I’m an expert writer, editor, and content marketer—and when I say expert, I mean it. Between my years studying language structure and linguistics in college, my time working as a writer and editor in the journalism/publishing industry, and my current job as a content marketer in the digital marketing industry, I’ve racked up 12 years of experience and have quite a lot to show for it.
Learn more about my career and view some of my work below!
Marketing Portfolio
In my role as Content Director for Hurrdat Marketing, I oversee and manage the Content Marketing department in our digital marketing agency. I’m responsible for devising content marketing and on-page SEO strategies for our clients and internal brands, as well as training and mentoring a talented team of writers and editors. I’ve also developed brand strategies for our parent company Hurrdat, led creative marketing campaigns for clients, and much more in my ten years with the agency.
Articles I’ve Written
While I’m well-versed in all aspects of digital marketing from user experience and web design to social media advertising and video marketing, one area where I have a breadth of knowledge is in creating SEO-driven content for websites and blogs. Because that’s most of my work, I often research how language patterns and search engine algorithm changes impact content marketing tactics (I also love linguistics, so that helps!). Here are some articles I’ve written on these subjects:
- Do Spelling and Grammar Affect SEO? (Hurrdat Marketing)
- Google Passage Ranking: What Is It & Does It Matter for SEO? (Hurrdat Marketing)
- Introducing BERT, Google’s Language Algorithm Update (Hurrdat Marketing)
- A More Targeted Approach to Keyword Research in Content Marketing (Hurrdat Marketing)
- WordPress Categories and Tags: How to Use Them for Blogging (Hurrdat Marketing)
Articles I’m Featured In
Though I’m often the one creating content, I’ve also been the subject of some content before (which feels rather meta). Whether it was contributing my content marketing expertise to industry articles, being interviewed about an industry event I attended, or those unexpected moments when one of my tweets went viral, I’ve popped up here and there online in several articles:
- 9 Ways to Break Through a Website Traffic Plateau (Databox)
- Big Omaha Spotlight: Bailey Hemphill, Omaha (Silicon Prairie News)
- Experts Recommend Avoiding These 17 Content Marketing Mistakes (John Egan, LinkedIn)
- The Internet Is Obsessed with Knickers the Giant Australian Cow (Today)
- Opera Omaha Invites Audience to Tweet (Omaha World-Herald)
- Trending: Dylan Farrow Slams Justin Timberlake Tweet; Team USA Shows Off Uniforms (The Washington Post)
Podcasts Where I’ve Been a Guest
After being an on-air contributor on a local radio station for five years, podcasting is something I’m extremely comfortable with. I love being a guest on episodes where I can share my content marketing expertise—or chat about things happening in pop culture!
I’ve Heard That
On digital marketing podcast I’ve Heard That, the SVP of Marketing at Hurrdat chats with company leadership about digital marketing trends and more. As Content Director for our digital marketing agency, I’ve been a guest several times, discussing content marketing and SEO strategies.
- #5: “Are You There, Google? It’s Me, Margaret” – March 24, 2021
- #7: “Make Sure We Trademark This” – April 21, 2021
- #10: “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Website Adventure” – June 2, 2021
- #15: “A Blog a Day Shows Google the Way” – September 29, 2021
Pat & JT Podcast
Pat Safford and Jill Thomas were longtime hosts of “Pat & JT in the Morning” on Omaha’s Sweet-98 (formerly Q98.5), and I reviewed movies on their show weekly for five years. After they left radio, they started the Pat & JT Podcast, and I’ve appeared on a few episodes to talk pop culture.
- #439: “I Haven’t Met Any Woodcocks” – November 15, 2021
- #533: “Bailey’s Slap Chat” – March 31, 2022
One of My Favorite Projects
I had the incredible opportunity to spearhead creative direction for a local city guide YouTube series for one of our marketing agency’s clients, Extra Space Storage. This included drafting project proposals and creative treatments, determining video content structure, coordinating with locations and talent, writing scripts, and overseeing filming as a representative of the client’s brand. We released six videos in total, but here are a few samples of the end result!
Journalism Portfolio
During college, I was fortunate to have an internship with Omaha Magazine that allowed me to gain valuable experience as a writer and editor. After I graduated, I was offered a role as an Editorial Assistant. Within a few months of working for the company, I was promoted to Assistant Editor & Web Content Editor, as I took on a larger role with devising editorial calendars, contracting work from freelance writers, providing creative input for editorial design, and managing the company’s social media accounts and website. I also wrote hundreds of columns, short features, long features, and cover features, which you can find organized below (most recent to oldest, by publication).
B2B Omaha Magazine
2014
- Zealous Melon: The Great “Pear” of Brandon Blakemore and Käj Jorgensen – Winter Issue, pg. 6
2013
- A Square Deal: Café 110 Opts Against Traditional Transactions for Something More Efficient – Summer Issue, pg. 39
2010
- Doug Clark’s Clean “Green” Machine – Winter Issue, pg. 34
The Encounter
2013
- The Hip Hop Transformer – November/December, pg.
