Born May 5th 1982
German Citizen
German (Native)
Afrikaans (Novice)
+27-64-6736-908
mobile
JM Digital
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
- Digital Strategy
- Search Engine Optimization
- Content Marketing
- Website Optimization
- Email & Social Marketing
- Email Marketing
- Project Management
- Digital Transformation
- Website Maintenance
Introduction
Hi there, I’m Jonas; a digital marketer with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
Over this period I have gained a holistic overview of the digital marketing space and have developed a wide range of interlinked skills.
Many of these competencies are the result of self-taught experiential learning which has afforded me with an understanding of what does and what does not work.
The capacity to work strategically as well as hands-on has meant that I have played a pivotal role in developing and running marketing campaigns for a wide range of companies from small local businesses to companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.
If you get to know me you’ll find me to be accountable, to communicate clearly and listen intently. I am reliable, loyal, and honest and have a passion for what I do.
Introduction
Hi there, I’m Jonas; a digital marketer with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
Over this period I have gained a holistic overview of the digital marketing space and have developed a wide range of interlinked skills.
Many of these competencies are the result of self-taught experiential learning which has afforded me with an understanding of what does and what does not work.
The capacity to work strategically as well as hands-on has meant that I have played a pivotal role in developing and running marketing campaigns for a wide range of companies from small local businesses to companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.
If you get to know me you’ll find me to be accountable, to communicate clearly and listen intently. I am reliable, loyal, and honest and have a passion for what I do.
Work Experience
Digital Marketing Strategist @ Freelance
Aug 2018 – Current
As a freelancer I provide services to a selection of retainer clients as well as offering my services on an ad-hoc basis.
My clients span many industries and are spread out across Australia, Germany, South Africa, Israel and other countries.
I work in tandem with in-house marketing teams and sub-contract or refer work to other specialists in my network as required.
Beyond servicing client requests my overarching objective for all of my client accounts is to ensure consistent growth in sales or lead acquisition.
To that end I strategically tap into any digital marketing channels that can ensure this and provide granular reporting to track campaign performance.
I routinely work closely with developers, designers and other professionals on both simple and highly complex web development projects (in recent years particularly in the eCommerce space).
Key Responsibilities:
- In-depth audits of websites and marketing activities.
- Development of structured digital marketing strategies.
- Technical, UX, SEO and conversion rate optimization of websites.
- Ongoing keyword research and management of content marketing efforts.
- Ongoing strategic direction and support for designers, developers, paid search, social media and email marketers and writers.
- Implementation of WordPress performance optimization and managing optimization work by developers.
- Advising on, sourcing and testing third-party software for clients.
- Tracking and adjusting to digital marketing trends and developments, including Google algorithm updates.
- Liaison with – and granular monthly reporting to – key stakeholders.
Senior Digital Marketing Executive @ Gnu World
2007 – current
Gnu World is a digital marketing agency with offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Initially I was hired to build links to a large network of sites for a specific client. However I soon proceeded to learn and apply SEO at large and over time came to gather experience working across the entire spectrum of digital marketing channels.
From 2012 onwards I have been the company’s Senior Marketing Executive and have worked on all client marketing campaigns.
As of 2018 I have ceased working for Gnu World as a permanent employee but do continue to work for the company on an ongoing basis in a freelance capacity.
Key Responsibilities (Past & Present):
- Conceptualise, develop and run ongoing marketing campaigns for clients.
- Compile comprehensive technical SEO, keyword research and competitor research reports.
- Oversee or implement onsite SEO as per keyword and audit reports.
- Oversee content strategy and content production.
- Define KPIs and metrics for clients and reporting tools and provide monthly marketing progress reports.
- Oversee image sourcing and content loading with focus on optimal layout and conversion optimization.
- Develop social posting plans for posts to clients’ social media profiles and oversee social posting and community management.
- Setup and manage paid social ad campaigns on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and StumbleUpon.
- Manage all local SEO aspects for clients (Google My Business, citations, reviews, on-page, etc.).
