The Marketing & Content Strategist: Jodie Beardmore on Storytelling, Strategy & Supporting Small Businesses

Tell us a little bit about yourself & your work.

I’m a freelance marketing and communications professional specialising in content strategy, social media, and digital marketing for small businesses and creative organisations. I work with clients to help them communicate what they do more clearly, whether that’s through blogs, social media, video content or broader marketing strategies. I particularly enjoy working with organisations that have a strong story to tell but need support turning that into engaging content that reaches the right audience.

What inspired you to pursue freelancing?

Freelancing gave me the opportunity to work across a variety of projects and industries rather than being tied to one organisation. I enjoy the flexibility and the ability to collaborate with different clients, each with their own challenges and goals. It allows me to combine creativity with strategy while building something that’s my own.

How did you get your first freelance client?

My first freelance clients came through my existing network and previous work relationships. Once you’ve worked with people who trust your skills, word-of-mouth recommendations can be incredibly powerful.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a freelancer?

The importance of building strong relationships with clients. Good communication, understanding their goals, and delivering consistently make a huge difference. Many of the best opportunities come from long-term relationships and recommendations.

How do you manage work-life balance as a freelancer?

Setting boundaries is really important. It can be tempting to always be “on”, especially when clients message outside working hours, but having clear working times and taking proper breaks helps maintain energy and creativity.

What is the soundtrack of your working day?

It varies depending on what I’m working on. If I’m writing or focusing on strategy, it’s usually instrumental or something fairly calm, like lo-fi playlists, but if I’m doing more admin tasks, it might be something a bit more upbeat.

Wfh, office or coffee shop?

Mostly working from home, but a change of environment can be great for creativity, so occasionally working from a café or shared space helps break up the week.

What’s your go-to wfh lunch?

Something quick and easy – usually leftovers or a simple lunch that doesn’t interrupt the flow of the day too much. Love a classic BLT or pasta salad.

What strategies do you use to find new clients?

Attending networking events, connecting in relevant social media groups and staying active on LinkedIn.

How do you maintain relationships with long-term clients?

Regular communication and making sure I really understand their goals and challenges. When you work closely with clients over time, you become part of their team rather than just someone delivering tasks.

How do you measure your success as a freelancer?

For me, it’s a combination of things: delivering results for clients, building long-term working relationships, and having a steady pipeline of interesting projects.

What are your favourite projects to work on and why?

I enjoy projects where strategy and storytelling come together. Developing content plans, shaping marketing messages, or helping a business communicate what makes them different are always particularly rewarding.

What are you most looking forward to over the next 12 months?

Continuing to grow my freelance work and collaborating with new clients and organisations.

What is your favourite way to unwind after a busy day?

Attending karate, cosying up with my other half and gaming or doing something creative like painting.

What’s the best way for someone to learn more about you or get in touch?

The best place to connect is LinkedIn, where I share updates and insights from projects, or you can get in touch via email at shutter.and.strategy@gmail.com