Claire Carlile: A Leader in Local SEO and Digital Marketing Strategy
Claire Carlile is a recognized name in the world of digital marketing, specializing in local SEO, content strategy, and consumer behavior research. Based in Solva, Wales, Claire’s career spans over two decades, bringing both practical marketing know-how and academic expertise to her work. As the Local Search Marketing Advocate at Jepto, Claire plays a pivotal role in advancing local search solutions for businesses across the globe. This article takes a closer look at her career, accomplishments, and contributions to the digital marketing landscape.
Early Career and Education
Claire’s journey in the marketing field began with a solid educational foundation. She completed a BA Ed (Hons) in Education with English from Goldsmiths, University of London. This degree equipped her with a strong background in communication and education, which would later inform her approach to consumer behavior and digital marketing strategies. Following this, Claire pursued an MSc in Marketing from the University of South Wales, graduating with distinction. Her academic background laid the groundwork for her deep understanding of marketing theory and consumer psychology.
Her interest in consumer behavior led her to co-author a paper on ethical consumers and their flying behaviors in 2009. This research was presented at the Academy of Marketing Conference and published in the Journal of Consumer Behaviour as part of a special issue on anti-consumption. This early work highlighted her passion for understanding consumer values, motivations, and decision-making processes, which has remained a central theme throughout her career.
Career Evolution and Achievements
Claire’s career took off in the early 2000s when she joined Preseli Venture, a well-recognized adventure tourism provider in Wales. There, she honed her skills in all aspects of marketing, from offline materials to social media and PR. It was at this stage that she realized her passion for SEO and digital marketing.
In 2009, Claire founded Claire Carlile Marketing, where she offered consultancy services in digital marketing and SEO. Her work primarily involved helping small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) navigate the complexities of the digital world, focusing on improving local search visibility. Her services included Google My Business (GMB) optimization, SEO audits, and content strategy. Over the years, her client base expanded to include high-profile organizations like Visit Pembrokeshire and Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo.
As a Chartered Marketer (MCIM), Claire’s professional credentials solidified her position as an expert in the marketing field. She combined her practical experience with her academic insights to help businesses enhance their online presence and engage with their target audiences more effectively.
Local Search Marketing Advocate at Jepto
In 2024, Claire joined Jepto, a digital marketing company specializing in local search products. As a Local Search Marketing Advocate, Claire collaborates with digital agencies and enterprises to understand the pain points in local SEO reporting. Her role includes refining products like Local Listings Management, Review Management, Social Posting, and GBP API. She also represents Jepto at industry events, webinars, and podcasts, where she shares insights on local search challenges and showcases Jepto’s innovative solutions.
Claire’s involvement with Jepto reflects her deep commitment to advancing local SEO solutions for businesses worldwide. Her efforts at Jepto are helping clients improve their local search performance and drive tangible business results.
Expertise in Local SEO
Claire Carlile’s true passion lies in local SEO, a critical area for businesses targeting local markets. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, local SEO has become increasingly important, especially for SMBs looking to compete with larger corporations. Claire’s approach to local SEO is both strategic and tactical. She emphasizes the importance of Google My Business (GMB) optimization, which helps businesses appear in local search results and Google Maps.
Additionally, Claire focuses on building local citations and managing reviews, both of which are key factors in boosting local SEO performance. She works closely with her clients to implement strategies that increase engagement, drive traffic, and improve rankings in local search results.
Claire also takes a data-driven approach to SEO, relying on analytics tools like Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager to measure success and refine strategies. Her ability to implement robust reporting frameworks ensures that her clients can track their performance and make informed decisions based on real-time data.
Contributions to the Digital Marketing Community
Claire’s impact extends beyond her work with individual clients. She has been an active contributor to the digital marketing community through her work with BrightLocal, where she served as a Local Search Expert. During her tenure at BrightLocal, Claire created and presented actionable courses in the BrightLocal Academy and participated in digital marketing events. Her dedication to educating others in local SEO has made her a respected thought leader in the industry.
Her speaking engagements at major events like BrightonSEO have further cemented her reputation as a go-to expert in local search marketing. Claire’s ability to simplify complex SEO concepts and make them accessible to businesses of all sizes has earned her a loyal following in the digital marketing world.
Conclusion: Claire Carlile’s Legacy in Digital Marketing
Claire Carlile’s career is a testament to the power of combining academic knowledge with practical experience in the ever-changing world of digital marketing. Through her work with Jepto, Claire Carlile Marketing, and BrightLocal, she has helped countless businesses succeed in the digital space, with a particular focus on local SEO.
Her expertise in consumer behavior, combined with her technical SEO skills, has made her a trusted advisor for businesses looking to improve their local search visibility. Claire’s contributions to the field, her dedication to education, and her passion for local SEO will continue to influence the digital marketing landscape for years to come.
