This is the first in a series of blog posts featuring experts in the search engine optimization and web marketing industry. In each post, we’ll interview a member of the web marketing community and find out how they came to do what they do best!
John Doherty - Distilled
John Doherty is an SEO consultant with Distilled, a world-renowned SEO and pay-per-click agency in New York City. In addition to his work with Distilled, John enjoys photography and has a passion for international travel.
http://www.distilled.net/about/people/john-doherty/
Q: What were you doing before your career in SEO?
A: Before my career in SEO, I was working as an international entrepreneur in Switzerland in the book publishing industry. That’s where I got into SEO. Before that, I was a webmaster and a technical support associate for a software company in the Washington DC/NOVA area. I ran SQL queries all day and tried to convince clients that “bugs” were actually “features”. I learned a lot!
Q: How did you find out about SEO?
A: I was running that book publishing company, had all these great books, and had no clue how to get them found online. So I started digging around and found this magical world called SEO, including the SEOmoz Blog among others. I started learning what I could when I could when I wasn’t editing books or designing book covers. Then I got a full time job as an SEO copywriter in October 2010 at a marketing company in Philadelphia, and the rest is history.
Q: What prepared you for a career in SEO?
A: Being born a curious individual. I’m not even kidding. But if you’re talking about skills, I think my degree in technical writing/communication and web development really set me up for SEO success.
Q: How do you keep your skills sharp?
A: I work hands-on with a number of clients every week, including being in their offices. In my spare time I have some of my own websites that I do SEO on. I also read as much as I can still, as others always have stuff to teach me. I still think I’m getting started in SEO!
Q: What would you be doing right now if SEO were not relevant?
A: Great question. I’d probably be a ski bum or something. I love being outdoors, hiking and skiing and rock climbing. Either that or like a European tour guide, as I love traveling.
Follow John on Twitter @dohertyjf
Next week, we’ll be sitting down with Allen Taylor from Taylor & Associates. Follow us and we’ll let you know when the post goes live!
Recommend an Expert
Who would you like to see featured? Know any industry experts with particularly interesting back stories? Let us know!