- Build links through publishing offsite content, via outreach, niche directories, etc.
- Manage monthly email marketing requirements for clients.
- Attend sales meetings to provide expert insights and identify client marketing requirements.
- Meet with clients and present competitor (and other) reports to them and motivate changes (such as increasing spend) to their marketing campaigns.
- Brief designers and developers and assess completed dev and design work.
- Action minor design and front end development tasks.
- Liaise with clients as per business needs.
- Develop new in-house marketing procedures, products and documentation.
- Research, test and roll out new third-party software for in-house use.
- Advise on in-house business development.
- Write up job specifications and interview viable applicants.
- Train junior staff on marketing projects.
- Develop and hold digital marketing workshops for clients.
Co-owner @ Gardenroute.de
2006 – 2016
The website offers Garden Route (South Africa) accommodation options and varied travel and tourism information.
Using my knowledge of German language and culture the site’s marketing approach was specifically geared towards German tourists to this area.
The site was conceptualized together with my partner and we outsourced design and development. We compiled the content ourselves and had it professionally translated.
Subsequent image sourcing, content loading and website optimization were performed by me. I managed the web presence and handled the marketing of the site whilst my partner managed the finances and liaison with the guesthouses we represented.
The site made use of the Nightsbridge booking system and created revenue via commission on accommodation bookings.
Early Work Experience
Translator (English <-> German) @ Freelance
2004 – 2007
Work involved mainly website translations for clients from the tourism sector (guesthouses, private resorts etc).
I also did translation for a museum exhibition and translated CD ROM texts for the Neanderthal Museum in Germany.
Miscellaneous work
1998 – 2003
Work Experience
Aug 2018 – Current
As a freelancer I provide services to a selection of retainer clients as well as offering my services on an ad-hoc basis.
My clients span many industries and are spread out across Australia, Germany, South Africa, Israel and other countries.
I work in tandem with in-house marketing teams and sub-contract or refer work to other specialists in my network as required.
Beyond servicing client requests my overarching objective for all of my client accounts is to ensure consistent growth in sales or lead acquisition.
To that end I strategically tap into any digital marketing channels that can ensure this and provide granular reporting to track campaign performance.
I routinely work closely with developers, designers and other professionals on both simple and highly complex web development projects (in recent years particularly in the eCommerce space).
Key Responsibilities:
- In-depth audits of websites and marketing activities.
- Development of structured digital marketing strategies.
- Technical, UX, SEO and conversion rate optimization of websites.
- Ongoing keyword research and management of content marketing efforts.
- Ongoing strategic direction and support for designers, developers, paid search, social media and email marketers and writers.
- Advising on, sourcing and testing third-party software for clients.
- Implementation of performance optimization measures and managing optimization work by developers.
- Tracking and adjusting to digital marketing trends and developments, including Google algorithm updates.
- Liaison with - and granular monthly reporting to - key stakeholders.
Digital Marketing Strategist @ betHQ.com
Jul 2013 – current
betHQ is a sportsbook affiliate that is focused on the UK market.
My core responsibility consists of planning and directing digital marketing efforts for the brand.
This includes working on organic search, social media, email and other channels and directing writers, developers and designers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Technical, SEO and conversion rate optimization of the website.
- Ongoing keyword research and management of content marketing efforts.
- Link auditing and link building.
- Setup and manage paid social ad campaigns on Facebook and Twitter.
- Brief writers, designers and developers and assess completed work.
- Action minor design and front-end development tasks.
- Development of new marketing assets.
Senior Digital Marketing Executive @ Gnu World
2007 – current
Gnu World is a digital marketing agency with offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Initially I was hired to build links to a large network of sites for a specific client. However I soon proceeded to learn and apply SEO at large and over time came to gather experience working across the entire spectrum of digital marketing channels.
From 2012 onwards I have been the company’s Senior Marketing Executive and have worked on all client marketing campaigns.
As of 2018 I have ceased working for Gnu World as a permanent employee but do continue to work for the company on an ongoing basis in a freelance capacity.
