Aashna Makin was nominated for a PPC spotlight profile in March of 2022.
How long have you been working in PPC?
It’s been over 5+ years now. Very exciting journey- learning/un-learning stuff, got an opportunity to work with over 150+ business niches here in North America and few clients back home in India.
How did you get started in PPC?
I began with an entry level profile – as a SEM analyst with an agency where I would manage anything between 150-200 campaigns in a month- focused on Google search. One year into the role, I made my way to the Sr. SEM Analyst role – where I conducted a bunch of trainings, helped improve the process of the agency and got to be a mentor for a couple of SEM analysts who were just starting back.
Post that, I joined another agency as a Sr. Digital Marketer (here is where I learnt EVERYTHING that I fortunately get to do today- funnels and looking at marketing at a broader level) and there has been no looking back since then. This is one place that will always be spoken highly of in my professional chapters.
I undertook some consulting contracts and worked for an in-house client before life took the most beautiful turn – and I moved to Canada ( 26th July 2021). I’m good with dates and numbers – important for a marketer to be.
If you went to college, what did you study? If not college, do you have any other degrees or certifications?
With my bachelor’s degree I was pursuing a digital marketing course from a reputable institute (globally) but realised that it was only conceptual and left it half way (No REGRETS) and immediately got myself registered in an unfancy program- small institute- but delivering all the practical stuff needed to get started into PPC. Recently I pursued a PG into Marketing Management from a college here in Toronto.
What was your first job that involved PPC?
SEM Analyst with an agency. Met great people and clients.
What is your current position and how long have you been in it?
I currently work as a Performance Marketing Manager (in-house). It’s been 2 months now and I love what I get to do there. I’m also the co-founder of Supergrowth – this is basically what I’m passionate about (truly, deeply &madly) as I realised there is a HUGE gap between what is delivered as fancy programs on the internet as opposed to what is ACTUALLY needed and works. We’re launching soon! Outcome-focused programs that are tested over a period of time and something we know works in the actual world.
(My founder has been kind enough to get this going even when we are in totally different time zones).
What kinds of things do you currently handle or manage in PPC?
I manage anything over $50k/Month in ad spend for Lead Generation campaigns on Google and Facebook.
Has your career path had any hiccups or nontraditional aspects that you’d like to share?
It has been an unexpected journey throughout, mixture of days where I feel at the top of my game & days I need that little push. Back in 2020 when my contract ended as the Sr.Digital Marketer with the agency (Superflow), I didn’t even imagine that I would be joining the founder for creating something like Supergrowth. Grateful, truly 🙂
What are you most proud of in your PPC career?
The decision to work extensively on lead generation campaigns ( ROI driven). I have been offered roles at big corporates where the scope was limited to managing just the brand awareness campaigns or something that was not directly attributed to growth/demand generation and I right away refused to do something like that.
What, if anything, do you wish you could “do over” in your PPC career?
Nothing. Honestly nothing! I wish to continue making the decisions I did all through my career.
If you could give advice to someone either considering or just starting out in PPC, what would that be?
By NOT taking any risk with the campaigns/accounts you manage and are responsible for, you’re taking immense risk with the client’s budget and your own career. Take calculated risks and be accountable for them, take ownership and your future self will thank you.
Are you interested in speaking opportunities? If so, what topics are your jam?
Yes sure. Would love to speak about ‘Honest’ Marketing and lead generation from my experience so far into this industry.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Keep yourself updated with the latest trends into the industry you are working for.
Where can people find you to connect (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.)?
LInkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aashna-makin-1bb539100/