ERIKA HARDISON
Elizabeth,United States
Summary
Proven track record in enhancing reader engagement and online presence, notably at Book Riot, Home & Texture, and USA Today Reviewed through expert content generation, SEO and branded content. Skilled in visual storytelling, literary knowledge, commerce writing and media relations. Knowledgeable in creating engaging copy communications for consumers, general audiences and business-to-business to deliver branded content, hard and soft industry news as well as commerce shopping content.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Bookseller
Riot Media
04.2023 - Current
- Enhances customer satisfaction by providing personalized book recommendations based on individual preferences in a timely fashion.
- Maintains an up-to-date knowledge of current literary trends, ensuring accurate recommendations for customers.
- Provides exceptional customer service through active listening, addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
- Assists customers in finding desired titles in a variety of genres, resulting in repeat business and positive feedback.
Book Reviewer
Publishers Weekly
12.2022 - Current
- Enhances reader engagement by providing insightful and comprehensive book reviews for industry professionals.
- Contributes to increased website traffic by consistently publishing high-quality reviews.
- Collaborates with editors for timely submission of well-polished articles, maintaining a strong professional reputation.
- Promotes diversity in literature by reviewing books from various genres, authors, and cultures.
- Provides professional reviews that have been used in marketing materials and publishing professionals across the industry.
Social Media Content Creator
Riot Media
04.2022 - Current
- Enhances brand awareness by creating visually engaging and shareable social media content.
- Increases audience engagement through the development of tailored visual content for each social media platform.
- Crafts compelling copy for various platforms to drive user interest and interaction.
- Leverages industry trends and news to create relevant and timely posts that increased audience interest.
- Utilizes visual storytelling techniques, incorporating eye-catching images and videos into posts for higher engagement rates.
Journalist
Self Employed Writer
01.2017 - Current
- Enhances publications reputations by consistently delivering high-quality, well-researched articles on various topics including lifestyle, home and entertainment.
- Increases readership through engaging storytelling and attention-grabbing headlines.
- Develops strong relationships with sources, leading to exclusive interviews and scoops.
- Adapts writing style for diverse audiences across print, online, and multimedia platforms.
- Utilize social media channels to promote articles and interact with readers, increasing online engagement rates.
- Research and gather information to develop accurate and credible stories.
- Compose and publish articles for leading newspapers and magazines such as Elite Daily, HuffPo and USA Reviewed.
- Research and analyze newsworthy events, trends and issues.
Staff Writer
Blavity
02.2023 - 10.2023
- Enhanced readership by producing high-quality news and shopping articles on home and lifetstyle topics and adhering to strict deadlines.
- Collaborated with editors to refine content, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and cohesiveness for publication.
- Increased online engagement by researching trending topics and crafting compelling stories tailored to target audiences.
- Developed strong working relationships with sources, resulting in exclusive interviews and unique article content in the home space.
- Conducted thorough fact-checking to maintain the integrity of published content and uphold journalistic standards.
- Optimized online articles for SEO using keyword research and strategic placement throughout the text.
- Organized coverage of key industry events, providing timely reporting and analysis for readers.
- Pitched engaging feature stories highlighting community members or events, fostering a strong connection between the publication and its audience base.
- Participated in brainstorming sessions to generate fresh story ideas that resonated with readership demographics.
- Consistently met tight deadlines under pressure while maintaining high levels of accuracy in writing style.
- Utilized SEO principles to optimize content for search engine rankings.
- Attended press conferences and other media events to gather relevant information and quotes for stories.
- Planned and conducted research and pitched long-form stories to promote investigative news topics.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and launch new e-commerce features.
Literary Curator
SC30 Inc.
08.2022 - 04.2023
- Reviewed multiple, diverse manuscripts to be optioned through Steph Curry's production company.
- Developed strong relationships with book publicists , literary agents and authors securing exclusive rights to hight their work with Stephen Curry's Literati book club platform.
- Championed diverse authors who had commercial appeal for a wider reader audience.
- Increased reader engagement by selecting note-worthy titles that excited fans and readers alike.
Contributing Writer
Valnet Inc.
11.2019 - 01.2021
- Enhanced reader engagement by producing well-researched and informative articles on various topics.
- Contributed to increased website traffic by delivering high-quality content consistently.
- Collaborated with editors for content revisions, ensuring accuracy and adherence to publication guidelines.
- Developed compelling story ideas, conducting thorough research and interviews to create comprehensive articles.
- Established relationships with industry experts, enhancing the credibility of published works.
- Pitched unique article concepts to editors, securing regular contributions to high-profile publications.
