Interview With Samad (Senior PPC Specialist)

1) Where were you born and raised? Also tell us something unique about yourself.

I was born in Morocco and have been a programmer since I was young. My interest in coding started early on, driven by a natural curiosity and passion for technology. Over the years, I’ve built a strong foundation in programming, which has helped shape both my personal and professional life. This background has allowed me to dive into different ventures and offer innovative solutions to clients.

2) What got you interested in marketing and what was your journey?

I got interested in marketing because I realized that creating something, whether it’s a website, product, or service, isn’t enough—getting it in front of the right people is equally important. My journey into marketing started with the projects I was working on. At first, I was mainly focused on development, but as I launched my own ventures, like my alarm business, I began learning how critical marketing was in driving growth.

I dove into digital marketing strategies, from SEO to Facebook ads, learning how to generate leads and build a brand presence online. Over time, I became more strategic, fine-tuning campaigns and figuring out how to maximize results with the right audience targeting. Marketing became an essential part of what I do, blending my technical skills with business growth.

3) What skills and industry do you specialize in?

I specialize in a mix of technical and business skills, particularly in web development, programming, and digital marketing. My technical expertise includes coding, website development, and managing online platforms. I also have experience in SEO, paid advertising (like Facebook ads), and lead generation strategies, which I use to help businesses grow online. Industry-wise, I’ve worked in different fields, but one of my key areas of focus has been security systems, like my alarm business in Montreal.

I also have experience with web agencies, where I combine my programming and marketing skills to create digital solutions for clients. This blend of tech and marketing has allowed me to adapt to various industries and help businesses reach their goals.

4) What is your best soft skill?

My best soft skill is problem-solving. Whether it’s figuring out a technical issue in programming or navigating challenges in marketing campaigns, I approach problems with a mindset to find solutions quickly and efficiently. I’m adaptable and analytical, which helps me stay focused on outcomes while being flexible in my approach. This skill has been key in both my technical projects and business ventures, allowing me to overcome obstacles and drive success.

5) What softwares and tools do you use regularly?

I regularly use a variety of software and tools depending on the project. Here are a few key ones:

- For programming: I often work with code editors like Visual Studio Code and Sublime Text, and use Git for version control.

- For web development: I frequently use WordPress, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React or Node.js for more complex projects.

- For marketing: I use tools like Google Analytics for tracking website performance, Google Ads and Facebook Ads Manager for paid campaigns, and SEMrush or Ahrefs for SEO analysis.

- For project management: Tools like Trello or Asana help me stay organized, and Slack or Zoom for team communication.

These tools help me stay efficient across both technical development and marketing efforts.

6) What are your goals for the next year and into the future?

My goals for the next year include scaling my existing businesses and exploring new opportunities in tech and digital marketing. Specifically, I’m focused on growing my alarm business by either expanding it or selling it to the right buyer. On the web agency side, I aim to take on more complex projects that challenge my skills and broaden my portfolio.

7) What has been the hardest thing you dealt with in your career path?

The hardest thing I’ve dealt with in my career path has been balancing the technical side of things with the business and marketing aspects. Early on, I was deeply focused on programming and development, but as I started running my own businesses, I realized that growth required more than just technical skills—it also needed marketing, sales, and strategic thinking.

8) What is the biggest mistake you made that you want others to avoid?

The biggest mistake I made was underestimating the importance of marketing and sales in the early stages of my ventures. I was so focused on building the best possible product or service from a technical perspective that I didn’t invest enough time or resources into getting it in front of the right audience.

9) Who are your favorite people in the industry that you follow?

Neil Patel , Gary Vaynerchuk , Rand Fishkin

10) Who has had the biggest influence on your career to date?

The biggest influence on my career to date has been my early experiences with programming and entrepreneurship. However, if I had to pinpoint a specific influence, it would be a mentor or colleague who encouraged me to explore the intersection of technology and business. Their guidance helped me realize that having strong technical skills was just one part of the equation; understanding how to market those skills and solutions was equally crucial.

11) What has been your favorite course that you taken and why?

My favorite course has been a comprehensive digital marketing course that explored various aspects such as SEO, social media marketing, and content strategy. I chose it to enhance my skills in promoting my own businesses and expanding my web agency’s services. The hands-on approach was particularly beneficial, allowing me to apply the concepts in real-time to my projects.

This practical experience, combined with in-depth theoretical knowledge, significantly improved my understanding of digital marketing and its crucial role in driving business success, ultimately leading to better results for both my clients and my ventures.

12) What would you tell yourself or someone who is just starting out in marketing?

I would tell myself or anyone just starting out in marketing to embrace a mindset of continuous learning and experimentation. The marketing landscape is always evolving, so staying curious and open to new ideas is essential. Don’t be afraid to try different strategies and tactics, even if they don’t always work out as planned—each failure is a learning opportunity.

13) If the entire world was listening to you, what would you have to say?

If the entire world were listening to me, I would emphasize the importance of empathy, collaboration, and innovation in addressing the challenges we face as a global community. Understanding each other’s perspectives is crucial for fostering peace and cooperation, and we must embrace diversity to find creative solutions to pressing issues like climate change and inequality.

I’d also stress the value of lifelong learning and adaptability in our rapidly changing environment; by continuously educating ourselves and remaining open to new ideas, we can drive positive change and work together to build a more inclusive and sustainable world for everyone.

14) Where can we find you?

LinkedIn.