This is part of the say something nice about an SEO/SEM series - feel free to nominate someone over here.
Akvile DeFazio, 32 years old, lives with her husband Zane DeFazio (who is also known in the industry) in Paso Robles, located on the Central Coast of California. I've personally known Akvile from when she worked at Third Door Media, the parent company of Search Engine Land back from 2011 to 2014. Akvile is known to bright up any conversation she was part of, both in real life or in the online world.
She bravely left Third Door Media to go out on her own and start her own agency. Anyone who knows Akvile, knows she is super brave and always out to try new things. Leaving a steady paycheck to start a new company is bold but she is always up for an adventure.
Akvile is well-known in the space to be everyone's friend. She is super helpful and even is able to pick up on the signals when someone is in need, even when they don't ask for it. She has contributed in so many ways to the space, including publishing at sites like SEMrush, AdStage, Search Engine Land, Marketing Land, USA Today. She also has begun speaking at events. But she has helped so many individuals in the industry, it is just humbling.
Casie Gillette nominated Akvile and wrote:
For anyone who has ever met Akvile, you know she is one of the nicest around. Everyone seems to know her and love her. She's thoughtful, interesting, and always willing to help those in the industry. If you see her on Twitter, she is constantly working to learn new things and sharing that knowledge.
Akvile DeFazio Bio: As someone who lives for connecting people, making the connection between consumers and brands is what Akvile DeFazio, President and Digital Advertising Specialist at AKvertise, Inc., a social media advertising agency, does best. Her areas of expertise are ecommerce, event marketing, mobile apps, and lead generation, by way of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn Ads.
Favorite thing about the SEM community? The people. They’re welcoming, encouraging, and inspiring. Our industry is incredibly fortunate and possibly unique in the ways that we have many talented peers that are so willing to help and candid about sharing their experiences, knowledge, resources, advice, and work with one another.
One piece of advice to the SEOs out there? Test. If you don’t try, you won’t know for certain if something works in or against your favor. While there are best practices, they don’t always apply to every circumstance, client, or campaign.
Favorite things in general? As someone with an adventurous palate, I haven’t met many foods that I didn’t like as I enjoy trying everything at least once, but ultimately, my favorite food is sauce. It’s delicious, versatile, and it’s life flavor enhancer. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, painting, hiking, snowboarding, listening to music, cooking, and especially, crossing off experiences from my bucket list.
What you want to be known for in the SEO space? For my work and my personality. I strive be an approachable, helpful. reliable, professional, and creative social media advertiser that propels growth for clients and contributes often as a member of our community. I was warmly welcomed in a decade ago and I give back to the people in it, every chance I get as my form of gratitude, as they took a chance on me way back when. Whether it’s by referral, an opportunity, an email, phone call, mentorship, setting time aside to properly catch up in person at a conference, contributing to blogs and podcasts, speaking at events, sharing news, tactics, or tools in forums, groups, and social channels, I will always make time for good people and pass on the knowledge.
To learn more about Akvile, check out her company site, LinkedIn profile, and follow her on Twitter.
This is part of the say something nice about an SEO/SEM series - feel free to nominate someone over here.
