Story is Everything
Shine light on what YOU do by taking a step back and really thinking through what makes your organization unique.
It’s what makes you you that matters in the marketplace, whether you’re a business or a nonprofit. And sometimes, you might need help figuring that out.
That’s where I come in. We’ll talk. I’ll ask questions, and we’ll go deep on what matters to you. You answers will shape changes to your content in every medium: websites, social media, video, photography, even PowerPoints and elevator speeches.
Exploring what you do with genuine curiosity and empathy for your audience will make a deep difference. It’s like night and day.
It Makes a Difference to work with Impact in mind
Take a look at your website, your social media, your photos. Really look. Are you showing how what you do changes things? Or are you just saying what you’ve done without going that extra step to say why it matters?
Let’s say your a tech company. Does your website list all the same things every competitor lists? Or do you go further and say how your knowledge, your expertise and your approach yields a different and better result?
I’ve worked with a lot of nonprofits. A LOT. All of them talk about mission. All of them talk about activities they’ve done. Most talk about the number of people they serve. But it’s rare to see examples of true impact–the meaningful changes this organization makes in the lives of individuals and the community.
Saying what you intend to do is not the same as showing what you’ve done.
And what you’ve done is what sets you apart. That’s how I see it. And that’s how potential supporters or customers see it.
Let me help you tell your story in a way that makes a difference–by showing the difference YOU make.
Photography
Angles, lighting and lenses all are important, but getting the RIGHT photo means knowing what story you’re trying to tell. And that calls for patience, knowledge and sensitivity.
Videography and Filmmaking
I have years of experience telling stories in words and film. I am naturally curious and have a knack for interviews. We’ll tell the right story the right way for the audience you care about.
Writing and web content
Years of experience writing and editing with target audiences in mind makes a difference. It’s about point of view, word choices, readability and faithfulness to brand goals.
Recent Projects
Stories are Journeys
Every journey, like every story, has a beginning, a middle and an end. People through a land that somehow changes, somehow challenges them. And at the end of the trip, and of the story, something has changed in a meaningful way.
Will Schermerhorn looks at the whole story, working from a background as a reporter, a photographer, a website product manager, a filmmaker, an editor and an online content marketing instructor. It’s helpful to know where the tech meets the text and where psychology puts tripwires that kill engagement.
Testimonials
SPARC clubs
“Will’s photos show the spirit and personalities of our friends in SPARC clubs. He’s patient and perceptive and that’s why his photos tell our story so well.”
-Donna Goldbranson
The Arc of Northern Virginia
“I’ve worked with many videographers, but Will has the unique ability to take my ideas and craft them into a video that transforms all who see it.”
-Kymberly DeLoatche
Formed Families Forward
“Will brought a careful, creative perspective to our video series on the effects of traumatic stress on schoolchildren. He’s a true collaborator and a pleasure to work with.”
-Kelly Henderson
RCM of Washington
“Will took time to truly understand the messages we were trying to convey. His photos have been key in elevating the quality of our marketing materials and website.”
-Susan Brooks
Contact
will.schermerhorn@gmail.com
Phone
+(703) 338-1776