Hi, I'm Matt Davies. I'm a Freelance SEO Consultant based in Manchester.

I’ve been delivering successful SEO campaigns for start-ups, SMEs and established brands from around the world since 2006. I trade under the business name Slingshot Search.

About Me

I’ve helped a wide range of B2B, B2C, public sector and E-commerce businesses to make sense of their search engine optimisation strategy and improve the return on their online investment.  I also work with marketing agencies and consultants, allowing them to provide specialist SEO alongside their existing services.

Because I operate without many of the overheads of larger agencies, I can offer highly competitive rates. I’ll be your point of contact for all work, delivering a personal search engine optimisation service tailored specifically to your business needs. If that sounds like something that could work for you and your business, get in touch today.

 
Why Work With Me?

Since 2006 I have worked with a wide range of B2B and B2C clients, either as an executive or manager at digital marketing agencies across Manchester, or under my own auspices as Slingshot Search.

I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t in SEO. I understand that every site is unique, and so must be your SEO campaign. I’ll always consider the intent of the audience you’re targeting, as well as the words they might use to find you. My approach has helped dozens of websites increase their organic ROI and leapfrog their competition, in some cases entirely revolutionising the business in question.

My freelance SEO services will be fully transparent and personalised to your needs, as both a business and as a business person. So, whether you need a little SEO guidance and support or a fully implemented SEO strategy, or whether you prefer to communicate through email, phone, Zoom or morse code, we’ll work together in a way that works for you.

 

My SEO Consultancy Services

As an industry veteran of 15+ years, I understand the intricate dynamics of search engine optimisation. My goal is to leverage this knowledge and expertise to drive your website’s visibility, attract targeted traffic, and propel your business forward. With a tailored approach to each project, I offer a range of services that will transform your online presence and deliver tangible results.

Keyword Research
Unleash the potential of your website with expert keyword research services. Uncover the optimal keywords that drive targeted traffic and maximise your online visibility.
Organic Content Strategy

Fuel your online success with a strategic organic content strategy. Tailored to your target audience, I’ll help you create engaging content that captivates, converts, and climbs the search rankings.

Technical SEO

Supercharge your online presence with meticulous technical SEO. From website audits to optimisation, I’ll ensure your site meets search engine standards, improves user experience, and boosts organic visibility.

Competitive Organic Analysis

Gain a competitive edge with thorough competitive organic analysis. Uncover valuable insights into your rivals’ strategies and leverage them to enhance your own SEO tactics, outrank competitors, and dominate your market.

Link Building

Boost your website’s authority and visibility with strategic link building. I’ll help you secure high-quality backlinks from reputable sources, driving organic traffic and improving your search engine rankings.

Transparent Reporting

Experience the power of transparent reporting. Gain valuable insights into your organic traffic, keyword rankings, and performance metrics, empowering data-driven decisions for continuous SEO success.

Work Experience

With a solid background in the SEO industry, I bring a wealth of expertise to each project. Years of hands-on experience have sharpened my skills in developing effective strategies, optimising websites, and delivering real results.

Trainee SEO
2006

I began my professional SEO career as a trainee at one of Manchester’s pioneering internet marketing agencies. As it turned out, the traineeship didn’t last long because the two senior staff members who were supposed to train me left the agency within two months! As a result, I found myself unexpectedly taking on the role of a “senior SEO” by default.

Subsequently, this agency underwent an acquisition and downsizing.

SEO Client Support
2007

In a time-sensitive job search, I found myself taking on a customer-facing position at a digital agency that prioritised low prices over quality. I was tasked with managing ongoing phone communication with approximately 150 perpetually dissatisfied clients on a monthly basis. 

I chose to move on from this role after around 9 months.

Senior SEO Consultant
2008-2012

Recognising that my strengths lie in planning and implementing SEO campaigns, I took on consecutive roles as a “Senior SEO Consultant” at two agencies in and around Manchester.

During my tenure in these positions, I had the privilege of working on SEO campaigns for diverse businesses, gaining valuable experience. They also provided me with the opportunity to manage junior staff for the first time in my career.

Digital Marketing Specialist / Campaign Manager
2012-2015

After witnessing the impact of the Google Penguin and Panda updates in 2011/2012, it became clear to me that the traditional approach to “agency SEO” needed to change, and I decided to explore opportunities beyond pure SEO. This led me to gain valuable experience in areas such as user experience, conversion rate optimisation and social media.

However, it didn’t take me long to realise that my true passion and aptitude still resided in SEO and the ever-evolving nature of search engines and the challenge of optimising websites for better visibility.

Freelance SEO Consultant
2015-Today...

Reluctant to return to the same old agency model, I decided to see what I could achieve on my own. I set up Slingshot Search in 2015 so that I could deliver honest, considered advice that prioritised the client’s interests above all else. 

