Freelance B2B writer and ghostwriter with experience in sectors such as HR, commercial real estate and economic development. Clients include SHRM, Texas Economic Development Corp., Experian and Newsweek Vault.Former editor of the Austin Business Journal. Former editor in chief at Bankrate Insurance, Storable (SpareFoot) and LawnStarter.Available to craft and polish blog posts, articles, white papers, case studies, ebooks and other B2B content.

WHAT I DO: Produce well-researched, well-sourced, engaging content for audiences seeking trusted answers to their personal finance questions. Think of me as a navigator in the complicated world of personal finance, including credit cards, loans and insurance.WHO I WORK WITH: Personal finance brands such as Forbes Advisor, Experian, Bankrate, USA Today Blueprint, TIME Stamped and U.S. News & World Report.WHAT MAKES ME DIFFERENT: Aside from submitting my work on time, I am known for crafting copy that needs only light editing and that covers all the bases. In addition, I am very open to feedback and suggestions; I’m not a word diva. On top of that, my grasp of personal finance topics is solid.WHAT OTHERS SAY: “I've had distinct honor of being managed and mentored by John in an early editorial role, and now I'm lucky enough to have him work alongside me as a freelance writer for Credit Karma. John has an unstoppable instinct for a good story and a keen sense for the audience he’s targeting. And you don’t get to his level, experience and be in this much demand without delivering on all the other things that matter: strong attention to detail, effortless writing style, unbeatable work ethic, and a high capacity for receiving and implementing feedback. In short, you should work with John because he'll always put in his best and deliver exceptional work.”▸ Korrena Bailie, former senior director of editorial, Credit Karma“John’s stories are well sourced, always have great quotes and require little editing — all of which makes my job easier. He also spots trending stories and pitches his own ideas. That hustle and passion about a particular topic result in better stories and blog posts for readers.”▸ Jeff Herman, former managing editor, CreditCards.com

Author ✍️ of The Stripped-Down Guide to Content Marketing: Success Secrets for Beginners https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BH8T9V48/

In this newly created position, I collaborated with the co-founder and chief operating officer on content strategies for the LawnStarter blog and numerous market-focused pages, including creation of the bulk of the consumer-focused content. LawnStarter operates an online marketplace that connects lawn care consumers with lawn care professionals in major markets throughout the United States.I used Google Analytics and other measurement tools to track the performance of blog and webpage content. In helping oversee PR strategy, I recruited a talented candidate for a newly created PR position and continued to help coordinate campaigns for building brand awareness.* Boosted year-over-year unique page views for LawnStarter by more than 150%, created content that garnered thousands of online shares, and generated dozens of authoritative media mentions.* Served as creative force behind infographics and other data visualizations involving originating data-based content, researching and selecting proprietary and publicly available data, populating blogs, and posting content through the WordPress platform.* Managed blog and website content in boosting main website’s domain authority from the mid-30s in August 2015 to the mid-50s today.

I accepted this newly created marketing position to oversee blog content development and positioning for a website that provides online self-storage alternatives to consumers through nationwide locations, availability, and reservations. My primary responsibilities involved writing content and expanding interest and readership for four blogs focused on news and advice for self-storage consumers and self-storage professionals.* Led SpareFoot to win Best Online Newsroom Award from Ragan’s PR Daily.* During tenure increased monthly blog sessions by 471% through perceptive SEO management.* Recruited and supervised one staff writer and 20 freelance writers. Managed $120K+ annual content budget.* Assigned, edited, and wrote content for four blogs, coordinated editorial calendar, tracked performance, and directed PR strategy.* Cultivated relationships with Wall Street analysts covering the self-storage industry.

I provided critical organizational and content strategy oversight in integrating communications for several recently acquired lead-generation companies for home, auto, life, and health insurance. In addition, I directed the digital strategy for six consumer-facing websites.* Increased SEO traffic for Bankrate Insurance websites from 12% to 23% of total traffic within nine months.* Hired, mentored, and managed two staff editors and 20 freelance writers. Controlled $300K annual content budget.* Communicated with leaders of publicly held company and recommended innovative content initiatives; collaborated with colleagues on PR strategy. Served as media spokesman for Bankrate Insurance.* Helped develop editorial calendar and assign content; collaborated with outside firm on creation and distribution of infographics. Edited content created by staff editors and freelance writers.

I founded and operated this consultancy providing content and PR strategy to media outlets, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. In four years, I built the company from a startup to a thriving business. I consulted with clients on PR and content strategies, created articles, blog posts, news releases, annual reports, and other content for clients, and pitched stories to local and national media outlets.Key clients included:* Examiner.com: Led Austin market initiative, creating content, recruiting writers, developing partnerships, and marketing the website.* National Real Estate Investor Magazine: Created content for B2B print and online publications.* HeartGift Foundation: Created marketing collateral and advised nonprofit organization on PR strategy, leading to several prominent media placements, including local TV and newspaper coverage.* Gameplan Marketing & Events: Advised experiential marketing agency on media strategy, resulting in several prominent media placements, including Southwest Airlines’ in-flight magazine.

In this leadership role, I hired, mentored, and led an 11-member news staff and managed a $600K+ annual budget for this publication with a 10,000-paid weekly circulation. I planned and edited the weekly print edition, daily online edition, and special print publications, including a newly created quarterly magazine.* Collaborated with executive team on marketing and advertising initiatives, established annual editorial calendar, and co-created content with news team.* Served as newsroom liaison with other departments, participated in numerous networking opportunities, and represented Austin Business Journal as speaker at events.* Directed strategy for website and online edition, including frequently creating content. Tracked performance through internal analytics tool.

I created and edited content for the print edition with a 17,000-paid weekly circulation and the online editions. Editing involved checking all content for grammar, style, and clarity and ensuring the content was free of potentially libelous or slanderous statements.* Managed St. Louis Business Journal’s online news presence and improved content to boost readership.