Nellie Day

Freelance Writer | Editor | Content Strategist

Elevating the built environment through the written word.

A journalist by training. A strategist by experience. A passion for stories that matter.

I’ve spent my career writing about the built environment, along with the people and trends that shape it. From commercial real estate and housing to hospitality and design, I focus on how our world is developed, financed, lived in and reimagined.

As a freelance journalist, I’ve contributed to dozens of respected B2B and B2C publications and platforms. Editors know they can count on me for clean, compelling copy that’s on time, on voice and on point — no handholding required.

I bring that same editorial discipline to the brand side as a content strategist. In this role, I help companies uncover the messages that matter, then craft content that lands. Whether the goal is earned press, new business or public trust, my copy is audience-savvy, strategically sharp and built to perform.

With degrees in sociology, English (B.A.s) and journalism (M.A.), I know how to turn complex ideas into meaningful stories that get results.

Let’s make something worth reading.

About

Services

Freelance Writer & Editor

PR & Marketing Copywriter, Strategist

Portfolio/Bylines

FAQs

What kinds of journalism clients do you work with?

I primarily write for B2B publications, news websites and broadcast channels covering the built environment. My specialties include commercial real estate, residential real estate, student and senior housing, hospitality, and architecture and design. I report on the people, projects and trends shaping these spaces, along with the broader issues influencing them, such as the economy, interest rates, financing and lending strategies, technology, consumer behavior and more.

That said, I also work with consumer-facing outlets, particularly those focused on lifestyle, human interest, travel and tourism, and food and beverage. Whether I'm profiling a chef, unpacking market trends or exploring how place influences people, my approach is the same: find the angle, tell the story and write something people want to read.

What kinds of PR and marketing clients do you create content for?

Many of my copywriting, editing and brand strategy clients are also in the built environment. Think building owners, investors, developers, managers, brokers, lenders, builders, architects and the service providers who support them. I help these teams clarify their message, refine their voice and create content that connects, whether that’s through web copy, media pitches, thought leadership pieces or something more customized.

What sets me apart is my background as a working journalist and editor. I know what makes a story stand out – and what gets skipped. Your goal is to make your company or product look good. My goal is to get your core audience to understand, appreciate and then demand the value your company brings to their lives. This is done through the trifecta of branding: get discovered, build trust, win business. I bring a media-first mindset to every project — one that’s built to move people, not just impress them.

 

Wait, you do journalism and PR and marketing? Isn’t that a conflict of interest?

I’m glad you asked. This is a very natural question! While the built environment (and other industries I work in) can seem niche, the number of companies that occupy this space is endless. In my nearly 20-year freelance career, I can count on two fingers the number of times this has come up. In both instances, I disclosed the situation to the editor upfront.

My marketing and PR clients trust me to prioritize their messaging and goals, just as my editors trust me to protect the integrity of their publications. I honor both by being transparent, aware and selective about the projects I take on.

I also hold proactive conversations with potential clients to set expectations and establish boundaries. Many of them prefer that outside consultants sign an NDA, which I’m happy to do.

What are your rates?

I am not a fan of vagueness or ambiguity but the truth  is every company, publication and freelance request is different. It’s simply not possible to put a price on a project without knowing its size and scope. I will say this, however: I have worked with everyone from entrepreneurs and family-run businesses to national media outlets and multi-million-dollar brands.

I treat every project with the same level of care, clarity and professionalism. If it needs to be strategic, on-brand and built to perform, we’ll figure out the right path (and price) to get it there.

Can’t I just use AI to do what you do?

AI is a great tool. It’s fast, efficient and constantly improving. But it can’t think strategically like a human. It doesn’t ask savvy follow-up questions, connect the dots, or understand how tone, timing and audience intersect.

Yes, AI can give you “content” – as much of it as you want. But it tends to fail at creating communication that works…at least without some serious polishing and refinement from a human. To get results, you still need to know what to say, how to say it and who you’re saying it to. Anyone who’s tried to nail all three quickly knows it’s not as easy as it sounds. It takes time, clarity and a strong editorial lens. It’s why most clients bring in a professional.

The truth is, if you had unlimited time, a perfect brief and a deep sense of what your audience actually cares about, you probably wouldn’t still be reading. But the reason people say yes to stories, meetings, products and partnerships almost always comes down to emotion. You need content that makes people feel something and trust you. That’s where I come in.

I bring the human instinct, editorial eye and clear strategy that makes content stick.

And before you ask, yes, I’ve had many clients come to me with what they’ve created using ChatGPT. They’re always thankful it helped them organize their thoughts, but the actual product is consistently described to me as “a mess.” I’m happy to step in and get your AI copy from ideation to audience-ready.

What’s the best way to reach you?
Please feel free to email me at nellie.day@gmail.com.  Whether you’re ready to talk details or just testing the waters, reach out anytime. I’m here when you need me!

Contact

Whether it’s newsworthy or noteworthy, your story deserves to be heard. Contact me anytime.

Have news to share within the commercial real estate, hospitality, architecture or sustainability industries? Feel free to send me a press release or add me to your media list. I’m always on the lookout for timely, impactful stories, trends and companies.

Follow me on LinkedIn for recent articles + industry insights.