SEO Technical Specialist - SEO Manager - Webmaster
Randy Duermyer
In a nutshell - I'm an independent SEO Technical Specialist, Web content specialist and online marketing consultant. I am also a Certified Webmaster. My experience includes a broad exposure to search marketing techniques along with a full range of technical and Web communications in the area of news, award-winning documentation and marketing publications.
Bitten by the Web Bug
At some point around 1996 the Internet became my passion. I began taking just about every college course I could get my hands on in computers, graphics, and the Web. First, at the University of California in San Diego and later at the University of Texas at Arlington. Since I also have a passion for writing and have worked as a technical writer in the past, the Web was a natural progression for me.
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Rutgers University, and I continue studying Web technology and writing. I have completed classes in website promotion, web content writing, search engine optimization, search engine marketing, and many more. When it comes to the web and technology, I'm sure I'll be a lifetime student.
Employed as a Writer
From 1998 - 2002 I had a successful career as a technical writer and part of that time also worked as a new media consultant with a consulting company in the upper Midwest. Just the term "new media" seemed really cool to me - and it allowed me to get deeper into Website services. I won a few awards for my ability to multi-task while still delivering top-notch services under what were sometimes very challenging circumstances. It was during that time I developed my Webmaster knowledge and earned my certification (CIW).
Later, when I was working as the lead technical writer for a software company, the webmaster left the company and I jumped at the chance to assume responsibility for the corporate website as web content manager. In that position I also began writing and editing some of the company's marketing materials, including press releases, case studies, white papers, and product data sheets. My technical writing background and knowledge of the inner workings of the company's software products came in very handy - I just had to re-purpose my writing style for marketing purposes.
Transitions and Flexibility
After a massive company layoff at the end of 2002 - 90 percent of the employees were released - I was contacted early the next year by some of the remaining software engineers to prepare the documentation for an upcoming software release. One contract project followed another in the role of contract technical writer. Additionally, I'd landed a few small projects as Web copywriter and Webmaster. In early October, 2003, I registered my business name, HelpDocuments.com with the State of New Hampshire as a sole proprietorship.
Over the past few years, my technical publications projects have continued on and Web content projects have increased, including roles as Web content writer, SEO copywriter, and email newsletter producer. I have also been heavily involved in the technical optimization of websites for search engines and with website usability and architecture.
SEO and Online Marketing Takes the Focus
I'm pleased to say that I am now focusing on the SEO and online marketing aspects of my business. I'm also continuing with Web content production and SEO copywriting projects. To make time for that I've had to scale back my technical writing and off-line marketing communications projects. Now I can concentrate on doing what I love - working with the Web.
Now I'm free to dig deeper into the Web. I'm happy being in a variety of roles that expose me to the full realm of search engine marketing strategy and optimization so I can help my clients become more successful. I find search engine optimization (SEO) to be exciting, ever-changing and very challenging. I know of no other career that has such an emphasis on lifelong learning. And, since I've always loved to write, especially web content and SEO copy, I'm having a lot of fun!