Open to opportunities

Susan Smuts

@susansmuts

I lead communications at NightsBridge, turning real client insights into clear, plain-English marketing that wins bookings.

South Africa

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a role where communications are driven by listening and plain-language clarity—building brand voice, improving client success, and working with a team that values quality, measurable results, and practical content that helps businesses grow.

I lead communications at NightsBridge with a people-first goal: helping small to medium-sized accommodation businesses succeed online. My work starts with listening—whether through a support ticket, social chat, or direct feedback—then translating those real insights into clear, actionable plans.

For over 14 years, I’ve owned brand improvements and rollout, kept quality tight across voice and messaging, and ensured our entire team stays aligned. I create client-facing content across email, in-app, automated messages, chat, and more, focusing on practical guides and educational support that improves retention and client success.

Earlier roles strengthened my end-to-end instincts across sales processes, marketing channels, and production. I’ve supported lead management with tracking and KPI reporting, grown online presence through social and blogging, and delivered production work from concept to print—so my communications are always grounded in outcomes, clarity, and usability.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Communications Manager

Current

NightsBridge

Jun 2019 - Present (7 years)

Led internal and client communications at NightsBridge, planning monthly comms strategy and maintaining a consistent plain-language brand voice. Improved client success through guides, mailers, help content, and quality control across email, in-app, automated messages, and chat.

Plain Language Writing Client Communication Content Strategy Metrics Reporting Stakeholder Management

Current

Freelance Word Juggler

Current

Susan Smuts

May 1999 - Present (27 years 1 month)

Produced content across weddings, corporate communications, sports journalism, and digital media, including influencer-led social channels (AllCapeTown and SARugbyChick) supporting campaigns for major brands. Delivered writing and editing work to build audience engagement and marketing outcomes across multiple industries.

Copywriting Editing Content Creation Social Media Marketing Journalism Brand Messaging Audience Growth

Sales and Onboarding Manager

NightsBridge

Sep 2014 - Jun 2019 (4 years 9 months)

Streamlined lead management and sales onboarding for nine consultants by implementing lead tracking and coordinating prospect distribution by property type, language, and workload. Produced monthly KPI sales reports and used Mailchimp to nurture leads and support achievement of monthly sales targets.

Lead Qualification Sales Onboarding Lead Management Sales Reporting Mailchimp KPI Analysis

Marketing Channel Coordinator

NightsBridge

Jul 2012 - Sep 2014 (2 years 2 months)

Coordinated marketing channels by reselling client availability via white-label or XML integrations and creating tutorials mapping properties to major booking platforms. Managed newsletters, workshops, social media, and blogging, driving a 45% Twitter follower increase and a 23% Facebook follower increase in 2.5 months.

White Label Integrations XML Social Media Management Content Marketing Blogging Social Media Analytics

Social Media Co-Ordinator

Your Travel Companion

May 2011 - Aug 2011 (3 months)

Developed and executed a social media strategy that increased brand visibility and grew organic engagement without a dedicated marketing budget. Achieved organic Twitter growth of 180% in 55 days and Facebook growth of 33%.

Social Media Strategy Facebook Marketing Content Planning Performance Metrics

Assistant to CEO

Prosperito

Jul 2010 - Apr 2011 (9 months)

Managed the CEO’s executive diary and schedule and supported property development and retail deal negotiations. Ensured the director was well-informed and prepared for engagements by coordinating commitments and updates.

Executive Assistance Calendar Management Property Development Support Deal Negotiation

Production Manager

Your Travel Companion

Jul 2002 - Jun 2010 (7 years 11 months)

Led booklet production from concept to print, managing editorial commissioning, advertising sales, and client relationships to ensure deadlines and quality were met. Used Adobe Photoshop and Quark Express for layout and image editing and represented the company at major industry events.

Print Production Management Advertising Sales Client Relationship Management Adobe Photoshop Quark Xpress Layout And Image Editing