Meet Colleen Vanderlinden, Senior SEO and Content Marketing Specialist
Tell us about yourself…
After earning my BA in English from Wayne State University, I spent a few years working in public schools in Metro Detroit, assisting with technology and managing extracurricular activities. It was also during this time that I created and started publishing on my first website, focused on gardening in Michigan. That led to my work being published in regional and national publications and to a few fun years as a garden writer. I also started writing fiction and eventually transitioned from garden writer to full-time author, while also taking on freelance editing and content writing work. One of those clients was Oneupweb, and I jumped at the chance to apply for a full-time position. I love creating content that connects, that tells a story, and that helps people, and this is the perfect place for that.
What’s your average day like at Oneupweb?
Good coffee and an excellent playlist (at least, when I’m not in meetings) are essential. My days are quite varied, which I love. At any given moment, I might be meeting with some of the wonderful local franchisees I work with, writing or editing content, conducting research and creating strategies, assisting with sales activities, or helping to streamline and create systems and processes. It’s never boring!
Take a moment to brag.
I got a great deal on this shirt I’m wearing. It was on sale! Oh, not a Midwestern brag? Very well. I’m proud that the franchisees I work with feel comfortable and confident working with the rest of the Oneupweb team and me. It takes time and work to build rapport, but it’s always so rewarding.
What is your best trait, and how do you use it to help your colleagues and clients?
I’m dependable. My clients and colleagues know that if I say I am going to do something, it’ll be done, and done well. It lets them focus on the other aspects of their work and keeps things running smoothly for everyone. I’m also eager to learn new things, which I think goes hand in hand with that dependability; if there’s something that needs to be done, I’ll learn how to do it.
What do you like most about Oneupweb?
The people here are not only true professionals but passionate, kind, and inquisitive. It makes even the most stressful days (everyone has them) much better, knowing you have a supportive team to lean on.
What do you do when you’re not at work?
When it’s finally not freezing in Michigan, I love to garden or visit our lovely local parks. If I’m not doing one of those things, I likely have my nose in a book – I love reading fantasy, poetry, and anything about nature and gardening. And of course, I love to hang out with my wonderful husband, kids, and pets.
What are life’s simple pleasures?
A good book, a fragrant, colorful garden, and being surrounded by family.
Describe yourself in three words?
Creative, curious, kind.
