A year in Digital Marketing

The snow may have melted away but the festive feeling has definitely arrived in my work's office!

Having started my new role as Digital Marketing Executive in early September, I've been kept busy with a long list of website designs and redesigns; numerous clients seeking the benefits of our Search Marketing and email marketing campaigns, and social media pages designed and tailored to our clients’ needs. Not to mention the numerous events I have attended throughout Scotland!

And in the world of digital marketing, 2012 saw the good, the bad and the ugly:

In addition to significant improvements in its Analytics and changes in Adwords, perhaps the biggest event in marketing this year was Google’s highly anticipated launch of Google+ which was hailed as the biggest contender to the Facebook throne. Initial reactions were positive with users flocking to add people to their inner circles, but after a delayed Business Pages launch, momentum seems to have dropped somewhat and 2012 will tell if Google+ can live up to the hype.

Perhaps the most well known and well respected marketer in the world, Apple’s Steve Jobs this year passed away leaving behind a legacy of products which have defined a generation. The news shook the global community, Jobs having revolutionized how we live, work and play through technology. His biography has just been announced as Amazon’s most popular selling book of 2011.

Whilst Smartphones from Apple and Android soared in sales throughout the year, Blackberry – having been popular due to its reliability and security – lost major customer loyalty when its systems shut down for a week in numerous countries across the globe. Meanwhile Adobe Flash succumbed to the power of Apple by ceasing all development of mobile versions of Flash.

After introducing promoted tweets, Twitter established itself as a major advertising platform as it increasingly saw its popularity sky-rocket. Twitter’s popularity was never more evident than its part in the various political protests and the coining of “Hurricane Bawbag” during Scotland’s stormy weather in early December.

And after a turbulent year of ever-increasing user base but backlash from users regarding interface changes and rumours of planting negative press on rival Google, Facebook neatly tied up the year with the mostly well-received launch of Facebook Timeline.

2011 was a hectic year - for 6 months I remained in my role working in Fashion PR at Mary Portas' creative marketing agency before I decided to return to the homeland. Upon my return, I saw myself returning to Topshop as a Visual Merchandiser and Brand manager temporarily until I landed myself a coveted role in Digital Marketing. Phew.

Bring on 2012.

Kat x

A Galliano Christmas

John Galliano was requested to turn his design talents to creating a 20ft high Christmas tree to feature in the lobby of London's exclusive hotel, Claridge's. 

'The Dior Tree', takes its inspiration from icy snow scenes, mixed with a tropical twist. It features sparkling leaves and orchids in silver, white and blue, as well as crystal , giving the impression of the tree being frozen. Perched among the branches are a handmade leopard, several parrots and a dragonfly.

“I am thrilled that Dior is collaborating with Claridge’s this Christmas,“ said John Galliano. “I hope to bring a twist to the traditional tree.”

The Dior tree was launched on Tuesday night (December 1st) at a cocktail reception, which featured a display of 20 vintage gowns from the Christian Dior archive, hand-picked by Galliano.

Christmas window displays

Set designer Shona Heath designed Topshop's Christmas window displays and they look fabulous. 

I have to say that now that I work for MANGO, my eyes have been opened up to visual merchandising techniques outwith the Topshop way of doing things. Both styles are great but very different. Topshop is very much suited for a UK creative audience whereas Mango - being a Spanish company - have a much more European, mature appeal. 

Here's our shop window Christmas display complete with Christmas trees, fairy lights and snowflake stickers. Prior to this, we had a very Chanel-like display with over-sized chandeliers. I was fortunate enough to be able to takes some of these chandeliers home with me once they were done with them. 

Merry Christmas one and all!

Well I was hoping for snow but apart from that today has been pretty lovely. I am officially spoilt rotten. 

Here are some of my favourite gifts:

My sister subscribed me to Vogue!!

I received this silver jumper which I have been wearing out as a dress. 

Got this lovely little black lace top.

I also got some gorgeous lingerie I had picked out myself a while back but forgot all about. It caught my eye because of the pleating and delicacy of it and I thought it made a change from black underwear. I love the little silk padded hangers that came with it. 

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas. I'm looking forward to the New Year and wish everybody the best of joy.