Grant Kenneth van Niekerk

Digital Marketing Specialist & Developer
Blouberg, ZA.

About

Results-driven Digital Marketing Specialist and Full-Stack Developer with over 20 years of experience in operations and management, expertly driving online growth through strategic SEO, PPC, social media, and advanced web development. Since 2022, I have consistently delivered exceptional results in remote capacities, leveraging strong data analysis and AI integration to optimize performance, generate leads, and exceed targets for diverse clients, including significant contributions to VitaGene's e-commerce and marketing success.

Work

Online | Freelance
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Digital Marketing, Creative, Web Specialist and App Development

Summary

Led comprehensive digital marketing, web development, and app development initiatives for diverse clients, driving significant online growth, lead generation, and revenue through strategic SEO, PPC, and full-stack solutions.

Highlights

Spearheaded end-to-end digital marketing strategy and execution for VitaGene, optimizing their Shopify store to achieve 1.5M ZAR monthly revenue, 1,000+ daily sessions, a 3% conversion rate, and a 67% return customer rate.

Executed 4-6 product-based sales campaigns monthly, consistently achieving ROAS exceeding 20x and generating 200K-300K ZAR (20-30%) in gross monthly sales, establishing a new revenue stream.

Pioneered and successfully sold marketing packages to VitaGene suppliers, generating 200K ZAR in sales within 18 days of April, significantly increasing gross turnover through leveraged site traffic and performance data.

Developed and launched a robust full-stack web application for practitioners, utilizing React, Vite, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, Express backend, and Oracle Cloud VM with Nginx, including integrated logins and a standalone storefront with API/webhook payment integration.

Engineered a powerful lead generation application leveraging the Google Maps API to identify and generate leads across diverse industries, enhancing lead generation processes for clients like Inca Concrete and VitaScript.

Systematically integrated a wide array of AI tools and automations (LLMs via OpenRouter, AI-assisted coding tools like Cline and Roo) to streamline content generation, direct marketing tasks, and accelerate full-stack application development.

Optimized Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaigns, reducing average Cost Per Click (CPC) by 25% and improving ad performance, contributing to a 30% increase in client inquiries and a 20% average client ROI.

Managed comprehensive website design, UI/UX improvements, e-commerce functionalities, and content updates for multiple clients, ensuring optimal user experience and conversion rates.

SignStack | Branding & Advertising
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Business Operator

Summary

Managed comprehensive business operations for a start-up, encompassing website development, digital marketing, production oversight, and full responsibility for sales and brand visibility.

Highlights

Managed end-to-end website design, content, and e-commerce features, including service/product pages and payment integrations.

Executed online marketing and social media strategies to significantly enhance brand visibility and engagement.

Oversaw national signage order fulfillment, including sourcing, manufacturing, and shipping, for diverse signage projects.

Created still and motion graphics based on corporate identity for various marketing materials, ensuring consistent brand representation.

Held full business responsibility with a primary focus on production and sales, driving operational efficiency and revenue growth.

Signarama Cape Town
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General Manager

Summary

Directed all aspects of manufacturing operations, sales, and financial management for a signage company, ensuring profitability and efficient project delivery.

Highlights

Managed end-to-end signage projects, overseeing design, manufacture, and installation processes.

Held full business responsibility with a strong focus on production and sales, driving operational targets and revenue.

Managed estimates, quotations, and margin setting to ensure profitability across all projects.

Set operational policies, managed budgets, and oversaw staff and Work-In-Progress (WIP) to optimize efficiency and output.

SC Direct (Pty) Ltd.
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General Manager

Summary

Directed comprehensive business operations for an electronics and software development company, overseeing product design, manufacturing, and international logistics.

Highlights

Directed the design and manufacture of technical electronic lock overrides, ensuring product quality and functionality.

Managed full business operations, including hardware development, software development, and production processes.

Oversaw development teams, account management, and product testing to ensure high standards and client satisfaction.

Marketed products for export to the EU and USA, expanding market reach and international sales.

Handled international logistics, including import, export, and distribution, streamlining global supply chains.

Signarama Montague Gardens
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Production Manager & Sales

Summary

Managed all departmental responsibilities, including project and staff management, procurement, and sales, to drive production efficiency and profitability.

Highlights

Managed full departmental responsibility, overseeing all aspects of production and sales operations.

Led project management and staff management for sales, designers, applicators, and riggers, ensuring cohesive team performance.

Coordinated resources and specified materials and production techniques to optimize workflow and output.

Managed procurement, controlled cost of sales, and formulated reports, contributing to improved financial performance.

Chaired meetings and oversaw staff performance, setting targets and monitoring profitability to drive continuous improvement.

