Independent Contractor / Lexiconic LLC (2017 - )
Content strategy and site optimization for various clients
- McKesson (Since 2020): Copy editing B2B and B2C marketing materials, white papers and internal content. Crafted strategy-aligned brand story and messaging guide for eco-friendly OTC product.
- Blaze Portfolio (2020): Researched complex financial topics and produced easy-to-understand, SEO-friendly articles for a cloud platform serving investment advisors.
- SIGGRAPH (2019): Optimized registration flow, site and UX copy for annual conference catering to tech professionals.
- Gardens for Health International (2018): Provided copy consultation and wrote headlines for the NGO's website.
- Great Wolf Lodge (2017-2018): Authored numerous travel and family fun pieces.
Content Editor, Energy BBDO (2013 - 2017)
Created, managed and edited high-performing, engaging digital content for SC Johnson and other major brands
- Ziploc: Managed a team of content creators, negotiating contracts, and producing 150+ articles, recipes, and crafts. Achieved high viral social media engagement and surpassed KPIs through compelling consumer emails, banner ads, and SEO/social/YouTube copy.
- Drano: Consulted on site structure, strategy and SEO for the redesign. Edited articles, wrote headlines, taglines and UX copy.
- OFF!: Secured freelance journalists/subject matter experts, edited and optimized 35+ articles.
- Bayer: Researched and wrote heart health articles for omega-3 product launch.
Content Editor/Strategist, CoolSavings/Q Interactive (2003 - 2012)
Led content strategy and optimization efforts for a consumer saving site
- Designed user experiences, from banner ads to landing pages, resulting in increased conversions, higher response rates and improved lead generation.
- Published a two-part byline article "How to Build a Digital Dialogue with Modern Moms" in Target Marketing.
Publications Editor, Chicago International Film Festival (2002 - 2003)
- Wrote and edited short capsules and longer analyses for 100+ films.
- Wrote scripts and speeches for Pierce Brosnan and Charles Dutton Award presentations.
Copywriter, Yesmail.com (2000 - 2001)
Copywriting for permission-based email marketing company
- Garnered high response rates writing email marketing messages for clients such as Sony, Visa, and Procter and Gamble.
- Conducted competitor research, wrote press releases and sales letters, analyzed case studies and wrote B2B newsletters.
Editor, Gyro Worldwide Advertising (1999 - 2000)
- Curated all content for monthly mini-magazine Projector: A Chicago Cultural Guide. Promoted and reviewed concerts, films, art exhibits, and performances; coordinated production with ad agency in PA for insertion in the Chicago Reader.
- Promoted, planned and created print content for sponsored concert tour: "The Living Jarboe.”
Freelance Writing, Editing, Publicity and Criticism
- Edited a successful doctoral candidate's thesis on arts education in public schools.
- Helped write successful grant proposals for Community Giving Tree (MA) and Raphael Health Center (IN).
- Served as spokesperson on 93XRT's "Sound Opinions" and wrote press releases for Ladyfest Midwest, a 4-day fest featuring over 100 bands.
- Promoted and earned press for the 21st annual Women in the Director’s Chair film festival, represented the festival on WLUW'S "Live from the Heartland" radio show.
- Wrote copy for an educational consultant, art gallery, multimedia company, long-term health care centers, a family counseling center, online universities, and a real estate company.
- Contributed cover stories, record reviews, features, interviews, book reviews, and news to local, national, and international publications: RedEye, Magnet, Puncture, Alternative Press, Illinois Entertainer, New City, Bitch Magazine, NME, and Amazon.
Education
BA, Film and Video Production/Direction with minor in Film Theory/Criticism, Indiana University
Courses
Search Engine Optimization, Digital Bootcamp
Writing the Unthinkable with Lynda Barry
Copywriting with Donna Baier Stein, Direct Marketing Association