Case study: Social media for Bankuet
Scaling social impact through strategy, storytelling and campaigns
About
Bankuet is a social impact company that makes it easier to donate to food banks, and for food banks to get exactly what they need, when they need it.
'How does Bankuet work?' animation video. Co-art directed with Morin Glimmer. Animated by Panda Flipside
Role: Social media, brand and creative lead
I lead Bankuet’s social media strategy and execution, shaping how the organisation shows up across platforms to raise awareness and drive donations to food banks. Working closely with the CEO and the founding team, I developed a content system that connects storytelling, education and campaigns to real-world impact.
The challenge
In early 2020, Bankuet experienced a surge of attention during the first COVID-19 lockdown. While public empathy was high, the brand and content strategy were not yet developed enough to sustain or convert that momentum.
The challenge was to build a clear, consistent presence that could turn short-term visibility into long-term engagement and donations.
Over time, as compassion fatigue grew and the cost of living crisis took hold, this evolved into a new challenge: how to cut through and inspire continued generosity.
The approach
I developed and led a multi-channel organic social media strategy designed to educate, engage and convert.
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Defined a clear content strategy across audiences including donors, food banks, volunteers and partners
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Directed content creation across Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads, Bluesky, Facebook and LinkedIn
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Led a rebrand to create a more cohesive and accessible visual identity
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Built and managed a team of 30+ volunteers across content, copy and design during covid lockdowns
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Developed and launched campaigns with influencers to drive donations
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Introduced educational content to clearly explain how Bankuet works and why food banks need specific items
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Direct and manage the present-day freelance social media team
Educational content designed to build trust and understanding. Co-art directed with Morin Glimmer
Short form social media video content examples co-produced with social media assistant Catherine MacDonald
A selection of recent influencer and music industry campaign collaborations
The impact
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More than tripled social media following and engagement across platforms
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Social became a key driver of awareness, trust and conversion
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34% of donors now hear about Bankuet through social media
- Significantly increased donations and cultivated a surge in monthly subscribers
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Witnessed tangible community impact through donor and food bank testimonials, and stories of support.
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Since launch, over £5,000,000 has been donated to food banks via Bankuet
The work helped connect thousands of donors with food banks in a way that felt immediate, transparent and human.
Animated video showing 2025 impact stats
Client testimonial
“Naomi Ellis from unfurl.studio is an exceptional individual who helped us navigate the challenges of a rapidly growing start-up amidst global chaos. Her expertise in social media, branding and user experience enabled her to take ownership of our strategy from ideation to execution. She led an international team and delivered results beyond what we thought was possible. Naomi is an invaluable asset to any organisation.”
- Robin Ferris
CEO, Bankuet