Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Activities
References
Timeline
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Jane Kagendo Gikutha

Nairobi

Summary

Creative Copy Writer with long experience in preparing well-structured drafts, editing posts and conducting keyword research. Collaborative team player possessing impeccable grammar and in-depth comprehension of Microsoft Word and Office.

SEO Expert with in-depth knowledge of SEO strategies, multiple analytic and tracking tools and software report generation. An effective guide of SEO strategy and execution of SEO-driven lead generation campaigns.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Freelance Web Content Writer & SEO Specialist

Freelance
01.2011 - Current
  • Producing engaging web content and content marketing material for online platforms.
  • Developing consistent brand voice across all web content, ensuring cohesive messaging and tone.
  • Managing editorial calendar to maintain regular and strategic posting schedule for company blogs.
  • Streamlining website copy to improve user experience, reducing bounce rate and increasing time spent on site.
  • Editing and proofreading team members' work to ensure grammatical accuracy and consistency in style guidelines.
  • Crafting compelling email newsletters to engage subscribers, boosting open rates and click-through rates.
  • Optimizing existing web content with keyword-rich language for improved search engine rankings.
  • Reducing instances of duplicate or redundant content by implementing a thorough content audit and reorganization process.
  • Performing keyword research to optimize content for SEO.
  • Producing original, creative content for promotional advertisements and marketing materials.
  • Editing and proofreading drafts of articles and other documents.
  • Collaborating with marketing team to develop targeted content strategies, resulting in increased brand awareness.
  • Enhancing website traffic by creating engaging and SEO-optimized content for various online platforms.
  • Completed keyword research and analyzed competitor SEO and PPC campaigns to identify gaps and opportunities.

Writer

Money Magazine, Published By Nation Newspapers
04.2009 - 12.2010
  • Authored articles covering various financial topics.
  • Diversified readership by composing thought-provoking columns on various topics and issues.
  • Enhanced the newspaper's reputation for quality journalism through consistent delivery of well-researched and engaging articles.
  • Built strong relationships with sources, ensuring access to exclusive information and insights.
  • Developed a loyal readership base by establishing a unique voice and style that set my column apart from competitors.

Columnist

Daily Metro (Published By Nation Newspapers)
08.2008 - 04.2009
  • Enhanced reader engagement by incorporating well-researched content and trending topics in featured columns.
  • Developed a loyal readership with relatable storytelling and unique perspectives on various subjects.
  • Collaborated closely with editors to ensure timely submission, proofreading, and publishing of all assigned articles.
  • Established credibility by conducting thorough research and interviews for accurate information in published works.
  • Contributed to editorial meetings with creative ideas for new features, leading to an expansion of the publication''s offering.
  • Strengthened the overall voice of the publication by adopting a distinctive writing style that resonated with readers.
  • Ensured compliance with journalistic ethics by fact-checking information, giving fair representation to all perspectives, and avoiding conflicts of interest.

Editor

The Insyder Magazine
01.2007 - 08.2008
  • Enhanced publication quality by diligently proofreading and editing articles for grammar, spelling, and consistency.
  • Collaborated with writers to improve content structure and clarity, resulting in increased reader engagement.
  • Developed style guides and editorial processes to maintain a consistent voice across all published materials.
  • Mentored junior editors and provided constructive feedback on their work, fostering professional growth.
  • Liaised with graphic designers to create visually appealing layouts that complemented written content.
  • Evaluated article submissions for relevance, quality, and adherence to submission guidelines before acceptance or rejection.

Freelance Writer

Twende Magazine
01.2007 - 08.2008
  • Contributed travel features to a lifestyle magazine.

Freelance Writer

Drum Magazine
12.2000 - 12.2006
  • Wrote health, money, and general interest features.

Staff Writer

Hair & Beauty Care Magazine
09.1998 - 12.2000
  • Produced news pages and features, took photographs, and wrote headlines.

Education

3-year Diploma in Journalism -

Kenya Institute of Mass Communication
09.1998

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education -

Moi Forces Academy, Lanet, Nakuru
12.1993

Kenya Certificate in Primary Education -

Muthaiga Primary School, Nairobi
01.1989

Skills

  • Content Strategy
  • Visual storytelling
  • Content Curation
  • Keyword Research
  • Web Analytics
  • Google Analytics
  • Grammar mastery
  • Brand Messaging
  • Content Marketing
  • Keyword optimization
  • Effective writing

Accomplishments

  • Won Best School Magazine Award in 1993 Nation Newspapers Journalism Clubs Competition.
  • Won Best Original Story 1993 Award in Nation Newspapers Schools Journalism Clubs Competition.
  • Chairperson and pioneer of School Journalism Club, Moi Forces Academy.

Activities

  • Won Best Magazine Award for School Magazine in Nation Newspapers Journalism Clubs Competition.
  • Won Best Original Story Award in Nation Newspapers Schools Journalism Clubs Competition.
  • Chairperson and pioneer of School Journalism Club, Moi Forces Academy.

References

  • Carole Mandi, Publisher, Carole Mandi Media, P.O Box 42876- 00100, Nairobi, carole@carolemandi.com


  • Bernadette Murgor, (Former Editor, The Daily Nation), Publisher, Smart Farmer Magazine, Ngara Road, Village Plaza, +254796126768, +254724446647, bmurgor@smartfarmerkenya.com


  • Wanja Gathu, (Former Editor, Passion Magazine), Independent Journalist, wanjagathu.wn@gmail.com

Timeline

Freelance Web Content Writer & SEO Specialist

Freelance
01.2011 - Current

Writer

Money Magazine, Published By Nation Newspapers
04.2009 - 12.2010

Columnist

Daily Metro (Published By Nation Newspapers)
08.2008 - 04.2009

Editor

The Insyder Magazine
01.2007 - 08.2008

Freelance Writer

Twende Magazine
01.2007 - 08.2008

Freelance Writer

Drum Magazine
12.2000 - 12.2006

Staff Writer

Hair & Beauty Care Magazine
09.1998 - 12.2000

3-year Diploma in Journalism -

Kenya Institute of Mass Communication

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education -

Moi Forces Academy, Lanet, Nakuru

Kenya Certificate in Primary Education -

Muthaiga Primary School, Nairobi
Jane Kagendo Gikutha