In the 8+ years since its inception, Slingshot Search has helped dozens of business owners to improve the return on their investment in organic search. Agencies have also benefited from my ad-hoc support. I’m proud to say that I have been working with some of these business since day one.

What My Clients Say

Expert advice and knowledge with the performance to back it up. Slingshot Search have helped increase our online exposure beyond what we thought possible – cannot recommend enough!”

Rob Stuart, Best4Frames

I have worked with Matt for the last 5 years across a wide range of client accounts, spanning industries such as FInTech, Premium Alcohol, Luxury Watches, Arts and Culture organisations.  Matt’s expertise has been an invaluable resource, not only in delivering exceptional results for existing clients, but providing consultation during the acquisition of new business.”

Lynn Aitchison, Ascendo Digital

Need some SEO Support? Lets Talk.

Ready to Boost Your Online Presence? Let’s discuss your SEO needs and explore how I can support your business growth. Contact me today for a personalised consultation and take the first step towards SEO success.

SEO FAQ

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is the craft of enhancing your website to improve its visibility when people search for products or services related to your business in search engines. At Slingshot Search, I specialise in understanding the specific needs of Manchester businesses to drive relevant traffic and grow your online presence effectively.

With over 18 years of experience as a SEO specialist, 9 of them freelance, I’ve successfully optimised websites across various industries, consistently improving their rankings on search engines like Google. My approach involves comprehensive keyword research, on-page optimisation, and building high-quality backlinks, which have significantly enhanced the online visibility and organic search performance for my clients.

Staying ahead of Google’s algorithm updates is a priority for me. I regularly participate in SEO forums, attend webinars, and complete ongoing training to keep my skills sharp. This proactive learning enables me to quickly adapt your SEO strategy, ensuring your website not only remains compliant with the latest updates but also leverages new opportunities to improve your search rankings.

One of my recent projects involved optimizing the website for a local retail client. By implementing targeted keyword strategies, enhancing the site’s mobile usability, and improving page loading times, we saw a 50% increase in organic traffic and a 30% uptick in online sales within six months. These results are typical of the outcomes I strive to achieve for all my clients.

My keyword research process involves using advanced tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs to identify high-opportunity keywords that are relevant to your business but not overly competitive. I also analyze your competitors’ keyword strategies to find gaps and opportunities. This thorough analysis forms the foundation for content creation, on-page SEO, and link-building efforts.

I use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track key performance indicators such as organic traffic, ranking positions, and conversion rates. I provide monthly reports detailing progress, insights, and next steps. These reports are customized to highlight the metrics most important to your business, ensuring transparency and alignment with your goals.

I prioritise SEO tasks based on their potential impact on your rankings and their alignment with your business goals. Typically, I start with quick wins like on-page optimisations and technical SEO improvements, before moving on to longer-term strategies such as content development and link building. This ensures a balanced approach that delivers both immediate improvements and sustainable growth.

One of the biggest challenges has been adapting to increasingly frequent updates to Google’s Core algorithm. I overcome this by dedicating time each week to professional development, learning from industry leaders, and experimenting with new strategies. This commitment ensures that I can quickly adapt to changes and continue delivering top-notch results for my clients.

I adhere strictly to tried and tested SEO techniques, focusing on creating quality content and building quality backlinks. I conduct regular audits to ensure your website meets the latest SEO standards and guidelines, protecting it from penalties and ensuring long-term, sustainable ranking improvements.

For local businesses, my focus is on optimizing for local search queries, enhancing Google My Business listings, and building local citations to improve visibility within the community. For global businesses, I concentrate on international SEO strategies, such as geo-targeting, hreflang tags for language targeting, and building a global backlink profile. Each strategy is tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of the business.

What sets me apart is my personalized approach and commitment to your business’s success. Unlike larger agencies, I offer customized solutions and direct, hands-on support throughout our partnership. My extensive experience across different industries and dedication to staying at the forefront of SEO innovation means that I bring a unique blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and technical expertise to every project.

SEO functions through a combination of on-page, off-page, and technical strategies designed to make your website more appealing to search engines. I utilise a bespoke approach at Slingshot Search to tailor these strategies specifically to your business needs, enhancing your visibility and ranking in search results.

While basic SEO can be managed independently, the complexities and ever-evolving nature of SEO strategies usually require a specialist’s touch. At Slingshot Search, I offer my extensive expertise and tailored approach to ensure your SEO strategy is both effective and efficient, saving you time and enhancing your results.

SEO is a long-term investment, with significant improvements typically observable within 3-6 months. At Slingshot Search, I focus on creating sustainable SEO strategies that aim for steady growth, ensuring your Manchester-based business builds and maintains high visibility online.

Keywords are the cornerstone of SEO, guiding potential customers to your content. At Slingshot Search, I provide comprehensive keyword research tailored to your business, ensuring we target terms that will drive the most relevant and profitable traffic to your site.

