Lana Kisner
Copywriter and Website Optimization Specialist

[email protected]

(808)990-1998


SEO Content Strategist and Editor with over three years of experience enhancing web content for small businesses. Proficient in advanced SEO techniques, content editing, and website optimization. Dedicated to producing high-quality, engaging, and error-free content that drives organic traffic and aligns with brand voice.


CORE COMPETENCIES

  • Advanced SEO Knowledge and Best Practices:
    • In-depth understanding of current SEO trends and strategies for on-page optimization, including keyword research and backlinking.
  • Technical SEO Knowledge:
    • Understanding of technical SEO elements to enhance overall website performance, including site structure, mobile optimization, and page speed.
  • Expert in Content Editing and Optimization:
    • Proven ability to edit and optimize website copy, blog posts, and manuscripts to enhance readability and SEO performance.
  • Proficient in Major Style Guides:
    • Intimate knowledge of APA, MLA, Chicago, and AP style guides.
  • Skilled in AI Writing Tools:
    • Understanding of how to leverage LLMs and other AI writing and editing tools, including ChatGPT, Jasper, and Claude, to enhance content quality and efficiency.
  • Data-Driven Content Strategy:
    • Ability to analyze content performance metrics with programs like Google Analytics, SEMrush, and Ahrefs, using available data to drive continuous improvement in content strategy and SEO.
  • Content Management Systems (CMS) Proficiency:
    • Experience using CMS platforms like WordPress to manage, edit, and optimize website content.
  • Strong Independent and Team Worker:
    • Ability to work autonomously or as part of a team, adapting to various work environments and project requirements.
  • Extensive Research and Analytical Skills:
    • Advanced research skills for gathering data and keywords.
  • Brand Voice Development and Consistency:
    • Experience creating, refining, and maintaining a consistent brand voice across all content and platforms.
  • Clear and Timely Communication:
    • Excellent communication skills to ensure clear, concise, and effective interactions.
  • Reliable and Flexible Work Ethic:
    • Reliable, punctual, and flexible in managing varying projects while meeting deadlines.

COPY EDITING & WRITING EXPERIENCE

Copy Editor

Sept. 2019 – Present
Remote


My focus as an editor has primarily been developmental editing, line editing, and proofreading website copy and content. I have worked with on websites in the travel, fashion, and survival niches, rewriting old content to include updated information and SEO-focused keywords, and I’ve also worked on personal projects, including an aspiring scriptwriter’s manuscript. In the tutoring work that I do, which I discuss more below, I also regularly edit college essay and advise students on everything from structure and idea development to grammar and mechanics.

My biggest editing project yet has been my work as the primary editor for the non-fiction book Almost Everything You Wanted to Know About Tickling: An International Study. This project required nearly every form of editing over an approximately two-year span. The early stages focused on developmental editing, in which I assisted in organizing quantitative and qualitative data collected by the writer. As the book developed, the needs evolved into content editing, line editing, copy editing, and finally proofreading.

Copywriter

Sept. 2019 – Present
Remote

Although editing was my original passion, much of my professional work has included writing copy and content for various small businesses. I have written product descriptions and blog posts for small and family-owned companies, as well as biographies and press releases. Through this variety of work, I have become familiar with most major style guides and have developed the confidence and ability to continuously learn and grow as new challenges present themselves. My areas of expertise include travel and recreational vehicles, the food and beverage industry, and CBD.

Some of my past and present clients include:

College English and Essay Writing Tutor

The Princeton Review

Feb. 2023 – Present

Remote

As a remote English and essay writing tutor, I assist higher-education students to refine their writing and reading comprehension skills. I conduct voice, chat, and async sessions where I work with students to review the opportunities to improve their writing and learn the fundamentals that they can take with them to excel in future projects. The primary objectives of these tutoring sessions include idea development, essay structure, properly using and citing sources, grammar and mechanics.


Freelance Transcriptionist

Rev.com

2018 – 2019
Remote

Working as a transcriptionist through Rev.com was one of my first introductions to the world of
freelancing. I transcribed audio and video files according to the house style, maintaining
consistency and accuracy while meeting timed deadlines.


FOOD & BEVERAGE INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

I began working in the food and beverage industry at the age of 15 and continued to do so through college and as I figured out my path in life. Living in a big city, this was not only a lucrative choice, but it also provided the flexibility to attend school full-time while allowing me to follow my passion for travel during breaks.


My job positions within the food and beverage industry have included:

  • Café Manager
  • Barista
  • Bartender
  • Server
  • Cashier
  • Pizza Delivery Driver
  • Pizza Maker

The food and beverage industry taught me many valuable skills that directly apply to my career
as an editor, writer, and tutor as well. These skills include:

  • Problem solving & critical thinking
  • Clear and effective communication
  • Efficient multitasking
  • Resourcefulness
  • Adaptability to new environments

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in European Literary Studies

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Aug. 2011 – May 2016
Honolulu, HI

An independent studies program comprised of interrelated classes focused on language and literature. The writing-intensive program included classes such as creative writing and editing, classic German and English-language literature, philosophy, history, and website and media content.

Other notable experiences from my time at the University include:

  • Editing and preparing pages to print for the University newspaper Kaleo.
  • Two years of architecture school that preceded my degree program, teaching the history
    of architecture as well as design and construction fundamentals.

Associate in Liberal Arts

University of Hawaii – Leeward Community College

Aug. 2009 – May, 2011
Pearl City, HI


ADDITIONAL SKILLS & CERTIFICATIONS

  • Member of IAPWE (International Association of Paid Writers & Editors)
  • Diet and Nutrition Coach Certification through Udemy
  • Conversational knowledge of the German language, both written and spoken
  • More than a decade of graphic design experience and proficiency using Adobe Creative Suites