CRAIG KIESSLING Atlanta, GA Tel: (470) 426-6152 craig[at]craigkiessling.com PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY I’ve over 15 years of experience touching on a variety of digital aspects in Online Marketing, with a fine-tuned focus and passion for organic, quality, holistic white hat SEO. Strategy, Management, Execution, On-Page, Off-Page, Technical, Local, Content, Development, UX, Accessibility, as well as many other aspects and activities make up my Digital Experience & Expertise in Search Engine Optimization. I enjoy seeing the “whole picture.” Establishing a solid understanding of where we are, before diving into how we get to where we want to go. This means more than complete Site Audits, but rather web presence audits; researching Analytics, Social, Search and more to help understand the current Competitive Landscape. Data and Analytics are crucial, however qualitative research and creativity helps make sense of the numbers; identifying trends, offline factors and most importantly the users’ mind helps not only add a human touch to technology, but makes metrics insightful and actionable. When it comes to Content Management Systems, I must admit to being a WordPress fan – I’ve Designed, Developed, Managed, Optimized, and Created Content for numerous websites. I enjoy being the stand-alone guy or working in conjunction with others to drive results, gather insights, and develop ongoing best practices. I’ve worked with small and large organizations in multiple verticals/industries and technologies. Although I am not a fan of micro-management, I am a fan of clear transparent communication being a two-way avenue. WORK EXPERIENCE [Name Withheld] Director, SEO Nov 2022 - Aug 2023 Atlanta, GA (Remote) As Director of SEO, I was responsible for developing, managing, and executing strategies for short and long-term SEO departmental growth while leading a team, including the Content and Technical SEO Managers. I allocated workloads and clients to the team. I helped develop and define clients' SEO strategies, spearhead on-page optimizations, make content recommendations, and conduct technical site audits. * Managed timelines and prioritized tasks among team members to meet client expectations. * Kept team members and clients up to date on industry and algorithm changes. * Monitored organic search performance for all SEO clients. * Created team processes and resources. * Provided training to help the team develop their SEO skills. * Collaborated with other teams to create proposals for potential new clients. * Provided project/client support when necessary. Know Agency SEO Manager August 2021 - October 2022 Atlanta, GA (Remote) Reporting to the CEO, I got into the technical SEO weeds, along with on-page SEO and off-page SEO. Working with code and content management systems, I applied fixes and optimizations from technical SEO audits. I also met with clients to advise on best practices, explain certain issues, concepts and tactics and more. Bright Edge, Lumar (Deep Crawl), SEMRush, Screaming Frog and other tools helped me to help the clients. CSKnet SEO Consultant January 2019 - June 2021 Atlanta, GA Taking some personal time off (and then the COVID crisis), I took on a few light-weight clients for some basic development, SEO and consulting work, including: Personal Organizer Just for You * Full SEO Audit * Re-design of site * Basic optimizations for SEO * Created Google Studio Report (auto-updates) * Advised on Social Media Strategy and offsite campaigns Kung Fu Connection * Full SEO Audit * Re-design of site * Basic optimizations for SEO * Created Google Studio Report (auto-updates) Vivian's Muse * Full SEO Audit * Re-design of site (has since been toyed with by someone else) * Basic optimizations for Search Engine Optimization * Created Google Studio Report (auto-updates) InterCoastal Net Designs (ICND) SEO Executive March 2016 - December 2018 Ocean Isle Beach, NC (Remote) A focus on SEO for 10+ clients and over 100 billable hours monthly within WordPress environments (and a migration or two into WP), involving all aspects of SEO, Analytics and Reporting. Responsible for implementing SEO programs across 10+ accounts. * Advanced Technical Site Analysis Including but not limited to: canonicalization, site architecture optimization, inbound/outbound link analysis, error reporting, 301 redirects, metadata optimization, page load speed analysis, on-page optimization including textual content