Sponsored by Affiliate Future, the Performance Marketing Awards’ Industry Rising Star category shines the spotlight on the next generation of marketers entering the industry of results-driven advertising.
Recognising a mixture of natural talent, working ethic, enthusiasm, and the early showings of a prosperous career, it’s a highly sought-after category, so with nominations open until April 7, PerformanceIN’s Rising Star Series is a chance to meet the candidates in more detail.
Today, we’re speaking to TopCashback partnerships account manager Tom Magness.
What excites you most about the performance marketing industry?
Tom Magness: There are several aspects that, to me, make the industry exciting. The constantly evolving environment that we work in allows a lot of scope for creativity regardless of age, which means everyone in performance marketing is capable of creating their own career path within an ever-developing industry. The welcoming of new ideas and approaches alongside fast adapting technology really makes me believe you can develop your own niche without restrictions on personal development.
Additionally, the measuring of what we do is of great significance as we can actually see the effectiveness of campaigns in sales and against the KPI’s set by each party. This doesn’t just drive ingenuity but also makes working in the industry an encouraging experience.
As we continue to transition to an always-connected way of living, the importance of what we do grows – which in turn offers limitless personal development opportunities.
Within your performance marketing career to date, what do you count as your biggest achievement, and why?
TM: My biggest achievement to date in performance marketing has been growing one of the mid-tier merchants on TopCashback to being one of the most valuable on site, now featuring in the top 10.
This was achieved in just 18 months by building a close relationship with detailed, regular strategy meetings to better understand the merchant’s objectives. Using this as a foothold, we have since created new, engaging opportunities on TopCashback which has further developed the platform. This has resulted in at least 50% growth YOY each month for the last year. This has improved the overall perception of cashback to their wider business.
I have used this experience, as well as the lessons I have learned from working for one of the leading publishers in the industry, to further the development of my own business’s affiliate program – which gives me great pride.
What would winning Industry Rising Star mean to you?
TM: Winning this award would mean so much to me because it would be recognition of my approach to the work I have carried out with clients over the past few years. Key to this has been my attention to detail when creating bespoke campaigns, working towards KPI’s with an honesty they can appreciate.
Recognition from peers would also underline the belief that my approach to dealing with the varying challenges, faced on a daily basis, is the right one. It would also give me immense pride knowing that TopCashback have given me the right tools to learn, and that I have made the most of that opportunity.
I would like to use this to open new doors with greater confidence to take opportunities that come along the way. I firmly believe this will raise my profile within the industry and ultimately intend to increase my influence as it continues to grow.
To see the shortlist and cast your vote please view here.