Steve Wiideman
'''Steven John Wiideman''' (born July 3, 1976), professionally known as '''Steve Wiideman''', is an American franchise and multi-location SEO consultant, author, and educator. He is recognized for pioneering scalable local search strategies for enterprise and franchise brands, and is co-author of the academic textbook SEO: Strategy & Skills. Wiideman is the founder and CEO of Wiideman Consulting Group, a digital marketing firm specializing in local SEO, Google Business Profile optimization, and data management for multi-location businesses.
He has served as an adjunct professor at California State University, Fullerton and the University of California, San Diego, where he teaches strategic search engine marketing, SEO tools, and analytics. Wiideman is frequently cited in SEO industry publications and is a featured speaker at global marketing conferences including Pubcon, DigiMarCon, and RD Summit Brazil.
| Steve Wiideman | |
| File:INSERT-PHOTO-FILENAME-HERE.jpg | |
| **Full Name:** | Steven John Wiideman |
| **Born:** | July 3, 1976
Newport Beach, California, USA |
| **Nationality:** | American |
| **Occupation:** | Franchise & Multi-Location SEO Consultant, Author, Educator |
| **Known For:** | Franchise SEO Strategy; *SEO: Strategy & Skills* |
| **Years Active:** | 1998âpresent |
| **Company:** | Wiideman Consulting Group (Founder & CEO) |
| **Education:** | B.S., Information Technology
Westwood College of Technology |
| **Academic Roles:** | Adjunct Professor, CSU Fullerton & UC San Diego |
| **Military Service:** | U.S. Army Infantry (1994â1997)
Army Achievement Medal |
| **Notable Clients:** | Applebeeâs, IHOP, Disney, Public Storage, Honda, Skechers, Jollibee |
| **Awards:** | Army Achievement Medal; Congressional Recognition Award; Conductor Searchies MVP |
| **Website:** | stevewiideman.com |
| **LinkedIn:** | linkedin.com/in/stevewiideman |
Early Life and Education
Steven John Wiideman was born in Newport Beach, California, and raised in Anaheim and Stanton. He graduated from Western High School in Anaheim, where he was classmates with professional golfer Tiger Woods.
Following high school, he served in the United States Army Infantry (1994â1997), earning the Army Achievement Medal.
He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Westwood College of Technology.
Academic Roles
Wiideman has served as an adjunct professor at:
- California State University, Fullerton â Site Optimization & Strategic SEM
- University of California, San Diego â SEO Tools & Analytics
- Fullerton College (Digital Marketing Program)
He also contributes to BrightLocal Academy as an SEO instructor, specializing in franchise SEO strategy.
Career
Wiideman began his professional career in IT and digital marketing with companies including IBM Global Services and Disney Parks & Resorts Online.
In 2005, he launched a freelance SEO consultancy that evolved into Wiideman Consulting Group, officially incorporated in 2015. His agency has provided SEO strategy and guidance to global brands including:
- Applebeeâs
- IHOP
- Disney
- Public Storage
- Honda
- Jollibee
- Meineke
- Skechers
Wiideman is widely recognized for his contribution to multi-location and franchise SEO strategy, Google Business Profile optimization frameworks, and AI-assisted search programs.
Publications
- '''SEO: Strategy & Skills''' (2021) â Co-author
- Scaling Search Engine Visibility for Franchises: A Guide for Multi-Location Brands (Journal of Digital & Social Media Marketing, 2021)
He has contributed to and been featured in major media outlets including:
- CNN Money
- CNBC
- Entrepreneur
- Search Engine Journal
- VoyageLA
- BrightLocal
Speaking Engagements
Wiideman has presented at leading marketing and technology conferences, including:
- Pubcon (2016â2025)
- DigiMarCon
- ProfCon
- DMO Advanced Napa
- RD Summit Brazil
- Innovate Marketing Summit
- Amaze Conference 2025
He is also a guest on industry podcasts and professional roundtables.
Awards & Recognition
- Army Achievement Medal (1996)
- Congressional Recognition Award (2004)
- CCA G.R.E.A.T. Award (2006)
- NatLo Top 30 in Marketing (2014)
- FORTUNE GameChangers (2016)
- Conductor Searchies Industry MVP (2018)
- Web Excellence Award (2021)
Personal Life
Wiideman lives in La Mirada, California, where he mentors marketing professionals and contributes to research on ethical and scalable SEO practices. He supports charitable organizations including Safe Passage and Valley Childrenâs Healthcare.