optimization, image optimization, internal linking, and more. * Content Strategy Conducted keyword research used to inform original, unique, informative, helpful and converting content, while managing and educating content writers on SEO. Often involved proofreading, editing, optimizing, etc. * Company-Wide SEO Education Developed educational programs for SEO best practices. Created educational documents, presentations, etc. for team leaders to increase efficiency and productivity in terms of Search. * Website Management (HTML / CSS / PHP / WordPress) - Administration of all WordPress sites - customization, SEO, back-end usability for clients, white-labeling and much more. * Reporting Created in-depth monthly reports for clients, utilizing a variety of data sources (Google Analytics, GSC, GMB, Ahrefs, SEMRush, Screaming Frog, Excel Spreadsheets, etc., with customized explanatory text and began the creation of custom Google Data Studio reporting that would automatically update. CSKnet SEO Director (Manager / Specialist / Consultant / [insert preferred catchy title here]) 2007 – Jan 2016 Atlanta, GA Consulted with diverse clients on Search Engine Optimization or SEO implementations based on in-depth audits, Social Media, Web Design & Development, Strategy, Oftentimes this involved WordPress site building, re-design and development work from a PHP, HTML, CSS, JS perspective to improve SEO and all of its various holistic factors. A bit of my work: GriffinWink Advertising / Warehouse75 * Full SEO Audits * Monthly Reporting - Analytics, Moz, Audits * Consulting, Advising and Implementing on all aspects of Search Engine Optimization for 8 client accounts TrustWorkz * SEO Audits & Hands-on Implementation * Monthly Billable Hours for 5 Clients Trekerie * Website Transfer from SquareSpace to WordPress Hiyaa!! Martial Arts Podcast (www.hiyaapodcast.com) * Co-Host, Webmaster & Online Marketing Manager * Custom Design & Development of Website, utilizing WordPress * Social Media Optimization * Content Development * Some very basic SEO - Search Engine Optimization Atlanta Mahjong * Design & Develop informational, yet converting & engaging website * Implement customized CMS * Initiate Competitive Research, SEO, SMO, Online Marketing, etc. * Engage in blogging and other Web 2.0 practices PATHS Atlanta * As a founding member of this non-profit, I built the website, and provide webmaster-ing, SEO, Content Management, Competitive Research & Benchmarking, analytics, Video Production & Marketing, blogging, as well instruct in martial arts * Increased overall traffic by 200% Central Equine * Consulted & Implemented SEO strategies & techniques, competitive landscape benchmarking, monthly analytics and competitive progress reports, keyword research, offsite strategies, etc. Sagal Radio * Consulted on Web Development & Online Marketing implementation Brocket Pub & Grill * Consulted on Web Development, Content Management & SEO, increasing traffic by 150% Definition 6 * Initiated in-house SEO process with aligned Analytics Twenty-Six Two Marketing Agency * Consulted, Advised & Implemented strategies for Competitive Research, Benchmarking, SEO, SEM, SMO, Reporting, Development, Blogging, Content Management Systems, Online Marketing efforts and more for various clients * Sampling of clients include: M9 Solutions, Ankle & Foot Centers of Georgia, Rilko Kids, LimeDot, Christian City, ChoicePoint’s IRM (Identity Risk Management), National Disability Lawyers, 755 Club, etc. Worked with clients in Singapore, such as Joshua Consulting Group, Omniface & Grassland Express Tours, to provide in-depth Competitive Analysis, advice & Implementation of enhancements to web presence, activities and processes, and manage flow of enhancement for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Hewlett-Packard Asia Pacific Pte Ltd SEO & Online Marketing Manager (Country-level) 2002 - 2007 Singapore * Raised Web-Generated revenue across country SMB Portals in South East Asia by 40-60%, within a 12-month period. * Strategic Planning, Initiation and Managing Execution of web and eMarketing (online, internet & email marketing) campaigns for the SMB & Enterprise sector in Singapore, Indonesia, India & Thailand * Conceptualized & Initiated execution of program to equally distribute visibility of various Business Unit’s products on portals * Designed, Developed & Managed execution of eDMs (electronic direct mail marketing), Promotions & Special