In my role as the first-ever Digital Marketing Coordinator at Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) and I played a vital role in developing and executing various marketing initiatives emphasizing sustainability and waste management practices. From redesigning key webpages and crafting targeted email drip campaigns to managing content campaigns and spearheading creative recycling promotions, my work at TDS was multifaceted and impactful. I also contributed to several community-oriented projects, including Earth Day campaigns, interactive recycling games at events, and seasonal holiday waste initiatives. Additionally, I supported the company’s sales department efforts by creating new sales materials and improving online customer funnels. Through these initiatives, I helped position TDS as a leader in the waste management industry in Central Texas while reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship and resource conservation.
Waste Wizard Promotion:
- Promoted the “Waste Wizard,” a versatile app designed to remind customers of waste collection schedules and educate them on proper waste disposal practices. To increase app downloads, I introduced gift card incentive contests, effectively encouraging customer participation, increasing downloads, and reinforcing the brand. Facebook Post
Conference Vendor/Boothing:
- Represented TDS at industry conferences by staffing booths, distributing marketing materials, and engaging in conversations with attendees about the company’s services and sustainable practices, helping to enhance the brand and fostering potential business relationships.
Trash Goalie Service:
- Volunteered occasionally as a “Trash Goalie” at the Austin FC Q2 Stadium, guiding patrons on the proper disposal of recyclables and compostables. This initiative was part of TDS’s efforts as the official waste hauler for the stadium, enhancing public engagement and promoting environmental stewardship at events. Facebook Post
Spin the Wheel Recycling Game:
- Designed and prepared an interactive “Spin the Wheel” waste game, similar to “tailgate cornhole,” for public events. Participants spun a wheel labeled with various waste items and competed to accurately sort a bean bag into the correct waste bins (trash, compost, recycle) for prizes. This fun, educational activity aimed to increase awareness and understanding of proper waste sorting practices. Multiple Facebook Posts: 1, 2, 3, 4
Valentine’s Day Cards Campaign:
- Recreated a successful content campaign originally developed at TCEQ for Valentine’s Day, distributing eco-themed Valentine’s Day cards both online and in print. Waste truck drivers handed out these cards to children and families during their routes, helping to foster community and reinforcing positive brand association. Facebook Post, Additional Post
Wreath & Tree Recycling Initiatives:
- Volunteered with staff and others collect holiday wreaths from the Texas State Cemetery for composting, and helped to promote the Christmas tree recycling program to the public during the holiday season. These initiatives supported TDS’s broader goals of waste reduction during the holidays and sustainable waste management practices.
Photography for Marketing:
- Captured context-relevant photographs at various TDS-serviced events to provide visual content for marketing materials. These images were used across social media platforms and the website to illustrate TDS’s active community involvement and service offerings. Facebook Post
Earth Day/Week & Texas Recycles Day Campaigns:
- Developed Earth Day/Week content campaigns focused on promoting recycling and proper waste disposal practices. Collaborated with other organizations to promote a cohesive marketing campaign that resonated with the local community, amplifying the message of sustainability across Texas. Facebook Post
Animal Promotion Ideas:
- Proposed innovative conservation campaigns centered around TDS’s on-site wildlife operations, aligning with the company’s overarching message of resource conservation. These campaigns aimed to leverage the unique animal imagery featured on the trucks and in marketing materials to enhance brand recognition and reinforce environmental stewardship. Facebook Post
Webpage Development:
- Redesigned and enhanced webpages for commercial waste services, incorporating new elements such as pricing grids to provide transparent cost information, testimonial videos to build credibility, updated images for visual appeal, and strategic button links to guide visitors to relevant landing pages. These updates aimed to improve user experience and drive conversions for sales and services.
Weekly Service Alerts:
- Shared the responsibility with the marketing team for issuing “weekly service alerts” to inform customers on certain routes if their waste collection days were affected by unforeseen circumstances like severe weather or seasonal holidays. This proactive communication strategy helped manage customer expectations and maintain service standards.
Email Drip Campaigns:
- Developed a few comprehensive email drip-campaigns tailored for commercial waste services, utilizing triggers based on customer actions or inactions. These campaigns were designed to nurture leads and maintain engagement over an extended period of 6-8 months, providing valuable information and timely reminders to encourage conversions and retention.
Crisis Communications:
- Played a support role in crisis communications management, specifically the scrubbing of all mentions of Jim Gregory, one of the co-founders, from marketing materials and digital content. This was a critical response following his involvement in a legal-financial scandal that also implicated his children, ensuring the company’s reputation remained protected.
Sales Support Materials:
- Developed a range of sales support materials, including new webpages, landing pages, social media content, brochures, and case studies, to assist the sales team in communicating TDS’s value propositions effectively to prospective clients.
