EXPERIENCE
Web Copywriter - Lowe's Home Improvement
August 2011 - Present
Craft verbiage for weekly email campaigns, seasonal campaigns, promotional banners and mobile with an emphasis on marketing initiatives and SEO value of content. Collaborate with creative and marketing teams to aid in the continuous online growth of Fortune 50 company.
Contributions + Accomplishments- Wrote subject line for holiday campaign that was selected from over 18,000 national emails as one of the 10 Best for 2011 by Chad White of The Retail Email Blog, an authority on email marketing strategies and trends in the retail industry.
Freelance Copywriter - LivingSocial
March 2011 - Present
Research local businesses and create witty, concise advertorial copy in 130 words or less, delivered daily to meet 24-hour deadlines. Creative emphasis on tone and incorporation of themes.
Contributions + Accomplishments- Won Best Copy in May 2011 from a pool of nationwide copywriters.
Editor - University City Magazine
April 2010 - August 2010
Provided editorial direction for monthly lifestyle magazine. Planned, assigned and edited copy and headlines. Created pagination for layout. Managed freelance budget. Coordinated and art directed photo shoots.
Contributions + Accomplishments- Developed a revised editorial plan to better represent the readership.
- Shot, styled and art directed June 2010 cover image. Provided additional photography for issues.
- Balanced duties during overlapping production schedule with Carolina Bride magazine.
Columnist - The Charlotte Observer
April 2009 - August 2010
Online relationship column, "Miles From the Aisle," grew to over 30,000 page views per post, becoming the top daily story on CharlotteObserver.com, and was frequently featured on local radio and other media.
Editor, Web Producer - Carolina Bride Magazine, CarolinaBride.com
July 2008 - August 2010
Provided editorial direction for print and online content and design. Planned, assigned, wrote and edited copy and headlines. Created pagination for layout. Coordinated photo shoots. Corresponded with PR representatives for images and content. Maintained advertising relations. Managed and promoted CarolinaBride.com using social media.
Contributions + Accomplishments- Revived franchise with fresh, new image and timely, relevant content after dismissal of previous staff due to layoffs. Carolina Bride is The Charlotte Observer's most profitable publication, operating at a 60% profit margin during this time.
- Launched CarolinaBride.com in April 2009 through intense collaboration with online development team on design and usability. Under my direction, CarolinaBride.com grew from an average of 400 page views per month to over 1 million on a quarterly basis.
- Developed new sections featuring industry leaders, celebrities, tips and trends.
- Posted new content to CarolinaBride.com using knowledge of content management system and HTML.
- Continually sought new ways to raise the bar and improve the reputation and influence of the Carolina Bride brand.
- Streamlined administrative procedures and strictly enforced deadlines.
- Networked with industry professionals during bridal shows and other events.
Associate Editor - SouthPark, University City and Lake Norman Magazines
July 2008 - April 2010
Compiled press releases and generated new content for advertorial front-of-book sections. Wrote food and lifestyle features. Copyedited issues, wrote headlines and contributed photography for stories. Communicated with staff photographers and editors to meet deadlines. Coordinated photo shoots. Supervised editorial intern.
Contributions + Accomplishments- Balanced primary editorial responsibility of three publications simultaneously while members of staff on maternity leave.
- Produced Lake Norman newcomers guide for The Charlotte Observer in addition to regular job duties.
Assistant Editor - The Ensign Magazine
October 2007 - July 2008
Reviewed story submissions and edited stories for bimonthly national non-profit publication. Wrote and posted online content. Managed obituary, tips and book review sections.
Editorial Intern - Philadelphia Weekly
Summer 2005
Verified facts through online research and phone calls. Conducted interviews in downtown Philadelphia for music section.
SKILLS
- Expert in leading a creative project from start to finish.
- Unsurpassed attention to detail and insatiable willingness to take risks.
- Exceptional ability to envision larger concepts and overall vision of a project.
- Strong, independent thinker, energized by group collaboration, exceedingly confident in abilities.
- Proficient in grammar, usage and AP style.
- Well trained in the use of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Photoshop, Lightroom and InDesign.
- Working knowledge of HTML, SEO and content management systems.
EDUCATION
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bachelor of Arts in English.
University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Professional Writing and Creative Nonfiction.
REFERENCES
Available upon request