Julia M. Austin
Bio
Julia M. Austin is a creative director and marketing strategist who thrives at the intersections of research, insight, and design to transform the image and reach of brands, businesses, and products.
Austin has been working as a consultant, revitalizing brands and increasing revenues. She generated a total online market share of 523% for one business in sixty days. For another, she produced and optimized inbound analytics and metadata content, maintaining their organic SERP1 with a 40% increase in unique users. Improved mobile site content netted a 128% increase in direct conversions. She also created an ecommerce subdomain for a seamless product launch sellout.
At Growpito Technologies, Austin was the director of brand strategy and marketing. She spearheaded the start-up's first-ever launch of a new-to-market product. Her process, including art direction, content position, and website development, accelerated inbound conversions by 80%. In two quarters, Austin drove inbound growth to an unprecedented 500% increase.
At Black Knight Financial Services, Austin began as a software business analyst on third-party integration sites. Within a year, she became the account and creative services manager. She grew the print client base six-fold, revenue by 79%, and reduced costs by $100,000. Austin's strong client focus led to a Gold Level company award for customer advocacy.
At Black Knight Financial Services, Austin began as a software business analyst on third-party integration sites. Within a year, she became the account and creative services manager. She grew the print client base six-fold, revenue by 79%, and reduced costs by $100,000. Austin's strong client focus led to a Gold Level company award for customer advocacy.
Austin founded the Kansas City Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts (KCVLAA). She saw a need in the creative community for services at the local level. Austin created a strategic plan, and the new organization succeeded within a year. Her leadership accelerated income by 70% and propelled the pro bono volunteer base by 31%. She led partnership building, public relations, and marketing of KCVLAA. Austin served as the executive director after her board service.
Before KCVLAA, Austin was a cultural services specialist at ArtsKC. While at the arts council, she managed the publication of the second and third editions of the Arts Map, handled media relations and two websites, and created and presented the first series of professional development workshops for artists. She also wrote three award-winning Missouri Arts Council grants, each for $10,000.
Austin negotiated the first-ever corporate membership for art galleries to VisitKC, Kansas City's tourism and hospitality organization. That membership allowed the small businesses to share in fees and be seen as an asset to the city and as a destination for residents and visitors.
Austin ignited, presented, and won $35,000 in city funds to implement the first inclusive marketing plan for the First Friday's monthly gallery walks in the historic Crossroads Arts District in Kansas City. Her strategy included a comprehensive map of the Crossroads arts galleries. It was developed and distributed at tourist kiosks throughout the city. The program received coverage in major publications such as Art World News, American Style, and National Geographic Traveler.
In her early career in public relations, she managed creatives, artists, and arts businesses. Austin has presented and defended projects for selection committees in private and government sectors.
Julia M. Austin is an artist, a supporter of the arts, and an advocate and mentor in the disability community for limb differences. She profoundly appreciates technology, innovation, and design and is fascinated with behavior and motivation. She attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she earned a degree in philosophy.
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