AI-powered search is rewriting the rules of visibility. The question isn’t if your brand will adapt—it’s how soon.
SEO & AI Search Strategy Led by Decades of Experience
With more than 25 years in digital strategy, SEO, and AI-driven search, I’ve worked with global media brands, SaaS companies, and enterprise organizations to optimize their search visibility. From leading SEO initiatives at Disney & ESPN to consulting for some of the world’s largest publishers, I specialize in technical SEO, AI search adaptation, and long-term growth strategies.
Since 2007, I’ve been an international speaker on SEO, AI search adaptation, and integrating search awareness into corporate structures. My expertise has been sought after by Fortune 500 companies, global SaaS brands, and high-traffic publishers looking to adapt to the evolving search landscape.
SEO Leadership Rooted in Experience & Innovation
A History of SEO Strategy, AI Search Innovation, & Industry Leadership
CSHEL Search Strategies was founded on the principle that SEO isn’t just about rankings—it’s about influence, authority, and long-term visibility. My career in digital strategy began before search engines as we know them existed—when I co-founded one of the first ISPs in 1994, before the web was even fully open to the public. Back then, Apache didn’t exist yet, so we wrote our own web server. That early experience gave me a deep understanding of how the internet functions at its core—insight that still shapes my approach to SEO today.
Today, I provide executive-level SEO advisory, technical audits, and AI search strategy consulting for SaaS brands, enterprise companies, and high-traffic publishers. Whether it’s aligning SEO with product and marketing teams, optimizing for AI-powered search, or leading SEO transformations, I focus on custom strategies tailored to business goals.
SEO isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it’s not about chasing rankings. My approach is data-driven, strategy-first, and built on real-world experience optimizing major brands. Whether you need fractional SEO leadership, technical SEO expertise, or high-impact advisory services, I ensure that your brand is seen, cited, and trusted in AI-powered search.
Our Team
Experienced SEO & Technical Experts Behind CSHEL
CSHEL Search Strategies is led by industry veteran Carolyn Shelby, with a supporting team of technical specialists and SEO professionals who contribute their expertise as needed. From high-level strategy and AI search consulting to site reliability and technical SEO execution, our team ensures that every project is handled with precision, experience, and data-driven insight.
Carolyn Shelby
Founder & Chief Strategist
With more than 25 years in SEO, technical strategy, and AI-driven search, Carolyn specializes in executive-level advisory, technical SEO audits, and search strategy consulting. She has led SEO initiatives for major brands like Disney, ESPN, and Tribune Publishing, and has been a featured speaker at SEJ, SEL, SEMrush, and corporate events worldwide. When companies need SEO leadership and AI search adaptation, Carolyn provides custom strategies that align search with business goals.
Gretchen Shelby-Dormer
Site Reliability Engineer
Gretchen ensures that the digital infrastructure behind every SEO strategy is secure, scalable, and high-performing. With expertise in server management, uptime monitoring, and technical performance optimization, she helps maintain the stability and reliability of web platforms that drive search visibility.
Max Hogg
SEO & Digital Strategy Associate
Max supports CSHEL with data analysis, research, and technical SEO implementation to ensure client strategies are executed efficiently. As he expands his expertise in search optimization and AI-driven visibility, he assists in identifying opportunities, managing content optimizations, and refining SEO processes.
Ready to Elevate Your SEO Strategy?
Whether you need high-level SEO strategy, technical audits, or guidance on AI-driven search, CSHEL Search Strategies provides custom solutions tailored to your business goals. Let’s build a smarter, more effective approach to search visibility—one that ensures your brand is recognized, cited, and trusted.
Start Your SEO Strategy