WCDFW Speaker Spotlight: Doug Stewart

Topic: WP Local SEO Basics: How to Get Your WordPress Powered Website Listed in Google’s Local Map Pack

Doug Stewart is a former tech salesperson turned SEO professional. Doug started what is now DSC Web Services, Inc. in 1999. Doug taught a class helping small business owners get found online at Tulsa Tech. He also spoke at several Social Media Tulsa conferences and a 140 Characters Conference.

How did you get involved in WordPress?

I had a blog called “Power to Fight the Big Boys.” It was on Blogger first. Then I moved it to WordPress. After that, I started moving my web design clients to WordPress. This was in 2007 or 2008.

What do you do with WordPress?

I own DSC Web Services, Inc. We build websites mainly for family owned, local businesses. SEO has always been a major part of what we do. WordPress is search engine friendly. That’s why almost everything we do is on WordPress.

What has your experience with the WordPress community been like?

The WordPress community is filled with smart, geeky professionals. Professionals who generously give of their knowledge and experience. I like that a lot. Gotta love geeks hanging out and talking about the work they’re passionate about. Right?

Why did you want to speak at WordCamp DFW?

I live in the Tulsa area. We don’t have a strong WordPress community. I’ve been impressed with this D/FW group and want to be more involved in the community. I also have several clients in the D/FW area.

Why did you decide to speak on your topic?

It’s what I work with every day. My brain is always thinking about local SEO. I eat, sleep and breathe this stuff.

What do you hope the audience gets from your talk?

I hope after my session (or even during my session), someone will get out their laptop. Login to WordPress and implement something they learned.

I hope they earn one of the 3 top spots in Google’s map pack because they implemented quickly.

This is important: you probably won’t rank for an extremely competitive search term after a 45-minute talk. But you might rank for a keyword that’s important to you; one that’s less competitive.

I also hope someone has an “Ah-Ha” moment. I want people to walk away with a better understanding of “why” the local SEO best practices I’m sharing work.

Tickets are now on sale for this year’s WordCamp DFW held on Nov. 10-11. There are also plenty of opportunities to sponsor the event or help run it. We hope to see you there!

WordCamp Dallas / Fort Worth is over. Check out the next edition!