For more than two decades, I’ve provided web content management and copywriting support to leaders in the commercial real estate, telecommunications, insurance, automotive, and banking sectors.
Specialties include:
– Blogs/Articles
– Press releases
– Website copywriting/editing
– FAQs
– Email copy
– Social media copy
Check out my portfolio for writing samples, blog posts, videos, and links to websites I’ve created and managed.
Skills and Knowledge:
- Copywriting
- Copyediting
- Content Management Systems (CMS)
- HTML
- WordPress
- Contentful
- Web content management
- SEO
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Acrobat, InDesign)
- Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Google Docs
Associate Content Manager
In collaboration with the Managing Editor and CMS team, I’m responsible for copy editing and publishing vehicle rankings, buying, selling, and maintenance articles, along with lease and financing deals. Ongoing updates to the deals and vehicle rankings continue to drive significant traffic to Carfax’s new car listings.
“It has been a pleasure to work with John. He is a diligent editor with an eye for detail. He turns projects around quickly and brings clarity to even the most verbose prose. He is also a fierce advocate for good user experience and pushes teams to do better.” ~ Carter MacLeod – Managing Editor, CARFAX
Web Editor
As the web editor for The Market Online Canada, a leading financial news portal for self-directed small-cap investors, my responsibilities included writing, editing, and publishing trending stories. During my two-year tenure, I authored and published thousands of articles.
“John demonstrates a high level of professionalism, organization, leadership, accountability, reliability, interpersonal skills and attention to detail. John takes pride in his work and would be an asset to any team.” ~ Charlotte Head – Vice President, Global Product & Media Solutions, Stockhouse
Copywriter – Contract
I provided web and social media copywriting support on a contractual basis to several TCG clients, including Johnston Equipment and Almega Co.
“John is an excellent addition to any growing team. He has an entrepreneurial mindset and goes the extra mile to ensure his clients are satisfied.” ~ Basem Hanna – President & CEO, Almega Co.
Referral Coordinator – Contract
During a Covid lockdown shortened employment contract, I completed several creative projects and managed workplace accommodation and health assessment referrals for BMO and Ubisoft employees.
“He was very open to feedback and easily fit into our office group!” ~ Melanie McLeod – Referral Coordinator, Gowan Consulting
Digital Communications Specialist – Casual
I authored several blogs, provided copywriting support for 3 external-facing websites, and managed UPLevel’s social media accounts.
Sales Communications Manager – Contract
I provided copywriting support to the group benefit sales and travel insurance teams. During my ten-month contract, I crafted numerous memos, presentations and newsletters.
“I have had the opportunity to work with John on many projects. He is accurate, efficient, and responsive.” ~ Christine Coakley – former Product Manager, Health and Dental, Group & Business Markets, RBC Insurance
Assistant Manager, Programs
I provided day-to-day communications support to the Business Service Centre team.
“John’s published content reflected his ability to easily capture the
essence of senior leadership messages. Appreciated his creative approach. Professional all the way.” ~ Kerry Yarwood – former Senior Manager, Scotiabank
Sales Communications Manager
I delivered communications support to several business lines, including Commercial & Small Business Banking, Operations, Digital, and Compliance.
“John is a fantastic person to work with. He consistently delivers high-quality work with quick turnaround times.” ~ Sara Son Hing – Vice President, Personal Lending, RBC
Online Communications Specialist
I led the planning, launch, and ongoing management of Cadillac Fairview’s corporate intranet site, CF Connect. Provided content updates to cadillacfairview.com.
“John’s enthusiasm, creativity and commitment to delivering outstanding service to clients was critical to the successful launch and ongoing content management of Cadillac Fairview’s corporate portal.” ~ Heath Applebaum – former Manager, Communications & Media Relations, Cadillac Fairview
TSR & Communications Specialist
As a Technical Support Representative, I provided front-line support to residential and small business high-speed internet customers. As a Communications Specialist, I supported the online communication needs of the call centre teams at Shaw Cablesystems and later Shaw Direct.
“His communication skills combined with his experience make John a strong asset to any team he collaborates with.” ~ David Park – former Senior Manager, Customer Care
Education and Professional Development:
- Certified Content Manager – Contentful Learning Center
- Adobe InDesign – University of Western Ontario
- Business Communications – Sheridan College
- Business Writing – University of Calgary
- Computer Systems Support Certificate – Fanshawe College
John Ballem - Web Editor, Copy Editor 
