Victor Adewole is a tech professional with a strong background in digital marketing, in this interview, he paints the future of Digital Marketing and How Technology is Addressing Africa’s Key Challenges
Who is Victor Adewole, and what has influenced your path in the digital marketing field?
Victor Adewole is a tech professional with a strong background in digital marketing. I have played a pivotal role in the growth of high-tech businesses across Africa. My journey has been shaped by a passion for innovation in digital marketing and technology, and I have shared my insights at various tech conferences, discussing advancements in the African tech landscape.
Can you describe the main role of a digital marketer in today’s fast-paced environment?
The role of a digital marketer today is multifaceted. It involves developing effective digital marketing strategies across various channels, crafting engaging content tailored to diverse audiences, and leveraging data analytics to measure campaign performance.
Proficiency in areas like SEO, social media marketing, and email marketing is essential, as these are critical components of a digital marketer’s toolkit.
The other role is to help shape how brands, businesses and consumers interact. In today’s world, content is the currency we use to interact.
A great digital marketer is one who is able to tie the loose ends leveraging content and data to help brands, businesses and individual achieve their goals.
What inspired you to get into tech? Can you delve into that?
My interest was sparked by a combination of curiosity and the influence of key figures in the industry. I was inspired by the potential of technology to transform businesses and improve lives, particularly in the African context.
As Africans, we are faced with immense challenges such as unemployment, limited access to learning opportunities, and more. I’ve always wanted to figure out unique solutions to these challenges.
This inspiration drove me to explore a career in this field.
How have you dealt with challenges or setbacks in your projects, and what valuable lessons have you taken away from those experiences?
Facing challenges is an inherent part of any digital marketing project. I have encountered difficulties, such as tight deadlines and the need for quick adaptations.
For example, a project with Fundi Bots which required launching a comprehensive digital marketing campaign in a very short time frame.
The project involved implementing a new, integrated digital strategy which required using multiple digital channels. The transition involved coordinating a cross-functional team, including freelancers, to handle aspects like SEO, content marketing, social media, and paid advertising.
Managing this transition required clear communication, resource management, and innovative thinking to ensure all parts worked seamlessly together under tight deadlines.
I also had to hold staff training sessions on data-driven marketing techniques, social media marketing, social media advertising, and Google advertising equipping the team with skills necessary to sustain the team even after my tenure.
The key takeaway from such experiences is the importance of flexibility and the ability to innovate under pressure. These situations taught me the value of teamwork, resource allocation, and strategic planning.
Could you discuss a project where you had to implement a new technology or approach to achieve the desired results? How did you manage that transition?
I spearheaded Fundi Bots’ promotion campaign for the Fundi Girls program. My strategic approach included curating and publishing inspirational content highlighting success stories of female students who excelled in the programs.
The widespread awareness and acceptance, empowered more girls to pursue STEM education and also garnered widespread recognition for Fundi Bots as a whole, with coverage in major media outlets including the BBC and Voice of America.
How do you stay updated with the constant changes and innovations in the digital marketing industry?
I am regularly reading industry newsletters and blogs. I also participate in webinars, attend conferences, and maintain a network of professional contacts who share insights on the latest trends.
Following industry experts on social media also helps me stay informed about emerging practices and technologies.
What do you consider the most critical skills for succeeding in digital marketing today?
Success in digital marketing requires a blend of analytical skills, creativity, technological literacy, adaptability, and effective communication.
A digital marketer must also possess strategic thinking and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development to keep pace with the industry’s rapid changes.
What are your thoughts on the future direction of digital marketing, and what emerging trends should businesses be aware of?
The future of digital marketing is likely to see increased personalization and automation, driven by AI and machine learning.
These technologies enable more precise targeting and efficient campaign management. Another emerging trend is the use of augmented reality (AR), which offers new ways for brands to engage with consumers.
Businesses should consider integrating these technologies to enhance their marketing strategies and customer experiences.
What advice would you give to aspiring digital marketers who want to establish themselves in this competitive industry?
Aspiring digital marketers should embrace lifelong learning and seek practical experience through internships, volunteering, and personal projects. Building a solid foundation in technical skills and analytics is crucial, as is networking with industry professionals. It’s also important to be open and transparent about your work, showcasing your successes and learning from your mistakes.
How do you leverage technology to enhance your marketing strategies and deliver better results for your clients?
Technology is central to my approach to digital marketing. I use data analytics to monitor and refine campaigns in real-time, employs automation tools for efficient execution, and leverage AI and machine learning to predict trends and personalize content.
These technologies enable more targeted and effective marketing strategies, ultimately improving client outcomes.
Are there any specific tools or platforms that you find indispensable in your everyday work in digital marketing?
Several tools are essential to my daily work, including Google Analytics for tracking website traffic and user behavior, Hootsuite for managing multiple social media accounts, SEMrush for SEO and competitive analysis, and Mailchimp for email marketing.
These platforms provide critical insights and streamline various aspects of digital marketing.
How do you evaluate the success of the projects you work on, and what metrics do you find most effective in measuring impact and effectiveness?
Success in digital marketing projects is evaluated using a range of metrics, depending on the specific goals of the campaign. Key metrics include traffic, conversion rates, return on investment (ROI), and engagement levels. These metrics help assess the effectiveness of strategies and inform adjustments to improve outcomes continually.