This is part of the say something nice about an SEO/SEM series - feel free to nominate someone over here.
Matt Siltala lives in Arizona with his family and he cites them as the reason he does what he does, why he works so hard, because his family is the "rewarding thing" thing to him he told me. Matt is considered by everyone I know who met him as one of the nicest, most caring people you'd ever meet in a lifetime. Yes, he looks like a big bearded teddy bear that you just want to hug, which helps in terms of people being drawn to him. But it is more than that, he is genuinely, within every inch of his body, a deeply good person. People like Matt, if you can find them, are people you want to surround yourself with on a daily basis (it would make the people around him better people as well).
I've known Matt probably for over 10 years now, I always see him at conferences and events. He is always writing content, speaking at events, sharing on social media and always taking photos of his friends and colleagues. If you just Google his name, you will see tons of content, videos, podcasts, media of all sorts, with him sharing his knowledge about SEO and the industry.
I can literally go on and on about Matt, but let's here from the two folks that nominated him for this.
Doc Sheldon wrote:
Anyone who knows Matt would probably say, first of all, what a nice guy he is. Polite, helpful, honest and open, he is quick to offer assistance or just an encouraging word to anyone who shows themselves willing to listen and learn. His beard is pretty awesome, but it can't hide his genuine smile.He and his team develop some incredible infographics, which is probably what most people think he's known for. But he also has a deep understanding of SEO, marketing and people in general. Anyone who doesn't already know him is denying themselves a treat.
Damon Gochneaur wrote:
Matt is the epitome of someone who would give you eh shirt off their back. Most will know him for his remarkable beard & awesome slide decks, but if you get the chance to speak with him at all, he’s one of the most likable, down to earth, helpful and positive people in our industry. I can’t count how many times Matt has reached out to just check on me & my mental wellness, unprompted and at just the right moment. I am lucky enough to call him a friend and a mentor, and without question, if we had more Matt Siltala’s in the world of Search marketing, we’d all be much more proud of the company we keep. I love you brother and can never thank you enough for the ways you’ve helped me in times of darkness.
Matt Siltala Bio: Mat Siltala is an online search industry leader and founding launcher of Avalaunch Media. Mat’s clients have included companies like Go Daddy, SalesForce, GoPro, and WorkFront. He podcasts weekly @bizofdigital on Digital Marketing. he is a keynote speaker and a photographer.
Before forming Avalaunch Media, Mat co-founded Dream Systems Media in 2005, and has started several highly successful e-commerce businesses beginning in 1998, including Rocky Mountain Mattress.
When Mat isn’t launching a new company or helping build value for his client’s, he enjoys traveling with his beautiful wife and 3 kids. During their travels, he especially loves showing his kids new things (like more recently – snorkeling and boogie boarding) and taking long road trips with his wife.
Favorite thing about the SEM community? THE PEOPLE and their incredible generosity. They are hands down the most giving group of people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I am always in awe during the support of our community members needs, those that have passed etc. I was blown away by the support of my sons Eagle Scout project .... the Search community just came together and made it one of the House of Refuges most successful toy drive to date!
One piece of advice to the SEMs out there? Continue to grow and learn and move forward. It is easy to get stuck in the past, but lets keep evolving and keep getting better.
Favorite things in general? Favorite color is Green because it is my wife's favorite color and it reminds me of her. Mexican Food is my favorite and my biggest hobby is Photography. I love night and astro photography and shooting the Milky Way - see here: https://www.instagram.com/siltalaphoto/
What you want to be known for in the SEM space? Anything I say here will be trumped by the Beard and his own Twitter account LOL.
To learn more about Matt, check out his company site, follow him on Twitter, check his Instagram out 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.
