Ian Howells speaking at the Soundboard Conference

Ian Howells

I’ve been publishing and monetizing web content since 2001, and leading digital marketing teams since 2007.

I’m currently building new projects while consulting with select clients, and creating training material inside Traffic Think Tank (now part of Semrush.)

digital
marketer

// Current

Publishing & Consulting

I’ve bought, built, and/or partnered on numerous web properties focused on affiliate marketing. I also provided limited consulting to digital brands.

Training

Within the Traffic Think Tank community and academy, I regularly produce training courses around a variety of digital marketing topics.

The Grit Group

I’m currently a Senior Advisor to The Grit Group in Charlotte, NC.

// Corporate Work History

Opendoor

VP, Audience Development / Head of SEO

Dec 2021 – November 2022

Responsible for leading the in-house SEO efforts for Opendoor.

LendingTree

Director, SEO

May 2016 – August 2019

Responsible for leading the in-house SEO efforts across LendingTree, Student Loan Hero, Compare Cards, Magnify Money, and Deposit Accounts.

Red Ventures

Director, SEO

November 2012 – April 2016

Responsible for leading a team of analysts & outreach coordinators across multiple partnerships, including Verizon and Directv.

eBay Enterprise

Director, SEO

March 2011 – November 2012

eBay acquired GSI Commerce in March, 2011
Responsible for leading the SEO team, servicing clients such as Levi’s, Ace Hardware, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

GSI Commerce

Marketing Manager

September 2009 – March 2011

GSI Commerce acquired Pepperjam in September 2009.
Responsible for managing both the paid and natural search initiatives for retail e-commerce and insurance businesses such as 5.11 Tactical and PetPlan Pet Insurance.

Pepperjam

Director, Agency Operations

May 2007 – September 2009

Responsible for leading the day to day operations for both paid and natural search, from overall account performance to the monthly agency P&L.