About Cory Howell
Bridging the gap between complex technical architecture and sustainable organic growth.
A Legacy of Search Excellence
With over 25 years of experience in the digital landscape, my career has spanned the entire evolution of the modern web. From the early days of search engine optimization to the current era of AI-driven discovery and Core Web Vitals, I have dedicated my professional life to understanding how users find information and how brands can best present it.
My journey has taken me from my foundational years at MorePro Marketing in Phoenix to senior leadership roles at PM Digital (Scottsdale, AZ) and eventually to my current role as Senior Director, SEO at Assembly Global (New York, NY - Remote).
Along the way, I have developed a reputation not just as a technical expert, but as a "voice of reason" and a stable anchor for teams during periods of rapid transition and tumultuous growth.
I believe that the most effective SEO isn't found in a checklist of "best practices," but in the intersection of technical precision, analytical rigor, and a deep curiosity about the client's business. Whether I am auditing a global e-commerce platform or architecting a complex site migration, my goal is always the same: to create a seamless, high-performance experience for the user that naturally translates into measurable business growth.
When I’m not diving into technical audits or mentoring my team, I enjoy spending time with my daughter and family, blogging about the industry, golfing, and exploring new business ventures.
Technical Specialization & Strategic Focus
Technical SEO & Architecture
My core strength lies in the "engine room" of search. I focus on the complex technical audits that identify the invisible barriers to growth. This includes a deep focus on Core Web Vitals, page speed optimization, and the implementation of sophisticated Schema and Structured Data to enhance search visibility.
AI Visibility & GEO Strategy
I help brands maintain visibility as search shifts toward generative answers, specifically across platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI.
Rooted in a foundation of strong SEO, I apply an understanding of how LLMs parse data to optimize content for both users and bots, ensuring brand prominence in AI-generated summaries.
E-commerce SEO Specialization
I bring deep expertise to the unique challenges of large-scale e-commerce, focusing on scalable architecture, facet management, and the elimination of duplicate content across thousands of product variations.
By optimizing the path from discovery to conversion through template-level optimization and taxonomy audits, I help retail brands maximize their organic visibility and drive sustainable revenue growth.
Leadership & Mentorship
Beyond the technical deliverables, my greatest professional satisfaction comes from fostering growth in others. Having led diverse teams of analysts and strategists, I view mentorship as a critical component of a healthy agency environment. I actively encourage my reports to pursue continuous learning and share industry insights that push our collective boundaries.
My approach to leadership is defined by a calm, level-headed demeanor and a commitment to transparency. I strive to be the "rock" for my team - providing the guidance and stability necessary to execute high-stakes campaigns with confidence and precision.