- Hustle and Sew: Tamara Heasler Went from Striptease to Basic Tease – July/August, pg. 35
2012
- Holiday Happenings: Events Bringing Holiday Spirit to Downtown Omaha – November/December, pg. 10
Family Spectrum
2013
- School of Rock: Kids Learn and Perform Music From Their Parents’ Youth – April, pg. 20
- Young Hero: Jonathan Halstead – April, pg. 11
- YMCA Kids Programs: Fitness, Friends, and Fun Offered at Year-Round Programs and Summer Camps – March, pg. 20
- Young Hero: Serenity Jankowski – March, pg. 15
- Academic Competitions: Encouraging Skills Necessary for the Future – February, pg. 18
- Young Hero: Michaela Gibbons – February, pg. 11
- Blade & Edge Figure Skating Club – January, pg. 24
- Family Success Story: The Carls – January, pg. 16
- Young Hero: Isaac Oldridge – January, pg. 15
2012
- Children’s Hospital & Medical Center: Providing Great Care for Kids – December, pg. 14
- Family Success Story: The Monaghans – December, pg. 20
- Young Hero: Mallory Bultsma – December, pg. 21
- Family Success Story: The Brekels – November, pg. 16
- Omaha Children’s Museum: An Itty Bitty City Just For Kids – November, pg. 20
- Young Hero: Grant Nichter – November, pg. 15
- Family Success Story: The Shattucks – October, pg. 16
- Vala’s Pumpkin Patch: An Omaha-area Tradition – October, pg. 18
- Young Hero: Jadon Edwards – October, pg. 15
- Boy Scouts of America, Mid-America Council: Founding Life Skills and Preparedness in Future Leaders – September, pg. 18
- Young Hero: Brianna Eisert – September, pg. 11
- Family Success Story: The Higginses – August, pg. 18
- HETRA: Helping Kids and Adults with Disabilities Get Back in the Saddle – August, pg. 20
- Young Hero: Alexis Watters – August, pg. 19
- Family Success Story: The Petersons – July, pg. 18
- Fish, Fossils, and Fun at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo – July, pg. 20
- Young Hero: Caleb Tay – July, pg. 19
- Family Success Story: The Lemkes – June, pg. 18
- A Father’s Day Out at Werner Park – June, pg. 20
- Young Hero: Mark Beischel – June, pg. 9
- Omaha Area Youth Orchestras: Instilling a Lifelong Love of the Arts – May, pg. 18
- Young Hero: Brandon Collins – May, pg. 17
- The Rose Theater: Offering Summer Classes for Kids – April, pg. 18
- Family Success Story: The Pfanstiel-Duins – March, pg. 18
- Stepper-ettes: Twirling Champs Headed to Switzerland – March, pg. 20
- Young Hero: Caleb Wagner – March, pg. 19
- Family Success Story: The Linders – February, pg. 12
- Young Hero: Emily Koesters – February, pg. 17
- Family Success Story: The Gornells – January, pg. 18
- Girl Scouts of the USA: Celebrating 100 Years of Leadership – January, pg. 21
- Young Hero: Jack Tracy – January, pg. 19
2011
- Boys Town, A Legacy of Care for Children, Families, and the Community – December, pg. 21
- Family Success Story: The Gambles – December, pg. 10
- Young Hero: Charlie Smith – December, pg. 19
- Family Success Story: The Moores – November, pg. 12
- Hope Center Helping Kids in Omaha – November, pg. 16
- Young Hero: Cole Klein – November, pg. 21
- Family Success Story: The Scheopners – October, pg. 14
- Putting the Children First: Divorce Mediation – October, pg. 11
- Young Hero: Johnny Gunn – October, pg. 19
- Family Success Story: The McIlnays – September, pg. 16
- Young Hero: Sydney Yost – September, pg. 19
- Young Hero: Scott Fleek – August, pg. 17
HerFamily
2013
- Family Success Story: The Murceks – December, pg.
