| | SKILLS SUMMARY - Over 16 years' experience developing online content designed to improve the user experience
- Well-versed in web-based navigation and user interface issues
- Strong copywriter and editor with meticulous eye for detail
- Proven ability as manager and mentor to in-house and virtual content teams
- Background in online messaging, user documentation and e-CRM
- Accustomed to managing multiple projects in deadline-driven environments
- Experience developing content and information architectures for B2C, B2B, and social media sites
- Pursuing MSc in HCI at UCL; obtained MSc in mass communications and BA in journalism from Boston University
WRITEBYTE LIMITED
In this freelance capacity, I work with clients to create effective, usable content capable of enhancing the user experience. This process includes producing strategy documents (competitive analyses and content inventories), generating user requirements, developing personas, writing and editing the actual content, verifying the usability of the content in question via usability testing, and creating usability reports.
Clients:
8/08 - present
Vodafone: Currently working as an 'embedded' journalist within Vodafone's User Exprerience Concept Design team to develop and refine their communications, both internal and external.
3/08 - 7/08
XM London: I served as the in-house user experience resource for this web development agency, which was part of WPP. I conducted site evaluations, generated personas and scenarios, conducted prototype user testing, and wrote site messaging content as needed.
9/07 - 12/07
Orange: Worked with the Design & Usability team of one of the UK's leading mobile operators to develop a detailed form and behaviour specification for a new iteration of the 'Homescreen', the company's flagship on-device application.
8/07
HouseofFraser.co.uk: I wrote the introductory copy for all product categories and sub-categories on House of Fraser's e-commerce website. (Womenswear example)
3/07 - 6/07
Fanbanta.com: I developed full site messaging and help documentation for this social media start-up focussed on football fans. In addition, I advised on user experience issues and conducted usability testing of early design prototypes. 7/03 - present
MinetteWalters.co.uk and JeffreyArcher.co.uk: I developed the content architectures for these sites and directed the design and production. I handled all content development for the sites, writing copy for landing pages as required. I am now the site editor for both sites, and I write associated newsletters, interact with fans, advise on web strategy and work to enhance search engine placement.
5/97 – 1/99; 5/00 - 6/01:
Additional clients: The Lovers' Guide; Digital; Ziff-Davis; Rockwell; Wells Fargo; an email management service; an event marketing firm; a logistics service; a healthcare organisation; several design agencies; and a global management consultancy.
PARTYGAMING PLC (London, England)
3/05 -- 12/06
HEAD OF ONLINE CONTENT
I was responsible for a variety of e-communications (website messaging, email newsletters, banner ads, landing pages, etc.) targeting the global audience of this online gaming group. I worked with the product teams to develop content architectures for new websites and oversaw all content deliverables for these sites. In addition, I developed and implemented a detailed set of new media copy guidelines; wrote and edited all B2B copy for the affiliates section; and provided copy for a series of online marketing campaigns. I managed an in-house editorial team of four writers and editors and an external team of three writers, overseeing all content production via the CMS. I worked with in-house designers to integrate information design, copy and graphics into projects as necessary. I was also part of a team tasked with improving the user experience of PG's websites and e-communications.
BUONGIORNO UK LTD. (London, England)
7/01 -- 6/03
CONTENT DIRECTOR
I was responsible for all content development and acquisition for the UK subsidiary of Europe's largest email and mobile services company. I identified relevant SMS and MMS content providers and negotiated commercial partnerships for both the UK and Europe. I generated SMS and WAP content for mobile services and managed this and all editorial content using the company's proprietary CMS. In addition, I managed the editorial team and budget and wrote copy for a variety of successful email campaigns (O2, Avon, Bausch & Lomb, L'Oreal, Thistle Hotels, and NTL). I also helped to develop BizBravo, email marketing software targeting SMEs. I defined the navigation, and I wrote all landing page copy, marketing and technical FAQ, case studies, and the user guide, which also served as the online help. [See Projects page for details of specific campaigns.]
OUT OF OFFICE TECHNOLOGY (Boston, Massachusetts)
1/99 -- 5/00
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
OOO.com was an online magazine targeting the technology needs of business travelers, and it featured news and reviews of the latest hardware and software. Tasked with launching the site, I managed the editorial and design process. I developed the editorial calendar and budget, and I enforced a consistent tone and style across the site. I developed solutions to optimise user experience and, working with a virtual team of 15 writers and designers, I delivered two versions of the site, on time and under budget. I also defined the content variables required to transition the site to a content management system. As a co-founder, I served on the Out of Office board of directors and worked with the management team to develop strategic editorial, syndication, and co-branding initiatives designed to grow the company.
NETS INC. (Cambridge, MA)
1/96 -- 5/97
SENIOR EDITOR
As editorial lead for Nets Inc., an e-commerce venture targeting the manufacturing industry via the web, I worked on teams charged with integrating content from partner companies, managed contributions from editorial contractors, and packaged information for online presentation. I encouraged user participation in online forums and developed corporate style guidelines and technical documentation.
SECTION EDITOR
As section editor for several content areas of the now-defunct AT&T Business Network, I researched and reviewed web sites, managed freelance reviewers, and worked with design and production teams to publish web pages. I incorporated external content, affiliate services, events, and forums with original content.
AT&T INTERCHANGE ONLINE NETWORK (Cambridge, MA)
9/94 -- 1/96
NEWS EDITOR
As a member of the editorial team of this proprietary online service, (owned by Ziff-Davis, later bought by AT&T), I selected and edited stories; wrote headlines and decks; and created news, business, entertainment, and sports highlights pages within a tight schedule. I developed help documentation used to train new editors and provided feedback on beta software.
ZIFF-DAVIS INTERACTIVE (Cambridge, MA)
9/92 -- 9/94
STAFF EDITOR
I selected syndicated news stories and content and wrote headlines for ZiffNet on Prodigy, an early online service; processed upload to the live service of news, editorial and highlights sections; and trained other staff members to perform these tasks. I also edited software reviews and wrote articles for an online newsletter.
FREELANCE EDITOR/WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER (Boston, MA)
11/90 -- 9/92
Editorial clients: Inc. Magazine; Cahners Publishing; Coopers & Lybrand; Fidelity Investments.
Magazine clients: Spa Magazine; CDNow/Allstar; SonicNet; Tower Pulse Magazine; Magnet; Alternative Press; Request; The Boston Phoenix; Rolling Stone Online.
Photography clients: As a stringer for United Press International, I contributed images to The Boston Herald, The Tab Newspapers, New Age Journal Magazine, The Boston Phoenix, and several national music magazines. Also worked with many local bands to generate press photos.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
5/89--10/90
BOSTON ROCK MAGAZINE, BOSTON, MA
Senior Editor, Staff Writer, Photography Editor 3/88--9/88
THE HELLENIC CHRONICLE, BOSTON, MA
Copy Editor, Assistant Photography Editor 5/87--10/87
MOH PRODUCTIONS, CAMBRIDGE, MA
Assistant Publicist
SOFTWARE SKILLS MS Office, PowerPoint, Excel, Visio; Macromedia Dreamweaver and Contribute; Adobe Photoshop CS and Acrobat; HTML.
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