Ian Hough
Ellington,CT
Summary
Strategic content leader with over 15 years of success driving digital engagement, brand-aligned content delivery, AI/chatbot innovation, across public and private enterprise media. Expert in managing full content ecosystems—from UX writing and SEO to cross-platform campaign execution—while leveraging analytics and automation tools to optimize user experience and reduce operational costs. Skilled in stakeholder communication, technical collaboration, and leading transformation projects that deliver measurable results in engagement, efficiency, and user satisfaction.
Known for collaborative approach and achieving results through strategic planning and execution. Reliable team player with knack for adapting to evolving project needs.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Content Strategist & AI Chatbot Manager
Connecticut Digital Services
01.2021 - 01.2025
- Directed digital transformation initiatives across 17 Connecticut State Government agencies, deploying AI-powered chatbots that served 50K+ users annually and reduced manual inquiry handling by hundreds of hours per month.
- Created 100s of dynamic, user-focused chatbot dialogues and custom workflow solutions—including database integrations—by collaborating with design, UX, and development teams.
- Cut content redundancy by 80% through development of high-value, goal-aligned content across B2B/B2C digital platforms, improving clarity and information accessibility.
- Analyzed user behavior with Salesforce Reports and Google Analytics to refine content strategy, increasing engagement and conversion metrics across targeted platforms.
- Delivered high-impact, brand-consistent presentations to stakeholders, communicating strategy and results using PowerPoint, Word, and Canva.
- Key Accomplishments:
- Achieved a 40% reduction in call center volume by implementing automated chatbot solutions that addressed high-frequency inquiries.
- Increased citizen digital engagement by 65% over two years through data-driven content optimization and conversational UX improvements.
- Spearheaded a cross-agency knowledge sharing initiative that standardized chatbot best practices, accelerating deployment timelines by 30%.
Director of Marketing
Solidus, Inc.
06.2014 - 07.2020
- Developed and executed a 6-year B2B content strategy, producing brochures, white papers, and case studies that increased lead conversion and reduced outsourced content costs by 90%.
- Boosted website traffic by 300% and significantly expanded email subscriptions through SEO-optimized blogs, targeted email campaigns, and brand-aligned social media efforts.
- Rewrote and managed all content during two full website redesigns, ensuring alignment with updated brand positioning and user experience standards.
- Partnered with internal teams to synchronize content with sales goals, supporting both new client acquisition and retention initiatives.
- Leveraged Google Analytics, SugarCRM, and Inbox25 data to refine messaging strategies, driving continuous performance improvements and maximizing campaign ROI.
- Key Accomplishments:
- Increased lead conversion rates by 25% through targeted B2B messaging and strategic content placement.
- Reduced content production costs by over $100K across six years by managing in-house writing and design for 90% of marketing collateral.
- Tripled digital engagement rates by optimizing content strategies based on behavioral insights and CRM data.
Multi-Role Marketer
TicketNetwork, Inc.
03.2007 - 06.2014
- Created SEO-optimized blog posts, website copy, and social media content, consistently achieving top 3 Google rankings and enhancing organic traffic.
- Managed high-volume B2C email campaigns, scaling the subscriber base to over 4 million and significantly increasing engagement and sales.
- Grew the affiliate marketing program from $200K to $16M in annual revenue, managing platforms including CJ Affiliate, Impact Radius, Rakuten, ShareASale, and Kolimbo.
- Utilized behavioral analytics and market insights to tailor content and campaigns to segmented audiences, driving higher conversion rates.
- Collaborated with UX, design, and marketing teams to produce integrated, performance-driven B2C campaigns that supported company growth goals.
- Key Accomplishments:
- Increased affiliate program revenue by 7,900%, positioning it as a top revenue channel within the organization.
- Achieved and maintained top 3 Google rankings for high-volume keywords through consistent, high-quality content strategy.
- Contributed to a multi-year period of sustained digital growth, supporting TicketNetwork’s rise as a major player in the online ticketing market.
Education
BSc - Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MASkills
- Content Marketing/Strategy
- B2C/B2B Communications
- Brand Voice
- Data-Driven Storytelling
- Conversational UX & Digital Accessibility
- Stakeholder Engagement & Executive Communication
- Knowledge Management & Content Governance
- Public Sector Digital Services
- Social Media Marketing
- Growth Marketing/Affiliate Program Management
- Omnichannel Messaging
- AI Chatbot Architecture & Dialog Design
- Content Management Systems (Sitecore, WordPress)
- Salesforce, Google Analytics, Jira, Confluence
- SEO/SEM Strategy and Copywriting
- Mass Email Platforms (Inbox25, Mailchimp)
- Omnichannel Content Strategy
- Content strategy development
- Community engagement
- Video editing
- Conversion optimization
Timeline
Content Strategist & AI Chatbot Manager
Connecticut Digital Services
01.2021 - 01.2025
Director of Marketing
Solidus, Inc.
06.2014 - 07.2020
Multi-Role Marketer
TicketNetwork, Inc.
03.2007 - 06.2014
BSc - Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
University of Massachusetts
PUBLISHING ACHIEVEMENTS
- Perry Boys (2007) – A bestselling nonfiction work exploring the impact of designer sportswear on British football fans. Received critical acclaim and remained a steady seller internationally.
- Perry Boys Abroad (2009) – A sequel published in multiple languages, continuing the cultural exploration.
- Brand Collaborations: Crafted copy and campaigns for top brands, including Adidas, Fred Perry, and Peter Werth, ensuring messaging aligned with brand identity and audience engagement.
- Media Contributions: Contributed regularly to Manchester United’s official program, United fanzines and several leading UK men’s magazines, building recognition as a cultural commentator.