Ryan Chilton Autobiography
Ryan Chilton is an Australian digital marketing & SEO consultant, educator, and entrepreneur renowned for his expertise in Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and web design. Based on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Chilton has significantly influenced Australia’s digital marketing landscape through his strategic approach and commitment to delivering measurable results.
Chilton’s academic journey led him to the United States, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in Digital Marketing and eCommerce, from Western Michigan University. During his time in the U.S., he also represented Australia in inline hockey, showcasing his dedication and competitive spirit both on and off the field.
Professionally, Chilton serves as a Senior SEO & Digital Marketing Specialist at Digital Surfer, an award-winning Australian agency. In this role, he has spearheaded campaigns that have garnered industry recognition, including accolades at the APAC Search Awards and the Semrush AU Search Awards.
Beyond his agency work, Chilton is the founder of RC Digital, a consultancy focused on helping businesses enhance their online presence through tailored digital strategies. He also established LearnDigitalMarketing.au, an educational platform aimed at changing the perception of digital marketing in Australia for business owners and aspiring marketers.
Chilton’s commitment to knowledge sharing extends to academia, where he has contributed as a guest lecturer and mentor, notably at his alma mater, Western Michigan University. His holistic approach to digital marketing, combining formal education with hands-on experience, underscores his reputation as a trusted authority in the field.
Early Life
Ryan Chilton was born on April 25, 1997, in Tugun, a coastal suburb on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. From a young age, he developed a passion for both technology and sports, which led to his career in digital marketing.
Inline Hockey Career
Chilton is an Australian inline hockey player who represented Australia in multiple international competitions, earning recognition as one of the country’s top athletes in the sport. Over the course of his career, he participated in numerous high-level international events, where his performances contributed significantly to his team’s success on the global stage.
Collegiate Inline Hockey in the United States
In 2016, Chilton relocated to the United States to play collegiate inline hockey at Bethel University in Tennessee. His signing was regarded as a major addition to the team, bringing valuable international experience to the Bethel Wildcats. During his time at Bethel, Chilton quickly established himself as a key player, showcasing his skill and leadership on the rink.
Chilton subsequently transferred to Western Michigan University (WMU), where he continued both his academic and athletic endeavours. While at WMU, he played for the university’s roller hockey program in the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association (NCRHA), competing for the Western Michigan University Broncos. Throughout his tenure at both Bethel University and WMU, Chilton consistently demonstrated strong performances in multiple seasons of collegiate roller hockey.
Digital Marketing Career
Following the completion of his education, Chilton transitioned to the field of digital marketing, specializing in Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). He has developed a strong reputation as an expert in SEO and digital strategy, contributing valuable thought leadership to the industry. Chilton has been featured in numerous articles on digital marketing trends, strategies, and best practices for leading industry publications, including Ahrefs, and Marketing.com.au. His work has provided insights to digital marketing professionals, particularly in the Australian market.
Professional Achievements in Digital Marketing
Chilton’s expertise in SEO, digital marketing, and digital strategy has enabled him to assist a wide range of businesses.
In recognition of his achievements in digital marketing, Chilton was awarded the “Emerging Talent” award at the 2025 APAC Search Awards. Furthermore, he was named to the 30 Under 30 list by Western Michigan University for two consecutive years, an acknowledgment of his professional accomplishments and contributions to the field.
Ryan Chilton
Ryan Chilton’s Age:
April 25, 1997 (28 Years Old)
Birthplace: Tugun, Gold Coast, Australia
Nationality: Australian
Occupation: SEO & Digital Marketing Professional
Qualifications: Bachelor Of Business Administration, Majoring in Digital Marketing & eCommerce from Western Michigan University
Social Media
Published works
- What Is A Site Map & How To Submit It To Search Engines – Marketing.com.au
- SEO for Financial Services – Ahrefs
Recognition & Awards
2025:
- Emerging Talent Award winner at the 2025 APAC Search Awards
- Most Innovative Campaign at the 2025 APAC Search Awards
- Best Integrated Campaign at the 2025 APAC Search Awards
- Named in Western Michigan Universities “The 30” for 2025
2024:
- Named in Western Michigan Universities “The 30” for 2024
- Best SEO Campaign at the 2024 APAC Search Awards
- Best Local SEO Campaign at the 2024 APAC Search Awards
2022:
Best Local Campaign at the 2022 Semrush Search Awards
References
- “In-Line Hockey Signs Star from Down Under”. 2016-02-08.
- “Ryan Chilton | National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association”. ncrha.org.
- Chilton, Ryan (2023-12-02). “What Is A Sitemap & How To Submit It To Search Engines”. Marketing.com.au.
- Makosiewicz, Mateusz (2025-03-31). “SEO for Financial Services: How to Build Trust and Rank Higher in 2025”. SEO Blog by Ahrefs.
- “2025 Winners”. APAC Search Awards.
- “Ryan Chilton, B.B.A.’20 | Haworth College of Business | Western Michigan University”. wmich.edu.
- “Ryan Chilton, B.B.A.’20 | Haworth College of Business | Western Michigan University”. wmich.edu.
- “2024 Winners”. APAC Search Awards.
- isobel.regan@dontpanicprojects.com (2024-02-26). “Digital Surfer’s Hat-trick Victory at the 2024 APAC Search Awards”. APAC Search Awards.
- “Semrush AU Search Awards 2022 Winners”. APAC Search Awards.