Karl Young
Knaresborough,UK
Summary
Seasoned Marketer and Digital PR Specialist with extensive experience in audience building and campaign management. Developed engaging content through a successful personal blog recognised as a top UK dad blog, collaborating with major visitor attractions to promote regional tourism. Leveraged a decade of people management experience to enhance team performance and foster a profound understanding of West North Yorkshire's landscape.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Blogger & Content Creator
Yorkshire Dad Blog
12.2013 - Current
- Built an organic, verified community of over 15k followers on X (Twitter) and scaled a strong visual presence on TikTok.
- Launched platform as a trusted UK parenting resource, attracting over a quarter of a million views and millions of photo views on Google.
- Secured and managed commercial partnerships with household names like Netflix, Sky, Bugaboo, and Asda, enhancing brand visibility and reach.
- Partnered with regional family attractions (including Lotherton Hall’s Christmas Experience, HallowScreams, and Lightwater Valley) to design and execute authentic, multi-channel promotional campaigns that engage diverse audiences.
SEO Strategist
Havas Market x Search Laboratory
Leeds
02.2023 - 06.2026
- Developed and executed organic search strategies that increased traffic and conversions across international markets.
- Collaborated daily with technical SEO, digital PR, and international translation teams to optimise multi-channel campaign performance.
- Lead and chair regular client meetings, deliver performance reporting, and use data analysis to find new traffic opportunities.
- Managed, trained, and mentored an SEO Executive, enhancing team capabilities and knowledge.
Senior Digital PR Manager
Search Laboratory
Leeds
10.2018 - 02.2023
- Managed full lifecycle of PR outreach, including campaign ideation, research, media list creation, writing press releases, and nurturing journalist relationships.
- Developed and executed creative digital PR campaigns for diverse clients, ensuring impactful storytelling reached target audiences.
- Led PR department during pandemic, supporting remote team and adapting workflows amid company redundancy challenges.
Off-Page SEO Executive to Senior Digital PR Manager
Search Laboratory
Leeds
04.2012 - 09.2018
- Conceived and ran award-winning creative campaigns, including winning 'Best Use of Content' and 'Best DPR Campaign' at The Drum Search Awards (for the Zombie Log Cabin campaign), as well as earning a shortlist at The Global Search Awards.
- Advanced through ranks over six years, taking on accountability for multi-channel strategies, managing client budgets, and leading a team of seven specialists across three marketing areas.
- Oversaw eight concurrent client accounts, maintaining budget adherence and achieving strict performance KPIs.
Marketing Administrator
Mail Box Express
Leeds
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Early career roles focused on the fundamentals: updating website content, setting up email marketing systems, running local social media accounts, managing small PPC budgets, and representing the businesses at industry events.
- Coordinated trade shows, enhancing networking opportunities for the business.
- Proposed innovative ideas during brainstorming sessions, promoting creative problem-solving.
- Built strong relationships with suppliers through regular meetings and effective negotiations.
Marketing Executive
Marshall Catering Equipment
Knaresborough
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Led the creation of digital campaigns, resulting in significant audience engagement.
- Updated website content, set up email marketing systems, ran local social media accounts, managed small PPC budgets, and represented businesses at industry events to enhance online presence and engage target audiences.
- Maintained consistent brand messaging across multiple channels ensuring uniformity in communication and visual style.
- Designed high impact presentations for senior management meetings enabling informed decision making.
Education
BA (Hons) - Marketing and Advertising Management
Leeds Metropolitan University
CIPR Professional Training - undefined
Chartered Institute of Public Relations
01.2017 - 01.2021
BTEC National Diploma - Business
Harrogate College
Skills
- SEO and GEO strategy
- Content Strategy
- Content Review
- Performance analytics with Google Analytics
- Multichannel campaign coordination
- Social Media Outreach
- Audience Engagement
- Budget management and invoicing
- Client Communication and Stakeholder Management
- Team leadership and mentoring
Core Strengths
- Campaigns & Digital PR: Years of experience taking campaigns from a blank page to national and local news coverage. I know how to pitch to journalists, write copy that actually gets read, and use industry tools like Cision and ResponseSource.
- SEO & Digital Content: Deep understanding of how to get eyes on content. I bridge the gap between technical optimization (making websites rank) and creative storytelling (making people care).
- People & Team Leadership: Over 10 years of direct management experience. I’ve led teams of up to 7 specialists, looking after recruitment, mentoring, appraisals, and helping people navigate major organizational changes.
- Commercial & Partnership Skills: Comfortable managing client budgets, pitching for new work, and building long-term relationships with businesses, regional brands, and independent attractions.
Community & Interests
Grassroots Football: I’ve volunteered as a coach and manager for a local youth football team for the last 6 years. I also sit on the club's committee, helping steer everything from club funding and equipment grants to keeping up with new league regulations.
Writing & Travel: Outside of my own blog, I’ve had pieces published by Metro.co.uk and The Huffington Post. On weekends, I love supporting Harrogate Town and exploring new spots across Yorkshire with my family.
Timeline
SEO Strategist
Havas Market x Search Laboratory
02.2023 - 06.2026
Senior Digital PR Manager
Search Laboratory
10.2018 - 02.2023
CIPR Professional Training - undefined
Chartered Institute of Public Relations
01.2017 - 01.2021
Blogger & Content Creator
Yorkshire Dad Blog
12.2013 - Current
Off-Page SEO Executive to Senior Digital PR Manager
Search Laboratory
04.2012 - 09.2018
Marketing Administrator
Mail Box Express
01.2011 - 01.2012
Marketing Executive
Marshall Catering Equipment
01.2009 - 01.2011
BA (Hons) - Marketing and Advertising Management
Leeds Metropolitan University
BTEC National Diploma - Business
Harrogate College