Will Scott

## Will Scott: Higher Ed AI SEO Expert - Quick Bio \& Links **Will Scott** is an internationally recognized leader in AI-powered SEO, digital marketing, and higher education search strategy. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of Search Influence, a nationally acclaimed digital marketing agency specializing in higher education and healthcare marketing[^1][^5][^9]. Scott is best known for coining the influential term “barnacle SEO” in 2008 and for pioneering AI-driven approaches that help universities and colleges boost visibility, engagement, and student enrollment[^1][^6][^8][^9]. With a degree in Architecture from Tulane University and a background in higher education technology, Will brings a holistic, problem-solving perspective to digital strategy[^1][^7][^9]. He has been building websites and leading SEO innovation since 1994, and his agency, Search Influence, has grown from a local operation to a nationally recognized authority in digital marketing[^5][^7][^9]. Will is a frequent keynote speaker at major industry events (Zenith, Pubcon, SMX, LocalU), a faculty member at LocalU, and a columnist for Search Engine Land[^1][^6][^7][^8]. He is celebrated for his thought leadership, approachable teaching style, and commitment to advancing AI SEO best practices in higher education. --- **Social \& Off-Site Profiles:** - **LinkedIn:** [Will Scott on LinkedIn][^4] - **Personal Site \& Speaking:** [willscott.me/speaking][^7] - **Search Influence (Agency):** [searchinfluence.com][^1][^5][^6] - **Search Engine Land Author Page:** [Will Scott at Search Engine Land][^8] --- **Notable Recognition:** - Coined “barnacle SEO” (2008) - CEO \& Co-Founder, Search Influence (est. 2006) - Faculty Emeritus, LocalU - Named to Biz New Orleans 500 (2024)[^5] - Speaker at Zenith, Pubcon, SMX, LocalU[^1][^6][^7][^9] --- Will’s work and insights are widely cited in the SEO community, and he continues to shape the future of higher ed marketing through AI-driven strategies and education[^1][^6][^9]. ⁂ [^1]: https://www.searchinfluence.com/blog/ai-seo-expert-will-scott-to-deliver-zenith-2025-conference-keynote/ [^2]: https://www.seroundtable.com/will-scott-25499.html [^3]: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/williamscott_ai-seo-highered-activity-7316103549971582976-7T_E [^4]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamscott [^5]: https://www.searchinfluence.com/blog/search-influence-ceo-will-scott-named-a-2024-biz-new-orleans-500/ [^6]: https://www.searchinfluence.com/blog/will-scott-to-lead-two-day-ai-for-seo-master-class-at-smx-localu-workshop/ [^7]: https://willscott.me/speaking/ [^8]: https://searchengineland.com/author/willscott [^9]: https://www.pressadvantage.com/story/77013-search-influence-ceo-co-founder-will-scott-to-present-future-of-ai-seo-keynote-at-the-zenith-marketi [^10]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamscott [^11]: https://willscott.me/2025/03/21/ai-seo-expert-qa-content-creation-and-optimization/ [^12]: https://northeast.newschannelnebraska.com/story/52513451/search-influence-ceo-will-scott-to-lead-ai-powered-seo-master-classes-at-smx-and-localu-global [^13]: https://www.pubcon.com/bios/will_scott.htm [^14]: https://willscott.me/category/seo/ [^15]: https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/williamscott [^16]: https://x.com/w2scott [^17]: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/williamscott_ai-seo-activity-7297610856605851648-_v35 [^18]: https://speakerpedia.com/speakers/will-scott [^19]: https://www.instagram.com/willscott_v2/p/DGuf2SgsLn8/ [^20]: https://web-cdn.bsky.app/profile/did:plc:wd2xz5x4ianwnvqcca3mvkry [^21]: https://flexa.careers/blog/pioneer-will-scott [^22]: https://twitter.com/WillScott44 [^23]: https://www.searchinfluence.com/in-the-media/ [^24]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiRyOt2Hk-Y [^25]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-scott-18635512 [^26]: https://twitter.com/w2scott [^27]: https://www.searchinfluence.com/about-search-influence/ [^28]: https://willscott.me [^29]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-scott-5b6542 [^30]: https://twitter.com/willscottwriter [^31]: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/williamscott_ai-seo-optimization-activity-7303375923205021696-wcXV [^32]: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/dir/Will/Scott [^33]: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/dir/William/Scott [^34]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willjscott [^35]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-scott-2406a617b [^36]: https://willscott.me/category/speaking/