Supporting 'Day of Solidarity'. Volunteering With Merx on the TOKA x ALSA UK Project

The partnership between TOKA and ALSA UK wasn’t just about raising funds; it was about celebrating culture, driving connection, and giving back to the community. What made it especially meaningful was that I wasn’t just observing the Merx team bring this collaboration to life; I was part of it.

As a volunteer for the day, I got to dive into real digital marketing work: helping design a post for the campaign, learning how strategy shapes content, and seeing firsthand how even the smallest creative decisions carry real purpose.

Three Lessons I Learned from One Day at Merx:

1. No Post Is “Just a Post”

One of the biggest surprises for me was how much planning goes into a single Instagram post.

I got to help design a post for a live Merx project, and from the outside, it might look like something quick or easy. But behind it was a whole process:

• What is the goal of this post?

• Who’s the audience?

• What tone are we using, friendly, informative, or bold?

• How does this fit with the rest of the brand’s content?

  
  

Even choosing the colour palette wasn’t random. It had to reflect the client’s visual identity, evoke the right feeling, and fit with the wider feed. Nothing was accidental. Every decision had a reason behind it.

Helping with that post made me realise that real marketing is about being intentional, even with the smallest things.

2. Blogging Is Way More Strategic Than I Thought

Before this day, I assumed blog writing was just a way for companies to show they had something to say. But Merx showed me that blogs are a core part of a company’s digital strategy, especially when it comes to SEO, branding, and audience connection.

I learned how blog topics are chosen based on what people are searching for, what the brand wants to be known for, and even how content helps build trust over time.

The team showed me how each blog fits into a wider strategy:

• It improves how a business ranks on Google

• It shows expertise and builds credibility

• It gives value to readers and potential customers

And it’s not just about what you write, it’s how you write it. The tone of voice, structure, layout, call-to-actions... everything plays a part.

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3. Visuals Aren’t Just About “Looking Nice”

I’ve always loved creating content, so being able to play around with tools like Canva and contribute to visual ideas was exciting. But Merx taught me that visual design isn’t about being flashy, it’s about being clear, consistent, and aligned with your message.

We talked about how colours can change how people feel about a post.

For example:

• Softer tones can feel warm and trustworthy

• Bold colours might communicate urgency or confidence

• Consistent use of brand colours builds recognition

  
  

Even simple things like where you place text on an image or how much white space you leave affect how people read and respond. Every visual choice supports the message.

I learnt how to make short, catchy CTA’s whilst highlighting the USP of the company and keeping it consistent on different channels and formats.

Getting Involved With Real Marketing Work

From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed into the team and felt at ease. I wasn’t just tagging along; I got to help plan and design a real social media post for Instagram and contribute to content that would help promote the collaboration with ALSA.

We used Canva to design visuals, discussed how the tone of voice plays a huge role in brand communication, and even looked into hashtag strategy and scheduling.

I always assumed marketing was mostly about making things look good. But working with Merx made me realise it’s about so much more than aesthetics. It’s about purpose, timing, clarity, and knowing your audience, and once you understand that, the creative stuff starts to mean something.

Learning From the Merx Team

The founder of Merx, Daniel, was one of the first people to make me feel at ease, along with his colleagues Glen and Besnik, who all took the time to explain how they approach digital marketing, step by step, in a way that wasn’t overwhelming at all. They did not just say “This is how it’s done”, they showed me why it’s done that way.

He walked me through how a simple Instagram post is part of a bigger strategy, how colours and captions affect engagement, and how even the smallest detail, such as the placement of a logo, can influence how someone perceives a brand.

The team had this calm, focused energy. Everyone knew what they were doing, but it didn’t feel rushed or stressful. Even though I was just there for the day, they trusted me to contribute and made me feel like my ideas mattered.

What Surprised Me the Most

What surprised me most was how intentional everything was.

Every design, every word, and even the decision of when to post, was backed by thought. I had no idea how many little decisions go into what seems like a “simple post” on Instagram.

Merx doesn’t just help businesses post content; it helps them communicate. That’s what stood out to me. They think about things like:

• Who are you speaking to?

• What’s the purpose of this post?

• How do visuals reflect your brand?

• What kind of action do you want people to take?

It made me look at content completely differently.

Why This Day Meant So Much

Before this experience, I liked the idea of marketing. But I didn’t fully understand what it involved, or whether I could see myself doing it. This day helped change that.

I realised I love being involved in the storytelling side of branding. I liked helping shape how something looks, how it sounds, and how people connect with it.

Even though I was just a volunteer for the day, I walked away with a clearer sense of direction. It gave me confidence, not just in the skills I’m building, but in the kind of work I might want to do in the future.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re a student or young creative trying to figure out what you want to do, I can’t recommend an experience like this enough. Volunteering might seem like something small, but when it’s with the right people, it can teach you more than you’d learn in a classroom.

Merx didn’t treat me like “just a student.” They treated me like part of the team. That meant a lot.

And if you're a business or charity wanting to build your brand in a thoughtful, community-driven way, Merx Marketing Ltd is genuinely worth checking out. They’re not just good at what they do; they're generous with their time, kind in their approach, and passionate about helping others grow.

One day. One post. A whole new perspective.