The Tecmark 10 – with SEO executive Tom Howell

SEO executive Tom Howell joined Tecmark in February 2014 on an eight-week placement. Almost two years later, the University of Manchester English Language graduate is now an integral part of the team. Follow Tom on Twitter.

1. What does your typical day look like?

I’m not going down the clichéd ‘no day is the same’ route! At the moment my days are busier, which is what I like. Being more involved with clients, working out ways their websites can fulfil the purpose of what the client wants, and the best way we can report on that significance, is really enjoyable.
 

2. What’s the most satisfying aspect of your work?

I’m enjoying what I’m doing day-to-day now because it’s a challenge to work with various clients and within various frameworks of what they want. In your work life, I don’t think you can ask for more than it providing a challenge and it pulling you out of what you would consider your ‘comfort zone’. Apart from a brew, of course!
 

3. And the best thing about working at Tecmark?

Working with people who know their stuff, are passionate about it and who can also have a laugh, which is important for creating camaraderie in the office. Anyone here can ask for help if they’re a bit stuck or, if they just want to ask about different angles on a project, we’re able to work out what we can do and what’s best.
 

4. As a Manchester native, what makes the city so good?

I’ve tended to take these things for granted! For me it’s definitely the music and, of course, football. Music tends to create an aura around a city and it’s definitely created one around us. Liverpool have it as well with The Beatles. But the way the city has changed within the last 20 or so years is incredible when you think about it, especially those who can remember what it was like. Manchester is a place where everyone wants to live, shop, and hang out these days. It’s forever changing, with the ever-present historical elements thrown into the mix.
 

5. What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned over the last 12 months?

Definitely the technical aspect of SEO – learning from people who knew their stuff and then learning how to put that knowledge into practice and how it benefits clients and their websites.
 

6. And what do you expect to be learning over the next 12 months?

More of the management aspect I would imagine. Being able to manage client’s expectations alongside what can actually be achieved is a fine balance. Also, I’d like to expand upon the technical aspect because there is still lots to learn.
 

7. How do you relax away from work?

I love films and I like going to the cinema and just watching films, whether new or proven classics. In the summer I went to see Jaws and it was like watching a new film. It was amazing.

I’m also a (Manchester) United fan and, while I wouldn’t say that is a relaxation exercise at the moment, I love going to Old Trafford. I still get goosebumps climbing the steps and seeing the pitch. I also love going to gigs when I can as there’s a lot of to be had for seeing live music of musicians you love.
 

8. What’s the first thing you’d buy if you won the lottery?

I think I’d convert a room of my house into the bridge of the Enterprise.
 

9. Jamiroquai or The Stone Roses?

Not fair! Is this a Harry Hill-esqe question? I’ve got to go with the Roses. Although, as most of the office will testify to, I do love a good, old-fashioned Jamiroquai tune.
 

10. And finally… as a big Manchester United fan, which Manchester City player would you most like to see in a United shirt?

Pfft. Sacrilege, this!

Seriously, it would have to be Agüero. He’s just too good. It turns out they only need him for about 10 games a season where he smashes in hat-tricks and then does a disappearing act. Considering our problems in front of goal this season, he’s the one player who I’d love in our team because he can make something out of nothing.

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