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Former daily journalist sets up social media agency

Rachel ExtanceA former regional daily journalist has founded her own social media agency.

Rachel Extance, who spent 14 years in regional journalism with newspapers including the Cambridge News and Lancashire Telegraph, has set up Chesterton Social after retraining as a social media specialist.

The company will offer a variety of services, from full social media management to targeted campaigns for specific events or brands.

Rachel, pictured above left, spent almost four years as digital editor for the News before leaving to work as a social media manager for organic skincare company Nom Nom.

She said: “It is estimated that there will be around 35.7 million social network users in the UK in 2017.

“That’s a fantastic opportunity but while many people use social media personally, they may not be aware of how to make it work to help their organisation or just don’t have time to devote to it because they’re too busy running their business.”

Rachel added: “It’s a bespoke service. Every organisation has different needs and their own audience.

“We look at what social media platforms suit you best, how you want to present yourself on social media, how to promote your own material, be it blog posts, product images or examples of your work, and find complementary content which your followers will be interested in.

“If you want a blog for your website we can write that too.”

Rachel began her career at the Leamington Courier in 2002, before moving to the Telegraph two years later to work as its Pendle district reporter.

In 2006, she moved to the News, where she served in roles including local government correspondent, assistant news editor, and digital editor.