This is part of the say something nice about an SEO/SEM series - feel free to nominate someone over here.
Danny Richman is 55 years old and lives in Crouch End, North London with his family. His wife and him have four children, ages 31 to 2 years old and he highly recommends "becoming a dad again" and says it "has been an absolute joy." His wife is a marine biologist, her name is Dr. Nadia Richman-Dewhurst.
Danny's SEO career has been all about helping others become better at SEO. He doesn't only speak at many industry events but he has his own consulting business that is specifically about providing private SEO training, to make SEOs better at doing SEO.
Many consider Danny their mentor and advisor and he was nominated by two people, the first one had a lot to say about him.
Hayat Rachi wrote:
Although, perhaps, not the most recognisable names in the industry, Danny Richman has probably been more instrumental in raising the awareness of SEO and passing on his 20+ years' professional experience than any other person in the UK.If it weren't for Danny I wouldn't have a business. Danny's over and beyond help, whether it be workshops, 1-2-1's or talks, have been immensely valuable for my e-commerce brand Neon Moon, feminist lingerie. Danny has given thousands of pounds worth of advice and help for free off his own back, and for that I cannot thank him enough. He has been an absolute amazing contributor to the Prince's Trust, and has made my Prince's Trust experience an amazing one.
In addition to running his own successful SEO training consultancy in London, for the past 10 years Danny has tirelessly worked as an unpaid volunteer mentor and workshop facilitator for the Prince's Trust – a UK-based charity that supports disadvantaged young people to start their own business.
Danny provides unpaid support and mentoring to over 500 businesses and delivers more than 40 free workshops per year at the Trust. In total, he has taught SEO to more than 5,000 young people at the Trust. This has had a profound impact on these small businesses and has allowed many of these young people to generate a sustainable living.
In 2017, Danny was awarded "Specialist Mentor of the Year" from the Trust's patron and Founder, HRH Prince Charles.
He has an adept ability to communicate technical concepts in a way that is engaging and easy to understand. His commercial clients now include the Bank of England, BBC, Discovery Channel and Arsenal Football Club.
Danny is a regular speaker on search marketing at several industry conferences and a speaker and trainer at Brighton SEO.
Below are just a few of the outstanding comments from Danny’s fellow mentees like myself at the Prince’s Trust about the tremendous and life-changing difference he has made to them on a business and personal level:
“Danny has been an absolute god-send. Whenever I have an issue, question, theory, problem or anything, he is always on hand to help and gives the best advice that always solves the problem. He has given me business-changing solutions that have transformed my business, the time he puts in to help us all is phenomenal, and no words can describe how grateful I am for everything he has done. Starting and growing a business is very tough but Danny has contributed in making the experience an amazing one.” - Simone Taylor, Founder & CEO, Paws with Opulence
“Danny has given me the can-do attitude when it comes to my business. I am shy about my IT skills and internet knowledge, but Danny's simplistic and always-available ear has inspired me to take leaps and risks that have helped me to where I am today - and still growing.” Clarisse Walker Davidson, Founder of Valuemytime.co.uk
“Danny has stood out because of his relentless passion for helping others. His workshops are some of the best I've ever attended, his willingness to answer questions and offer support to people who are part of the Trust and who have attended his workshops is astounding. He's always been able to offer me advice and even inspired me to learn SEO inside out because of his amazing teaching style. Danny's workshops, advice and mentorship have helped me shape the direction my business is headed in. He is always very honest which has personally helped me realise certain things about where my business is headed and how I personally want to develop myself. Danny goes above and beyond every day. - Andrew Kozman, Mercury Digital
“Danny Richman was and is a tremendous help in his plane of expertise. Moreover, he is a great inspiration to us all. If I am in the position in the future, I would really like to have the same mindset as him and make at least a fraction of the impact that Danny is having on daily basis.” Pawel Babiak, Bar Counter London
“It has actually been quite difficult to put into words how much he has done to help not just me but all of the mentees. Danny has truly made a difference in my business without question! The Prince’s Trust attracts people from all walks of life and I can imagine it must a be a challenge to be able to work with such a diverse group effectively. Danny's approach has always been clear, thoughtful, patient and practical. Without his workshops I genuinely feel I would be much further behind in the growth of my business. He goes above and beyond anyone I know to help and advise us; for example, if I posted a question in his Facebook group I will typically get a reply within the hour. In this group he has also unknowingly created a community of entrepreneurs who have come together to help each other tackle the daunting tasks that we face every day trying to make our businesses be a success. His help, advice and perseverance has been priceless and I am truly grateful for everything he has done.” Eleanor Nadimi, One Nine Eight Five
“Danny really is a pretty unique person, his contribution towards young people through his work with the Princes Trust is second to none. I started my business with the help of the Trust just over a year ago now and I have been lucky enough to benefit from consistent help from Danny on the digital development of my business; if it wasn’t for him it is fair to say I would not be in the position I am now. His knowledge is unrivalled but what is even more compelling about Danny is that I have never seen anyone so willing to share their time and knowledge on such a huge and consistent scale. He quite literally helps hundreds of young people every year in starting their businesses; no question is ever too much and his door is always open. It is also important to note that the young people Danny helps are amongst the most unfortunate and challenged in the UK, meaning that he really does help them turn their lives around.” Harry Spears, Caribbean Electives
“I have found Danny to be a real supporter of young entrepreneurs, giving countless hours of his time to make sure we are aware of the benefits and pitfalls behind running an online business with both his group sessions and online groups. He has a really kind nature and is always willing to give extra help to those that need it. His knowledge of the SEO industry is the best around and his willingness to pass that onto us is so generous. His knowledge is a great help to my business and we plan to implement a lot of what he has taught us next year.” Lucy Dolan, Zig Zag Teas
“Danny has been a great asset to the Princes Trust in many ways. He is always keeping up to date with new programs and really pushing for mentees to get the most out of the Princes Trust. His workshops are full of engaging and useful, up to date information. With his know-how and drive, he has been a driving force and inspiration to a lot of young people, always helping them and assisting in ways he can.” Lucy Burton, Little Buffalo Magazine
Danny has been a great and fantastic support while setting up my company. His experience and advice has helped us to leverage our position in the market, not only from a human point of view but also from all the IT resources he has provided for us. We will certainly not have succeeded as we have without the support of Danny; an amazing. It is fantastic to see successful people investing time, voluntarily, to help the younger generation. Damien Marty, Room Seasons
Danny has been instrumental in the development of my business - an online children's clothing brand. From the very first seminar I attended, he has been on-hand to answer any questions. He has formed a great Facebook group which, should I have any questions or need any advice, then I can seek it instantly through a panel of my peers. He often goes above and beyond and listens to what we are saying/asking whilst formulating interesting future workshops to help enhance our businesses and grow our knowledge. I always look forward to his seminars and workshops and readily journey to London from the New Forest for them because I know that what I will gain is essential to grow my business. I am so pleased that he is being recognised for all the work he does because he utterly deserves it and is an asset to the Prince’s Trust. Sam Griscti, Milksok
I met Danny during my Prince’s Trust enterprise course to start my fitness business and from the first day of his teachings and inspirational story, he immediately inspired me and gave me the belief that changing your life and setting up a business is possible. It was one of the best courses I have ever attended.
