Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Accolades
Timeline
Generic
Kirsten Bell

Kirsten Bell

FREEPORT,IL

Summary

Results-driven marketing and tourism professional with extensive experience in destination marketing, content creation, and tour consulting. Proven expertise in crafting innovative marketing strategies that enhance brand recognition and customer engagement, leading to improved performance metrics and revenue growth. Versatile in applying traditional and digital marketing methodologies, effectively managing cross-functional teams to execute multiple projects on time and within budget. Recognized for high productivity and creative solutions that address complex marketing challenges.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Customer Success Manager

Simpleview Inc
Remote
08.2024 - Current
  • Manage and maintained a portfolio of key accounts, fostering long-term relationships.
  • Conduct regular business reviews with customers to understand their needs, and adjust strategies accordingly.
  • Deliver presentations on product features, benefits, and value propositions to clients.
  • Negotiate contract renewals, and manage customer expectations to ensure satisfaction.
  • Provide guidance on how customers can maximize the value they receive from products and services.
  • Resolve customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
  • Drive customer escalations to resolution by engaging directly with clients.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop strategies for driving customer success.
  • Create reports outlining customer usage and retention metrics.

Strategic Marketing Director

Galena Country Tourism
Galena, IL
09.2021 - Current
  • Planned, developed, and executed marketing budgets, plans and programs within budget constraints.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of marketing campaigns by tracking metrics.
  • Oversaw market research, competitive analysis, and the implementation of marketing strategies conducted by our agency.
  • Managed relationships with marketing vendors and suppliers to ensure that projects/products were delivered on time, and according to specifications.
  • Project management for the website redesign and maintenance.
  • Assisted the PR department with the press, travel writers, and film crews.
  • Planned and managed the annual official visitors' guide with the publisher.
  • Managed digital and print ad buys to promote the destination.
  • Assessed projects against budgets and timelines, keeping team and assignments on task.
  • Established relationships with key community members and stakeholders within the area to ensure the successful execution of marketing activities.
  • Collaborated with other departments to coordinate strategic marketing activities.
  • Expanded personnel skill sets by mentoring marketing team members.

Digital Marketing Specialist

Galena Country Tourism
Galena, IL
08.2017 - 08.2021
  • Managed user-generated content on the CrowdRiff user generated content platform
  • Prepared and presented reports to management and board of director about success of each strategy.
  • Utilized CRM tools to segment audiences and personalize digital marketing messages.
  • Directed the production of digital assets, including videos, graphics, and interactive tools, to support marketing campaigns.
  • Monitored competitor activities and developed strategies to differentiate products or services.
  • Managed online reputation and responded to customer feedback on social media and review platforms.
  • Coordinated with external vendors to implement digital marketing programs.
  • Crafted optimized landing pages and listings, consistently boosting engagement.
  • Analyzed consumer behavior data using analytics tools such as Google Analytics.
  • Developed partnerships with influencers and other third-party content creators to expand brand reach.
  • Executed monthly email marketing communications, generating customer awareness, and visitor retention.
  • Created and maintained a content calendar to ensure timely publication of blog posts, social media updates, and promotional materials.
  • Created content for websites, blogs, social media platforms, and online advertising.

Social Media Coordinator

Galena Brewing Company
Galena, IL
05.2016 - 05.2017
  • Evaluated new emerging media or technologies and made recommendations for application within internet marketing or search marketing campaigns.
  • Organized online events, such as contests and giveaways, to engage users organically.
  • Managed day-to-day interactions with followers and responded promptly to customer inquiries or complaints.
  • Maintained a library of all images used in social media posts so they can be reused when needed.
  • Managed daily content creation and curation for all social media accouts, aligning with brand voice and marketing goals.
  • Coordinated with web developer to optimize web site architecture and page construction for search engine consumption and optimal visibility.
  • Used editing and graphic design tools to create content and visuals for social channels.

Content Editor

Booking.com
South Africa
10.2012 - 06.2013
  • Created commercial content for new hotel web pages on Booking.com.
  • Training of account managers and coordinators on the importance of content.
  • Coordinated with marketing teams to develop promotional strategies for content dissemination.
  • Followed editorial guidelines and style guides to ensure consistency across all published pages.
  • Edited existing copy to improve readability while maintaining brand voice and tone.
  • Proofed copy to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation and syntax.

