Midlands Spotlight: Dan Bratton, Digital Content Executive
What made you want to be a marketer?
I started out studying photography at Nottingham Trent University which I really enjoyed, I’ve always been a creative person and I feel like it came quite naturally to me. I never really considered a career in marketing until we had a module on ‘professional practice’ in my third year of university where we were learning how to market ourselves as freelance photographers.
After speaking with a careers advisor, I made the decision to do a conversion master's which is where I realised that I could combine my love for photography and creativity with marketing.
I grew up when social media was new and shiny. I was that person who was always online, and it all started with MSN. I feel like it was a career that I was inevitably going to fall into at some point in my life.
What excites you most about marketing?
The thing that excites me about marketing is that it is forever changing. There is always a new algorithm update, always something new going on and always something new that I can learn.
I like that my day never looks the same as the previous one, working on different client projects and different industries which really challenges my ability to adapt. I don’t think there is another industry like it.
For me, good marketing is more than just getting your message out there, it’s about being able to create a compelling story to go alongside it that will make people want to click. I love that I can really utilise my creativity in my job and get the opportunity to showcase what I can do.
What would your advice be for fellow marketers?
I’m only 2 years into my marketing career but my best advice to fellow marketers would be if you want something then just do it.
Don’t be afraid of what other people might think or compare yourself to where others are in their journey. Everyone is on their own path, and you WILL get there eventually.
Over the next 2-3 years, what developments in marketing are you looking forward to the most?
I’m looking forward to seeing how AI further develops as a tool especially surrounding content creation and graphic design and how I can use this to automate and streamline my workflow.
About the Author
Dan Bratton works as a Digital Content Executive at Lincoln-based marketing agency Shooting Star where he is responsible for social media strategy and content creation.
Dan has experience working with clients across a range of niches in b2b and b2c markets, starting his career in the construction industry almost two years ago.
Dan is BA Photography graduate of Nottingham Trent University achieving upper-second class honours as well as Distinction in his MSc Digital Marketing degree. He also completed his CIM Level 6 Certificate in Professional Digital Marketing in 2022.