About Miko Coffey

Squarespace Expert, Authorised Trainer & Digital Consultant

Hello and welcome to my little corner of the web. On this page you can learn more about what’s special about working with me, or find out a bit more about me in my personal bio. If you like what you see, I look forward to hearing from you.

using-my-head-web-design-bg-buff.jpg

My Unique Blend

 

I'm a hybrid.

Once I learn something, I like to keep those skills sharp, so I'm not your typical web designer/developer, I'm not your typical content marketer, and I'm not your typical digital strategist. I'm more like a combination of all three. So when you hire me for one, you get the benefit of the others. This usually means you get more bang for your buck than you might have expected - and I will try my best to ensure that you do.


I speak geek - and can translate, too.

I regularly work with code and technical people, as well as with business owners, marketers and senior executives, which enables me to translate from geek to business-speak and back again – and to understand both perspectives. I've been told this is one of my biggest assets, and it certainly comes in handy on nearly all projects, especially when it comes to training. It's one of the biggest compliments I get on my book - that it translates complex and technical concepts into language that non-technical people can easily grasp.


I've been around the block (more than a few times).

Over the years, I have done everything from creating websites, planning social media strategies, procuring content management systems, developing business cases, building web teams, running online PR and e-mail marketing campaigns - to more abstract work such as influencing senior management to engage in social media, and coaching people with great ideas to shed their fears and share them online.

I have worked with small teams, large teams, cross-departmental groups and external suppliers, in small companies, public sector bodies, digital agencies, global corporates and international charities. For the last 10 years, my focus has been mostly on SMEs, startups and small charities.

While this makes it hard for me to narrow things down to one area of expertise, the benefit is that I understand a wide range of both customer and business needs, and how to balance the two online.


My office is a bullsh*t-free zone.

Perhaps it’s the straight-talking Texan in me (and my British side may blush a bit), but I’m not one to mince words and I won’t try to sell you on something that’s not right for you. Although my platform of choice is currently Squarespace, I’ve worked with Wordpress, Wix, Shopify and many other niche platforms so if something else will do the job better, I’ll tell you.

I don’t believe in overcharging or ludicrous retainers, so my prices offer value commensurate with my expertise, and you won’t find me upselling things you don’t need or will never use.


What this means for you…

The net effect of such a wide range of experience is that I have been exposed to most kinds of web-related issues, have gained a solid understanding of what it takes to be successful online, and can adapt to fit most digital project needs.

Through all this, my underlying approach to every situation is:

  • Understand what you're trying to achieve, and in what context

  • Draw on my experience to cherry-pick the best method of delivering this

  • Put together a plan of how to do it, advise on it or analyse it

  • Execute the plan effectively and efficiently

I do this with enthusiasm, and clear, open communication.

 

My Bio

I'm a web professional with over 20 years' experience in digital, including 10 years managing web teams and projects, 7 at senior level.

Before going solo in 2007, I spent 2 years as the Head of Digital Media at NESTA, where I was responsible for the strategic direction of all online communication for the UK's largest single endowment dedicated to fostering innovation and creativity. My prior experience and client base spans a diverse set of audiences, industries and types of organisation, from small independent design agencies, to medium-sized NGOs, to large FTSE 500 corporations and international charities. Having originally started building websites in the mid 90's B.G. (before Google!), I continue to work in the hands-on coding and designing side of digital, as well as the communications and marketing side of things, which I came to a bit later. I now enjoy rolling up my sleeves with CSS with as much as strategising with senior executives.

My BFA degree is in Fine Art Photography, with a minor in Mathematics, and I like to think that this combination of analytical and creative sides is what makes me different (in a good way), and why working with digital design and code is right up my street.

When I'm not online, I'm often toting a camera or a crochet hook, and I’ve recently started learning to play the ukulele. I am also passionate about social justice & equality, and I created the NEST Social Code of Conduct as a means of trying to address sexism, racism, bullying and harassment where traditional codes of conduct don’t exist.

The curious among you might also like to know that I'm a half-Japanese Texan-Brixtonite, which probably means that I will eventually come up with a recipe for deep-fried jerk sushi. I like to spend whatever free time is left hanging out with my two cats Kuma & Toshi.