Wendy Boswell

Wendy Boswell
22796 SW Lincoln Street, Sherwood, Oregon 503/407-5098 jimhankmom@yahoo.com

Writer, Editor, Content Manager, Web Producer

Primary Strengths:
• Experienced technology journalist professional with six years experience working in fast-paced technology industry demanding strong organizational, technical, and interpersonal skills.

• Creative, detailed content manager with over 10,000 published articles, tutorials, and how-to’s, all with industry-tested search engine optimization (SEO) standards.

• Content strategist and producer, project manager for editorial direction and calendar, successful writer with industry leaders such as About.com, the New York Times, Lifehacker, and Gawker Media.

• Subject matter expert for Web-related technologies: search engines, Web 2.0, social networking, social bookmarking, Web search, providing a communication bridge between the “average” Web searcher and complicated technology.

• Skilled with social media and social media networking, including but not limited to blogs, forums, RSS, wikis, online communities, community moderation, social bookmarking and social networking services (Technorati, Digg, del.icio.us, Facebook, Myspace, Blogger, Twitter, Friendfeed, etc.). Early adapter of online technology.

Skills include:
• Able to translate complicated technology explanations to readable, scannable, Web-ready text
• Able to create large quantities of well-written content in a short amount of time
• Experienced with weekly technology newsletter, daily blog drips, and at least five new large articles a week
• Experienced search engine optimization and site strategizer; able to write for a targeted audience with appropriate keyword research and outreach tactics
• Expert verbal, written, and editing skills
• Excellent understanding of Web design elements, strategy, and focus
• Very strong technology skills; able to use them and write about them

Writing and Editing

• I am responsible for daily programming/supervision of all content on entire About Web Search website (finding assets, writing headlines/treatments, image treatments, monitoring stats). I create my own editorial calendar and monitor technology industry developments via RSS and various social networking outlets. I track and monitor statistics with an internal statistics package in order to stay abreast of breaking trends or gain insights on how to further develop one that’s already building. I collaborate with an internal editorial team of writers and editors to develop ideas and new ways to present content. I work with other editors, writers, etc. to share best practices and avoid becoming stagnant, troubleshoot common issues, and launch new projects.

• Developing compelling headlines, articles, and imagery is an everyday practice. I perform regular statistical analysis of page views and usage, and create special event pages and shopping guides as needed. I also manage a large community forum on the About Web Search website.

• I am in charge of the entire About Web Search website, which includes (as of June 2010) over 14,000 pages (see http://tinyurl.com/2efhxqa). This means I’m ultimately responsible for the site’s development, concept, focus, schedule, features, coordination, documentation, maintenance, and overall quality. I coordinate, edit, and write regularly e-mailed updates about new web content (two newsletters a week, 6 unique blog posts a week, five full-length articles weekly).

Blogging

Since 2004, I have been blogging professionally as the editor of About Web Search, a subsidiary of the New York Times. This blog is an important communication tool for the larger site it represents, and encourages readers to join in the conversation via comments, my online forums, email, or via one of my social media profiles (Twitter is most often used for this purpose).

Social Outreach

Old media public relations efforts (press releases, news conferences, etc.) don’t cut it anymore in the world of Web 2.0. Since 2004, I have been an early adopter in this space, designing and implementing social media campaigns to reach out to my readers and get them to participate in some way. These campaigns include an active readership on my social media profiles in which I interact both with readers and with thought leaders in Web search, technology, and social media, and a weekly newsletter with a subscriber base that has quadrupled in size.

Social Reputation Management

• It’s important to monitor your brand, whether that is personal or professional. To that end, I have deep experience in creating niche RSS feed sets (also known as OPML files) that specifically track buzz, news, opinions, forums, blog chat, and real-time Web conversations.

• In addition, I have a solid presence on early adapter social networking sites such as Twitter, Friendfeed, and Facebook, where I’ve worked hard to create a stellar reputation in my field(s) of expertise, as well as join conversations with people who I am privileged to learn from.

• I have nearly five years of experience utilizing blogs, RSS feeds, forums, email, and other social media communication tools to increase not only page views, but also reputation and authority.

Search, Paid Search, Search Engine Optimization, and Analytics

• I have written an entire series of articles (found at http://websearch.about.com/od/searchenginemarketing/Web_Site_Optimization_DIY_Web_Site_Optimization.htm) about search engine optimization and organic SEO. I utilize white hat SEO techniques with every article I write, and am consistently in the top ten results of Google search results.

• I am familiar with PPC and paid search campaigns (AdWords, AdSense, Yahoo Marketing, affiliates, CJ.com, etc.).

