About me
Hi, I’m Sonja, a firm believer in the power of words and ideas to change things for the better.
I’m a communications strategist and writer who leads with listening. I’m here to help inject humanity and energy into your marketing, so you connect with the people you want to reach.
Together, we’ll sharpen your message, fire up your team, and create a flow of valuable content that drives great results.
You can find out about my approach here.
Based in Bristol, I work with clients across the UK and beyond.
Alongside my consulting and coaching, I run a free monthly online writing club – a space to reflect, explore ideas, and keep the content flowing. You’re welcome to join us.
I'm always happy to have a coffee and a chat in person or online.
Do get in touch.
My story
I was one of the early pioneers of content marketing in the UK, championing the power of generously sharing knowledge online to attract and engage audiences.
Together with my friend and long-term collaborator, Sharon Tanton, I wrote Valuable Content Marketing, the first UK book on this marketing method, and founded the agency Valuable Content Ltd to help people put it into practice. We delivered projects and workshops worldwide, ran an award scheme, set up a training college in our local pub (yes, Pub School!), and helped shape a new marketing movement.
Today, content marketing is mainstream, but many organisations still struggle to say what really matters. Too often, content is created from the inside-out and misses the mark.
Now, as an independent consultant and comms lead for independent experts and purpose-led businesses, I help clients go deeper: listening first, learning from their audiences, and shaping messages and content that connect, differentiate and deliver real impact.
Alongside my consulting work, I’m proud to serve as part-time communications lead for the Humanity Project, supporting a growing movement working to strengthen democracy and community through people’s assemblies.
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Bristol Content Group
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Pub School
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Super valuable content is the aim!
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Keynote for WeContent in Romania
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With collaborator, brand strategist Sue Bush
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With the web team at WithYou
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Winter swims in the Bristol Channel
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Valuable Content Marketing book launch with Sharon Tanton
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Valuable Content Awards
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With friend and co-author, Sharon Tanton
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Content strategy in Bucharest
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Comms Lead for Humanity Project
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New Valuable Content Principles
Why I believe in valuable content
My interest in this work is rooted in face-to-face sales experience. Fresh from university, my career began selling consultancy services across Europe. Conventional sales tactics often felt uncomfortable, forced and unnatural. What worked (and felt) better, every time, was giving value upfront: sharing helpful ideas and building trust through personal connection.
As the web evolved, and blogs and social media opened up new ways to connect, I saw the opportunity to put this helpful, customer-focused approach into practice, not just as a sales method, but as a more human way to market.
Over nearly three decades, I’ve seen it again and again: when organisations listen first, and create content with a true outside-in, purposeful lens, great things happen. Visibility grows. Trust deepens. Valuable content becomes a driver of clarity, connection, confidence, and lasting success.
I’ve been a champion of this approach ever since.
What people say.
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"Sonja's insight into content strategy is invaluable, but what strikes me as her greatest strength is her keen sense of context. She truly understands what it means for an organisation to redefine itself. Her unique blend of warmth, empathy, wit and intelligence make her the perfect guide."
Chris Butler, HOW Interactive Design, Chicago
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"If you are looking to understand and communicate what you are all about Sonja will get you there - through deep grounded theory and research across the breadth of your organisation. Not only will your customers 'get' what you do but everyone in the organisation will too and finally be on the same page."
James O’Hallorahan, Business Coach
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"I've worked on many website projects, but this was the largest and most complex to date. Engaging Sonja as our content lead was a game-changer! The brand refresh and website launch have been a huge success, and we couldn't have achieved it without her. "
Stephen McCulloch, Executive Director - Marketing and Communications, WithYou
And in the rest of life…
I’m happiest outdoors, walking by the sea, up mountains, or swimming in cold water all year round.
I love running workshops and meetings outside. Nature widens perspective. Fresh air helps ideas move. And some of our best thinking happens well away from a desk.
Outdoor swimming is my passion. I’ve competed in two world winter swimming championships (Estonia and Slovenia), with Finland next on the list.
Read → Lessons for wavering writers from the world of winter swimming
I love a party. And I think there’s a lot we can learn from festival culture.
Read → Buckets of Love: a story about generosity and connection
Let’s talk.
If you're ready to clarify your message, build content that connects, or need a think around your proposition, I’d love to hear from you.