An interview with Katie Coffman, Digital Storyteller | Social Media Strategist
Tell us about what you do for Centric Squared.
Answer: Digital storytelling, copywriting for social media and blogs, creative brainstorming.
What skills do you have for this role?
Answer: I’ve always been a writer. I studied journalism and writing for radio/tv/film in undergrad, and then earned a master’s degree in social work from The University of Texas at Austin. That combo of skills makes me a naturally curious person. I’ve always been interested in getting to know brands and their target clients. I love to learn brand voice and dig deep into client profiles to write copy that truly resonates. I’ve spent the last 6 years as a stay-at-home mom, picking up freelance writing and social media consulting work to hone my skills in social media marketing.
What’s something you’d love to share with others about Digital Storytelling?
Answer: Perhaps my favorite part of the work is researching and stepping into the shoes of target audiences to better tailor messaging to meet their needs. This process takes a bit of work on the front end as well as being open to constructive criticism and feedback to grow into the brand voice. But once it clicks, it can be very powerful to align with a brand’s messaging and vision/mission to help spread their story and products/services.
Can you describe the path that led you to Centric Squared?
Answer: I met our founder, Sara, via a Women in Marketing Facebook group. I replied to a question about copywriting styles and stated that I tend to write from a storytelling perspective, to draw an audience in and bring them along on a journey to keep them engaged.
What’s different about working as a freelancer vs. an agency setting for you?
Answer: As a stay-at-home mom, freelance work can be isolating. I appreciate having a team to collaborate with, bounce ideas off of, and help me stay motivated and on track with deadlines. I tend to procrastinate but being accountable to a team who motivates me with their creativity and dedication makes me want to work harder so we can all win together.
What’s a lesson you’ve learned since joining the team?
Answer: Having freelanced for many years (and managing a volunteer program in a silo within the public sector for seven years previously), I tend to work rather autonomously and with little team communication. Since joining the team, I’ve had to stretch myself to stay in communication with my teammates and those supervising my work rather than going dark. My work style is to think about a subject, immerse myself in it, and then hammer my writing out relatively close to the deadline. Having project management software that holds me accountable for sharing status updates has been a huge growth point for me that still challenges me regularly.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in working at a digital marketing agency?
Answer: Develop a thick skin. When you are writing in a client’s voice, you have to be willing to accept feedback and be able to incorporate it effectively. Missing the mark doesn’t mean you are failing. It just means you have to ask different questions and do some trial and error. As with any job, you never come in on day one knowing everything.
When you’re not working, what are you doing?
Answer: I’m a mom to three young boys (ages 7, 5, and 3), and I love spending time with them. I also enjoy cooking, and my happy place is in the kitchen with some music playing and someone else to clean up after…I took up watercolor painting during lockdown with zero prior painting experience and, if I could spend all day painting, it would be my dream. Finally, I spend too much on fancy bath bombs because my primary self-care to decompress from the stress of motherhood/work/modern life is always a long bath.
What’s one book on your bookshelf right now?
Answer: I binge audiobooks and podcasts. This week I am alternating between “Siblings without Rivalry,” by Adele Faber, “Unthinkable,” by Helen Thomson, and the “Smartless,” podcast with Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes.
Are you interested in joining our team? Please visit our about page to learn more and apply!