Hi, I’m Rain, a creative and technical leader who spent the last 19 years in what I think are the best of both worlds: SEO and editorial. I know digital publishing, journalism, and project management. I write both code and stories. My work lands at the top of Google. And I’m ready to jump in to create reader-first articles and deliver data-driven results.

I’m about to launch into my professional bio and my past roles. But if you want to really know if I can get results in organic search… just … Google me. See how ‘Rain Blanken’ comes up in search results.

Yep, that’s my Knowledge Graph. Google knows who I am, and that’s a great hint at how I’ve built my career in SEO, web management, and editorial.

I currently work for The Walt Disney Company as the Editorial Optimization Manager for the Disney Parks Blog. Here, I optimize the site for organic search and contribute articles about the latest experiences to enjoy at Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line, and beyond.

(See my latest articles for The Walt Disney Company)

Previously, I was the Editorial Director of WDW Magazine for monthly print and digital editions, as well as the daily news blog. I was a Senior Editor for the very talented writing team at The Penny Hoarder, and I was the Creative Manager for Naked Lime Marketing, where I led editorial, design, SEO, and social media teams to deliver marketing content to client blogs.

I’ve gotten three sites accepted into Google News since 2012, spanning travel, fashion, and automotive.

I can do most everything for a website: Build it in WordPress, audit it for technical SEO, and make sure articles land at the top of Google search and cited in AI Overviews. See my SEO Manager Portfolio…

Technical SEO Audits and Website Health Checks

I can give your website a health check. With a comprehensive audit, I can check for all of those pesky technical issues to get a website back on the right track (and get pages back at the top of Google rankings).

I can diagnose issues like why pages aren’t indexing in Google, chain redirect problems, and what the heck your canonical links are up to.

From fixing 404s to managing site migrations, I weirdly really enjoy this kind of work. I am well-versed in building and revitalizing WordPress sites, auditing Core Web Vitals, and correcting those intimidating server-side errors.

From Writing HTML to Scoring in AI Overviews

Find out what your users are searching for. I have been a search engine optimization artist since the ancient days when my GeoCities website wouldn’t write HTML itself.

Wins include improving Google and AI visibility for Disney Parks Blog, engineering the freelance content workflow for The Penny Hoarder, raising web traffic by 400% for WDW Magazine, and building the DIY Fashion vertical for About.com (then owned by The New York Times).

For each of my previous roles, I have anticipated reader intent, implemented data-driven marketing strategies, inspired teams, and created content management systems that bring efficiency to editorial workflows.

I have worked in cybersecurity content, finance, legal, and travel with some of the biggest names in these industries, including Fortune 500 and GAFA companies.

Data-Driven Content that Connects with Readers

I can tailor content pieces for specific search engine queries based on in-depth keyword research and creatively apply on-page SEO strategies, which consistently land my work in top Google results and get sourced in LLMs like ChatGPT.

Editorial Direction and Creative Leadership

I have been so lucky to lead incredibly talented people and mentor writers, editors, and SEO specialists. I enjoy teaching and building the structures and processes that allow creative teams to do what they do best: Create!

I am a servant leader, which means I exist to remove obstacles and anticipate the needs of my team. I advocate for content best practices and cross-collaborate with stakeholders. I am adept at coaching both large and small teams to target beyond KPIs, create meaningful growth, and nourish that almighty sales funnel.

I believe that the most important aspect of any publication is properly advocating for the value of creative teams and their work. My senior roles include Editorial Director for WDW Magazine, Senior Editor at The Penny Hoarder, SEO Project Manager for Page One Digital, and Creative Manager for Naked Lime Marketing.

-[ Connect with Rain on Linkedin ]-

I specialize in writing about travel, personal finance, crafts, and arts & entertainment. My work includes SEO-optimized, reader-first content for Fortune 500 and GAFA (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon) companies.

I have authored two books, The Complete Guide to Customizing Your Clothes (Running Press) and String Art Magic. (Spring House Press).

My latest work can be seen on Disney Parks Blog and formerly in print editions of WDW Magazine [view magazine clips here], online at wdw-magazine.com, thespruce.com, and thepennyhoarder.com.

Quick News Turnaround Clips:

• New Tron: Ares Nine Inch Nails Ride Overlay

• Official Mickey’s Not-So Scary Dates Announcement

• Fort Wilderness Reopens After Hurricane Ian Flooding

In-Depth Article Clips:

• An Exclusive Backstage Look at Disney’s Feature Animation

• What Was The Adventurers Club?

• How to Start Reading Star Wars Comics This Summer

• Why That $30 Disney+ Movie Release Upcharge is Worth It

• Don’t Be Dopey: Here’s How to Get the Most Out of Your Disney Dining Plan

Awards

Winner, Best Special Theme in 2022 and 2023 - Florida Magazine Association

More things that don’t confuse Rain:
Wordpress, CSS, HTML, advanced knowledge of on- and off-page SEO, Google Analytics, Google Ads (and Keyword Planner), SEM Rush, Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, Zoom, Slack, Asana, Wrike, Flow, Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, and OneDrive, Google Suite, Adobe Suite, Google Search Console, and BrightEdge.