Monica Pretzl
Milwaukee,WI
Summary
Results-driven SEO Manager with 9+ years of experience driving organic growth and maximizing traffic across multiple channels and diverse industries. Expert in crafting data-driven content strategies, optimizing technical & on-page SEO, and leveraging advanced analytics to improve search rankings and user experience. Up-to-date on latest AI advancements and their impact on user behavior, using cutting-edge tools to stay ahead of trends and enhance digital marketing outcomes. Proven track record of creating effective campaigns that boost visibility, improve conversions, and deliver measurable results, ensuring continuous optimization and sustainable growth.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
SEO & User Acquisition Manager
U.S. News & World Report
05.2023 - Current
- Exceeded revenue goal by 40%, by collaborating with Money editorial, project managers, design, and DevOps teams to create optimized pages with good UX
- Stay up to date & make sure we're positioned for success on the latest search trends including the rise of AI search platforms
- Develop effective organic search traffic acquisition strategies, including creating testing criteria, goals, and processes for ongoing traffic growth resulting in consistent YoY traffic increases
- Provide guidance, mentorship, and training to the SEM/SEO team, fostering their professional growth and development
- Ongoing keyword and competitor research to ensure our landing, product, and article pages are optimized and follow E-E-A-T best practices
- Create, execute, optimize, and report on the overall SEO strategy for the entire Money vertical following Google's best practices
- Perform in-depth technical and content site audits and provide DevOps with recommended fixes
SEO Lead
Credible
09.2021 - 05.2023
- Build out editorial roadmaps to help hit organic search KPIs, including providing frequent briefs to build out libraries of high value editorial content.
- Lead the production of advanced and detailed keyword research to identify the most effective and targeted key phrases/topics with the highest ROI.
- Run tests to best optimize user experience and increase overall traffic and qualified leads for the personal loans vertical.
- Identify and capitalize on consumer trends in the personal loans space to increase traffic and leads on high-performing landing pages.
- Partner with product and engineering teams to execute SEO initiatives that can be implemented across all verticals.
- Create and execute effective on-page SEO strategy to rank at the top of the SERP results in the YMYL SERPs that has led to a historic 87% increase in conversion rates YoY.
- Analyze data to deliver SEO performance results to executives with actionable items and insights for ongoing organic success.
- Identify appropriate on-page updates to increase overall E.A.T and create a high-quality UX.
Senior SEO Specialist
Northwestern Mutual
12.2017 - 09.2021
- Collaborated with the content team to produce timely, useful content that increased leads by 15% YoY.
- Helped create a content strategy to increase traffic and site engagement by 20% YoY.
- Collaborated with social media and brand activation team to investigate critical SEO-related issues and provided impactful solutions.
- Researched and implemented search engine optimization recommendations following Google algorithm updates.
- Produced and submitted monthly reports outlining progress against KPI objectives.
- Collected and analyzed Web metrics such as visits, time on site and page views per visit.
- Tracked, reported and analyzed website analytics and Google Trends to drive strategy and improve user experience.
- Demonstrated exceptional knowledge and experience working in BrightEdge and Google Analytics.
- Reviewed and optimized the site to improve keyword targeting strategies, website architecture and content.
Copywriting Director and Creative Coordinator
Discount Ramps.Com LLC
01.2016 - 12.2017
- Oversaw and coached a team of three copywriters to produce engaging content that increased overall site traffic by 18%.
- Successfully hired additional members for my copywriting team.
- Developed and produced marketing content for cross-channel initiatives including digital and email campaigns.
- Developed and implemented a brand strategy and guidelines for Silver Spring and Black Widow products.
- Created a cohesive messaging strategy to attract new vendors.
- Researched industry trends and evaluated competitive products.
SEO and Copywriter Specialist
INET Web
08.2014 - 01.2016
- Continually improved and modified strategies to optimize effectiveness based on weekly results and client feedback while staying within strict budgets and timelines.
- Performed ongoing keyword discovery, expansion and optimization to increase organic search footprint and drive relevant site traffic.
- Wrote original compelling content on new-build websites and worked closely with clients to create successful branding strategies.
- Prepared analytics and ranking reports to present to each of my clients each month.
Social Media Director
Perle Jewelers
09.2013 - 08.2014
- Developed productive relationships with bloggers, online media outlets and social media influencers.
- Brought about noticeable improvements to click rates, follower counts and engagement.
- Created and distributed marketing materials.
- Significantly increased both online and foot traffic.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University Of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WISkills
- Digital Marketing
- Search Engine Optimization
- Content strategy
- BrightEdge, SEMRush, and Google Analytics expertise
- Google AdWords PPC Certified
- SEO trend knowledge
- Cross-Functional Team Collaboration
- AI & Machine Learning
- Keyword research and optimization
- Content optimization
- Screaming Frog Expertise
- A/B and Multivariate Testing
Timeline
SEO & User Acquisition Manager
U.S. News & World Report
05.2023 - Current
SEO Lead
Credible
09.2021 - 05.2023
Senior SEO Specialist
Northwestern Mutual
12.2017 - 09.2021
Copywriting Director and Creative Coordinator
Discount Ramps.Com LLC
01.2016 - 12.2017
SEO and Copywriter Specialist
INET Web
08.2014 - 01.2016
Social Media Director
Perle Jewelers
09.2013 - 08.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University Of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
Additional Information
https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicapretzl/
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