My name is Carla Zanoni, media therapist. Tell me about your algorithm. 

I believe that frantic attempts to keep up with digital trends will only lead to burnout and distance from achieving your goals. Whether working on media, audience development or membership/subscription strategy, clarity on your goals and success metrics can only come from a courageous and honest practice of inquiry.  

Do I really have to be on TikTok? What do I do with my email list? Is SEO still important?

This is what I hear from founders, creators, and brand executives of all kinds and sizes. It is in understanding why you thought you had to do all of those things in the first place that we can get clear on which direction to go.

I call myself a media therapist, because this work is not just about giving somebody an old "proven" digital strategy. The media world is changing again and again. My work is about guiding leaders to think in a new way so that they can evolve as the media landscape continues to change. 

There is no template. It's about building a new foundational way of thinking that informs decisions down the road so you don't lose your way moving forward.

I am heart meets brass tacks. I am willing to have the hard conversations and find the right bespoke strategy for you, with you. Let’s navigate this together.

FAQs

  • I create straightforward and efficient digital strategies that might include content programming and creation across platforms (web, podcast, video, social), digital marketing, email and newsletters, SEO and SEM, organic and paid social, membership and subscriptions plans, by considering what you want to achieve, your purpose, and the resources available to you. I gather valuable information about your organization's requirements and pair that with my experience working with media companies of all sizes around the world.

    My approach stands out from many audience development processes that tend to be rigid and overly prescriptive. I spend time getting to know your target audiences, your current goals, and how you work. Most importantly, I get to know why you have approached your work in this way. Through a process of deep listening and understanding, I offer strategic recommendations that align with your mission, editorial vision and revenue needs. I then work with you and your team to create a bespoke roadmap listing aligned tactics to reach your goals.

    In addition to content creation, social media management and digital strategy, I am also well-versed in bridging impact and revenue needs through conferences and live events, digital community, subscription and membership products.

  • I firmly believe that implementing a successful strategy is only possible after addressing workflow, processes, and how the organization collaborates.

    An ideal scenario is one in which I am invited to fully immerse myself in your organization to gain a deep understanding of your culture, goals, work processes, and achievements. Through active listening and trust-building with your team, I identify key opportunities and challenges that can shape your strategy. These sessions might include sitting in on existing meetings, such as editorial, content strategy, social media, and operations meetings.

    I then meet privately with you, the organizational leader, on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, depending on your availability, providing updates and ensuring alignment with your vision based on real-world observations. During these conversations, we would also conduct reality checks to refine any disparities between suggested strategies and the actual implementation.

  • I work with well-established global brands, purpose-driven organizations, and individuals who are looking to bring big ideas into the world. Some of my current clients include the Peabody Award-winning On Being With Krista Tippett, URL Media, and several individual thought leaders looking to build their authority by sharing their innovative ideas through articles, columns, podcasts, presentations, talks, and books. You'll sense our alignment if you're up for diving deep into heart-to-heart dialogues – the kind that can be intense or wildly enjoyable, yet consistently generative and soul-nourishing.

    Tip: You're likely a good fit if you and your company are seeking to make a positive difference in this world.

  • I am a skilled change strategist and manager with a proven track record of pivoting traditional media into data-informed digital enterprises. Over the media industry's relentless demands over the past two decades, I have helped organizations and individuals navigate these challenges.

    Entrepreneurial in spirit, I’ve built audience development, subscription, membership and live event efforts at leading media organizations including TED, The Wall Street Journal and DNAinfo New York and Chicago, where I always lead with the mantra “data, not drama.”

    At the Wall Street Journal, I made history as the first global Audience & Analytics Editor and Latina named to its masthead in 2017. Most recently, I led audience, marketing and analytics at the globally renowned TED.

    • Every team member understands the core purpose of your organization’s activities.

    • You can see a clear path toward tangible growth in memberships, subscriptions, and follower engagement.

    • North Star Clarity: You have gained a clear understanding of your guiding principles, helping to navigate through various changes and challenges.

    • Your team feels empowered and equipped with the insights and tools they need to successfully confront and overcome obstacles.

  • For media brands, I typically work on a retainer, for 3-6 months depending on the scope of work. I can also be brought on in an extended capacity to provide on-going strategic support. For individuals, I offer a 3-part process where you get clear on your goals, where to best place your energy and build a bespoke media ladder to help you achieve your vision.

  • I currently serve on the board of two organizations and am open to new opportunities:

    • MACMA (Media, Audience, and Content Marketing), whose mission is to serve all levels of audience development professionals in the fast-changing media environment.

    • Flying Leap, a non-profit that offers participatory, site-specific performances for kids and families around challenging topics.

    I am also the former president of the US board for First Draft News, a project "to fight mis- and disinformation online" that was founded in 2015 via the Google News Lab. Their work continues today through the Information Futures Lab at Brown University.

Let’s talk.