Local SEO targets your business’s visibility in location-based searches, which is crucial for Manchester businesses serving local customers. Slingshot Search can optimise your presence for local searches, ensuring customers in Manchester find you quickly and easily.

Backlinks serve as endorsements from other websites, crucial for building your site’s authority. At Slingshot Search, I focus on building a robust backlink profile with high-quality, relevant links that enhance your site’s credibility and search engine ranking.

On-page SEO involves optimising elements within your website, such as content and meta tags, while off-page SEO focuses on external signals like backlinks. Slingshot Search offers comprehensive services covering both aspects to ensure a holistic and effective SEO strategy for your business.

Success in SEO can be measured using various tools and metrics, including traffic, rankings, and conversions. Slingshot Search provides detailed reporting and analysis, offering clear insights into the effectiveness of your SEO strategies and areas for improvement.

Meta tags help search engines understand and categorise your content. Slingshot Search can optimise these tags to ensure they’re compelling, relevant, and technically sound, improving your click-through rates from search results.

Yes, website speed is a ranking factor. Slingshot Search can help optimise your site’s speed, ensuring a better user experience and potentially higher rankings in search results.

Mobile SEO optimises your site for mobile users, essential as mobile searches continue to rise. Slingshot Search ensures your website is fully responsive and mobile-friendly, catering to the vast number of users accessing the web on mobile devices.

While social media doesn’t directly impact SEO rankings, it can influence your online visibility and traffic. Slingshot Search can help you leverage social media to support your SEO efforts, enhancing your brand’s online presence.

Content marketing involves creating valuable content to attract and engage your target audience, directly supporting your SEO by attracting backlinks and driving traffic. Slingshot Search can help you develop a content strategy that boosts your SEO performance.

Improving your website’s SEO involves several steps, from ensuring a clean, navigable structure to creating quality content and securing backlinks. Slingshot Search offers comprehensive SEO audits and strategies to enhance every aspect of your site’s SEO friendliness.

Common pitfalls include neglecting mobile optimisation, ignoring local SEO, and using outdated or spammy tactics. Slingshot Search focuses on ethical, effective SEO strategies that avoid these pitfalls, ensuring long-term success for your Manchester business.

SEO trends and algorithms change regularly, so it’s crucial to keep your strategy up to date. Slingshot Search continuously monitors these changes, adapting your strategy as needed to maintain and improve your rankings.

No, search engines rank content based on relevance and authority, not payment. However, Slingshot Search can enhance your organic search performance through expert SEO strategies.

Analytics provide insights into your website’s performance, helping guide SEO strategy. Slingshot Search uses advanced analytics to inform our strategies, ensuring we’re always targeting improvements that will make a real difference to your online visibility.

Staying informed about SEO requires constant learning and adaptation. Slingshot Search stays at the forefront of SEO best practices, ensuring your Manchester business benefits from the latest strategies and techniques.

HTTPS ensures your website is secure for users, a factor that search engines consider when ranking sites. Slingshot Search can guide you through the process of securing your site with HTTPS, enhancing both security and SEO.

A positive user experience is essential for keeping visitors on your site and reducing bounce rates, which can affect SEO. Slingshot Search focuses on optimising both UX and SEO to ensure your website not only ranks well but also satisfies your visitors.

Organic search results are those that appear due to their relevance to the search terms, not because of paid advertising. Slingshot Search specialises in improving your site’s organic ranking through comprehensive SEO strategies tailored to your business.

Blogging regularly can significantly boost your SEO by providing fresh, relevant content that attracts visitors and backlinks. Slingshot Search can help you develop a blogging strategy that aligns with your SEO goals and appeals to your target audience.

Crawl errors occur when search engines cannot access parts of your site, potentially harming your SEO by preventing content from being indexed. Slingshot Search can identify and resolve these errors, ensuring search engines can easily crawl and index your site.

Structured data and schema markup help search engines understand and display your content in rich snippets, enhancing visibility in search results. Slingshot Search can implement these technical elements to improve your site’s search performance.

Headings help structure your content, making it easier for both users and search engines to navigate. Slingshot Search ensures your headings are optimised for SEO, helping improve your content’s visibility and structure.

A website redesign can impact SEO, either positively or negatively, depending on how it’s handled. Slingshot Search ensures that SEO considerations are integral to your website’s redesign process, preserving and enhancing your search engine rankings.

Google My Business is a tool that allows you to manage your online presence across Google, crucial for local SEO. Slingshot Search can optimise your GMB listing to improve visibility in local searches, driving more Manchester-based customers to your business.

To protect your website from SEO penalties, focus on adhering to best practices and guidelines set by search engines. Regularly audit your site for issues such as duplicate content, broken links, and unnatural backlinks. Slingshot Search employs strategies that have been carefully honed over time, ensuring your website maintains a strong and healthy online presence with minimal risk of penalties.