Steve Wiideman
Steve Wiideman (born July 3, 1976) is an American consultant, author, and educator known for his expertise in search engine optimization (SEO) and digital marketing. He is the co-author of the textbook SEO: Strategy & Skills and the founder of Wiideman Consulting Group, a digital marketing agency based in California.
He has served as an adjunct professor at California State University, Fullerton, and the University of California, San Diego, where he teaches search engine marketing and optimization.
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Early Life and Education
Steve Wiideman was born in Newport Beach, California, to Marilyn Ann Threlfall and Randall Norman Wiideman. He grew up in Anaheim and Stanton, attending Western High School in Anaheim, where he was classmates with golfer Tiger Woods.
After high school, Wiideman served in the United States Army Infantry from 1994 to 1997, earning the Army Achievement Medal for his service.
He later earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Westwood College of Technology.
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Academic Roles
Wiideman has taught courses on SEO and digital marketing as an adjunct professor at both California State University, Fullerton, and the University of California, San Diego. His work in academia focuses on helping students and professionals develop digital marketing strategies for modern search engines.
UC San Diego – Instructor Profile
CSU Fullerton – Digital Marketing Program
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Career
Wiideman began his career in IT and online marketing with companies such as IBM Global Services and Disney Parks and Resorts Online.
In 2005, he started a freelance SEO consultancy that later became Wiideman Consulting Group, incorporated in 2015. His agency has worked with major brands in various industries including Skechers, IHOP, Public Storage, Disney, Applebee’s, Linksys, Jollibee, and Honda.
In 2018, he was recognized as the Industry MVP at Conductor’s Searchies Awards, as featured in VoyageLA Magazine.
VoyageLA – Inspiring Conversations with Steve Wiideman
A 2023 Entrepreneur Asia Pacific article listed him among “10 CEOs to Watch Out For in 2023.”
Entrepreneur Asia Pacific – 10 CEOs to Watch Out For in 2023
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Publications
In 2021, Wiideman co-authored SEO: Strategy & Skills with Professor Scott Cowley of Western Michigan University. The book is widely used in digital marketing programs across the U.S.
That same year, he published Scaling Search Engine Visibility for Franchises: A Guide for Multi-Location Brands in the Journal of Digital & Social Media Marketing.
He has also written and been featured in several leading publications, including Entrepreneur, Search Engine Journal, Vice, and CNBC:
Entrepreneur: “Your Site + SEO = High Search Rankings”
CNBC: “Has Google Lost Control of Its Anti-Spam Algorithm?”
Search Engine Journal Interview
Vice Magazine – “Meet A1 MoufPiece, the Search-Optimized Rapper”
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Public Speaking and Media
Wiideman has appeared as a guest speaker and podcast contributor at various marketing events and digital strategy platforms, including:
Rockstar CMO Podcast
BrightLocal SEO Podcast
CXOTalk Interview
He is recognized in the marketing industry for mentoring upcoming professionals and advocating for ethical SEO practices.
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Awards and Recognition
G.R.E.A.T. Award (2006) – Career College Association’s Graduate Recognition for Excellence, Achievement, and Talent
Army Achievement Medal – U.S. Army (1997)
Featured in Search Engine Journal, Entrepreneur, and VoyageLA for contributions to search strategy and leadership in digital marketing.
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Personal Life
Wiideman is based in California, where he continues to mentor marketing professionals and contribute to SEO research and education.
He is active on social media and regularly shares insights on marketing, leadership, and the evolution of search engines.