• I have instructed other companies in search engine optimization campaigns, specifically Register.com; I wrote a detailed SEO manual for their call center personnel.

• I have used Google Analytics and other stats programs (Omniture) to measure and manage my online properties, taking basic statistics packages and using them to see what users are looking for, adjusting content as necessary to meet their unique needs.

• I have served as a consultant to various start-ups and non-profits on identifying ways their website can invite more traffic and increase conversions; I’ve been able to use this knowledge at About.com to grow page views exponentially.

Job History

Web Search Editor
2004 to present
About.com, a subsidiary of the New York Times
www.websearch.about.com

I create at least five new articles, quick tips, or other content a week; as well as daily blog posts, weekly newsletters, e-courses, and more on topics such as search engines, search technology, Web 2.0, new media, social networking, social bookmarking, RSS, usability, and search engine optimization. I do this by creating optimized, search engine friendly, HTML web pages, specializing in search engine-friendly copywriting for web pages and meta tags.
I write compelling content that users come back to again and again; my focus is on Web search technology including search engines, search functions, beginner to expert Web instructions; as well as search marketing content written for a beginner to intermediate audience.

• Provide consultancy on how to make client sites more search engine friendly
• Instruct readers on manual submissions to search engines and directories
• Strong decision-making, organizational, planning and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work well independently and within a team environment.
• Strong knowledge of search engine algorithms and ranking strategies
• Experience with Web site usability, architecture, interface design

Lifehacker Associate Editor
2005 to 2007
A Gawker Media Production
www.lifehacker.com

I produced an average of six productivity posts per weekend day, as well as four longer features a month. Lifehacker has an average traffic level of 4 million PVs a month and is consistently ranked as one of the most popular blogs on the web according to Technorati.

Register.com Consultant
2007
www.register.com
Completed a search engine optimization manual for beginners, ongoing site optimization and search engine optimization strategy consultation. Used in Register.com’s call centers.

Search Engine Journal Contributing Writer
2005 to 2007
www.searchenginejournal.com

I contributed regular weekly posts about search engines and search technology to Search Engine Journal, one of the most recognized blogs in the search world.

Online Media Director
2006-2008
www.realself.com

I provided consulting, search engine optimization, and new media direction for RealSelf.com, a Seattle-based startup focused on beauty and beauty procedures.

About.com Guide to Online Research (book)
2007
I wrote a book for About.com/Adams Media titled “The About.com Guide to Online Research” that was published December 2007. It’s available for order online (Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/2ulj8h). RSS, social media, how to use the web for advanced searches, the blogosphere, and much more is covered in this book.

Ongoing contributions to Mashable, Lifehacker, and other online sources

Retreat Coordinator
1997-2000
Cannon Beach Conference Center
www.cbcc.net

• Coordinated detailed retreats for groups of 5 to 350 men and women; at least 150 groups a year
• Served as liaison between conference center and retreat groups, inquirers, and other interested parties such as the city of Cannon Beach
• Created simple to complicated billing spreadsheets, activity sheets, and other paper correspondence
• Created how-to reference section for Retreats department website

Freelance Technical Writing, Development (ongoing)

• Edited SmartCAM’s user manual; translate from .pdf to Word document
• Created website for non-profit organization, ongoing maintenance (www.churchsimplified.com)
• Created and developed sites for various organizations and acquaintances: www.pottycity.com, www.redheadmama.com, www.wendyboswell.com

Education

Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies, 2010

Portland Community College
Portland, Oregon
Associate of General Studies, 2003

Academic Honors
Graduated “cum laude”
Nominated and included in National Dean’s List for Academic Achievement
Member of Phi Theta Kappa, two-year college honor society and recipient of Berger All Campus scholarship grant

Technology/Misc.
• Expert user of Microsoft Office suite word processing programs, MS Photo Draw, etc.
• Experienced user of Dreamweaver, FrontPage, HomeSite, PowerPoint
• Experienced with desktops, server components, workstations, and computer peripherals
• Comfortable with latest technology and able to learn new skills quickly
• Experienced with WordPress, Movable Type, Drupal, and other content management systems: install, new templates, themes, and CSS/PHP manipulation
• Experienced with XML, HTML, and AML scripting; familiar with CSS, Flash-driven, and dynamic websites
• Familiar with Web writing style guides and content requirements
• Able to translate and form print content into Web-ready, scannable content

Social Media Profiles

• Twitter: http://twitter.com/wboswell
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyboswell
• FriendFeed: http://friendfeed.com/wendyboswell
• StumbleUpon: http://wendyboswell.stumbleupon.com/
• Delicious: http://delicious.com/ab_web_search_guide