Events Pages, Micro-sites, Links & Chicklets; all as supporting and achieving various SMB campaign objectives * Ensured fresh content for site & eCommerce applications was up to date, using CMS, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL and more. * Used various reporting tools to create reports, analyzed and acted upon Campaign Performance Metrics & Conversions * Liaised directly with CRM & ERP associates to achieve full CLM (closed-loop marketing), from ensuring accuracy & completeness in customer database and targeting the audience, to loyalty programs, Opt-ins and personalization. * Migrated old portals into new standards of design & development, ensuring usability and structure * Facilitated New Product Introductions online * Managed partners & vendors in collaborating on projects * Re-developed and Maintained SMB portals and updated online Product Catalogues * Helped facilitate various customer incentive rewards programs within Singapore * Lead presentations and meetings to highlight achievements and discuss escalations * Served on various project planning and execution boards for various aims, including Web 2.0 involvement, such as blogging, SMO, etc. * Trained various agency employees in HP Proprietary software, HP eMarketing standards, Design & Development standards, etc. * Continuously improved operating processes, keeping in mind budget (and individual & team targets), so as to lower cost and improve ROI. * Conducted in-depth training for new team members to repeat all duties of a Country Operations Manager for other South-East Asian countries CSKnet Online Marketing & SEO Consultant 1998 - 2002 Atlanta, GA Worked with diverse clients to: * Conceptualize, Initiate and Manage online web, Internet & email Marketing campaigns * Lead & Coordinate various aspects of Online Acquisition & Retention Marketing efforts designed to drive site traffic. PPC (pay-per-click), SEO (search engine optimization), SEM (search engine marketing), Affiliate programs, Portals, Comparison Shopping sites, Affinity sites, & other media-based business building activities. * Analyze metrics of marketing campaigns, web sites & portals (SEO, usability, keywords, structure, lead generation, customer database, etc.), create reports, and consult on effective strategic solutions for better ROI. * Consulted, advised & implemented proper roadmaps to standards, usability, accessibility, cross-browser compatibility, etc. * Advise on content for lead generation, retention, return visits, lead conversion, SEO, SEM, eCommerce, SMO, etc. * Develop entertaining yet informative newsletters and collateral materials with HTML, PHP, MySQL, CSS and other development technologies * Explaining & Offering high bandwidth/low bandwidth options * Full life-cycle local and web-based application development * Site maintenance and communication establishment Sample list of clients: Six Continents Hotels, Warranty Corporation of America, Grizzard, Homestore, EzGov, Golden Key, Physical Training Traditions, TechBios, Salvation Army – Florida, WebUseNet, E-Staff, C. Dickens Integratech Web Service Manager / Interactive Communications Lead 1995 - 1998 Atlanta, GA * Initiated company website development to improve communications, using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP & MySQL * Ensured website was up to standards, including accessibility, usability, cross-browser compatibility, etc. * Facilitated inter-departmental communications via reports, newsletters, etc. * Crisis Management in day-to-day escalations * Managed team of over twenty customer service representatives * Prepared reports based on sales and Customer Service Representatives ASSOCIATIONS The National Eagle Scout Association The Internet Society The Online Marketing Research Organization The Management Solutions Network The International Webmaster Association The HTML Writers Group The Web Design and Developers Association The Atlanta SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Association CERTIFICATIONS (See full list: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigskiessling/) 2004 Certificate in Total Customer Experience (Hewlett-Packard) 2004 Certificate in Quality and Workforce Development (Hewlett-Packard) 2004 Certificate in Data Privacy (Hewlett-Packard) 1999 Certificate in Developing Web Applications, NTI (New Technologies Instruction) EDUCATION University of Georgia - Athens, Georgia 1991 - 1995 Business Administration / Marketing