- Increased social media shares through crafting engaging headlines and lead paragraphs that captured reader interest.
- Disseminated news content through social media for better engagement with audiences and faster reporting.
Social Media Intern
AOL.com
10.2015 - 01.2017
- Boosted brand awareness by creating and scheduling engaging content across various social media platforms.
- Enhanced online presence with innovative marketing strategies tailored to specific target audiences.
- Developed and executed social media campaigns for optimal reach, engagement, and growth.
- Collaborated with the marketing team to create visually appealing graphics and multimedia content.
- Managed community interactions by responding to comments and inquiries, fostering a positive brand image.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of emerging social media tools, trends, or algorithms changes to continuously refine strategies for maximum effectiveness.
- Created informative and entertaining posts for client's Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
- Conducted daily updates to social media profiles to boost company online presence.
- Developed creative and unique campaign visuals, including videos, GIFs and images.
Office Assistant
Long Island University
06.2014 - 01.2015
- Enhanced office efficiency by managing schedules, organizing files, and maintaining a clean workspace.
- Streamlined communication between departments for better collaboration and increased productivity.
- Expedited document processing with accurate data entry and timely filing.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing professional and courteous front desk support.
- Purchased and maintained office supplies.
- Processed incoming and outgoing mail and packages according to established procedures.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by fostering open communication among colleagues.
- Maintained confidentiality in handling sensitive information while performing administrative tasks.
- Acted as a liaison between departments to facilitate the flow of information leading to improved interdepartmental collaboration.
- Completed clerical tasks such as filing, copying, and distributing mail.
Social Media Intern
EnsembleIQ
06.2014 - 11.2014
- Boosted brand awareness by creating and scheduling engaging content across various social media platforms.
- Enhanced online presence with innovative marketing strategies tailored to specific target audiences.
- Collaborated with the marketing team to create visually appealing graphics and multimedia content.
- Analyzed social media performance metrics, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
- Managed community interactions by responding to comments and inquiries, fostering a positive brand image.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of emerging social media tools, trends, or algorithms changes to continuously refine strategies for maximum effectiveness.
- Created engaging content to catch attention of potential customers.
- Moderated social media accounts for constructive, brand-appropriate communications.
- Collaborated with editors to refine story ideas for maximum impact on target audiences.
- Produced daily news reports for leading food industry professionals.
Public Relations Intern
Travel Channel
09.2013 - 12.2013
- Enhanced brand's visibility by executing strategic public relations campaigns.
- Developed compelling press releases for successful media coverage and increased awareness.
- Assisted in the organization of promotional events, boosting brand recognition and engagement.
- Conducted thorough research on industry trends to inform communication strategies and improve messaging effectiveness.
- Managed media lists and relationships to secure valuable coverage opportunities for clients.
- Contributed to the development of creative pitches that led to new business wins and client retention.
- Monitored relevant news stories daily, keeping team informed about industry developments and competitive landscape insights.
- Produced monthly reports highlighting PR campaign results, informing client communications and future strategy adjustments.
- Participated actively in brainstorms sessions that generated innovative ideas for upcoming PR campaigns.
- Maintained up-to-date editorial calendars which were essential for timely submissions of op-ed articles or guest columns.
- Edited internal communications materials including newsletters, ensuring consistency in tone, style, and message alignment with company values.
- Coordinated logistics for press conferences, resulting in well-organized events and positive media attention.
- Created media kits and utilized promotional materials to meet specific strategic initiatives.
- Built strong relationships with media outlets and communications professionals to expand personal network.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Long Island University
Brooklyn05.2015
Skills
- Product Recommendations
- Visual storytelling
- WordPress Proficiency
- Search Engine Optimization
- Literary knowledge
- Market awareness
- Media Relations
- Communications support
- Content Generation
- Press Release Writing
- Strong research skills
- Analytical mindset
Timeline
Bookseller
Riot Media
04.2023 - Current
Staff Writer
Blavity
02.2023 - 10.2023
Book Reviewer
Publishers Weekly
12.2022 - Current
Literary Curator
SC30 Inc.
08.2022 - 04.2023
Social Media Content Creator
Riot Media
04.2022 - Current
Contributing Writer
Valnet Inc.
11.2019 - 01.2021
Journalist
Self Employed Writer
01.2017 - Current
Social Media Intern
AOL.com
10.2015 - 01.2017
Office Assistant
Long Island University
06.2014 - 01.2015
Social Media Intern
EnsembleIQ
06.2014 - 11.2014
Public Relations Intern
Travel Channel
09.2013 - 12.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Long Island University