What made me a search marketing expert?
I actually began in search before the turn of the century! I had a new and used software and computer store, with over 4000 titles in stock. I learned the basics back then, of being found on Alta Vista and Yahoo, before Google had even come along.
When I closed my retail store (April 2002), I continued to actively promote my on-site computer repair business through organic search and PPC advertising, and I was a committed “Searchaholic”. Around that same time I began web marketing for two other businesses, a health insurance agency and a local law firm.
Finally I realized that fixing broken computers was not nearly as intersting as search, and I began reading all the posts and articles I could find by the handful of industry experts, like Jill Whalen, Bruce Clay, Robin Nobles, and others who participated in the Webmaster World forums way back then.
Advanced Education
In 2004, I attended a five day seminar given by John Alexander and Robin Nobles at Search Engine Workshops, which was one of the first (and still one of the best) and places to learn search engine optimization and Internet marketing strategies.
In 2005, I attended Pubcon for the first time, as well as a three-day seminar by Search Engine Workshops, and a two day “ultra-advanced” workshop, where my instructors were some of the top names in search at the time, including Jerry West, Mike Marshall, and Ginette Degner.
In 2006 I became a founding board member of Search Engine Marketers of Portland (SEMpdx.org) and we hold monthly search marketing educational events in Portland, where I live.
From 2007 to 2012 I rode the gravy train of affiliate marketing by using moderately nefarious link building, until Google slammed the door shut with Penguin in the spring of 2012. I’ve felt the pain.
Continuing Education
Since then, I’ve never stopped learning this industry, and spend well over 100 hours each year in training classes and webinars with some of the top Internet marketing consultants in the world, staying up on all the latest facts, trends, tests, and yes, even the myths and rumors. Besides attending conferences and real world experience, I’m a search junkie at heart, and religiously watch episodes of Barry’s weekly search buzz.
Experience
Over the past few years, I have worked with hundreds of domains, businesses, and situations, and every situation is different. My current clients are about 1/3 ecommerce sites, 1/3 brick & mortar businesses, and 1/3 are unique situations, that involve short term consulting.
Pricing and service details are on this page and I’d be happy to talk to you any time.
