Web Content Writer

DON TALEND

Web Content Writer

Algonquin, IL ****2 847-***-**** ***@*********.***

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dontalend Portfolio: clippings.me/dontalend

CAREER SUMMARY

Experienced content strategist and writer specializing in developing and refining web and blog content for technology-focused organizations. Adept at collaborating with subject matter experts, developers, and marketing teams to translate complex or technical information into clear, brand-aligned copy. Combines editorial oversight and technical writing expertise with a deep understanding of how well-structured content drives engagement, clarity, and business value.

Key strengths include:

Building digital libraries of optimized website and blog content that sustain brand relevance and optimize user experience.

Editorial oversight of contributed and in-house content, ensuring technical accuracy and alignment with brand voice.

Creation of use cases, customer testimonials, and technical stories that validate product and solution benefits.

Collaboration with engineers and marketing teams on brand messaging, web structure, and content hierarchy.

Management of content review, editing, and publication through CMS platforms.

Versatile: adapts web strategy and brand voice to email, landing page, and social media channels to drive engagement and lead conversion.

Development of thought leadership content such as white papers and bylined articles that enhance credibility and trust.

Strong foundation in AP style, grammar, structure, and readability across channels.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Advanced Network Devices, Arlington Heights, IL

Digital / Content Marketing Consultant 2024–Present

Write and edit website and blog content supporting mass notification technologies, primarily for the K–12 education markets.

Collaborate with engineering and leadership teams to refine brand messaging, including positioning statements, tagline, and mission/vision language.

Work directly with developers on website redesign — revising AI-generated wireframes, refining page organization, and writing new copy consistent with refreshed brand identity.

Conduct SME interviews to create technical and value-driven copy that highlights U.S.-based manufacturing advantages.

Creating email and landing page copy for demand generation campaigns directing readers to company solutions. Optimizing subject lines, headlines, and calls to action to increase open and click-through rates.

Leverage AI tools (ChatGPT, Perplexity.ai) for content ideation and industry research.

Captive Resources, LLC, Itasca, IL

Content Developer 2023–2024

Wrote and formatted long-form blog posts and web content in WordPress, incorporating metadata, headers, and structured hierarchy for SEO and UX best practices.

Supported a 48% increase in new organic website visitors and a 95% increase in blog subscribers.

Performed ongoing content audits (Semrush Site Health Score 95%) and maintained site pages with accurate corporate information.

Wrote email and landing page copy for campaigns promoting gated thought leadership content demonstrating measurable cost savings, optimizing subject lines to increase open rates.

Wrote and published LinkedIn, Facebook, and X content through HubSpot, making social the company’s No. 1 source of referral traffic and contributing to a 52% YoY increase in social media-referred website visitors (April 2023–April 2024).

Assisted with social media and email distribution via HubSpot.

Robertshaw Controls Company, Itasca, IL

Content Manager 2020–2023

Developed and edited use cases, testimonials, and bylined articles for HVAC and automotive controls industry trade publications and digital distribution.

Collaborated with design teams to align written and visual content for digital and print collateral.

Contributed to brand visibility, achieving more than 300,000 total combined readership reach through earned media placements.

Wrote copy for seasonal promotions, product flyers, and marketing emails with optimized subject lines and calls to action that supported distributor and OEM sales initiatives.

Developed and maintained social media calendars for LinkedIn, Facebook, and X, coordinating post copy with visuals and video from design partners.

Published and analyzed posts in Sprout Social; engagement rate per impression rose 124% and post link clicks 263% YoY (Sept. 2021–Sept. 2022).

Zebra Technologies, Lincolnshire, IL

Marketing Content Writer 2017–2020

Developed long-form digital content, including white papers, e-books, and use case collateral for thought leadership campaigns in retail, logistics, and healthcare sectors.

Collaborated with segment managers and research teams to translate survey data and technical insights into accessible marketing assets.

Created customer success stories, solution briefs, and use case collateral.

Wrote companion email and landing page copy to campaign ‘hero’ assets featuring clear, actionable calls to action aligned with enterprise campaign goals.

Helped marketing teams exceed annual performance goals, including +22% campaign response growth and 70% global PR share of voice.

Stericycle, Northbrook, IL

Marketing Manager 2013–2015

Wrote blog and collateral content explaining benefits of clinical communication services for healthcare providers.

Contributed to a 17 year-over-year increase in unique website visits through high-quality, relevant blog content.

Developed product and service overviews and customer success stories for inside sales and field sales enablement.

Don Talend Communications/Write Results

Content Writing and Media Relations Consultant 2005–2020

Provided web, blog, and technical writing services for clients across technology, manufacturing, and professional services sectors.

Authored long-form blog posts and bylined trade articles for clients including NCR, Lowe’s for Pros, Upward Brand Interactions, and Centegra Health System.

Produced over 100 technical trade features for Forester Media, contributing to $500K+ in ad revenue growth.

Wrote and placed customer case studies, technical features, and press releases in leading trade publications, generating measurable sales outcomes — e.g., 150-plus placements with total reach of more than 4 million readers facilitating $2 million-plus equipment sales for Topcon Positioning Systems.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

M.B.A., Marketing, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL

B.A., Journalism, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, WI

HubSpot Marketing Software Certification

Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop)

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Content Tools: WordPress, HubSpot, Zoho, Semrush, ChatGPT, Perplexity.ai

Creative Tools: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign), Canva

CMS & Publishing: WordPress, HubSpot, Sprout Social, Zoho

Analytics: Google Analytics, Semrush

Other Skills: Editorial planning, technical writing, stakeholder interviews, AI-assisted content ideation, content optimization, SEO best practices

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