Need Help With Your SEO?

Hi, I’m Dean, an SEO & AI Search Specialist. I help businesses leverage AI to stay ahead.

AI Summary

Biography

Kia ora, I’m Dean, an SEO specialist based in the beautiful Ōtautahi Christchurch.I built this CV site not just to share a bit about me and my skills, but also to put my technical ability to the test.How I can help:I specialise in:- Technical SEO
- AI SEO / AEO / GEO
- Website Audits
- Analytics & Tracking Setup (GA4)
- Local SEO
- Google Ads
- Website Migrations
- Keyword & Content StrategySide Projects:Read Calculator — Analyse your content in seconds. Reading time, speaking time, word stats & social character limits. 100% private, runs in your browser.What I love talking about:SEO (obviously!), AI tools, animal documentaries, behavioural science, electric motorsport, productivity hacks, podcasts, automation and my ongoing quest to brew the perfect cup of coffee.

Website Info

Skills & Digital Marketing Tool Expertise

Google Tools

  • Analytics (GA4)

  • Ads

  • Tag Manager

  • Search Console

CMS

  • WordPress

  • Shopify

  • Silverstripe

SEO Tools

  • SEMrush

  • Bright Local

  • Screaming Frog

Automation

  • Zapier

  • Active Pieces

Other

Bing Webmaster Tools, AI Tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, Microsoft Co-Pilot), API Integrations, Yoast SEO Plugin.

SEO Experience

EMPIRE 9

https://empire9.co.nz

Oct 2024 - Present

Search Specialist

- Set up and manage Google Tag Manager tracking for accurate data and insights.- Develop backlinking strategies to strengthen domain authority and search rankings.- Lead SEO audits and strategy planning to improve organic visibility.- Support website migrations, ensuring smooth transitions without SEO losses.- Deliver workshops and training on AI SEO and Local SEO, helping businesses and teams upskill.- Produce clear, data-driven monthly reports to track performance, highlight wins, and uncover new opportunities.

Digital Influence

Jan 2023 - Oct 2024

Google SEO & Ad Specialist

- Managed content uploads and technical fixes across client websites.- Ran Google Ads campaigns alongside local and organic SEO initiatives.- Built and automated Google Business Profile (GBP) posting and reputation management for nationwide clients.- Worked extensively with e-commerce platforms including Shopify, BigCommerce, and OpenCart.

Conveyor SEO

Mar 2020 - Dec 2022

SEO Consultant

- Helped clients achieve ranking boosts through on-page optimisation and technical improvements.- Designed and implemented keyword-focused blog strategies to capture search demand.

Education

Lincoln University

Feb 2010 - 2013

Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing Major)

Business Management, Statistics, Economics, Accounting, Marketing, Business Law.

Courses & SEO Certifications

Google

  • Google AI-Powered Shopping Ads Certification

  • Google Analytics Certification

42courses.com

  • Cannes Lions: Goodvertising

  • Cannes Lions: Creative Effectiveness

  • Ogilvy Consulting: Behavioural Economics

MOZ

  • Backlink Audit & Removal

  • Local SEO Fundamentals

  • Page Optimisation

  • Keyword Research

  • Technical SEO Site Audit

Frequently Asked Questions

How are you different to other New Zealand-based SEO specialists?

Unlike many SEO specialists, I combine technical SEO expertise with on the tools experience in Google Ads, analytics, and website migrations. I focus on delivering actionable strategies, not just reports.

I also run AI SEO and Local SEO workshops to help businesses upskill. All client work is delivered through Empire9, so you get the reliability of an established (very talented) team alongside personalised SEO support.

Do you work with clients freelance?

No, I don't currently do freelance work.

How do I work with you?

Feel free to get in touch. All client work is delivered through Empire9 Digital Marketing Agency.

Let’s work together
on your...

SEO Project. Google Ads. Shopify Store. Local SEO. GEO Strategy. Google Analytics (GA4) Setup. Zapier Automation. Tag Manager Tracking. AI SEO. Schema Markup. Google Business Profile. Big Commerce Store. Blog Strategy. Zapier Automation. WordPress Site.

I wouldn't want to miss the chance to connect with you. You can also reach me via email at:

Thanks for making it to the end, YOU ARE AWESOME!

Website Info

Google Tag Manager

What GA4 events am I tracking via Tag on my CV website?

  • The message at the bottom - visible for 2 seconds

  • AI Summary button clicks

  • Outbound link clicks

  • Word count

  • Call link click

  • Email link click

  • Scroll depth 50, 75, 90 Percent