Community Highlights: Meet Bill Ross of Linchpin SEO

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bill Ross.

Hi Bill, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story starts back in 2000 after graduating from Siena College with a degree in Psychology. I knew I wanted to use it in the digital marketing space, but at the time was unsure how. I moved to Raleigh. Where I worked for an agency called Market Smart Interactive (which went out of business shortly after I started there). That is where my spark and journey to own my own agency began. 

I knew I needed more experience in the space, so from there I moved to a larger market, Chicago, and ran the SEO for two large (40 million pages each) content websites, Encyclopedia.com and Highbeam.com. 

From there, I went agency-side, where I built the SEO (search engine optimization) practice at a large agency called Critical Mass. While there, I built strategies for clients such as Nissan, Infiniti, Humana, Moen, and other global brands. Working agency-side taught me so much more than just the skills I needed to do digital strategy; it also taught me, partially through frustration, how I wanted (and didn’t want) to run my agency. 

My agency wouldn’t be defined by how many design awards we’ve won or clients we have but rather by our relentless pursuit of great brand experiences, building trusted friendships, and caring about client success more than our bottom line. 

After leaving Critical Mass, I was prepared to start my own agency and started to build my client base by providing great client experiences and earning client loyalty and referrals. 

I was consulting for a website design and development agency in Chicago on a few of their projects and found out they were getting bought by PWC – a big 4 consulting firm. With this purchase, I was bought over to build their digital marketing strategy for their clients. That was in 2013, and since then, I haven’t looked back. 

Since then, we have worked with a ton of great clients across various industries. And continue to grow by being client-obsessed. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been pretty smooth outside of general business challenges. One of the biggest challenges we faced was defining our offering and not thinking we can be everything to everyone. 

As you know, we’re big fans of Linchpin SEO. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
After leading the digital strategy for some of the largest global brands, I harnessed the top website designers and digital strategists I worked with at top agencies, consulting firms, and brands; and built a new digital agency experience located in Wake Forest, NC. 

As a full-service digital marketing agency, we provide an agile and data-driven suite of Internet marketing services to companies who want to amplify their reach, create great online experiences, and increase leads or sales. 

We aren’t defined by how many design awards we’ve won or SEO clients we have but by our relentless pursuit of great brand experiences, building trusted friendships, and caring about client success more than our bottom line. 

What matters most to you? Why?
From a business standpoint and personal standpoint, doing what’s right, helping businesses succeed, and giving back. 

I believe businesses, at their core, should be there to help and teach first and sell second. 

I believe that providing a great customer experience and truly placing the client first can outperform or amplify any marketing initiative. 

I believe in giving back through community activities and helping others succeed through teaching. 

From a personal standpoint, my family is the most important. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linchpinseo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelinchpinseo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linchpinseo
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/linchpin-seo/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/linchpinseo