Simon Wilkes

About

Managing Editor for Sip Media Solutions and Co-Founder for Sports News Blitz, offering consultancy services for digital media clients and mentoring services for students and graduates. We provide content strategy, SEO, branding, marketing, development and social media services - and also run placements and internships for aspiring content creators.I am an accomplished digital project manager and senior leader with over 25 years’ experience in digital media, content strategy, betting and SEO. More recently, I have focused on optimising Wordpress content management systems for clients, who get access to my guide: Content & SEO strategy: 15 guidelines for achieving Google gold on Wordpress. I have a solid background developed in sports journalism, working for Sky Sports Digital Media, TEAMtalk Media Group, 365 Media Group and Press Association Sport. But I have added diversity to my skillset, taking on clients such as Female First - a relationship and lifestyle brand that aims to empower, inspire and entertain females from all walks of life - Driving Hydrogen and Parr & Woolford, a luxury exterior accessories brand.I'm a confident and positive operations manager with proven ability of adapting content within a fast-moving and evolving digital media landscape. I thrive on building relationships and have developed a strong network across the digital industry. I am a successful people manager who provides strong leadership, clear direction and cultivates a positive environment to enable individuals to play to their strengths and deliver their best work.Was Head of Content for Partner Media division from July 2022-July 2024, overseeing the strategic planning and launch of PlanetSport.com as a betting brand focused on UK markets. I managed the project to build a CMS and website for SABC Sport, as well as defining an editorial strategy for SABC Sport’s content creators.Grew SABC Sport’s organic audience on Google from 145k UUs/244,677 PVs (October 2022) to 1,013,436 UUs/5,125,779 PVs (October 2023).Worked closely with Partner Media and SABC Sport journalists to ensure they worked as one team with clear direction and up-to-date SEO content strategies.Was Head of Publishing from Jan 2016-July 2022, running the editorial teams behind TEAMtalk, Football365, Planet F1, Planet Football, Planet Rugby, Love Rugby League, Tennis365, Cricket365, Golf365, Female First and Contact Music (growing a combined audience of 20million unique users).