Alex Ford
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I don’t just post daily on Facebook and Instagram. I build and maintain your online presence.”
I typically work with small to medium sized consumer facing businesses to implement Social Media and Digital Marketing strategies that drive results.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
After graduating with a BCom majoring in Marketing, I landed a job as Local Store Marketing Manager for New Zealand based BurgerFuel. I worked with the franchisees in Wellington to implement a local marketing plan to grow awareness in the local market and improve the in store customer experience. I also worked with the New Zealand marketing team to implement national campaigns in my region. As all Kiwis do, it was time to spread my wings and I made my way over to Los Angeles where I continued my marketing adventure with new comer Asian Box and helped with their launch in the Los Angeles market. As much as I enjoyed my time in Los Angeles, it was time to come home. I didn't want just any job when I got home, I wanted a career. I'd always had an interest in Social Media and Digital Marketing and, I think seeing all the freelancers working away in coffee shops helped push me towards that direction. Knowing I didn't have enough experience to go at it on my own just yet, I found a job in Digital Marketing with Wellington Hospitality Group. This role gave me the ability to experiment with different strategies and grow my Social Media and Digital Marketing knowledge and skills. Now armed with everything I needed to go about it on my own, I am now the proud owner of Socialike Media based in Wellington, New Zealand.
How do you stand out in your field?
I understand that Social Media and Digital Marketing are both games of strategy, not just cranking out day-to-day content.
66 Likes, 3 Comments - United Brew Works (@unitedbrewworks) on Instagram: "Beer on Beer 🍻 . . . . . #craftbeer #beerstagram #bar #drinks #instabeer #brewery #beerporn..."
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I've just launched my new Social Media and Digital Marketing brand Socialike Media. I've spent the last couple of weeks building out my website and getting all my systems and processes in place to have a really solid foundation and to ensure I'm offering my clients the best service possible. I'm now flexing my sales skills to take local businesses as clients.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I'm really appreciating clean minimalist design at the moment. Check out our website and you will see plenty of white space but also some pops of colour. I really didn't want the Socialike Media brand to overshadow our clients brands.
42 Likes, 5 Comments - United Brew Works (@unitedbrewworks) on Instagram: "Fueling your Friday . . . . . #wellingtonairport #unitedbrewworks #coffee #coffeetime #cafe..."
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Being a solopreneur, I have to get my hands dirty in all aspects of Social Media Management. I'd love to be able to focus more on the strategy and analytics side of it. It's always great seeing how your strategy works out or what you might be able to do differently next time.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
It seems like businesses treat their Social Media much the same way they treat their personal Social Media. They know they should be using it but don't really know how to use it to get the best results for their business.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Photography. I love getting behind the camera but being an amateur, my time is better spent working on strategy to get the best results for my clients. Great content compliments a great strategy.
308 Likes, 6 Comments - BurgerFuel (@burgerfuel) on Instagram: "Feels like a good time for a post work shake... #burgerfuel #nzsummer #shakeitoff..."
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Two years ago when I was leaving Los Angeles to come home. Trust the journey.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
There are so many experts out there. I'd like to talk to a serial entrepreneur in the hospitality industry to find out how they take an idea and turn it into a successful business.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm looking for long term Social Media management opportunities with small to medium businesses in the consumer goods and hospitality industries. I'm also open to short term projects such as Digital Marketing campaigns in the lead up to the holiday season.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Someone that doesn't have an issue with letting go of the reins and can trust the process.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Social Media Management - From NZ$290 per week
Digital Marketing - NZ$330 set up and NZ$40 per day
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
https://socialike.media/work-with-us/
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Instagram.
This member profile was originally published in October 2018.