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 content strategist and coach who believes in listening first, so we build content that truly resonates, outside-in. Together, we will sharpen your message, energise your people, create valuable content and drive real-world results.
Based in Bristol, UK, I take on independent consulting and coaching assignments in the UK and beyond. I also run a monthly online writing club. I’ve written several books (and hope to write more).
I’m always happy to have a coffee and a chat – in the real world or online. Do get in touch: sonja@valuablecontent.co.uk.
My story
I was one of the pioneers of content marketing in the UK, advocating for the power of generously sharing knowledge and ideas to attract audiences. Together with my friend and long-term collaborator, Sharon Tanton I wrote Valuable Content Marketing, a seminal book on this approach, and founded the agency Valuable Content Ltd to help people put it into practice. We ran an award scheme, delivered talks worldwide and helped to shape a movement.
Today, content marketing is mainstream, but organisations still struggle to define what they want to say. Too often, cntent misses the mark because it’s built from the inside-out. Now, as an independent consultant, I help clients go deeper. I guide them to connect with their audiences through research, listening and insight – then shape valuable content that delivers real, measurable impact.
My belief in valuable content is rooted in hard-won experience. People are often surprised to learn that I began my career in sales. Fresh from university, I sold consultancy services across Europe. Trained in traditional sales tactics that often felt forced. In contrast, attracting audiences by sharing genuinely helpful content felt natural, enjoyable, and led to far more effective connections.
I’ve seen that when organisations listen first and build content through an outside-in, customer-focused lens, good things happen – visibility improves, trust grows, and valuable content becomes a genuine driver of confidence, visibility and growth.
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Bristol Content Group
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Pub School
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With friend and collaborator, brand strategist Sue Bush
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Keynote for WeContent in Romania
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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
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Valuable Content Ltd
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Content strategy workshop, Romania
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Valuable Content Awards
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With long-term friend, co-author and collaborator, Sharon Tanton
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Content strategy in Bucharest
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
My manifesto
My beliefs on how to use your voice and make change happen.
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Every person and every organisation is unique. It's about finding the clarity and confidence to reflect that uniqueness, the bravery to be who you are.
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Listening to outside voices will enable you to see your true value and find your inner voice. Listening to inside voices uncovers valuable insight and engages people in the change.
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Words and ideas have power. Shaped and shared with heart and soul, they change things for the better.
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Put your audience’s needs first. Make helping and creating value for them your focus and you’ll reach your goals.
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Spread stories of hope and possibility. Stories - real, human intimate ones - show what's possible, and showing is always more believable than telling.
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Content strategy and brand strategy can’t be separated.
Address both elements together to get to the heart of what you do and uncover what you want to say. Think, write and design your way to clarity.
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My goal is to help organisations and the people who run them to find their sweetspot and flow.
I want to see you aligned, energised, in your element, doing your best work, sharing your knowledge and ideas generously and thriving as the right opportunities are drawn towards you.
“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.”
And in the rest of life…
I adore the great outdoors and know that getting out in nature widens your persepective and helps you think more clearly. I’ve led idea generation workshops for groups up mountains, by rivers and amongst the trees and would love to do more of this.
I swim all year round in sea, rivers and lakes – the colder the water the better. I’ve competed in two world winter swimming championships in recent years, in Slovenia and Estonia. It’s Finland next. Read: Lessons for wavering writers from the world of winter swimming
Let’s talk.
Clients I work with often find that, with the right strategy, content becomes a catalyst: for sharper positioning, greater visibility, stronger client relationships, and new opportunities for growth.
If you want to find the right words, build clarity and confidence in your message, and shape content that truly connects. I’d love to help.