My Approach

 
 

Words are not the starting point.

Identity is.

 

Some writers starts with clever lines. I start by figuring out who a brand is.

I work with brands to understand who they are before deciding what they say — their personality, point of view, and how they want to show up in the world. I’ve always thought of brands as people. And people aren’t really people without a voice.

Once that personality is clear, the voice follows. And when the voice is right, the writing becomes easier, more honest, and more effective.

That’s what I mean by strategic writing.

 
 

How I partner with teams:

I work best with teams who need help with:

🧠 Voice & tone systems (the kind people actually use).
🧠 Brand messaging that knows who it’s for.
🧠 Campaign concepts that go beyond “the big idea”.
🧠 Copy that’s sharp, human, and intentional.
🧠 And plenty of laughs along the way. It’s essential.

This work can look like anything from shaping a brand’s foundational voice to jumping into a specific campaign or moment that needs clarity and direction.

 
 

A bit of proof (without overdoing it):

I’ve had the pleasure of working with brands across CPG, travel, lifestyle, tech, and wellness, including:

Coca-Cola Brands (McCafé, Gold Peak Tea), Barneys New York, Petco, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Irvine Retail Co., Viasat, Avery, Tandem, JLab, Pursuit, Hyundai.

Along the way, I’ve:

✨ Led campaigns with record engagement for Travel Costa Mesa.
✨ Contributed to a Super Bowl commercial.
✨ Helped shape over a dozen brand refreshes and rebrands.

 
 

What this usually leads to?

✅ Clearer decisions.
✅ More confident messaging.
✅ Work that feels like it actually belongs to the brand saying it.

If that sounds like what you’re after, we’ll probably work well together.

 
 

Ready when you are.

〰️

Ready when you are. 〰️

 

Interested in collaborating or learning more?

Reach me at erin.riley0922@gmail.com.