Q&A with Ross Middleham
The countdown is on to SocialDay Festival 2021: the event helping social media marketers do their jobs better. We’ve been working on an incredible line-up this year, with speakers from the major social media platforms, biggest brands and most up-and-coming agencies.
One of these speakers is none other than the Met Office’s Ross Middleham!
With a background in design and the ability to squeeze in a line about the weather wherever he can (really, the amount of puns that can be made about the weather is truly amazing), Ross takes on the role of Content and Social Lead at the Met Office. Under his direction, this government service has amassed over 1 million combined followers on social media, and it’s our pleasure to have Ross join us at SocialDay to tell you all about it.
First though, we thought we’d let you get to know him a little better with our first 2021 Q&A with SocialDay!
So let’s jump straight in! Ross, what’s the best part about working in social media marketing?
Like the weather, everyday is different! I love that social combines a tonne of different skills and disciplines, including design, video editing, project management, comms and UX. It also requires bucket loads of creativity! The challenge of communicating complex info in small spaces is tough but fun!
If you had to describe yourself using 3 emojis what would they be?
️️☀️🎨🔥
Do you have a favourite social media platform and why?
This changes like the wind! I seem to flick quickly between faves. I love soaking up inspiration on Instagram and sharing my random collection of retro items (see @superdoodledesign), as well as getting lost in endless TikTok videos. Maybe surprisingly, the ones I value most are the ones where I have built some great creative connections – LinkedIn and Twitter are so powerful for those things.
What's the biggest lesson you've had to learn in your time working in social media?
I think it’s important to not try and do it all on your own. At the Met Office, we know we’re better together, and we have channel champions who help to create, post and bring ideas and insights to the team. Understanding why you are on social in the first place and being clear what you are trying to achieve helps you all work towards a common goal.
What are 3 key takeaways people will get from your SocialDay session?
I’ll talk about the importance of understanding your purpose, experimenting with content and building connections. Oh, and possibly the weather.
And finally, what are you most excited about for SocialDay 2021?
It’s such a fantastic opportunity to hear what other people are up to and to soak up the inspiration and tips to give a different perspective to your own challenges. Being together in person, whilst a bit overwhelming at the moment, will undoubtedly be a huge buzz! And I hear the coffee is amazing 😉
Thanks so much Ross!
If you’d love to find more about social media content, building connections, and of course the weather, then book your ticket to SocialDay 2021 today.
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