Key Responsibilities (Past & Present):
- Conceptualise, develop and run ongoing marketing campaigns for clients.
- Compile comprehensive technical SEO, keyword research and competitor research reports.
- Oversee or implement onsite SEO as per keyword and audit reports.
- Oversee content strategy and content production.
- Define KPIs and metrics for clients and reporting tools and provide monthly marketing progress reports.
- Oversee image sourcing and content loading with focus on optimal layout and conversion optimization.
- Develop social posting plans for posts to clients' social media profiles and oversee social posting and community management.
- Setup and manage paid social ad campaigns on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and StumbleUpon.
- Manage all local SEO aspects for clients (Google My Business, citations, reviews, on-page, etc.).
- Build links through publishing offsite content, via outreach, niche directories, etc.
- Manage monthly email marketing requirements for clients.
- Attend sales meetings to provide expert insights and identify client marketing requirements.
- Meet with clients and present competitor (and other) reports to them and motivate changes (such as increasing spend) to their marketing campaigns.
- Brief designers and developers and assess completed dev and design work.
- Action minor design and front end development tasks.
- Liaise with clients as per business needs.
- Develop new in-house marketing procedures, products and documentation.
- Research, test and roll out new third-party software for in-house use.
- Advise on in-house business development.
- Write up job specifications and interview viable applicants.
- Train junior staff on marketing projects.
- Develop and hold digital marketing workshops for clients.
Co-owner @ Gardenroute.de
2006 – 2016
The website offers Garden Route (South Africa) accommodation options and varied travel and tourism information.
Using my knowledge of German language and culture the site’s marketing approach was specifically geared towards German tourists to this area.
The site was conceptualized together with my partner and we outsourced design and development. We compiled the content ourselves and had it professionally translated.
Subsequent image sourcing, content loading and website optimization were performed by me. I managed the web presence and handled the marketing of the site whilst my partner managed the finances and liaison with the guesthouses we represented.
The site made use of the Nightsbridge booking system and created revenue via commission on accommodation bookings.
Early Work Experience
Translator (English <-> German) @ Freelance
2004 - 2007
Work involved mainly website translations for clients from the tourism sector (guesthouses, private resorts etc).
I also did translation for a museum exhibition and translated CD ROM texts for the Neanderthal Museum in Germany.
Miscellaneous work
1998 - 2003
Technical Competencies
Technical Skills
Google Analytics
Education
2007 – current
Whilst there are many digital marketing courses and degrees on offer these days, that was not the case back in 2007.
Most of my early learning was done on the job with the help of endless hours of reading of SEOmoz guides and articles by SEObook as well as countless other industry publications. In addition I trawled through countless forum threads.
And I say endless because this method of learning hasn’t ended. The digital marketing industry moves faster than most and I’ve personally found discerning reading to be the best way to stay ahead and problem-solve.
Film and Media @ University of Cape Town
2004 – 2006
Major subjects: Film and Media
Matric @ Oakhill College Knysna
2000
The final four years of my schooling took place at Oakhill College. Prior to that I attended the Gymnasium Eckhorst in Bargteheide in Germany and the German School in Johannesburg.
Education
2007 – current
Whilst there are many digital marketing courses and degrees on offer these days, that was not the case back in 2007.
Most of my early learning was done on the job with the help of endless hours of reading of SEOmoz guides and articles by SEObook as well as countless other industry publications. In addition I trawled through countless forum threads.
And I say endless because this method of learning hasn’t ended. The digital marketing industry moves faster than most and I’ve personally found discerning reading to be the best way to stay ahead and problem-solve.
Film and Media @ University of Cape Town
2004 – 2006
Major subjects: Film and Media
Matric @ Oakhill College Knysna
2000
The final four years of my schooling took place at Oakhill College. Prior to that I attended the Gymnasium Eckhorst in Bargteheide in Germany and the German School in Johannesburg.
References, Clients, Hobbies, etc.
You can also find a selection of additional information about myself and my work in my portfolio.
References, Clients, Hobbies, etc.
You can also find a selection of additional information about myself and my work in my portfolio.