At Times-Union Media, we work to create strong partnerships with our local customers, understanding their specific goals and creating custom solutions that add value to their business. Our mission is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our readers and partners in Jacksonville, and improve the community we serve.
Our sales consultants, support, management and leadership are all right here in Jacksonville, and bring a variety of exciting backgrounds and skill sets to our team. In our new Employee Spotlight series, you get to know the local team working towards your success. Meet Leann Williams, New Business Media Consultant!
How long have you worked for Times-Union Media?
I started working at Times-Union Media in July 2017, 9 months so far. Time flies!
Why did you choose Times-Union Media?
I had always worked for in-house marketing departments, doing everything from graphic design to copy editing, filming for commercials to coding for email campaigns. The chance to help different businesses and industries strategize their marketing plans while being able to use my own first-hand experiences was something that intrigued me. Times-Union Media is a great mix of strategy plus creativity, and I could tell that I’d be surrounded by a team of like-minded innovators who would help me really grow in my career.
What drew you to the digital marketing industry?
Sometimes, I think digital marketing chose me. In college, I thought studying advertising would lead me to a job designing magazine ads and shooting TV commercials. But, I soon discovered that the trend of digital marketing was growing and here to stay. I dived right into website design, email campaigns, and social media marketing, and I have enjoyed every bit of it. The thing I love most about digital marketing, though, is the flexibility it gives to businesses of all sizes. You can really segment your audiences, see who is interacting with your ads, and know what works and what doesn’t at any point in a campaign to allow for sometimes the smallest adjustments that can make all the difference.
How are you set up for success at Times-Union Media?
As with any successful business, it’s only as good as the team that makes it up. The same holds true for Times-Union Media. While I may have a background working in marketing, this has been my first experience working in more of a consulting role. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by some of the best in the field – and even more blessed to know that they are here truly to help me grow, too. Many agencies have resources to offer clients tools to succeed, but it’s the people and their experiences that really make all the difference. The team here is invaluable; I know I have the support it takes to thrive in this industry – and (better yet) to help my clients succeed, too!
What is your favorite social media platform, and why?
As a marketer – Facebook, hands down. It’s a great tool that allows you to build a community around your brand. I also believe that its ability to narrow down an audience to such specific interests and traits is one of its most valuable tools. I’m always amazed when I see an ad for something that I didn’t even know I needed. Its algorithm is GOOD…maybe too good. As a consumer and hobbyist photographer, I love Instagram. It’s basically my daily dose of pretty donuts and the fancy foods I want to eat from around the world.
What do you enjoy most about working at Times-Union Media?
I love how each day presents new challenges and that I get to meet the owners behind some of my favorite local businesses. Every company has different goals, budgets, and audiences – which means each business gives me the unique chance to be creative and work with several different types of campaigns. I’m never bored, and I’m always challenged to think quickly on my feet. Plus, the people I’ve met along the way have really opened my eyes to the growth in the Jacksonville community. It has been wonderful getting to know all the visionaries wanting to make Jax the new cool place to be!
What is one fun fact most people don’t know about you?
Most friends and family know this, but those that work with me professionally might not know that I love to dance and actually minored in dance in college. My favorite style is tap, but I’ve studied and taken classes in everything from the classics like ballet, jazz, and modern to the unique styles of West African drum and dance, capoeira, musical theatre, and more. If there’s a dance class out there, I’m down to check it out!
What is your favorite inspirational quote or motto?
“Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic, capable of both influencing injury, and remedying it.” —Albus Dumbledore / J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows)
Interested in joining our team?
Learn more about our career opportunities and apply with us today!
At Times-Union Media, we can help grow your business. We offer a full suite of digital marketing services that reach real customers who want to do business with you. Not only do we have proven local capabilities along the First Coast, but also because we are part of GateHouse Media™, we have extensive technology and resources at our disposal for your success.