Resume
Internet Marketing and Content Manager
Summary: Experienced online media manager with several years experience writing, managing, and promoting online content via a variety of channels: paid search, email, newsletter, and social media.
Writing and Editing
• Experienced technology journalist professional with several 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.
• Blogged since 2004 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).
• 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 2011) over 14,000 pages. 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).
Social Media
• 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 more than quadrupled in size.
• 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 social networking technology with positive interactive profiles.
• 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; this is in addition to standard news alerts and captured search sets.
• 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.
• Over six 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, 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 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.
Paid Search and Online Media Planning
• Experienced email and newsletter marketing strategist (iContact, Exact Target, Constant Contact, in-house email programs), well-versed in using statistics analysis via standard programs (Google Analytics, Omniture) to create targeted campaigns
• Skilled administrator/creator of Google PPC (pay per click) campaigns, banner ads, and other paid search vehicles. Experienced with using various statistical packages to effectively market campaigns.
Web Design/Information Architecture
• My primary focus on web site design and development, and I specialize in semi-customized WordPress themes.
• I have designed and developed web sites from concept to completion, including post production site maintenance.
• Web design elements include a visual layout, navigational vision/design, and front-end Web development (WordPress, CSS, and SEO).
• I have experience with CMS and eCommerce platforms, including WordPress, TypePad, Movable Type, Volusion, PayPal Merchant Solutions, ZenCart, and Shopify.
• I develop websites from start to finish using WordPress for self-hosted blogs and websites. This (usually) includes domain registration, hosting research, overall site design (with a free or paid template), customized template personalization, post and page template customization, embedded social media, and custom design elements as needed.
• Other elements as requested: unique logos for print and/or Web, exporting previous blog content, additional scripts and plugins as needed.
• Information architecture: I create a hierarchy of information depending on need, relevancy, and intuitiveness. This can range from a simple ten page site to a site with thousands of pages, sub-categories, and other content.
• I teach users (if requested) how to use WordPress, purchase a domain name, find a good Web host, set up domain redirects as needed, and define name servers.
• I’m able to export complete sites from other platforms to WordPress; this includes Movable Type, TypePad, Blogger, etc.
• Every Web design includes built-in search engine optimization best practices, including meta tags, post tags/labels, intuitive categories, permalink restructuring, and search engine readiness.
• I communicate with clients to figure out the project, analyze the competition, determine content, design layouts, and specialize WordPress themes, design, and development.
Job History
Web Search and Search Engine Optimization Guide
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•
Community Editor, ADDConnect
September 2011-December 2011
New Hope Media
www.addconnect.com
Editor of ADDitude Connect, an online community and magazine dedicated to families and adults living with ADHD and learning disabilities. I interact with users, build community, and connect searchers to resources that can enrich their lives. I also brainstorm and launch contests and other promotions to drive traffic, write and send weekly newsletters designed to build traffic and enhance the community experience, update the homepage, create new resources (groups, guides, etc.) based on user demand, and am in charge of all social media efforts.
I also help edit our community of hand-picked bloggers who write about their experiences with ADD, ADHD, and learning disabilities. In addition, I assist in search engine optimization of both the community and magazine.
While at ADDConnect, I increased Facebook and Twitter engagement exponentially and created a thriving presence on Google+.
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.
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, www.purecountry.net
Education
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies, 2010
Portland Community College
Portland, Oregon
Associate of General Studies, 2003
Academic Honors
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
Community Involvement
Board Member/Webmaster for Voices of the Performing Arts (vpafoundation.org)
I serve as a board member/official webmaster at Voices for the Performing Arts. I created and designed the site, www.vpafoundation.org, and am in charge of ongoing maintenance, search engine optimization, and social media outreach.