Jo Mills

Freelance communications expert @The Write Path

Email Marketing Manager💸 MarketingBrand Marketing ManagerCommunications ManagerPR ManagerContent Manager

I started writing a (short-lived, admittedly) daily newspaper when I was seven, a content creator before that was even a thing. While the stint in journalism was fleeting, the love of writing and story telling has endured. After working for 15 years in the wine world in a communications heavy role, I decided to move into freelance writing in 2022 and help my clients with their story-telling, their brand identities and their customer engagement with effective and clear communications. While we hear that AI is taking over every aspect of business, I'm in no doubt that the human touch and personal relations remain vital to developing authentic and enduring customer engagement. Whether it's EDMs, web content, social media strategies and posts or creating and executing a communications plan, I communicate a brand's voice efficiently and clearly (helping find that voice along the way if needs be) and thrive on seeing the results. I tend to work with organisations where there are stories to be told and with engaging people behind and within them. This might be for a classical musical festival for whom PR is needed, a local business wanting to do-up their web content or a RTO, wanting engaging web stories to drive audience engagement . I write communications and marketing plans for businesses that simply don't have the time to do this themselves - we've all been there. Sometimes it doesn't take much to get them on the right track, at other times, it's been a longer process but we got there in the end and they're going from strength to strength. I spend time with small businesses tightening up their web content, maximising their customer engagement and ensuring their message is clear, concise and SEO friendly. I had to do it solo for a decade and a half, so it's lovely to make things easier for others in the same situation. If there’s a story to tell, I’ll tell it; if it’s not there yet, I’ll find it. My professional tagline is “Effective communication, the human way.” If this sounds like your way of working, let’s

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Work Background

The Write PathFreelance Writer

Jul. 2022WanakaMy business tagline is "Effective communication: the human way", words I live by. While we hear that AI is taking over every aspect of business, I'm in no doubt that the human touch and personal relations remain vital to developing authentic and enduring customer engagement. Whether it's EDMs, web content, social media strategies and posts, or creating and executing a communications plan, I communicate a brand's voice efficiently and clearly (helping find that voice along the way if needs be) and thrive on seeing the results. Having worked for a small business for many years, I know only too well how easy it is to put the review of collateral on the back burner as the weight of day-to-day operations takes precedence. I work with my clients to take on the update of content, whether website, newsletter or email focussed, ensuring that they can continue to do what they do best, knowing that this side of their business is taken care of. Key to my work is ensuring a clear and consistent brand voice for my clients and, when needed, I have created and maintained brand guidelines to ensure consistency across all forms of communication. I am as happy working to a fixed job contract as I am with ongoing work with a business as their behind-the-scenes writer and love the variety and create diversity that comes with a portfolio of businesses across industries. From offering a full PR service for a chamber music festival to writing web stories for an RTO, from proofing and editing a bid for a large EU tender to composing high-end real estate listings, I work quickly and efficiently, applying my creativity to my clients' briefs and thrive on the diversity of my client base. I love a challenge and working across a variety of industries keeps me constantly on my toes as I adapt to very different styles of communication.

WastebustersMarketing & Communications Coordinator

May. 2023Wanaka, Otago, New ZealandWorking on the behaviour change team of leading zero waste social enterprise.

Rippon Vineyard and WineryDirector

Jul. 2018Wanaka, Otago, New Zealand• Working alongside four fellow Directors on Rippon’s board, providing governance to management structures within Rippon • Responsible for the process, creation and implementation of Rippon’s strategic and management plans.

At The World's Edge (AWE) FestivalPublicist

Aug. 2023 - Oct. 2023Publicist for fortnight-long chamber music festival in and around the Southern Lakes and Central Otago Responsible for initiating and implementing media strategy, including press releases, editorial, advertising opportunities and media interviews and coverage.

Wānaka Festival of ColourPublicist and Media Consultant

Oct. 2022 - Apr. 2023Wanaka, Otago, New ZealandDeveloping and implementing communications strategy and timeline supporting the delivery of a successful festival. Creation and upkeep of media and PR databases, working with AirTable project management software Responsible for the writing and distribution of press releases and stories relating to The Wānaka Festival of Colour Identifying compatible advertising opportunities and responsible for full advertising process from confirmation to concept design, content and deadline placement. Creatively establishing media exposure – online and in print – given significant budget constraints, limiting the ability to commit extensively to traditional advertising avenues. Initiating and building relationships with local and national media to drive festival coverage and subsequent press coverage monitoring. Artist and media liaison for all interviews and media opportunities, identifying matches between performers and publications and actively creating these partnerships. Responsible for content creation, formatting and distribution of weekly EDM newsletters via Mailchimp. Metrics analysis of advertising and media performance in driving sales via Patronbase, Mailchimp and Google Analytics

Rippon VineyardKey Accounts, Export and Communications Manager

Mar. 2006 - Aug. 2021New Zealand

Mount Edward WinesVineyard, Winery and Administration

Sep. 2003 - Dec. 2005Gibbston Valley, New ZealandWorking in all areas from office to vineyard to winery of small, Pinot Noir focussed winery in Central Otago

Domaine A&P De VillaineStagiaire

Aug. 2005 - Oct. 2005Bouzeron, Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy

Mistral WinesWine Administrator

Jun. 2002 - Dec. 2002London, Canada Area

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