Cerie’s 1-Year Milestone at Customer First Digital
Posted on 11th February 2025 at 11:17
Read Time: Approx. 5 Minutes 28 Seconds
Author: Cerie Waudby
It’s hard to believe that one year ago, I was stepping into the world of Customer First Digital, brimming with excitement and eager to embrace the opportunities ahead. What an incredible journey it has been! This year has been a whirlwind of learning, growth, and achievement, marked by incredible moments and challenges that have shaped both my career and personal development.
From managing high-pressure campaigns to spearheading creative initiatives, this year has not only exceeded my expectations but also reaffirmed my passion for digital marketing and affiliate partnerships. Here’s a look back at my first year at CFD and the moments that made it unforgettable.
A Year of Learning, Growth, and Collaboration
From day one, the CFD team welcomed me with open arms, creating an environment where creativity and innovation thrive. Their expertise, mentorship, and camaraderie have been instrumental in my development, enabling me to step confidently into my role. Over the past year, I’ve refined my existing skills, discovered new strengths, and tackled challenges that once seemed insurmountable.
This year was also special as we welcomed Joe, our Digital Marketing Apprentice, six months ago. Watching him thrive and develop his skills has been a reminder of how much we can achieve as a team. His fresh ideas and enthusiasm have added a dynamic spark to our workplace.
Key Highlights from My First Year
Client Success Stories
Managing key accounts like Face the Future and Monpure has been a cornerstone of my role. While I supported successful campaigns like "366 Days of SPF" and the VAT Burn campaign through the affiliate channel, one of my proudest achievements was helping these clients navigate the bustling Black Friday period.
The peak season brought unique challenges, but through strategic planning, data analysis, and seamless communication, I ensured my clients were set up for success. Seeing their results flourish during such a critical time of year was incredibly rewarding.
Driving Thought Leadership in Affiliate Marketing
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been leveraging my expertise to create impactful content that resonates with partners and stakeholders. Over the past year, I’ve focused on crafting high-value, actionable resources that help businesses navigate the evolving affiliate marketing landscape. Some of my proudest achievements include:
Co-writing the blog on 2025 Affiliate Marketing Trends – A forward-looking piece that provided actionable insights to empower our partners for success in the coming year.
Authoring "Top Tips for Mastering PR and Affiliate Marketing Synergy" – An exploration of how to seamlessly align these two crucial disciplines for maximum impact, driving tangible results for our clients.
Writing "The Changing Landscape of PR: An Affiliate Marketing Agency Perspective" – A deep dive into the shifting dynamics of our industry, designed to inform and inspire brands adapting to new challenges and opportunities.
Beyond blog creation, I’ve extended my contributions to team development and thought leadership by:
Delivering an interactive Focus Friday session on Excel Macros, equipping the team with practical tools to streamline complex processes and improve efficiency.
Presenting a concise overview of the APMA State of the Nation 2024 Affiliate & Partner Marketing Report, ensuring the team remains ahead of key industry trends to refine our strategies and strengthen our client offerings.
These initiatives reflect my passion for blending creativity and strategy to produce content and knowledge-sharing opportunities that inspire action and deliver measurable value.
Skill Development
This year, I’ve achieved significant growth in my proficiency with industry-leading tools such as Rakuten Advertising, Awin, Shopify, GA4, HubSpot, Buffer, and Similarweb. What once seemed like a challenge has now become a strength, particularly with Excel, which has evolved from a daunting task into a trusted asset for advanced data analysis and reporting.
As Customer First Digital continues to embrace cutting-edge technology, including ASK BOSCO and other AI-driven innovations, I am eager to deepen my expertise in these areas. Leveraging these tools will not only enhance efficiency but also drive smarter, more strategic decision-making as we adapt to the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
This year has certainly brought its challenges, but it has also been a period of immense growth and learning. Managing the complexities of multiple client accounts, meeting tight deadlines, and staying ahead of industry trends required resilience, adaptability, and a sharp focus. The demands of Black Friday, combined with ongoing campaigns, made for one of the most intense yet rewarding periods of the year, testing my skills and determination.
A key takeaway from this year has been the undeniable value of collaboration. Whether it’s brainstorming during “Focus Fridays,” tapping into the expertise of Suzanne, Dave, and Lewis, or engaging in constructive feedback sessions, I’ve come to see how teamwork fosters innovation and drives success.
Another significant change this year has been the shift to hybrid working, introduced in December. This approach has not only enhanced productivity but also brought a much-needed sense of work-life balance, allowing me to remain focused and motivated while maintaining personal well-being.
Each challenge and lesson has been an opportunity to grow, and I’m excited to carry these experiences forward into the year ahead.
Beyond the Office
Outside of work, I’ve embraced personal growth with the same enthusiasm. In October, I began writing country songs, a long-time passion I’ve finally had the chance to explore. It’s been a creative outlet that allows me to reflect and express myself in a new and meaningful way.
I’ve also maintained my commitment to the gym, ensuring fitness remains a priority for both my physical and mental well-being. Additionally, I’ve spent countless weekends hiking the stunning landscapes of Yorkshire, enjoying the tranquillity and inspiration that only nature can provide.
In September, as part of a team effort for the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust, I took on a personal challenge to walk 100 miles in a month. To my delight, I exceeded this goal by an additional 75 miles, finishing the month with an impressive 175 miles walked. It was both physically and emotionally fulfilling to contribute to such an important cause while pushing my own boundaries.Click on this text to edit it.
Looking Ahead: Year Two and Beyond
As I look to the future, I’m energized by the incredible opportunities on the horizon. A key priority is expanding the Brand Partnership side of our business, focusing on innovative strategies to cultivate stronger, more impactful relationships for our clients. I’m also looking forward to the possibility of being entrusted with managing additional clients as the business continues to grow, further contributing to our collective success.
In parallel, I’m committed to sharpening my expertise in data analytics, campaign management, and content creation, ensuring I stay ahead of industry trends and continue delivering excellence at every step.
The collaborative spirit at Customer First Digital is a constant source of inspiration. I’m excited to contribute to this dynamic environment by sharing insights, mentoring newer team members, and championing innovation to drive growth and results. The road ahead is bright, and I’m ready to embrace every challenge and opportunity it brings.Click on this text to edit it.
A Heartfelt Thank You
None of these achievements would have been possible without the incredible support of my team. Suzanne, Dave, and Lewis, your mentorship and expertise have been invaluable, helping me grow and thrive in my role.
To Joe, it’s been a pleasure watching your journey unfold. Your curiosity, enthusiasm, and determination have brought so much to the team, and I can’t wait to see all you’ll accomplish in the future.
Finally, to our clients and partners, thank you for trusting us with your brands. Your success is our success, and I am honoured to be part of your journey.
The past year has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am ready to dive into year two with renewed passion, purpose, and energy. Here’s to another year of growth, innovation, and success at Customer First Digital!
Tagged as: Affiliate Marketing, Team
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