Sara Holden Searle
Sara Holden Searle
Account Director - Paid Media
Boston, MA
www.saraholdensearle.com
instagram @sara_holden
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I work for a small tech company that works with large brands (think: Enterprise level) and connects them with the independent retailers that sell their products (think: mom & pop shops). ”
My job is to work with our 150+ brands to create a Paid Social strategy for the independent retailers, using assets from the brands to drive sales for the retailers.
From start to finish, I am involved in every step. From initial pitch to analyzing the results and providing recommendations for creative and social strategy, I work to make both our brands and our retailers more successful.
I manage a team of 2 and dotted line manage a team of 8.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I changed jobs fairly frequently for a while to find what I wanted to do. I have worked for a number of different sides of marketing, from branding, to ad tech, to an ad agency, to Snapchat, and now am here, representing the "little guy".
Growing up the daughter of a local business owner, I am passionate about helping local business succeed and working with socially responsible large brands to succeed in their marketing strategy.
How do you stand out in your field?
My first job was working as a gas pumper and filling propane tanks...which is a little different than where I ended up. I began in marketing working as an intern at a 3 person start-up specializing in selling vintage luxury goods and planning specialty trips in France. In paid advertising, I have worked across a variety of industries, learning the important KPIs for each. Because of my diverse experience, I am very good at understanding my clients and their goals, whether they are a top advertiser in the world, or a local business.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Working full-time in my current role with brands and their independent retailers to plan, activate and report on Paid Social strategies.
On the side, I am also working on launching my independent baking career! I have always been an avid baker, and am working to start getting certified/join a shared commercial kitchen to bring my treats to local stores!
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My style/perspective/taste is definitely classic with a pop of bold. My website saraholdensearle.com represents my style well. Clean lines but bold color.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Strategy....and baking :)
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Meal plan dinners!
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Senior year of high school - Senior Night of Volleyball....Stop being a brat and take the picture with your parents. Not taking that picture is the only thing that I think I truly regret!
Professionally, when I was working from eyes open to eyes closed at the agency, I would tell myself that I am there for a reason and it is going to get so so much better!
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
An astrophysicist. I am fascinated by space and how the universe works in ways that we may not realize.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Paid social strategy & implementation, organic social planning, copy writing, project management, budgeting, baking!
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I would love to work with a small company that has a mission that I am passionate about and that values their people as much as they value their product.
WHO HAS HELPED YOU ELEVATE YOUR WORK?
Lauren Beader - she lead me here! She is a great friend from high school that has oddly been very much in sync with me in every major aspect of life (getting engaged at the same time, buying our wedding dresses on the same day, getting married around the same time, buying a home around the same time). She's an incredible human in so many ways and is ALWAYS willing to help me out when looking for new gigs and connecting me with other creatives.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email is preferred. Please Includes what your company is about and what it does for consumers/the community etc. Also budget & scope.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
I like to bake treats / It clears my mind and my soul / I bake to create.
This member profile was originally published in August 2021.