Originally founded in 1995, (yes, we’ve been around the block) Netconcepts was re-invigorated and re-launched in 2021. Our fearless leader, Stephan Spencer, has a lengthy, notable history in the internet marketing space, being a 3 time O’Reilly author, including co-author of the “bible” on SEO, The Art of SEO, as well as host of two podcasts, Marketing Speak and Get Yourself Optimized. Stephan has strategically curated a top-notch team of strategists, writers, data analysts, creatives and hard working individuals that make up our current team.
Throughout our extensive history, we have worked with hundreds of clients, specializing in SEO for Fortune 500 ecommerce companies and major media brands. We were acquired at one point, but are now coming back full speed ahead and ready to deliver even better results.
Want to know more? Check out our full story below!
In 1995 Stephan bootstrapped his small web design agency in Madison, Wisconsin. It later evolved into a full-scale SEO consulting firm, and Netconcepts was introduced to the world.
Landed the Cover Image for the Journal of Structural Biology
Stephan co-authored an academic journal article that also got published in this issue.
Getting Recognition
Stephan had the only multi-page case study in Special Edition: Using CGI due to the fact that his two websites, Writers.Net and InnSite, were real time updatable with CGI scripts.
Moved entire family to New Zealand
This move allowed Stephan to expand Netconcepts overseas. Thanks in large part to our Auckland branch and the stellar team there, Netconcepts was able to expand to eventually crack $6 million in revenue.
Netconcepts First Magazine Cover!
It was exciting enough to have landed a feature story about Netconcepts in a print magazine. But being the cover photo for that issue — that was a dream come true! The staff writer shadowed Stephan and his client Food Concepts for weeks, chronicling the evolution of their web presence, from inception to launch.
Started Writing As A Contributor To Magazines And Websites
Stephan first shared his expertise as a columnist for Building Online Business magazine. He later went on to write a column for Unlimited Magazine, one of the top business magazines in New Zealand. This opened him up to a number of new opportunities writing for various magazines and websites.
Stephan Invented The Pay-for-performance SEO Technology Platform Gravitystream
GravityStream was a landmark invention that bypassed the need for IT resources when implementing technical SEO changes.
This optimization platform saved businesses time and resources by automatically optimizing large-scale, dynamic websites. Stephan later applied for a GravityStream patent in 2007.
Landed Target.com As An SEO Audit Client
Other big name clients included REI, Verizon, Home Shopping Network and more!
Stephan Starts Blogging
Stephan became a proponent of blogging and influenced many clients to start utilizing this medium. Steve Spangler, inventor of the viral Diet Coke-Mentos experiment, became an early blogger per his advice. He also played a role in convincing President Jimmy Carter to blog his travel experiences for his non-profit The Carter Center.
Landed another magazine cover
BusinessWatch did an in-depth feature on Stephan’s rise in the SEO industry.
Moved Back To The US
The move allowed Stephan to be more accessible for prominent speaking gigs in the U.S. His illustrious speaking career has brought him to over 100 events and conferences across the globe. The move also helped his daughter, Chloe, launch her speaking career.
Published The Art Of SEO
Stephan co-authored The The Art of SEO, now in its third edition. The book has become a go-to roadmap for anyone looking for tactics, tools, and ranking methods for SEO. It was a huge honor for Stephan to become an O’Reilly author.
Netconcepts Sold To Covario
This was one of the pivotal moments in Stephan’s business life. It always helps having two bidders competing with each other to buy your business. The earn out timeframe he negotiated was six months, which allowed Stephan to jump right into his second business the same year. Netconcepts was put on pause, but Stephan continued to make waves in the SEO industry.
Published Google Power Search
Stephan used his first solo book to cover the full range of Google’s powerful search-refinement features. Google Power Search keys readers into finding anything on Google using advanced tools and techniques. This was Stephan’s second book published by O’Reilly.
Published Social Ecommerce
Stephan co-authored his third O’Reilly published book. Social eCommerce details how to extend brand reach and increase online sales using social media.
Covario Acquisition
Covario, which included Stephan’s Netconcepts team and IP, was acquired by the multi-billion dollar advertising agency conglomerate Dentsu Aegis, which also owns iProspect.
Launched Two Podcast Shows
2015 Marketing Speak Podcast Began
On Marketing Speak, Stephan interviews top marketers who offer tips and tricks for people to dominate their niche.
2015 Get Yourself Optimized Began
On Get Yourself Optimized, he dives into secrets that will help you take control of your health, career, intimate relationship, peer group, mindset and life.
Relaunched Netconcepts
Upon learning that the Netconcepts name and domain were available once again, Stephan decided it was time to relaunch his digital marketing agency to complement a thriving SEO consulting business.
