Meet Erik Z., Your SEO and website consultant located in Bend, Oregon
Welcome to Rankbydesign! I’m Erik Z., a seasoned SEO expert and website consultant based in Bend, Oregon. With over 30 years of experience, I specialize in helping businesses grow their online presence and rank higher on Google using proven organic SEO strategies. Whether you’re a small business looking to improve your rankings or a larger company seeking a comprehensive website overhaul, I’m here to guide you every step.
What I Do:
At Rankbydesign, I offer a range of custom website work tailored to meet your unique needs:
Website Design: I create SEO-friendly websites using WordPress and other advanced page builders like Bricks Builder. My goal is to ensure your website looks great and performs well in search rankings.
SEO Services: From on-page optimization to link-building strategies, I help you improve your visibility on search engines, driving more traffic and potential customers to your site.
LMS Development: I recently created a free course on creating your own LMS platform on Wordpress. A plugin I developed is also available
Website Hosting & Management: I also provide reliable website hosting and ongoing management services to ensure your site is secure, fast, and always up to date.
Why work with me?
With over 30 years of experience in web design, SEO, and content marketing, I have a proven track record of helping businesses succeed online. Based in the Pacific Northwest, I serve clients globally, offering personalized service that guides you through every step of the process—from initial consultation to final site launch. I believe in transparency, white-hat SEO techniques, and building long-term client relationships.
What Sets Me Apart
Personalized Service: I take the time to understand your unique business needs and goals, ensuring that my solutions are tailored specifically to you.
Transparency: I keep you informed throughout the entire process, explaining each step and decision to ensure you are comfortable and confident with the direction of your project.
White-Hat SEO Techniques: I adhere strictly to ethical SEO practices that comply with search engine guidelines, focusing on sustainable, long-term results rather than quick fixes.
Long-Term Relationships: I aim to build lasting partnerships with my clients, providing ongoing support and guidance to help your business grow and adapt in the ever-changing digital landscape.
My consulting journey
I began my journey in the computer field in the early 1980s, initially studying architecture before transitioning into SEO and website consulting. Since then, I’ve been passionate about helping businesses grow by creating high-performing, user-friendly websites. Based in Bend, Oregon, for over 30 years, I combine local expertise with a global perspective to deliver exceptional results.
Since 1993, I’ve been building websites when modems buzzed and screeched—although its been a long ride, I’ve enjoyed every second of it. I started by learning to code from scratch and was one of the first to build full sites using Movable Type. When WordPress came along, I jumped ship and haven’t looked back since. Today, I focus on creating user-friendly, high-performing websites that get real results.
Regarding e-commerce solutions, I’ve tried them all—Shopify, WooCommerce, Webflow—and while they each have their perks, they often feel too top-heavy, expensive, or overly complex for most users. That’s why my go-to solution is SureCart. It’s simple, lightweight, and powerful enough to handle my clients’ needs. Whether it’s one-page checkouts, cart slide-ins, or a smooth buying experience, SureCart offers the right mix of features without the extra headaches. I focus on building conversion-optimized stores that make shopping easy and enjoyable, helping you grow your business without unnecessary complexity. Think of me as your web mechanic—I’ll keep everything running smoothly so you can focus on what matters most.
SEO is very much alive!
I’ve been doing SEO since Yahoo was the thing, and I’ve kept up with every major change along the way. Today’s SEO landscape is packed with AI-powered tools that promise automation, but too much automation can backfire. I know how to balance smart technology with authentic content that resonates with search engines and users alike. My SEO strategies focus on organic growth—providing real value to your audience so your site ranks well and stays relevant.
But traffic alone isn’t enough—if people aren’t engaging or converting, the numbers mean little. If engagement and conversions are low, it’s a sign that something isn’t clicking. That’s where I come in. I build lead funnels that attract and guide the right audience through the customer journey. My white-hat SEO strategies ensure sustainable growth without shortcuts—just real, measurable results that last.
Email marketing drives growth
A great website is only half the battle—a smart marketing strategy is needed to make it all work. Email marketing is still one of the most effective tools for driving growth. Businesses that ignore email often struggle to stay afloat. While there are many email platforms, my favorites are Drip and ConvertKit (Kit)—they strike the perfect balance between usability and power. I avoid the more bloated, complicated tools that often cause more frustration than results.
I’ll help you build meaningful connections with your audience with personalized, automated email campaigns. Whether you’re launching new products, running a promotion, or nurturing leads, I’ll create strategies that turn visitors into loyal customers. I’ll also set up landing pages and sales funnels that engage your audience at the right time and drive them toward action. Think of me as your digital marketing co-pilot—helping you grow your business with smart, scalable strategies that work.
Teaching and authority
Managing a website doesn’t have to feel like a burden. If WordPress feels overwhelming, I’ll guide you step-by-step with personalized screen-sharing sessions so you can learn by doing. Whether you need a quick fix, troubleshooting, or a complete redesign, no project is too big or quirky for me to handle.
Beyond support, teaching is at the heart of what I do. I’ve built an easy-to-use platform for creating online courses, empowering others to share their expertise with the world. The web is about teaching what you know and being an expert in your field. Your website should act as a classroom—a place to demonstrate your knowledge and build trust with your audience. If you’re not establishing authority, don’t expect first-page rankings. I enjoy breaking down complex ideas and helping my clients gain the confidence to grow their online presence. With my help, you won’t just have a site that works—you’ll have the skills and strategies to keep it running smoothly and position yourself as an expert.
At the end of the day …
… I’m a one-man shop with expertise in every corner of web design and marketing. I don’t just build websites—I build relationships and results. Whether you need a small update or a complete overhaul, I’ll guide you every step of the way, making sure your site performs at its best. Ready to get started? Let’s get your website up and running.