Hometown: Gasport, NY
What is your background in?
I thought for the longest time that I wanted to be a media planner, because I really enjoy both math and psychology. During my senior year at Ithaca College, I interned with a small business that let me put my hands in a lot of different aspects of digital marketing, from social media management to market research. I got to see how much data goes into almost every digital decision, not just media planning.
My first real job reaffirmed how much fun creating digital media is. That’s where I learned how satisfying it is to have a blog post capture a featured snippet and cut down the cost of a digital lead. I learned a lot about on-site SEO at that job, which is what brought me to Parkway! Here, I focus on letting the numbers lead our clients’ SEO and paid search strategies.
What do you work on primarily?
First and foremost, I’m a writer. I spend most of my time creating search engine optimized pages and posts for our clients’ websites. That means starting with keyword and competitor research, learning about a specific topic, talking to the client about their needs, and then sitting down to write and edit.
I also write pieces of our clients’ email newsletters, press releases, social media posts and digital ads. When Parkway sends out a web design or digital marketing proposal or audit, it probably passed through my hands, even if it was just for a quick edit.
The other big part of my job is optimizing what already exists. Depending on the day, this could mean revisiting old blog posts, checking the on-site SEO of a website before it launches, or tweaking paid search campaigns.
What do you wish your clients knew?
- I want your customers to think everything Parkway writes comes straight from you. It’s my goal to integrate your expertise and voice into everything I create for your brand.
- Title and meta descriptions are the copy that displays in search engine results. Good titles and metas encourage searchers to click on your website, rather than the websites around yours in the search results.
- Parkway does absolutely everything in our clients’ best interests. If we suggest something, it’s because we think it’s the right move for your business. When we make a suggestion, it’s usually not a must-do. You can always say, “No thanks” or ask us for another idea.
Why do you love coming to work?
I love writing and strategies backed by data. At Parkway, I get to combine them under the umbrella of content strategy. I also love being part of a creative team. Our skills don’t overlap a ton, so we all get to sit back and watch in amazement as our coworkers do their thing.
Can you share a professional or personal goal?
Professionally, I really want to make learning a priority. Digital marketing changes so quickly and staying on top of the latest innovations and best practices make Parkway a better partner for our clients. Personally, my dream is to renovate an old farmhouse. That’s more of a stretch goal though.
What would you be if you weren’t a writer?
If I was just a little bit more design-savvy, I think I’d be an interior designer or packaging engineer. I’d also love to run a very Instagramable coffee shop/vintage décor/bookstore combination.
Anything else we should know about you?
No?
Something you are really good at? Organizing!
What’s your favorite meal to cook? Tacos, because they’re really easy and always taste good.
Last book you finished? I wish I could tell you it was A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, but I finished The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks last.
Last place you vacationed? Depending on what qualifies as a vacation and what’s just visiting friends, Tampa, Boston or Stowe.
What flavor of ice cream do you wish existed? Peanut butter apple