Melissa's Blog

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My first article as a scuba diving journalist
When I started out as a scuba diving journalist, people told me travel writing was too competitive and I wasn’t likely to get very far...
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Scuba yoga in Grenada
Scuba yoga in Grenada: I headed to Grenada to discover scuba yoga - would it be the perfect mix of my two hobbies or just a fad?
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Nevis: Paradise with a black eye
An eventful week in Nevis - from the ultimate in luxury to coping with a shiner from mask squeeze and the unexpected sight of human bones.
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Kushimoto Diving
A review of the diving in Kushimoto, Wakayama, Japan - would these little known dive sites live up to the renowned Okinawa?
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Underwater Photography: Tips
Brand new to underwater photography, I was overwhelmed when I first picked up my camera. From one beginner to another, here are my top tips.
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Shark attacks? All these things are more deadly…
Many people think sharks are terrifying. But here are a few things that are more likely to kill you than an encounter with Jaws.
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Madagascar’s new whale shark hotspot
How Melissa helped the Madagascar Whale Shark Project get an important new study on the global news agenda.
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The mysteries of pregnant whale sharks
How Melissa helped Galapagos researchers make a media splash about their efforts to unlock the mystery of whale shark pregnancies.
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Ocean giants
How Melissa helped MMF generate widespread press coverage and increase global awareness of its conservation work.
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Quick wins for slow fashion
How Melissa helped MAGDAKINEDESIGNS generate press coverage to raise awareness and boost interest in its sustainable products.
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Communications materials copywriter: Diving into asset development
As a communications materials copywriter, Melissa helped Reef-World audit and hone its strategy for more effective global outreach. Here's how.
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No good cause unfunded
How Melissa and her team helped JustGiving create widespread media coverage about its incredible fundraising campaigns.
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Hello green hosting
Melissa has made the switch to a green hosting provider so her website hosting service is now powered by renewable energy from UK wind farms!
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Impact: Melissa’s sustainability steps
As a freelance consultant working in the sustainability and for-purpose sector, Melissa is dedicated to tracking her impact over time. Read more.
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World Ocean Day Giveaway
Join the Baleen pod and be in with the chance of winning some amazing goodies from Under the Sea Art
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Recommended: best apps and tools
I use certain apps for freelancers and eco-minded businesses to be more productive and more sustainable. Here, I share my favourites.
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What are the UN’s SDGs?
If you’re not sure what the UN's SDGs are, don’t worry: here’s a quick overview of the Sustainable Development Goals to get you up to speed.
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Getting to know me
Melissa is a sustainable comms consultant, copywriter and diver. Here are a few facts to help you get to know her a bit better.
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A day in the life of a freelance writer: UK edition
Going behind the scenes and giving you a glimpse into my working day as a freelancer.
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What is PR?
Ever wondered what is PR and why is it so important? In this post, I explain what PR is based on my 12+ years' experience in the sector.
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How I’m meeting the SDGs
How I'm working to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through my communications and copywriting services.
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Canva and your marketing
Kate Browning from Cherry Blossom Management explains why Canva is such a great tool to support your marketing efforts.
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Green website: step by step
Outlining my commitment to improving my website from an environmental perspective and track my progress over time.
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Making your social media content inclusive
Alexis Bushnell from Social Media for Humans shares some fantastic insights into how to make your social media more inclusive and accessible.
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Melissa’s pledge to be an ethical copywriter
Read how Melissa pledges to be an ethical copywriter, as per the guidelines set out by the ethical move (a movement for ethical marketing).
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Ways of working
I wanted to share a few of my preferences it terms of ways of working to give you a glimpse into how I like to work and why.
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Conservationist showcase: Genaye Domenico, MMF
An interview with MMF's Genaye Domenico about her love for the ocean
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Conservationist showcase: Dr Simon J. Pierce, MMF
Guest post from MMF's Dr Simon J. Pierce about his career protecting the ocean and marine megafauna.
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Social media for climate action
Cass Hebron suggests 7 ways to use social media for real climate action
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Building your fundraising communications strategy
Sarah Browning York shares how to create a successful fundraising comms strategy
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What Is Your Brand?
What is branding and how can it improve your marketing and work for your business? Spark & Bloom's Jeanne has more...
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The #COP26 roundup
Ahead of COP26 in Glasgow, I share a roundup of the best articles and blogs explaining what the COP is and why it's so important.
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A sustainable business A-Z
After a brilliant chat with the Being Freelance community about green-lancing, I was inspired to make an A-Z of sustainable business.
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Pro bono requests
An overview of requirements for charities and good causes looking for pro bono PR and copywriting support from Melissa.
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Conservationist showcase: Jess Haines, The Manta Trust
Interview with Jessica Haines, Project Manager of The Manta Trust
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Make your small business more sustainable
Bonnie shares four ways you can make your business more sustainable.
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3 steps towards a more ethical marketing strategy
Claudia from Translate Digital Marketing shares her bugbears about some marketing tactics
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What is a press release?
A quick overview of what a press release is, what to include and other considerations for organisations new to doing their own PR.
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Promote your brand voice with a style guide
Emma Hewlett explains how to create a style guide for your business, no matter its size.
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PR: easy as ABC
A taster of Melissa's communications glossary which helps you get to grips with PR terms you might not be familiar with.
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How do I get press coverage?
One of the most common questions I hear is "how do I get press coverage?" Here are a few tips
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How to make a great press list
Making a great press list is an important part of doing your own PR - but it can be a challenge. Here are a few tips to help.
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Motion for the Ocean’s PR Power Hour
In this session, Mel helped Emily with messaging, target media and empowering ambassadors to spread the word about the Motion for the Ocean.
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How to avoid greenwashing in your communications
Heather Davies explains what greenwashing is and how to avoid it in your communications.
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Conservationist showcase: Emily Cunningham
Marine conservationist Emily Cunningham shares some brilliant insights on how we can all protect the ocean.

About

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Useful links

Giving back

The Ocean Writer Ltd. Registered company number: 14772669

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I support Project Seagrass by donating 1% of every cleared payment from my services via Work for Good

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N.B. I do not work with the fossil fuel industry. If that's you, please look for support elsewhere. Thank you.

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