Building an authentic brand

When I first started working with author Pamela Stewart, I conducted a comprehensive competitive analysis to examine her brand performance in comparison to other authors in her genre (young adult science fiction/fantasy). Using the findings of this project, I developed specific, measurable goals for her book launch and her long-term social media presence. As a result, Stewart’s book ranked #1 in her Amazon category. Since then, I have worked to develop a brand and style guide for Stewart, as well as an optimized YouTube channel. 
Here's a client testimonial from my AMAZING first client ever, Pamela Stewart, (follow her Facebook page. Do it). Along with another brief overview of what I do as a creative content marketer. 

Honing your unique voice

Developing a brand isn't a cookie cutter process. Stewart and I underwent an in-depth process of discovering her unique business needs. 

Book trailers: the quickest way
​to build hype around a book release

Stewart wanted to promote her heart-stopping trilogy, the Ionia Chronicles, beyond the more traditional SEM (Search Engine Marketing) route. She wanted to reach her ideal #bookstagram audience in a new way. Together, we storyboarded a 30-second book trailer to use as a promotional asset on social media and Amazon. 

Check it out below!

Content curation

Social media, if utilized correctly, should tell your brand's story in a visual way that encourages action among your target audience. Below is some of the content I developed to build Stewart's brand.

Testimonials

"Rachel has done an outstanding job of weaving Michigan Medicine values into her work. She is intentional and thoughtful in her Marketing practices, and always brings care and integrity to her work. She actively challenges herself to be learning, and think critically about representing AHI and Michigan Medicine in the most responsive and inclusive way possible. Rachel is innovative in her approaches to Marketing and Communications. She constantly challenges AHI to think of new ways to reach their communities in a way that feels supportive. Rachel also incorporates team feedback into her work, and is always looking for ways to include more voices in the work. I’m proud of the work Rachel has done in response to meeting both AHI & Michigan Medicine values. She is a true asset to the institution and to the field."
-  Janine Driver, Marketing Specialist at the Adolescent Health Initiative.

"Rachel was my digital strategist for a year. I'm incredibly pleased with her innovation, work ethic, persistence, diplomacy, and creativity. She does more than sit back and let me dictate to her. She jumps in as a valued collaborator.  If needed, she has learned a new skill and pursued formal education to assist in any task I ask. If you have the opportunity to work with Rachel DO IT, she's like a whole team in one person,"
- Pamela Stewart, author.

"Rachel approaches all projects with heart and a lot of passion. She envelopes herself in the subject matter of her work, and she strives for perfection. She's not afraid to reach out when she needs help, wants to do more, or is looking for another perspective on things. Rachel is someone I would turn to for projects that need a creative lens or greater sensitivity. She is encouraging -- both personally and professionally -- and cheers for all to succeed. She's sure to bring an aura of positivity wherever she goes,"
- Caitlin Taylor, Communications Coordinator for Airport Community Schools, former Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus-Michigan State University.

"Rachel has gone above and beyond for Project LETS-MSU. She has brought many incredible ideas to the table and has never failed to execute them. Her creativity and passion is definitely noticeable in her work,"
- Sonali Solanki, former President of Project LETS-MSU.