3-4 days a week to recharge my batteries. Taking breaks and hitting that switch-off button is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I would definitely recommend pushing yourself out of the door even when the sofa looks just too comfy!
5. Strategic time management
A critical aspect of the reset was re-evaluating how I spent my time at work. Efficient planning and prioritising has allowed me to organise my time better and has helped to prevent tasks from becoming overwhelming. When organising your tasks, sit down and write a list. You can break this list down into daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly tasks. This way, you can plan your day effectively while also being aware of upcoming responsibilities.
6. Asking a colleague
Connecting with colleagues is an excellent source of valuable tips and tricks. I’ve found that de-stressing with their shared experiences always fosters a sense of connection and eases the burden, especially on days when you feel slightly out of your depth. I would definitely recommend connecting with your colleagues on a personal level; it has certainly lightened the load for me.
7. Non-negotiable tea breaks
In the hustle of the new year, don’t forget the power of breaks. Taking your lunch and tea break is more than just a pause – it’s a reset button, and it has been a game-changer for me. In a busy workday, it’s tempting to power through and get things done. However, I’ve come to realise that taking breaks helps me refocus and actually produce higher quality work.
Conclusion
As I navigate through the first few weeks of a new year, I’ve come to appreciate the power of a fresh start. January serves as a canvas for digital marketers to reset, refocus, and approach their work with renewed energy. By leaving the stress of Q4 behind and implementing these practical strategies, I’m optimistic about the exciting opportunities that lie ahead in the dynamic world of digital marketing. Here’s to a new beginning and the endless possibilities that come with it!
