Social Media Marketing Consultant, Trainer and Author

About Luan

In a world of social media experts, there are those who give advice and those who put it into action. Bridging both worlds, I offer a blend of strategic insight and hands-on support based on years of industry experience and research.

I’ve been a marketer for 25 years. I studied the theory fundamentals before social media as a marketing communications channel even existed! That’s why my thinking and advice are firmly routed in going back to basics and focusing on key elements such as target audiences and setting SMART objectives.

I stay up-to-date with the latest industry data, trends and platform changes. I spend my days scrolling the platforms and observing brand activity and user behaviours.

For 2025, I’m beginning PhD research at the University of Lancashire.

I’m hands-on, running my social media accounts (reaching over 30,000 people), volunteering as a social media ambassador for The Trussell Trust and supporting clients when they need extra resources. I’m a fresh pair of eyes to sense check ideas and review content plans. You’ll find that I work from my head and heart, using gut feel, supported by data.

I deliver training and keynote talks which means I’m always looking for insights and examples. I have created online learning courses for LinkedIn and led training on behalf of Meta, Google and a number of professional associations and training organisations.

I’m also an author. My self-published books ‘Relax! It’s Only Social Media’ and ‘Planning for Success: A practical guide to setting and achieving your social media marketing goals’ have both won a National Indie Excellence Award, and my social media planner was listed by the Independent online as one of the 9 best books for entrepreneurs. Bloomsbury Business published ‘Smart Social Media’ in September 2024 and I’m now working on a new title for Routledge to publish in 2025.

Having set up my own business in 2011, I’m proud to represent the self-employed community as an ambassador for IPSE.

I could go on, telling you about my campervan adventures, my love of floating on a lake in my kayak or how I constantly re-arrange my bookshelves when I should be studying, but let’s save those stories for when we talk!

Explore my website to discover how we could work and learn together. If you think we might be a good fit, get in touch.

View my profile on LinkedIn

Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate

Meta Certified Media Planner Professional

What do all these badges mean?

I consider myself to be a lifelong learner. Since graduating from Sheffield Business School in 1999, I continued my study of marketing with the Institute of Data & Marketing (IDM), and the Institute of Promotional Marketing (formerly the Institute of Sales Promotion).

I achieved fellowship status with the CIM by demonstrating 15 years' of senior strategic marketing experience (including 10 years at/close to board level).

To achieve Chartered Marketer status with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) I submit annually details of continuing professional development (CPD) activity for assessment. I recently studied the Marketing Week Mini MBA in Marketing and Brand Management with Mark Ritson. I have also completed Level 2 certificates in Equality and Diversity, LGBT Inclusion in the Workplace and Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace.

As a certified LinkedIn Marketing Insider I am regularly assessed and hold current certifications in LinkedIn Marketing Fundamentals, LinkedIn Marketing Strategy Certification and LinkedIn Content and Creative Design.

As a lead trainer for Meta, I am regularly assessed and hold current certifications in media planning, digital marketing and community management.

What it’s like to work with me

Testimonials

“Luan has great skill in identifying and advising on social media content that will resonate and engage. From looking at data and strong use of analytics, Luan was able to guide and fuse real-time events with my global experience to support, advise, inform and delight my worldwide following to enhance brand, resonance and personal impact. Over a period of 18 months (March 2020 to September 2021), we planned our approach, developed a personal website, and ideated and co-created over 500 LinkedIn posts, including daily updates, monthly newsletters, pre-recorded videos, and live panel interviews (using LinkedIn Live).

Luan is highly dedicated to her work; she’s an experienced writer, is super organised, and has strong attention to detail, all whilst juggling high volumes of content. She has a clear sense of what works, is an extremely knowledgeable marketer, a highly professional businesswoman who is open to new approaches, tools and media. I learned much in working with Luan and have no hesitation in recommending her to other businesses and individuals.”

Harriet Green OBE

“Luan worked with us in supporting our mission to ensure that no one has a bad cup of coffee at work. From supporting the development of our website to talking to prospective customers at a corporate exhibition, Luan provided marketing advice and valued support. She was quick to respond with both big and small creative ideas, and helped us to make them happen and improve our bottom-line results.”

Richard Doherty, Managing Director, The Office Coffee Company

Having benefitted from Luan’s social media for business course, I knew exactly who to turn to when it came to training management and commercial colleagues a few years later. From the outset Luan assisted with planning the sessions helping us to focus on ‘why’ we were embracing social media and the outcomes desired. When it came to the practicalities Luan explained the functionality of the key social media platforms simply and concisely. In addition to years of practical experience across a variety of sectors, Luan’s know-how is grounded in theory which comes through in the logical and structured nature of her advice.

Luan’s pre-event preparation means her training sessions are wholly relevant to the business. Learning is re-enforced through beneficial course materials delivered in class and subsequently emailed post-event. Luan explains the possibilities of social media in a straightforward, ease to understand manner with lots of top tips on the day and a wealth of online resources to draw on afterwards. At the end of the session delegates leave with action points designed to enhance their knowledge and confidence.

Luan is continually updating her own knowledge and skills regarding social media and I personally find it useful to participate in one of her regular webinars/courses to keep on top of the latest developments.

Louise Aplin, Marketing Manager Berry Global Inc