25+ Years of Proven Results

Freelance SEO Consultant

Driving 300M+ Organic Clicks for Global Brands

I've spent over 25 years scaling businesses from startups to billion-dollar enterprises through strategic SEO. From technical optimization to AI-powered programmatic strategies, I deliver measurable results that matter.

Rich Howard - Freelance SEO Consultant with 25+ years of experience
300M+
Organic Clicks
$50M → $75M
Revenue Growth
28
Languages
500M+
Pages Managed

Trusted by leading companies:

Canva logo
ElevenLabs logo
Vecteezy logo
CampingWorld logo

About Me

I've been in the SEO trenches for over 25 years, and I've seen it all—from the early days of keyword stuffing to today's AI-powered search landscape. My journey has taken me from managing e-commerce operations to leading global SEO strategy for some of the world's most innovative companies.

At Canva and Pexels, I developed a programmatic SEO framework that drove over 210 million organic clicks and managed half a billion indexable pages. I've scaled international SEO across 28 languages, implemented AI-powered automation that saved $300K+ annually, and helped grow businesses from zero to millions in revenue.

Currently, I'm leading SEO strategy at ElevenLabs while offering my expertise as a freelance consultant. My approach is simple: no cookie-cutter packages, no lengthy contracts, just honest, data-driven SEO that delivers measurable results.

Whether you need a one-hour consultation or a comprehensive SEO overhaul, I work on your terms to solve your specific challenges.

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Location

📍 Bowling Green, KY

Key Achievements

Programmatic SEO

210M+ organic clicks

Scalable framework managing 500M+ indexable pages

International SEO

28 languages

Scaled global search visibility across multiple markets

AI & Automation

$300K+ savings

GPT-4o implementation, 1.75M+ reviews saved annually

Revenue Scaling

$0 → $5M+ ARR

Grew businesses from startups to multi-million revenue

Experience Highlights

  • Led global SEO strategy at Canva, Pexels, ElevenLabs, and Vecteezy
  • Managed $50M+ e-commerce revenue, growing it to $75M+
  • Built AI-powered search & quality assessment models
  • Migrated analytics to Snowplow & Snowflake (GDPR compliant)

Trusted by Leading Companies

I've delivered results for innovative brands across the globe

ElevenLabs logo
Canva logo
Vecteezy logo
CampingWorld logo

25+ years driving results for startups to billion-dollar enterprises

How I Can Help

Specialized SEO services designed to solve real problems and deliver measurable results. No fluff, no generic packages—just expert solutions tailored to your needs.

Technical SEO

Get your site working FOR you, not against you

Site speed optimization, Core Web Vitals, crawlability, indexability, structured data. I'll identify and fix the technical issues that are killing your rankings and user experience.

Programmatic SEO

Scale your SEO without scaling your team

Build automated, scalable content strategies that drive results. I've developed programmatic SEO systems that manage 500M+ pages and deliver 210M+ organic clicks. Let me build something similar for you.

SEO Site Audits

If your site isn't performing, I'll find out why

Comprehensive site analysis that identifies exactly what's holding you back. You'll get clear, actionable recommendations with a prioritized roadmap—no jargon, just results.

SEO Site Migrations

Moving platforms? Don't lose your traffic in the process

Platform migrations, rebrands, and domain changes done right. I'll create a bulletproof strategy to protect your rankings, preserve your authority, and ensure a smooth transition.

SEO Recovery

Lost rankings or hit by a penalty? Let's fix it

Algorithm update recovery, penalty diagnosis and removal, traffic restoration. I'll diagnose what went wrong, create a recovery plan, and get you back on track fast.

Hourly Consulting

Expert advice when you need it, without the commitment

Flexible hourly consultations tailored to your specific needs. No long contracts. No cookie-cutter packages. Just expert guidance on your schedule, your budget, your terms.

No Lengthy Contracts. No Cookie-Cutter Packages.

Just honest, expert SEO help when you need it. Whether it's a one-hour consultation or a comprehensive project, I work on your terms.

25+
Years Experience
300M+
Organic Clicks Driven
$75M+
Revenue Scaled

Experience & Impact

Over 25 years leading SEO strategy for startups, scale-ups, and billion-dollar enterprises. Here's a look at my journey and the results I've delivered.

ElevenLabs logo

Head of SEO & Website

2025 - Present

Leading global SEO strategy including content creation, technical SEO, link building, and AIO/GEO/AEO strategy.

Developing comprehensive AI-optimized content strategies
Leading technical SEO infrastructure improvements
Building global search visibility for AI voice technology
Canva / Pexels logo

Global Head of SEO

2021 - 2025

Led global SEO strategy, significantly expanding organic reach across multiple markets and languages.

Built programmatic SEO framework driving 210M+ organic clicks
Managed 500M+ indexable pages across 28 languages
Implemented AI-powered automation saving $300K+ annually
Collaborated with engineering, product, and data science teams
Vecteezy logo

Director of SEO & Growth

2017 - 2021

Grew organic traffic significantly through technical SEO improvements and data-driven growth strategies.

Scaled ARR from $0 to $5M+
Developed advanced analytics models leveraging search data
Spearheaded international SEO strategies
Improved visibility and engagement across multiple markets
CampingWorld logo

GM, Director of E-commerce

2011 - 2015

Led e-commerce operations, driving online sales growth through SEO, CRO, and data-driven optimizations.

Grew e-commerce revenue from $50M to $75M+ (25% EBITDA improvement)
Launched company's first mobile app with Bluetooth tracking
Implemented digital strategies increasing customer lifetime value
Improved conversion rates through data-driven optimization

123Print

Director of SEO

2009 - 2010

Drove massive ranking improvements for competitive keywords through programmatic SEO strategies.

