Karen McCandless
Content Writer

Karen McCandless

Past clients include HubSpot, Culture Trip & Microsoft Europe.

About

Karen McCandless is a content writer, editor, strategist, and digital marketer with a decade of experience crafting content strategies, writing SEO optimized pieces, implementing digital marketing plans, and project managing marketing initiatives. She specializes in technology (business and consumer-facing), communications, retail, marketing, manufacturing, theater, and culture. Her work has appeared in a range of publications, including Motley Fool, HubSpot, Culture Trip, Softonic, Zaius, Typeform blog, The Next Web, Business2Community, Automotive Manufacturing Solutions, GetApp.com, Business.com, and Microsoft Europe.

Employment

5 roles
May 2017 - Present 9 years
Content Strategist, Copywriter & Digital Marketer
Independent
  • Helped B2B and B2C companies create content and marketing strategies that are both compelling and commercially successful.
  • Wrote copy for industries such as manufacturing, HR, pharmaceutical/life science, retail, and SaaS software.
  • Provided services in content marketing and strategy, content writing and editing, digital marketing, copywriting, social media management, and email marketing (copywriting and campaign setup).
  • Clients: Motley Fool, HubSpot, Culture Trip, Softonic, Zaius, Typeform blog, The Next Web, Business2Community, Automotive Manufacturing Solutions, GetApp.com, Business.com, and Microsoft Europe.
Jun 2017 - May 2018 11 months
Senior Content Analyst
GetApp.com

GetApp is an online resource for businesses exploring software products. 

  • Implemented content strategy and plans, specializing in HR and sales content.
  • Optimized existing site content for on-page and off-page SEO.
  • Carried out in-depth research and wrote research reports.
  • Managed a global network of editorial contributors.
  • Produced reports on content performance analysis and trends.
  • Worked with the product team on the UX and UI of the blog.
  • Collaborated with the marketing team on brand and social media exposure.
May 2015 - Jun 2017 2 years 1 month
Content Editor
GetApp.com

GetApp is an online resource for businesses exploring software products. 

  • Implemented content strategy, focusing on relevant topics and trends to generate user interest and SEO traffic.
  • Carried out research into key industry trends, created surveys (B2B and B2C), and produced reports based on findings; participated in research communities.
  • Managed projects, such as the launch of a new article series, implementation of research and SEO best practices.
  • Provided expert commentary and tips to external publications, as well as guest blogging for leading tech sites.
  • Optimized existing site content, making sure it is shareable on social media and SEO friendly.
  • Led meetings and collaborated with colleagues in different locations in the US, as well as India.
  • Gained exposure for articles through journalist and influencer outreach.
  • Recruited and managed a network of bloggers and reviewers.
Jul 2014 - May 2015 10 months
Editor
Softonic

Softonic publishes Softonic.com, a global software and app discovery destination, offering a complete selection of software and apps across hundreds of categories. 

  • Wrote reviews and features on the latest mobile apps and trends.
  • Built relationships with PRs in the tech industry to produce high-quality, exclusive content.
  • Put together best practice documents to help ensure all the department was up to speed with key skills and trends.
  • Used social media to promote content and engage with audiences.
  • Coordinated coverage of important news and events.
  • Monitored and reported on the performance of published content to improve traffic.
Mar 2013 - Jun 2014 1 year 3 months
Editor
Tudor Rose

Tudor Rose is a publishing, design, copywriting, branding, advertising, and digital agency based in Leicester.

  • Worked on two Microsoft technology magazines, as well as the associated website OnWindows.com; managed the publication process and editorial direction, from content planning, to article assignment to design through to post-publication review.
  • Wrote and edited news and features and tailored according to the platform and audience.
  • Devised digital and social media strategies.
  • Worked with content management systems and Google Analytics.
  • Represented the company at industry events.
  • Interviewed senior executives.
  • Collaborated with the sales team to ensure the commercial success of all products.

Education

Sep 2008 - Jun 2009 9 months
Postgraduate, Journalism
NCTJ
Sep 2003 - Jun 2007 3 years 9 months
Bachelor of Arts (Hons), -
University of Bristol

Portfolio

12 items