I then took his SEO workshop and his amazing knowledge and expertise was outstanding. He was able to break down the workshop and make it possible for everyone to understand. From here, I saw Danny on a one-to-one basis and this is where things really changed for me, he took the time to break down my website and help me make the changes I needed to improve my business. His knowledge is gold dust and I took what he taught me and applied it, eventually ranking number one on google for Personal Trainer Chelsea; from here, I started gaining clients and since then, have grown as a fitness influencer. Now, I am on a fitness show on MTV and Reebok ambassador! I still successfully run my business and have staff too. I can honestly say if it wasn’t for Danny I wouldn't be where I am now. He is amazing and has helped change my life. Tyrone Brennand, Be The Fittest
For all of the above reasons from the amazing friends I've made at the Prince's Trust who were also super lucky to be mentored by Danny, I strongly believe that Danny should be recognised for his contribution to the SEM community. Danny Richman deserves to not only be nominated, but to win.
Andrew Kozman wrote:
Danny Richman has pledged himself to helping others. Through his in-depth understanding of Digital Marketing, he volunteers as a mentor an tutor for the Prince's Trust. He has used his platform and his knowledge to contribute to the success of hundreds of small business owners for many years.Through his workshops and courses, and his availability to answer any questions you have about how to use SEO for your business growth, he has been there to help always.
I want to thank Danny for all he's done for me personally and for all my friends at the Trust. I hope he continues to offer his help and support to all of those who need his help most.
Danny Richman Bio: Danny is an SEO consultant and trainer with more than 20 years' experience. He is a graduate in Behavioural Economics at the London School of Economics (LSE) and an approved consultant to the UK's Department of International Trade (DIT). His clients include the BBC, Bank of England and Arsenal Football Club.
Since 2010, Danny has acted as a volunteer business mentor to the Prince’s Trust advising young people on the planning, launching and marketing of their own online businesses. In 2017, Danny won the Prince's Trust award for "Specialist Mentor of the Year" from HRH Prince Charles. Danny also gives regular talks for Founders4Schools on entrepreneurship at schools through the UK.
Danny has provided SEO training to over 3,000 businesses and has been instrumental in increasing the awareness and understanding of search marketing in the UK. He is also a regular speaker on SEO at industry-vertical conferences and a trainer and speaker at Brighton SEO.
Favorite thing about the SEM community? Having consulted for organisations in a wide range of industries, I can honestly say that the SEO community is almost unique (outside of academia) in the degree to which knowledge is shared and new practitioners are supported.
I love how this field constantly evolves and how there are always new things to learn. I love how the industry has built a credible reputation from a somewhat murky past. I love how Search Engine Optimisation is becoming more a process of Search User Optimisation. I feel as passionate about SEO today, as when I first started, in 1998.
One piece of advice to the SEMs out there? I spend most of my time working with people who are new to the industry and learning SEO from blogs and conferences. There is a lot of published advice that is either inaccurate, misrepresented or exaggerated.
One of my biggest bugbears are ranking correlation studies presented as ranking factors. This misinformation causes untold damage to businesses and to the careers of those who accept this information at face value. SEOs must develop a healthy dose of scepticism and run their own tests before treating every new piece of clickbait as hard facts.
Google aims to deliver results that keeps their users satisfied. Rather than be constantly chasing Google's algorithms, align your website with Google's own objectives and you won't go too far wrong; nor have to worry too much about Google's constant updates.
Favorite things in general? I started volunteering for the Prince's Trust in 2010 to help disadvantaged young people start their own business. What started as a 2-hour per month commitment now takes up 2-3 days per week of my time. I wouldn't give up that much time for anything that was not enormously rewarding and enjoyable. Working with these young people and watching them pull themselves up from challenging circumstances to a point where they can now support themselves and their families is hugely satisfying. Outside of my work, I love to read, travel and eat good food (probably too much).
What you want to be known for in the SEM space? Simply as someone who is passionate about sharing his knowledge of SEO and does so in a way that makes it interesting, relevant and fun. I have delivered over 800 SEO workshops but can honestly say that I have never delivered the same workshop twice.
To learn more about Danny check out his company site, follow him on Twitter and connect with him on LinkedIn.
This is part of the say something nice about an SEO/SEM series - feel free to nominate someone over here.
