Welcome to our newest edition of ‘getting to know the team’, where we’re introducing Head of Marketing, Laura.
If you’ve been reading our series this year, you’ll know that our team is the most important aspect of Browndog. Laura has been with us for almost 2 years and was previously a client for 8 years before joining, so she has a unique perspective from both outside and inside the agency. Here’s everything else you need to know about Laura:
Who are you and what’s your role?
I’m Laura and as the Head of Marketing at Browndog I have a sort of hybrid role looking after our agency marketing and supporting the development of new clients. I work closely with Alexis to manage our new and existing accounts, and with Eleanor to scope and schedule new projects. I’m also the person tasked with keeping our latest blogs and work in front of your faces on our website, social media and newsletter (sorry!).
Tell us some background…
I started in marketing at the age of 14 when I appointed myself the Marketing Director of our fictional company, as part of a business studies class at school. I enjoyed my short-term role so much and knew if I wanted to get there in real life that I needed to get the right A Levels, degree, and work experience.
I had a small dabble at a very well known marketing agency as part of my university work experience and quickly decided that it wasn’t for me, so I started my marketing career client-side. From there, I’ve worked in varying B2B roles doing everything from content marketing, eCommerce, social media, exhibition management, right up to working with investors to take a software start-up into a scaled tech company that was sold to a global organisation.
My favourite project was also the one that was the most stressful – running a competition with customers to design a bobblehead model that was custom-made and used as part of a nationwide campaign that saw the eventual character taken around the world on cruise ships, visiting the Coca-Cola truck at Christmas and even popping up on GP’s Behind Closed Doors. Our little marketing team made the runners-up at the CIM Marketing Awards for Best Campaign, presented by Jimmy Carr back in 2014!
Anyway, back to how I ended up at Browndog after swearing I didn’t want to be agency-side…
I first met the team back in 2014 when I began working as the new Marketing Coordinator for litter & recycling bin manufacturer Wybone. I worked closely with (read: drove mad!) Chris, as the lead developer on our first foray into the digital world. A project that grew and grew, and now represents a huge proportion of eCommerce revenue for Wybone.
When it was time to leave Wybone I was disappointed to end my working relationship with the team and I believe when you work in marketing, if you find an agency that you like, just take them with you. So I did exactly that; continuing my relationship, I tasked them with building another 2 websites for the software company I joined next, and this also included sticking with Josh to advise on all things PPC.
Finally (I promise I’m getting there) in 2022, Alexis asked if I’d join the team and I said yes without hesitation. I’ve been finding my feet ever since, and really enjoyed getting to know the team from inside the office (especially the dogs) and working with clients. It of course makes sense that I continue to work with the businesses that I’ve previously introduced to Browndog (only on the other side) and I continue to recommend the team to everyone.
Over the last 2 years, I’ve worked to update the website, expanding on the services that we offer, whilst also increasing our outbound communications to help shout about the amazing work that comes from this fabulously talented group of individuals.
What kind of projects do you enjoy working on?
I enjoy anything that’s a challenge and love working with people to come up with new ideas. In what will probably be my cheesiest comment; I just love it when everyone succeeds together.
It was no secret that prior to 2022 Browndog was much more focused on everyone else’s marketing, and there was so much to be shared! It’s been both challenging and rewarding to pull the information out of the team and get it on the page in front of all of you. It’s certainly a group effort though with most of the team often contributing behind the scenes and me pushing the publish button.
I definitely sway towards the digital side when it comes to marketing, as I love statistics that actually back up an idea, and I also enjoy writing, so I’ve been pleased to see the rise (and rise and rise) of content marketing over the years. Putting together a new page, blog or proposal is probably the part of my day that I enjoy the most.
During my time with the team I’ve also enjoyed helping to introduce new processes and software to bring a more robust service to our clients as we continue to grow. We work with over 100 clients so a key part of my role is making sure that we’re able to keep in touch with everyone and manage all the projects that they kindly choose us to help with!
What projects have you worked on this year?
This year (more than last) I’ve found myself working on lots of client proposals and it’s become one of my favourite tasks. I’ve had the opportunity to meet some great new clients, understand their needs and objectives and let them know how we can help.
Recently I’ve enjoyed working with the team at Wakefield Council to bring marketing workshops to creative businesses in need of advice and support. We facilitated multiple workshop sessions where we met with new creatives and shared our advice for marketing on a budget and how to get your values across as a small business. It was really lovely to meet such an interesting group of individuals who have taken the brave step to quit their day jobs and do what they love.
Where in the world would you like to visit?
I’m a terrible traveller and I hate to be in the car or on planes, but it’s also a life goal of mine to go to far away locations like French Polynesia and the Maldives. The photos look like the kind of scenery you can only dream of. Last year I did a case study with one of our most interesting clients – Think Galapagos – and I was inspired to add the Galapagos to my list too.
I’ve just recently ventured on my first cruise (with some strong convincing from Eleanor Firth: see her travel blog here) and I loved seeing the Norwegian Fjords; it was a completely different experience than any holiday I’d been on before, so I think I’ll be broadening my horizons and not just sticking to Greece and America from now on.
What unpopular opinion do you have?
I have so many! I think about this question often when other members of the team mention theirs, but now that it’s come time for me to write mine, I’m stumped!
I asked around the team for examples and they were quick to share my weirdness for crunching up crisps and putting them on my salad or my regular work lunch of tuna and rice. A little more asking around suggested I’m not alone in this thought though, so let me know how unpopular my choice is if you read this far!
What are you loving at the moment?
I’m a walking cliche – literally – but I’m currently loving my new standing desk and walking pad. I mulled it over for far too long and just recently made the investment to turn my home office into a healthier environment. I’m finding that standing up and doing gentle walking throughout the day is giving me more energy and helping to keep me focused on my tasks when I work from home.
I’m also (along with the rest of the UK) loving this little shift that the sunshine seems to be putting in – long may it last!
How do you spend your free time?
Unfortunately, I don’t have an exciting answer for this one; I’d say I’m just like everyone else. I love a good Netflix binge (hello, Bridgerton), travelling, eating and spending time with those I love. When I take time off work you can usually find me in a spa. My favourites are Ye Olde Bell and Hoar Cross Hall.
