SEO Content Writer

My name is Charnell Ward, and I joined Pearl Lemon as an SEO Content Writer on 3rd October 2024. This was actually the third or fourth time I had applied to the company, but I never heard back until September 2024.

Whenever I saw the company’s job posts and requirements, I’d think, I can do this. So, when I finally heard back, I was genuinely thrilled.

Diving Into SEO Content

I was told that I could start working on client content within two to three days of joining, but I told Malcom and Themi, who I reported to at the time, that I wanted to start immediately.

There was a lot to get used to: new processes, a ton of spreadsheets I couldn’t quite wrap my head around and a fast-moving workflow. But I’m grateful to Malcom and Themi for always being there when I needed help.

Blog articles were my main focus, along with guest posts and service pages, covering industries like consulting, web development, accounting, HR and digital marketing. Everyone communicates via WhatsApp Business, even Deepak, so getting used to constant communication at all hours was definitely an adjustment. But it made asking questions and getting quick info so much easier.

My First Plot Twist: PR Work

Within a week of joining, I got a message from Deepak. I was honestly terrified to reply. He asked who I was and where I lived. I thought maybe he was just getting to know the new hires. Then he asked if I wanted to work in PR alongside content. I love learning new skills, so of course I said yes.

The following week, I met Ally, the head of PR, who gave me loads of resources, videos and prompts to help me get started. I had no prior experience in PR, so having Ally as a mentor was incredible. Within a few days, I was pitching Deepak’s expert insights and responding to journalist queries. That quickly grew into communicating directly with journalists and editors, creating press releases and much more.

Balancing PR and Content

Doing PR alongside content writing was a lot. I wanted to give my all to both roles, but each took time and focus. I was working longer hours and helping new interns in both departments. That’s when I decided to prioritise work–life balance.

People assume it’s easy, but when you work from home, it’s tempting to just keep going. Just one more email I’d tell myself. Apart from technical skills, I had to build up my soft skills too. Time management, organisation and communication became essential to keeping everything on track.

Stepping Up Into the Head of PR

Around March 2025, Deepak asked me to become the Head of PR. Before that, he’d asked me to transition fully into PR. I said yes, but secretly kept working on client content because I genuinely enjoyed it.

When he offered me the new role, I was excited and slightly terrified. It was my first time leading a team, even though I’d already been mentoring interns for months. I knew I still had a lot to learn, but I’d come this far. So I stepped away from content writing and took on the challenge.

Chaos, Challenges and Growth

Nothing could have prepared me for the flood of PR strategies, meetings and endless six-second voice notes from Deepak. Calling it a challenge would be an understatement.

But I wanted to grow and I know Dee could see our potential as a team. We pushed through the chaos and started seeing real progress – hitting new targets and landing placements in top publications.

In recent months, I’ve also begun working on PR campaigns. The account managers have been amazing, and Vibha, who joined around July 2025, has been such a great support. Each client’s campaign is different, but the internal PR experience has helped us deliver real results.

My Growth Story

I never thought I’d lead a team, but Pearl Lemon made it possible. I’ve gained so much experience in content writing, editing and PR in just one year. Through mentorship from Dee and collaboration with the team, I’ve become more organised, improved my time management, and learnt to communicate confidently with my team and journalists. I take initiative, solve problems and make decisions that genuinely shape our work.

I’ve also grown more confident personally. I no longer shy away from challenges or doubt my abilities. I used to be a perfectionist, but now I see mistakes as opportunities to learn.

Advice for New Starters 

Pearl Lemon is an amazing place to learn new skills, with everyone open to helping you grow. If you want to develop specific expertise, you’ll find plenty of opportunities here to get that experience and progress in your career.

It can be hectic at times, but that builds resilience, problem-solving skills and adaptability. You’ll learn to face challenges head-on. Just don’t forget about work–life balance. Remote work is great, but it can blur boundaries. Protect your time and your energy.

My Final Thoughts: Still Just Getting Started

I’m so grateful for everyone who has helped me at Pearl Lemon. The support and mentorship have been incredible. It makes me want to pay it forward and help others in return.

No two days are ever the same here and that’s what keeps it exciting. One day, I might be writing a press release, the next I’m reaching out to a top publication. And I genuinely look forward to every bit of it. Here’s to many more amazing experiences ahead!