Hotels Coordinator

Booking.com
South Africa
04.2010 - 09.2012
  • Built new hotel web pages on Booking.com for South African hotels and bed-and-breakfast properties.
  • Uploaded rates, availability, and promotions for hotels.
  • Conducted telephonic training for accommodation owners and management using the extranet.
  • Parity checks on competitor websites.
  • Managed any complaints from hotels and guests.
  • Liaison between XML providers and Booking.com

Web & USA Product Developer

&Beyond Safaris
South Africa
03.2016 - 08.2008
  • Provided technical support to 60 F.I.T consultants across South Africa and Indian Ocean Islands.
  • Managed input of rates and information in Tourplan.
  • Secured favorable pricing agreements.
  • Coordinated updates and enhancements to web platforms specific to South Africa and surrounding island regions.
  • Negotiation and designing of web packages and itineraries
  • Conducted in-depth market research to identify product opportunities.
  • Engaged in educational events to stay informed on industry trends.
  • Designed custom travel itineraries for clients and groups at diverse destinations.
  • Maintained relationships with vendors in order to secure the best prices for tours and activities.
  • Researched destination-specific attractions, cultural events, restaurants, and lodging options to recommend to customers.
  • Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.

Guest Services Team Leader

&Beyond Safaris
South Africa
10.2001 - 04.2006
  • Established Guest Services Department, driving the development of Guest Travel Journals.
  • Managed the incorporation of diverse data types including images and travel details into database systems.
  • Designed unique travel journals to meet guest needs.
  • Oversaw brochure inventory to ensure adequate availability.
  • Managed inventory for supplies in travel journals department.
  • Supervised team of 6 guest services consultants to ensure seamless operations.

Tour Consultant - USA Market

&Beyond Safaris
South Africa
01.2001 - 09.2001

Assistant Guest House Manager

Acorn Guest House
South Africa
01.2000 - 11.2000

Education

DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIZATION - Digital Marketing

The University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, IL
11-2023

ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN HOTEL MANAGEMENT - Tourism And Hotel Management

Damelin College of South Africa
Damelin, South Africa
12.1997

Skills

  • Multichannel marketing
  • Strategic planning
  • Key accounts development
  • Google Suite and MS 365
  • Project management
  • Content creation
  • Creative problem solving
  • Team leadership
  • Detail-oriented
  • Deadline driven
  • Itinerary planning
  • Strong organization
  • Project planning
  • Product development
  • WordPress
  • Constant Contact
  • Hootsuite
  • Mondaycom
  • Tourplan
  • GlobeTrack
  • CRM and CMS software

References

  • Rose Noble, Former President & CEO at Galena Country Tourism 815-218-6490
  • Emily Tepper, Former Content Marketing Manager at Galena Country Tourism, 563-580-8167
  • Jayme Caspers, General Manager, Galena Brewing Company, 815-929-4461, info@galenabrewery.com
  • Kathy Cameron, Owner, Galena Brewing Company, 815-275-5231, kcameron404@gmail.com

Accolades

  • Platinum Hermes Creative Award, 04/01/20, For Visitors Guide
  • Congressional Record, For Platinum Hermes Creative Award.
  • Unique Venues Best Social Media Presence, 2019 & 2020
  • IL Meetings & Events Best Tourism Bureau, 2019, Outside of Chicagoland
  • IL Council of Convention & Visitors Bureaus, 2016, Best Social Marketing

Timeline

Customer Success Manager

Simpleview Inc
08.2024 - Current

Strategic Marketing Director

Galena Country Tourism
09.2021 - Current

Digital Marketing Specialist

Galena Country Tourism
08.2017 - 08.2021

Social Media Coordinator

Galena Brewing Company
05.2016 - 05.2017

Web & USA Product Developer

&Beyond Safaris
03.2016 - 08.2008

Content Editor

Booking.com
10.2012 - 06.2013

Hotels Coordinator

Booking.com
04.2010 - 09.2012

Guest Services Team Leader

&Beyond Safaris
10.2001 - 04.2006

Tour Consultant - USA Market

&Beyond Safaris
01.2001 - 09.2001

Assistant Guest House Manager

Acorn Guest House
01.2000 - 11.2000

DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIZATION - Digital Marketing

The University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign

ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN HOTEL MANAGEMENT - Tourism And Hotel Management

Damelin College of South Africa

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