- Young Hero: Tracy Christensen – December, pg. 17
- Young Hero: Leyna Hightshoe – November, pg. 15
- Hosting a Foreign Exchange Student – October, pg. 22
- BB and CC Creams – October, pg. 42
- Young Hero: Ashley Dubas – October, pg. 15
- When is the Right Time for a Family Pet? – September, pg.24
- Family Success Story: The Goertzes – September, pg. 17
- Young Hero: Jack Kacin – September, pg. 21
- Create the Perfect Study Room – September, pg. 29
- Business-Momming from Home – August, pg. 24
- Family Success Story: The Zettermans – August, pg. 16
- Create a Family Fire Escape Plan – August, pg. 11
- Young Hero: Franklin Sites – August, pg. 21
- Family Camping: Bonding with Nature and Each Other – July, pg. 28
- Family Success Story: The Codrs – July, pg. 18
- The Hancock Menagerie: Two Kids and Four Pets – July, pg. 38
- Swimming Safety: Taking Precautions with Your Children – July, pg. 23
- Watch Out for Heat Stroke – July, pg. 40
- WD-40 Household Uses – July, pg. 10
- Young Hero: Audrey Hansen – July, pg. 25
- Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D? – June, pg. 40
- Feeling Young on the Run: Tori Young and Her Daughter Bond Through Running – June, pg. 25
- Tan Without Damaging Your Skin – June, pg. 33
HerLiving
2013
- Going Metric: Runs are the New Trend – April/May, pg. 8
- Here Comes the Bride, Three Local Businesses Help Make Your Walk Down the Aisle Truly Unique – April/May, pg. 12
- Rebecca Forsyth, Bungalow/8 – April/May, pg. 17
- Quit Aging Yourself – April/May, pg. 20
- Alicia Smith-Hollins and Zelda – February/March, pg. 26
- Choose the Right Shadow for Your Eyes – February/March, pg. 20
- Greenbelly: Eco-Friendly Eating – February/March, pg. 8
- Mattie Knihal, Gloss Salon & Day Spa – February/March, pg. 18
- Nancy Wilson-Hiltz Believes in Second Chances for People and Pets – February/March, pg. 12
- Cantina Laredo: Authentic Mexican Food – December/January, pg. 8
- Courtney Stein, Omaha Community Playhouse Rising Star – December/January, pg. 12
- Erin Van Zee and Scarlett – December/January, pg. 16
- Mikala Vandenbroucke, Mod Studio Salon – December/January, pg. 11
2012
- Jennifer Windrum Asks Where’s The Funding for Lung Cancer? – October/November, pg. 9
- A New Kind of Entrepreneur: Artsy Women Breaking the Business Mold – June/July, pg. 14
- Artificial Sugars: Are They Safe? – April/May, pg. 18
- Theresa McDermott: Basketball Wife Balances Life – February/March, pg. 20
2011
- Refurbishing Retailers – October/November pg. 28
- Celiac Disease – August/September, pg. 34
- Cleaning Tips from the Pros – August/September, pg. 8
2010
- Breast Reduction – October/November, pg. 30
- UTIs – August/September, pg. 38
Omaha Home
2012
- New on the Block: Deck Pros, NJ&Co, The Pot & Ladle, Spruce Interiors & Gifts, The Style Bar – November/December, pg. H34
- New on the Block: Parmida Home Concepts, The Posh Peacock Consignment Gallery – May/June, pg. H14
- Sandy Besch’s DIY Mantel and Mirror Project – May/June, pg. H21
- New on the Block: Elite Glass Services, The Frame Service – March/April, pg. H14
- Room Spotlight: Fashionable Custom Closets – March/April, pg. H16
- The Junque Factory: The Picker’s Extravaganza to Open Second Location – January/February, pg. H10
- Retro Chic Hits the Road: Diane Flynn’s Vintage Van, Dotty – January/February, pg. H42
2011
- Mega Model & Magic at Midtown Come to Omaha – November/December, pg. H8
- New on the Block: Unique Stone Concepts – November/December, pg. H12
- New on the Block: Advanced House Plans, The Humble Home, Edward’s Stone, A&A Textiles – September/October, pg. H28
- New on the Block: Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery – July/August, pg. H28
Omaha Magazine
2013
- Lutheran Family Services: A Community Born to Win – November/December, pg. 127
- Completely KIDS: Helping Enrich the Lives of Children and Families – September/October, pg. 143
- American Cancer Society: Celebrating 100 Years of Birthdays – July/August, pg. 127
- Project Everlast: A Helping Hand in the Transition from Foster Child to Successful Adult – May/June, pg. 127
- Opera Omaha Guild: Singing the Praises of Classical Music Theatre for More Than 40 Years – March/April, pg. 111
- JDRF: On a Mission to Cure Type 1 Diabetes – January/February, pg. 207
2012
- Merrymakers Association: Bringing Music and Memories to Seniors in Omaha – November/December, pg. 111
- Intergeneration of Orchestra of Omaha: Two Diverse Generations Making Music Together – September/October, pg. 107
- National T.T.T. Society: Sending Girls to Camp for a Century – July/August, pg.107
- Project Interfaith: Uniting People of All Beliefs and Backgrounds – May/June, pg. 95
- Special Olympics Nebraska Celebrating 40 Years – May/June, pg. 30
- John L. Hoich Center for Recovery: Stephen Center Facility Offers Second Chance at Life – March/April, pg. 95
- Luc Carl on Sticking It to “The Man” and Looking Good – March/April, pg.30
- Nebraska Teacher of the Year: Luisa Palomo – January/February, pg. 36
- Ultra Chic Prom Boutique: The Fairy Godmother-Like Event for Local Cinderellas – January/February, pg. 95
2011
- Katie Huerter: Mother, Student, Activist – November/December, pg. 22
- Making the Grade to End Hunger – November/December, pg. 95
- Calli Cohn, Sweet Dream Fulfilled – September/October, pg. 97
2010
- Nick Strawhecker, Dante Pizzeria Napoletana – November/December, pg. 108
- Steve Bolen, Marks Bistro – September/October, pg. 97