Ranked #2 for 'business cards' (up from #10)
Increased revenue by 70% through search optimization
Developed programmatic SEO for personalized products

Core Specializations

AI & Machine Learning

  • GPT-4o Integration
  • Vector Search (CLIP)
  • Automated Quality Assessment

Data & Analytics

  • Snowplow & Snowflake
  • SQL-based SEO Dashboards
  • A/B Testing Frameworks

Leadership & Strategy

  • Cross-functional Collaboration
  • Executive Insights
  • Global Market Optimization

Want to learn more about how I can help your business?

Let's Talk About Your Project

How I Work

A straightforward, transparent process designed around your needs. No cookie-cutter approach—just honest guidance and expert execution.

01

Discovery Call

We start with a conversation to understand your business, goals, and challenges. What's working? What's not? What are you trying to achieve?

Free 30-minute consultation
02

Strategic Assessment

I'll do a deep dive into your site, competitors, and opportunities. This includes technical analysis, content audit, and identifying quick wins.

Data-driven insights
03

Actionable Plan

You'll get clear, prioritized recommendations with realistic timelines and expected outcomes. No fluff—just what needs to be done and why.

Prioritized roadmap
04

Flexible Execution

Whether you want me to execute, guide your team, or provide ongoing consultation—we work together on your timeline and budget.

Your terms, your way

My Philosophy

I don't believe in one-size-fits-all packages. Every business is different, with unique challenges, goals, and constraints. That's why I tailor every engagement to your specific needs—whether it's a quick audit, ongoing consulting, or a comprehensive SEO overhaul.

No long-term contracts. No arbitrary deliverables. No surprises. Just transparent, expert guidance that adapts to your timeline and budget.

Ready to get started?

Let's Schedule a Call

What Clients & Colleagues Say

Real feedback from clients I've consulted with and leaders I've worked alongside.

Leadership

"Rich has tackled some of the most complex strategic challenges, building AI-powered search and automation tools that significantly improve efficiency. His technical innovations helped redefine our approach to content discovery."

C

Canva Leadership

Product & Technology

Canva

Leadership

"Rich operates at a level far beyond what's expected. His ability to simplify complex problems, communicate impact effectively, and drive data-driven strategies has been invaluable to our growth."

C

Canva Leadership

Growth Team

Canva

"Everything was clear and there were a few nuggets we applied right away that look very promising to increase traffic. This was money well invested."

A

Anonymous Client

Million User Website at SEO Audit

"He provided clear analysis and direction—an actionable plan that goes beyond SEO and speaks to how I can better position my site for customers. Highly recommended."

S

Startup Founder

CEO at Strategic SEO Consultation

"10 STARS! Rich did everything superbly. From his sense of urgency to his detailed analysis to his willingness to go above and beyond. We will continue using Rich as long as he'll have us!"

P

Property Management Client

Director at Urgent Technical SEO

"Rich isn't like all of the other UpWork 'SEO experts'—this guy truly knows what he's talking about. His passion and expertise have helped my business tremendously."

S

SEO Agency Owner

Agency Principal at Ongoing Consultation

"Rich is a pleasure to work with. He finds the signal in the noise and provides explicit instruction to resolve issues. Will call on Rich for Technical SEO again."

E

E-commerce Client

E-commerce Director at Site Migration Project

"Rich is a true SEO expert. I tried so many, and Rich simply is the best on Upwork. Will 100% hire again."

T

Technical SEO Client

Head of Marketing at Technical SEO Consultation

Real Results That Matter

150%
Average Traffic Increase
3x
Revenue Growth
100%
Client Satisfaction

Why Work With Me?

Not just another SEO consultant. Here's what sets me apart and why businesses trust me with their organic growth.

Deep Expertise

25+ years of hands-on SEO experience across every industry and platform.

  • Worked with startups to billion-dollar companies
  • Led SEO at Canva, ElevenLabs, Vecteezy, and more
  • Expertise in technical, programmatic, and international SEO

Proven Results

Track record of driving measurable, sustainable growth.

  • 300M+ organic clicks driven
  • Scaled businesses from $0 to $5M+ ARR
  • Grew e-commerce revenue from $50M to $75M+

Flexible & Honest

No lengthy contracts, no cookie-cutter packages. Just expert help on your terms.

  • Transparent pricing and realistic expectations
  • Hourly consulting or project-based work
  • Tailored solutions for your specific challenges

What Makes Me Different

1

Real-World Experience

I've been in the trenches, not just consulting from the sidelines. I've built teams, launched products, and driven P&L growth at scale.

2

Technical + Strategic

I understand both the technical implementation and the business strategy. From SQL queries to boardroom presentations.

3

AI & Automation Expert

Early adopter of AI in SEO. I've built GPT-4o integrations, vector search systems, and ML-powered quality models.

4

Data-Driven Decisions

Every recommendation is backed by data. I build dashboards, run experiments, and measure what matters.

5

Global Perspective

Scaled SEO across 28 languages and international markets. I understand localization, hreflang, and global search.

6

Honest Communication

I'll tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. No overpromising, no BS—just realistic expectations and honest guidance.

Ready to take your SEO to the next level?

Let's Work Together

Let's Talk About Growing Your Organic Traffic

Ready to take your SEO to the next level? Get in touch and let's discuss how I can help your business grow.

Send Me a Message

Get In Touch

Location

Bowling Green, KY

LinkedIn

@richhoward

Typical response time:
Usually within 24 hours

What Happens Next?

  1. 1I'll review your message and respond within 24 hours
  2. 2We'll schedule a free 30-minute discovery call
  3. 3I'll provide initial thoughts and next steps