Copywriter

Matthew Woods Gordon

**** *. ** **** *** #*H Chicago, IL 60647 773-***-**** ********@*****.***

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Professional copywriter with 12+ years of both agency and client-side experience across categories including consumer packaged goods, education, technology and healthcare

Authored every form of online and offline marketing communication from radio scripts to blogs to newsletters; proficient on all major social media platforms; conversant in SEO

Unique personal interest and professional expertise in health care built on years of industry copywriting experience and early-career work in psychiatric care

Strong relationship-building skills from outside and within organizations; ability to multitask, perform under pressure and produce high-quality work on deadline

CONTRACT COPYWRITING EXPERIENCE

Nestlé Purina — CKMK (St. Louis, Mo) 2021-Present

Created and structured engaging content for websites, collateral, apps, and other digital experiences aligned to Purina’s strategic imperatives and vision

Took on long-term project updating Purina pet care articles, including researching and referencing relevant subject matter; interfacing with Purina experts to ensure accuracy; incorporating SEO keywords to increase google rankings and drive web traffic; developing informative content to help Purina become a vital source of information for pet owners and hyperlinking to other relevant articles

Developed SEO-rich eCommerce copy for digital retailers including but not limited to Amazon, Petco, Walmart, Target and Sam’s Club on a wide range of Purina dog and cat brands, including Purina Pro Plan, Beneful, Purina One, Dog Chow, Fancy Feast, Cat Chow to drive online sales

Proofread, spell-checked and copy edited all content for accuracy before final production

CONTRACT COPYWRITING EXPERIENCE

Medline (Northfield, Il) 2020-2021

Provided strong, concise and descriptive messaging for B2B audience in both print and digital, promoting the brand and selling medical products via brochures, sell sheets and emails

Leveraged experience in and understanding of health care and pharma industries to translate medical product information into customer-friendly copy

Worked collaboratively with product management team to understand business objectives and with in-house designers to develop creative, clear written material in support of the organization's communications strategies

Sunstar Americas, Inc. (Schaumburg, IL) 2019-2020

Swanson Health Products (Chicago, IL) 2017-2019

Performed same function for two separate health and wellness companies, overhauling copy on proprietary and affiliated eCommerce sites to enhance product relevance, optimize search and increase click-through rates

Responsibilities common to these two consecutive jobs included generating original and compelling brand and product content across all communication platforms, including landing pages, outbound email, blog posts and social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)

Fine-tuned GUM Brand Book detailing Sunstar’s renewed focus on promoting oral wellness as a means to boost overall health, in keeping with corporate strategy

Researched clinical studies and ghostwrote blogs on Swansonvitamins.com to inform wellness enthusiasts on the benefits of a wide range of vitamins and minerals

Authored copy for Swanson brochures and ghostwrote monthly introduction from founder Lee Swanson

Blue Software (Chicago, IL) 2015-2016

Researched, wrote and edited material for marketing and sales teams, including print and online articles, email, newsletters, video scripts, webinars, presentations, infographics, case studies, blog posts and website copy

Interviewed internal subject matter experts and external clients to gather product and service information and crafted it into captivating content, working in collaboration with design team

Demonstrated ability to describe how complex technological products, services and distribution channels meet customer needs in clear and simple terms

Follett School Solutions (McHenry, IL) 2015-2016

Produced a high volume of print and online ads, landing pages, social media, and email for leading publisher of books, eBooks, and audiovisual materials for K-12 schools

Fast-paced environment required teamwork, quick study of multiple brands and products, ability to multitask and produce high-quality content on deadline

Leo Burnett USA (Chicago, IL) 2012-2013

Crafted direct mail and web copy for Altria brands Marlboro Black, Skoal, Copenhagen, Red Seal, and Black & Mild; recognized for unique ability to write in the distinct “voice” of each brand

Authored radio component of crisis management campaign for PG&E

Viewpoints.com (Chicago, IL) 2007-2008

Crafted SEO copy at product and category levels to improve search results against competitive keywords. Increased natural search results and listing placement significantly over six months

MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST EXPERIENCE

St. Mary & Elizabeth Hospitals (Chicago, IL) 2010-2012

Hargrove Hospital (Cicero, IL) 2009-2010

Helped psychiatric patients in crisis manage routine tasks and charted individual progress; also led life skills groups designed to improve independent self-care

Assessed risk potential and acted as a first responder to physically aggressive patients

Mastered the art of keeping cool under pressure and working effectively with challenging people

EDUCATION

Certificate in Advertising and Copywriting 2008

Northwestern School of Continuing Education &Leo Burnett USA (Chicago, IL)

Bachelor of Arts – Fiction Writing May 2006 Columbia College, Chicago, IL

GPA 3.87, with honors

Transferred from University of Cincinnati with academic foundation in psychology and part-time work as a sports stringer for the Cincinnati Post

ACTIVITIES

Alumni of Second City Training Center’s writing program and co-author of “Literally Ironic – a Writing 6 Revue,” performed at Chicago’s DeMaat Theatre, 2015

Original work published in Columbia College’s Fictionary magazine and Story Week Reader as well as The Chicago Red Face and Habitrails.org

Proud dog owner

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