Hi. I'm James.
A Designer.
Iām a multidisciplinary designer, communicator, and general tech enthusiast based in Manchester, UK.
I dip my toes into everything digital, with agency experience in SEO, PPC, and UX design.
What would you like to know?
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University of Manchester
Digital Executive
20-21
Freelance
Design Consultant, SEO Management, Branding and Design
19~
Cedarwood Digital
SEO & PPC Account Manager
18-20
In my short career, I've covered a range of digital disciplines, with experience in SEO, Paid Media, Branding and Communications. I'm proud to have worn many hats.
My career so far has been a slightly bumpy ride. Due to the pandemic, I was unfortunately made redundant at the tech start-up I was working for. This led me to operate as a freelancer until more stable employment became available. Read my history below.
Cedarwood Digital
- Account manager for several clients, from SMEs to national energy providers, spanning a range of channels, from eCommerce to lead generation.
- Experienced using Google, Microsoft, and Facebook Ads, covering Display, Shopping and Remarketing. Implemented Ad Automation through scripts and ad customizers to improve relevance and ad quality score.
- Competent with several SEO platforms: GA, Tag Manager, Search Console, Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, Kerboo andSEMrush.
- Performed technical audits to review crawl, internal linking, indexation, content, and speed.
- Introduced UX audits to our largest clients – Fletcher’s Solicitors and Certas Energy – which led to the diversification of our service offering.
University of Manchester
- I was the digital lead on a Covid-19 relief project called The Well’. I designed, developed, and managed a fully functional support site that allowed students and residents to refer themselves for food and wellness support during the lockdown in Manchester. We provided over 30,000+ meals and supported users with over 100+ hours of digital well-being content.
- I also liaised and managed our relationships with our partners and stakeholders, including FareShare, Trussell Trust, Manchester City Council, and the various educational institutions from across Manchester.
Manchester Diocese
- Manage all digital content communicated through our internal and external channels, including several social media channels, the company website (blog), and our print publications. I have an in-depth experience of the full creative cloud suite.
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- Deliver tailored digital training for over 300+ churches, charities, and schools, operated both online and in-person, on a local and national level. Sessions include social media, graphic design, UX, SEO, and digital marketing.
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- Implemented GA, Search Console, GTM and Data Studio to support my analysis and reporting of our web performance.
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- Redeveloped our external e-newsletter, contributing to a 40% growth in subscribers YoY, leading to a subsequent and significant uplift in engaged traffic to our company website.
University of Hull
First Class Honours - BA International Business and Economics
Dissertation: Influence of Emerging Technologies on Consumer Behaviour (Distinction)
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ā¢ Studied abroad at San Diego State University
ā¢ Modules included: Business Law, Marketing, Consumer Behaviour, Accounting
ā¢ Winner of the Edmundo International Business Competition – Arnhem, Netherlands
ā¢ Worked with several companies throughout, including: 3M, Everyday California, and Hull City Council.
ā¢ Men’s Basketball First Team – BUCS Cup Finalist
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More about me
My name is James Newman, and I am currently operating as the Digital Content Lead at MDBF in Manchester. As a pandemic graduate, I've had quite a bumpy ride throughout my short career! Here are a few highlights:
- Worked for a start-up tech agency
- Built my own COVID relief project that fed 40,000 Manchester students
- Developed a local radio station with the now MP of Stockport
- Re-branded and re-developed the MDBF
In my personal time, I enjoy all things tech. VR? AR? Blockchain Tech? Love it. I even randomly decided to teach myself how to make projector lightshows just for fun.
I am also interested in sports, including basketball, football, climbing, and running.
My professional experience
I have over 5 years of experience working in the 'digital' sphere in various capacities. Here is a summary of my professional journey:
- Cedarwood Digital: Led several clients, introduced a UX arm to the business, and co-led the successful pitch that secured one of their biggest clients.
- Freelance Work: Worked with the UK's biggest digital signage company on a website redevelopment, assisted on an influencer marketing campaign, and helped launch a local radio station.
- Covid Relief Project: Built a project that helped feed 40,000 students in Manchester, leading to my recruitment by MDBF.
- MDBF: Rebranded and rebuilt their entire website, gained national recognition for our videos and content, improved social media following by 35% in 2 years, and enhanced usability and overall satisfaction with communications.
My specialties include emerging tech, blockchain, video editing, animation, illustration, web development, and presenting.
My academic achievements
Here are some of my notable academic achievements:
- 1st Class Honours Degree - International Business and Economics
- 3 A-levels
- Edumundo International Business Competition - 1st Place
- High first class in dissertation on consumer behavior in the mobile age
- Won design competitions
- Publicity officer and took the basketball team to the finals for the first time in school history
- Pre-university course in Economics
- Led a start-up with peers aimed at helping the bottom of the pyramid in poverty
How can I get in touch?
You can contact me at jamesdavidnewman23@gmail.com or connect with me on one of my social media platforms:
Where am I located?
Manchester, UK. But then again, aren't we all remote now? š