Ad land’s Young Guns: Rishabh Mahendru, AdLift

Rishabh Mahendru is a Digital Marketing Consultant and currently working as Head - SEO with AdLift. A computer engineer by choice, Mahendru started his professional journey as any other software developer after completing his engineering. But his curiosity to learn new thing lead him to digital marketing, since than he has taken projects that would help companies in newly introduced terms like Organic Traffic, Content Optimisation, Technical SEO, etc. 

With over 7 years of experience spread across the digital space, Mahendru has honed skills towards a data driven and analytical approach in SEO and content. From BFSI and healthcare to travel and lifestyle, his career has spanned across some of the top brands, such as Yahoo!, Max Healthcare, ICICI Prulife, Yatra.com, Aditya Birla Finance Direct, Intex and more. Mahendru’s data driven approach has also played a pivotal role in gave solid foundation in digital advertising. 

The ever-changing landscape of digital marketing projects has increased his enthusiasm and continues to bring together individuals, companies and brands to produce creative SEO solutions. 

How did you get the role you are serving?
Back in 2010, like most computer engineers, I also wanted to be a programmer and with that dream I joined ASP.NET training institute in Karol Bagh, Delhi. It was only during the course when someone from the institute introduced me to digital marketing. 

Back then there weren’t many promising jobs in the .NET field, and that is when I decided to give digital a try. I worked with a few mid-sized agencies in Delhi before becoming a part of AdLift. Trust me, it has been quite a journey since then. From trying my hands in SEO, social media to heading the content marketing department, I did it all before taking up the role of SEO Head. 

What particular skill sets do you think you bring to the table?
It definitely has to be the grit and curiosity to do new things every day. SEO is a dynamic process that keeps on changing without a moment’s notice. To match the pace, you have to be continuously on your toes for thriving in the digital world, and these skills make things easy. 

How did AdLift come about?
Like I said earlier, it was because of the not-so-promising .NET field that I became a part of the digital world. My stint with digital started with mid-sized companies, and when AdLift came across as an opportunity, I did not think twice to decide. It has been 6 years and trust me, no words will justify the kind of experience it has been for me – both professionally and personally. 

Icons in advertising you look up to and how they have influenced you and your work?
I generally do not idealise people, but with AdLift, I got a chance to work with some impressiveand powerful minds, who have guided and helped me reach new heights of success. 

What are the five most productive things that you do in your everyday routine?

• Breakfast: Have a big breakfast! My day does not start without eating parathas!
• Reading: On my way to work, I prefer reading some news on The Times of India and other news portals. I am also a part of many SEO/ digital groups on Facebook that keep me updated about the industry. It keeps me abreast with the ongoing changes and trends of the digital world.
• Planning & Prioritising: Planning and prioritising help me schedule my day and meet the deadlines.
• Team Sync-up: One of the most crucial tasks of the day is to sync-up with the team for clearing doubts and solving concerns.
• Before calling it a day, I talk to folks from other verticals and take learnings from their day. In my opinion, cross-vertical communication is the key to professional success.

Do you think a career in advertising is a viable one in the long term?
Yes, without a doubt! Thanks to our Prime Minister for talking about digital every other day, sectors we never imagined going digital are thriving in digital now – which is a good sign. 

What does it take to succeed in a career like advertising?
Brushing up your skills and being creative are two essential ingredients to succeed in this industry. 

What would be your advice to youngsters planning to enter this industry?
You have to be determined and gritty to succeed. Don’t be afraid of failure, always try and learn from the mistakes you have made in the past and make sure you don’t repeat them. 

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
I don’t believe in thinking too far ahead. Five years back, I couldn’t even know that I could reach here. So, let’s see where destiny takes me. 

Is there any agency/ organisation that you would like to work with in the future?
Throughout my career I have been working with agencies and facing clients. I would love to sit on the other side of the table.