Asked to write a team biography for the website of a new client who specialises in consultation services for charities, Katy realised something… Chichester Copywriter has helped a lot of charities and wants to help more! Here, Katy reveals how she feels about working with no fewer than 10 charities in West Sussex and beyond over the past nine years…
I have a wealth of experience as a copywriter, feature and press release writer, social media marketer and digital marketing strategist and consultant, working with high-profile national retailers from ASDA to Green People – on everything from product descriptions to SEO-friendly blog post articles.
But I’m passionate about helping education organisation directors and charity operation managers distinguish their brands and attract the right customers and supporters with content marketing that packs a punch. I love working with new clients, getting to know their brands and helping them to communicate clearly and professionally. Working with charities, boards and trusts isn’t always easy and the processes are often far from simple but the end result is satisfying – and makes a real difference.
Education charities
For four years (2010-2013), I was a digital marketing consultant for Chichester Harbour based outdoor education charity Cobnor Activities Centre. Getting stuck into everything – from writing SEO website copy and researching monthly blog post articles to writing copy for their printed brochures and organising and publicising fundraising events – working with the Cobnor team was rewarding in many ways.
In 2012 I established a lasting relationship with The Massage in Schools Association (MISA). This not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC), dedicated to supporting instructors of the Massage in Schools Programme (MISP), contacted me to set up their Facebook page and provide basic training on Facebook management. Eight years later, I was their first port of call when they required help with Mailchimp. As well as setting their account up and importing their contact list to the system I created a branded email newsletter template that they’ll use going forward.
Arts charities
When Chichester Festivities closed its doors in 2012 it was a sad time for the cultural city and the surrounding area. But, soon enough, a group of volunteers with a passion for the arts – supported by Chichester Observer, Chichester Cathedral authorities, Chichester City Council, West Sussex County Council and local arts organisations – brought Festival of Chichester to life.
As well as working with staff at Chichester Library to provide Festival of Chichester with voluntary social media marketing support at its launch (2013-2014), I managed the charity’s website to facilitate growth 2016-2020. They now boast a programme of around 200 national and international performers of the highest calibre annually and, set for a mini virtual festival this year, I look forward to seeing the event return in 2021.
I co-founded a non-profit creative workshops, Story Factory Chichester, in 2014 and I’ve had the pleasure to work with West Dean College of Arts and Conservation (Edward James Foundation) and New Theatre Royal. More on these projects below!
Arts education charities
After being approached to help Creatives Across Sussex (CAS) with their digital marketing (managing the website member content and social media channels), I was introduced to Sussex Arts Academy (SAA) who was considering a merger with CAS. I’d worked with CAS for 11 months when the leadership structure and funding support changed. But, as I’d already made the connection with SAA, David Sword was eager for me to start delivering for them a very similar service.
I’ve now been Communications Manager for SAA, who provides access for young people to the best arts and cultural education in the local area, for four years. This involves maintaining their digital marketing presence and growing their reach to a wider network of teachers and creative practitioners through PR and regular email campaigns. In 2019 their new website, which I helped bring to fruition, launched and I continue to improve this important platform for the charity’s fundraising and development by providing SEO consultancy and monthly SEO news articles. I’m also promoting SAA’s involvement in the exciting West Sussex Cultural Education Partnership programme with Chichester Festival Theatre.
I was, however, united with some of the original CAS team (James Shea and Sarah Matthews) for their next arts education project. Creating a user-friendly WordPress website for Reading the South, helping to publicise their fledgling creative writing workshops and providing initial marketing consultation, I’m primed to help them with their digital marketing further if/when the project gets the funding lift-off required.
Press releases for charities
While working with West Sussex PR and digital marketing agencies, my other notable work with charities includes writing press releases for West Dean College of Arts and Conservation to communicate their new creative course programme offerings. I also contributed to the corporate brochure for the relaunch of Portsmouth’s New Theatre Royal.
In 2018, I helped to facilitate the brand launch of a raffle committed to raising money for veterans of the armed forces and emergency services. Here, press releases for local and industry news were the order of the day and I supported this with social media marketing management that included engagement with key organisations and media.
Proofreading for charities
To improve everything from training resources and informative flyers for the charity sector to prospectuses and magazines for education organisations, I’ve provided the likes of National Trust, The Massage in Schools Association, Cambridge Assessment International Education, University of Chichester and Chichester College with copy-editing and proofreading services.
Do you need help with your charity marketing communications?
Need SEO copywriting for your charity website to increase awareness and grow your supporters? Want help with charity PR – by way of professionally written press releases and smart social media marketing management? Hankering for blog post articles that educate and engage your supporters? Katy of Chichester Copywriter is here to help. Contact Katy to arrange a free consultation today.