Mark Applin

Senior digital content strategist with extensive experience across media, retail, healthcare, and travel sectors.

Taken break from work since October 2024 to take care of my daughter as she starts school. Now looking for my next role and hungry for the challenge. Proven track record of developing and executing content strategies that drive engagement and growth. Expert in content management, editorial planning, and team leadership with a strong focus on SEO, analytics, and multi-channel content delivery.

Content Strategist - ARC BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

(2025-01)

• Developing and creating content strategies for individual businesses based on specific needs and priorities.
• Creating a series of bespoke guidance notes for businesses to use going forwards, covering social media and web writing best practices.
• Acting as copywriter/editor for the business in early stages to present how processes can be established and maintained.

Content Editor-in-Chief - BRITTANY FERRIES

(2021-12 - 2024-10)

• Created and led a content centre of excellence to design and deliver all customer-facing content.
• Developed and implemented comprehensive content strategy across all channels including website, on-board kiosk, social media, and print.
• Leveraged customer insights and market data to drive content optimisation aligned with commercial KPIs.
• Established governance frameworks and production processes from ideation to reporting.
• Designed and managed content request processes including SLAs.

Senior Content Manager - MONEYTRANSFERS.COM

(2021-05 - 2021-09)

• Increased monthly unique page views by 100% in just five months.
• Managed all content creation including online guides, landing pages, and PR campaigns.
• Developed data-led, creative content strategies to engage users and increase revenue.
• Identified content gaps and recommended new topics based on market analysis.
• Created comprehensive article briefs and style guides for all content types.

Digital Content Executive - HCA HEALTHCARE UK

(2017-06 - 2021-04)

• Led production and delivery of all on-site content and performance improvement across key user journeys.
• Ensured all creative content adhered to brand guidelines and regulatory standards.
• Developed strong user journeys for campaign and digital marketing activities.
• Measured performance and ROI, conducting ongoing A/B testing to optimise content.

GES Regional Planner (EMEA time zone) - MICROSOFT (MSN)

(2015-07 - 2017-05)

• Generated Microsoft's branded content for 54 global homepages.
• 2016 results: 2,990 pieces of content created, 2.1 million words written, 144 hub pages made, and 110 infographics resulting in 15.3 billion page views.
• Maintained centralised editorial SharePoint driving overall operations.

Web Editor (UK & Ireland) - MONSTER.CO.UK

(2014-09 - 2015-03)

• Developed and launched innovative site experiences to engage specific audience segments.

Digital Content Editor - DEBENHAMS.COM

(2012-08 - 2014-07)

• Led copywriting for Debenhams.com and associated digital properties.

Website Content Editor - UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER

(2011-07 - 2012-03)

• Produced and migrated website content to meet quality standards.

Online Journalist - BRITISH EUROSPORT

(2009-11 - 2011-06)

• Wrote accurate, factual reports on global sporting events.

Associate Producer - TURNER BROADCASTING

(2008-02 - 2008-10)

• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to produce content aligned with on-air events.

Web Officer - SPECIALIST SCHOOLS & ACADEMIES TRUST

(2007-05 - 2008-02)

• Maintained and edited website content while developing site plans and schedules.

Journalist - GUARDIAN UNLIMITED

(2005-09 - 2006-08)

• Edited sport, football, and travel websites.

Journalist - COLCHESTER EVENING GAZETTE

(2002-02 - 2005-07)

• Reported for daily newspaper reaching 70,000+ readers.
• NCTJ qualified with 100wpm shorthand.

BA (Hons) - Film, Television and Radio Studies - STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY (2000 - 2000)

A Levels - Media Studies, Business Studies, Sociology - COLCHESTER SIXTH FORM COLLEGE (1997 - 1997)

GCSEs & Additional Qualifications - Ten GCSEs (5 A-C, including English Lan/Lit and Maths) - ST. HELENA SECONDARY SCHOOL (1994 - 1994)