My name’s Ben Cotton and Social Web Thing is my personal blog. Here I pen my thoughts on communications, social business and ‘big data’ in the Validation Era, as well as looking at business, strategy, social media, content, analytics, search, great food & drink and whatever else catches my attention.

I’m a Digital & Social Media Marketing Manager, blogger and occasional speaker, working for Chill Insurance. However, this blog only reflects my views and not those of my employer, clients or anyone else for that matter.

At Chill Insurance we use data, research and great content to execute inbound and paid marketing strategies that generate online traffic, leads and sales.

I previously worked for Edelman Digital and was lucky enough to work with both the agency’s UK and Irish teams, so I had a nice mix of local, European and global clients. My role was varied, but could more easily be described as helping brands listen, understand and engage within social media. 

I’m was also previously an Associate of the Centre for Public Relations Studies at Leeds Metropolitan University and my work was acknowledged in Planning and managing public relations campaigns.

I’ve been writing about and working in social media since 2007, but this blog was launched in October 2009. Social Web Thing has already been up for several awards; winning a European award at Euprera Spring Symposium and received nominations for the some comms and CRAPPs. I’m also an occasional guest blogger for The Next Web, Edelman Digital and Behind the Spin – when they’ll have me.

You may also notice the occasional sponsored post, often related to graduate employability, however I’ll always provide full disclosure when this is the case.

If there is anything else you would like to know do feel free to get in touch or say ‘hi’ via one of the social platforms on the right.