This announcement has been a long while in the making, and this weekend I realised - it's TIME. Because as much as I love my little kingdom of SouthBound Bride and that it's been entirely my domain for four years, the fact is that we've come to a point where the website and the business won't expand and move forward any further with me working alone. I think I passed the point where I could really do everything a while back, but I kept pushing along. But in the next few months there are some projects to get moving, some changes to be made, and it's time that I get some help. And not just help - I'm excited about opening up the blog to the new ideas, the fresh approach and the renewed enthusiasm that a new person will bring. The long and the short of it is - we're hiring! I'm looking for someone who wants to learn all about blogging and weddings from one of the top blogs in South Africa, and who is able to work remotely via Skype and email - reliable internet access is a must.

Ideally, you will be:

• a dynamic, creative, efficient self-starter
• passionate and knowledgeable about weddings (whether you're in or hoping to be in the industry, a bride yourself, or just a wedding enthusiast)
• familiar with SouthBound Bride's editorial style and content
• an able, confident writer with a firm grasp of spelling and grammar
• able to communicate well with readers and associates both by phone and email
• comfortable with social media (specifically Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest)
• experienced with WordPress, InDesign and Photoshop (not a necessity, but an advantage)
• based either in South Africa or the UK, and available to work remotely for 5 hours per week (flexible hours).

The role is likely to develop and change, depending on what's going on at the time, but here are some of the things you'll learn:

• What goes into our blog posts - brainstorming the editorial schedule, selecting real weddings and emailing brides and photographers, researching trends and images, laying out and coding posts for the site using WordPress. You'll also have the opportunity to write some posts yourself.
• Hands-on experience of digital marketing, SEO and social media promotion, including building SBB's social media profile.
• Networking with wedding professionals, including attending events with or without me where possible.
• Depending on location, assisting in editorial shoots.
• Building strong relationships with sponsors and advertisers.

As mentioned above, the role will be on a freelance basis for 5 hours per week for a trial term of 3 months (with the possibility of this period being extended). You'll be working remotely, but depending on your location, we'll try to meet up in person. You'll need to have your own computer and (I'll say it again, since in SA it's definitely not a given) reliable internet access. And yes, this is a paid position.

Does this sound like something you're interested in? If so, you'll need to complete the application form before midnight on Sunday 31 August 2014. PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL YOUR APPLICATION. I'll be in touch with applicants who I think would be a good fit for the position within the first two weeks of September.

I'm very much looking forward to hearing from you, and to welcoming one of you to the SBB family! Drop me an email if you have any questions.

Have a lovely Sunday guys!

Gaby xx