Generated quotations and proposals, managed sales accounts, and provided technical consultation to clients.

S&G Signs Pty Ltd.
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Senior Estimator

Summary

Assessed scope of work, generated estimates and tenders, and managed material procurement to ensure project profitability and efficient production.

Highlights

Assessed scope of work and provided technical consultation to directors, guiding strategic decisions.

Generated estimates and tenders, monitoring margin and profitability to secure competitive bids and maintain financial health.

Defined production methodology and created Bills of Materials (BOMs) to standardize and optimize manufacturing processes.

Managed projects and oversaw product development, design, and manufacture from conception to completion.

Handled procurement and sourcing of materials, ensuring timely and cost-effective acquisition for production.

BTI Branding Solutions
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External Evaluator & Production Co-Ordinator

Summary

Coordinated external evaluations, managed national branding rollouts, and provided technical support, ensuring quality and efficient project execution.

Highlights

Conducted site inspections, evaluations, and post-installation reports to ensure quality and compliance.

Contributed to new product development for branding solutions, expanding service offerings.

Provided technical support to the sales team, enhancing their ability to close deals and address client needs.

Managed and inspected national branding rollouts, ensuring consistent brand representation across multiple locations.

Oversaw installation processes and management, ensuring timely and effective project completion.

Conducted feasibility studies, costings, and budgeting for projects, optimizing resource allocation.

Managed purchasing and oversaw bought-in items, ensuring efficient supply chain management.

Created BOMs and costings for non-standard work, facilitating accurate project pricing.

Jeffart Signs
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Production Scheduler, Draughtsman, Estimator

Summary

Managed manufacturing production and coordination, developed technical drawings and schedules, and oversaw factory operations for a large team.

Highlights

Managed manufacturing production and coordination for a large team, optimizing workflow and output.

Developed production schedules, instructions, and technical drawings to streamline manufacturing processes.

Responsible for BOM creation, material sourcing, and cost estimation, ensuring efficient resource utilization.

Managed production control systems and interpreted designs for technical drawings, maintaining quality and precision.

Handled tenders and council submissions, ensuring compliance and successful project acquisition.

Liaised with architects, engineers, and site managers, fostering effective collaboration.

Served as Factory Manager, overseeing overall factory operations and ensuring smooth production.

Signarama Montague Gardens
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Graphic Designer (Promoted to) Production Coordinator

Summary

Progressed from graphic design to production coordination, leading design output, supervising production, and managing client liaison for large format printing and cutting equipment.

Highlights

Progressed through roles in fabrication, application, and installation to Graphic Design and Production Coordination, demonstrating versatile expertise.

Liaised effectively between design and sales teams, ensuring seamless project execution from concept to delivery.

Managed site surveys and installations, ensuring accurate measurements and successful project implementations.

Led graphic design output and supervised the production team, maintaining high-quality visual standards.

Handled layouts, proofing, and technical artwork setup, ensuring precision and readiness for production.

Managed client liaison for design approvals and drafted site plans/work instructions, facilitating clear communication and project alignment.

Managed artwork archives and operated large format printing/cutting equipment, optimizing production efficiency.

Education

High School

Grade 12

General Studies

Courses

Geography

Biology

Business Economics

Criminology

Languages

English
Afrikaans
Xhosa

Skills

Digital Marketing Strategy

Digital Marketing Strategy & Execution, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising, Social Media Marketing & Management, Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO), Lead Generation Strategy & Implementation, Performance Analysis & Reporting, E-commerce Management (Shopify).

Web Development

Website Maintenance & Optimisation, Website Content Management Systems (CMS), Full-Stack Web Development, API Integration / Webhooks, React, Vite, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, React Router, Express.js, Oracle Cloud VM, Nginx, HTML5, Shopify.

Creative & Content

Digital Content Creation, Copywriting, Graphic Design - Still & Motion, UI/UX Improvements, Logo Design.

AI & Automation

AI Tools & Automation, Large Language Models (LLMs), OpenRouter, AI-assisted Coding Tools, VS Code IDE (Cline, Roo), Custom AI Agents, n8n.

Data & Analytics

Digital Analytics Platforms, Performance Analysis & Reporting, Data Analysis, Google Ads Performance, Meta Campaign Metrics.

Project & Operations Management

Remote Work & Independent Project Management, Project Management & Coordination, Process Optimisation, Supplier Liaison, Budget Management, Team Leadership, Estimating & Quotations, International Logistics.

Business & Finance

E-commerce Management, Sales Management, Financial Reporting, Sage Accounting, Cost Control, Profitability Analysis.