Marie Castillo

Language

English
Fluent
Tagalog
Fluent

Work Experience

SEO Strategist at The AD Leaf Marketing Firm
December 10, 2023 - August 1, 2024
As an SEO Strategist, I conducted comprehensive SEO audits to identify technical issues, on-page opportunities, and performance gaps across client websites. I developed keyword maps aligned with user intent and business goals, and implemented optimization strategies that boosted visibility and search performance. I improved site speed and performance using tools like PageSpeed Insights, GTMetrix, and Core Web Vitals. I submitted XML sitemaps to Google and Bing Webmaster Tools and resolved indexing issues via Search Console. I also worked on Local SEO initiatives by refining and optimizing business profiles using Google My Business to improve map visibility and local search results. In addition, I led link-building initiatives and monitored off-page SEO effectiveness. Collaborating closely with developers, designers, and content writers, I ensured SEO best practices were integrated across site structures and campaigns. I regularly provided clients with performance insights and recommendations through reports created in Looker Studio and Google Analytics 4.
SEO & Digital Marketing Consultant at DiMarC Designs
January 1, 2008 - Present
As the Founder and Digital Marketing Consultant at DiMarC Designs, I provide tailored digital strategy and website solutions to small business clients in the food, hospitality, logistics, and tech industries. My work includes building SEO-optimized websites using WordPress and HTML/CSS, conducting in-depth keyword research and competitive analysis, and performing technical audits to shape comprehensive SEO strategies. I guide clients on content architecture and keyword integration to strengthen both blog and website performance. I also develop niche-specific link-building strategies to improve domain authority and visibility. In addition, I support local SEO by refining business profiles through platforms like Google Business. I communicate performance trends and evolving priorities through clear, data-driven reporting and strategy reviews.
Web Developer | Digital Marketing Specialist at Zovio (formerly Bridgepoint Education)
December 13, 2013 - May 25, 2018
At Zovio, I led SEO strategy and landing page development across multiple higher education brands. I conducted comprehensive SEO audits and optimized site structure and page performance using HTML, JavaScript, and CMS platforms. I developed tracking URLs and measured campaign effectiveness through Google Analytics. I also managed A/B testing for key landing pages, resulting in a 15% increase in user engagement and sign-ups. One of my standout accomplishments was the creation of SEO-optimized landing pages that generated over 50,000 visits within the first week.

Education

Bachelor of Science at San Diego State University
September 1, 1997 - May 31, 2001

Qualifications

Google Analytics Certification
April 1, 2024 - April 1, 2026
Google Ads Certification
April 1, 2024 - April 1, 2026
Hubspot Digital Marketing Certification
May 1, 2024 - May 1, 2026

Industry Experience

Transportation & Logistics, Travel & Hospitality, Real Estate & Construction, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Retail, Education
    uniE621 Hy-Lang Electric – Ongoing SEO & Website Optimization
    Role: SEO Strategist & Site Manager I provide continuous search engine optimization and website maintenance for Hy-Lang Electric* *Active Users: 501 (+5% vs. previous period)* *New Users: 495 (+5.8%)* *Engaged Users: 46% engagement rate (+22%) with 38% more pageviews per user and nearly 50% longer session time.* *Search Visibility: 395 clicks (+18%) and 5.63K impressions (+14%) in Google Search Console; top service page clicks rose 12%, and employment page clicks climbed 75%.* By pairing ongoing SEO enhancements with proactive website upkeep, Hy-Lang Electric continues to see steady traffic growth, stronger engagement, and improved keyword positioning across core service offerings.
    paper Platinum Roofing & Construction – SEO Strategy & Performance Optimization

    Role: SEO Strategist | Client: [Platinum Roofing & Construction](https://www.twine.net/signin

    I led the search engine optimization strategy for Platinum Roofing & Construction, a regional roofing and restoration company focused on residential and commercial projects. My responsibilities included:

    1.Comprehensive SEO Audit: Assessed site structure, Core Web Vitals, and crawlability to identify technical barriers affecting indexation and rankings.
    2. Keyword Research & On-Page Optimization: Mapped high-intent search terms to key service pages (roof repair, storm damage restoration, insurance claims), rewriting metadata, headings, and internal links to align with local search demand.
    3. Content Enhancements: Recommended service page copy updates and blog topics to improve topical authority for roofing-related queries across multiple counties.
    4. Technical Improvements: Implemented schema markup, optimized image sizes, and applied performance best practices via PageSpeed Insights and GTMetrix, reducing load time and improving mobile usability scores.
    5. Local SEO: Strengthened the Google Business Profile and citation consistency across directories, helping elevate the client’s visibility in Google Maps for “roofing contractor + city” searches.
    6. Analytics & Reporting: Built a custom Looker Studio dashboard pulling data from GA4 and Search Console to monitor keyword growth, traffic trends, and conversion metrics.

    Results: Within the first 90 days, the site recorded improved rankings for priority keywords (e.g., “roof repair [city]”), a measurable uptick in qualified organic leads, and higher engagement on mobile.