Rise & Shine

Karen Lloyd

My portfolio features a range of creative work including logo designs, restaurant menus, print ads and lots of writing. I am also behind Be Number One in Your Market, an SEO writing company for businesses that want to rank higher on Google search. 

SEO writer Specializing in real Estate 

Since 2016, I have been writing SEO articles for real estate developers and property management companies across Canada. As an SEO writer and editor in the Canadian real estate industry, I produce keyword-rich articles and blogs, update existing content and manage social media platforms for a variety of clients including: Vesta Properties, Jolan Properties, Live at the Scene and many more. 

Horticulture Writing

By Karen Lloyd

My interest in sustainable horticulture began in 2010 when I interviewed a group of migrant workers from Mexico and the Caribbean at a farm in Cobourg, Ontario. I wanted to know what it was like for them to leave home and move to another country to do the work we won't. Their stories opened my eyes to the challenges (and opportunities) in this unpredictable industry and inspired me to learn more. Since then, my writing portfolio grew to include many horticulture blogs and articles. Below are a few samples of my work.

Migrant workers on Canadian farms
Reasons to reuse your grow media
Choosing the right CBD oil
Transplant your plants the proper way
Personalise your pot with a genetics test
Keep pathogens away from your plants
Three cannabis edibles to make at home
A few more highlights
  • Worked as a community newspaper reporter, photographer and columnist in Port Hope from 2000 to (officially) 2011.
  • Travelled and wrote hotel reviews in Canada and Europe for North Star Travel Media between 2007 and 2009.
  • Initiated a social media marketing seminar in 2011 at Fleming College for businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations.
  • Co-authored The Toronto Book of Everything, published by MacIntyre Purcell Publishing in 2009.
  • Wrote about and photographed about a hundred Toronto restaurants and their owners for YP Dine between 2014 and 2016.

Graphic Design

I've always been able to imagine how something should look but it wasn't until 2014 that I began to learn to bring those concepts to life (on a computer screen). While I honed in on the technical skills over the years, I also studied the principals of design and how they affect consumer behaviour. Here are a few samples of my graphic designs including logos, restaurant menus, and other promotional materials.

Extra, extra!

In 2017 I had the opportunity to write, photograph and design the 2017 Riverside BIA Magazine with help from several BIA board and committee members. You can check out the magazine (and my neighbourhood) below!

Some Photos 

2 Daisies
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blagoevgrad
Roman Ruins
Labrador
Processed With Darkroom
Northumberland County
Cosmos
patio-WHERE
rose
Italy
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Processed With Darkroom
Riverdale Park Toronto
Kind Words

Over the years I've been fortunate to work with some pretty cool people in a wide rage of industries. The testimonials below come from individuals who've inspired my career as a digital marketer and content creator.