Ryan Chilton
General Manager
Hi, I’m Ryan, General Manager at Digital Surfer.
My role is to ensure every client we partner with receives the strategic thinking, innovation and service that has helped Digital Surfer become one of Australia’s most awarded search marketing agencies.
While my background is in SEO, digital marketing strategy and business growth, my focus today is much broader. I work closely with our whole team to continually improve our people, systems and client experience while leading the strategic direction of our agency. Whether we’re developing a new website, growing an SEO campaign, launching paid advertising or building an integrated digital marketing strategy, my responsibility is ensuring our team consistently delivers the results our clients expect.
I believe the best digital marketing isn’t about chasing vanity metrics or traffic alone. It’s about understanding a business, identifying opportunities for growth and creating marketing strategies that produce measurable commercial outcomes.
Leading An Award-Winning Team
Over the past several years, I’ve had the privilege of leading and contributing to campaigns recognised among Australia’s best.
These include award-winning campaigns across SEO, Local SEO, Integrated Marketing and Innovation, including:
- Winner – Best Integrated Campaign (APAC Search Awards)
- Winner – Most Innovative Campaign (APAC Search Awards)
- Winner – Best SEO Campaign
- Winner – Best Local SEO Campaign
- Winner – Best Local Campaign (Semrush Search Awards)
Individually, I have also been honoured to receive the APAC Search Awards Emerging Talent Award in both 2025 and 2026, while being recognised as a finalist across multiple national search marketing awards. These achievements reflect not just individual success, but the incredible work our entire team produces together.
Ryan's Story
Ryan always knew he would work in the world of digital marketing, even moving from his home on the Gold Coast to the United States to get the best possible education in digital marketing. In his 5+ years in the U.S. Ryan completed his Bachelor of Business Administration, Majoring in Digital Marketing & eCommerce from Western Michigan University, as well as having finished a Certificate III in Media from TAFE here in Australia.
While studying, Ryan was also getting hands-on experience, working as a social media coordinator, developing his own digital marketing website and taking on a B2B sales role to further his understanding of how people buy and the different stages of the sales process.
Ryan’s natural leadership capabilities have shown time and time again by supporting the owners of Digital Surfer in various Leadership and business development events on behalf of the business.
Ryan’s expertise & thought leadership in the Digital Space is evident in his endless pursuit of personal growth & his ability to give back to those who are on a similar journey. One way Ryan has given back to the Digital Marketing community is through his Guest lecture he provided at Northeastern University in Boston, MA, USA. Ryan was a guest speaker for a student organisation, presenting via Zoom on the topic “SEO Tools & Best Practices”.
Ryan is also an exceptional inline hockey player, representing not only Australia but also playing on a scholarship at a university in America. With a combination of Ryan’s passion, knowledge in digital marketing, leadership skills, and competitive nature anyone working with Ryan on their business’s strategic digital marketing plan is to be a sure winner.
From SEO Specialist To General Manager
My journey at Digital Surfer began as an SEO and Digital Marketing Specialist, partnering directly with businesses to help them grow through search marketing.
As our agency evolved, so did my responsibilities.
Today, I lead the day-to-day operations of Digital Surfer, helping guide our strategic direction while mentoring our team of specialists, improving internal processes and ensuring we continue to innovate in an industry that never stands still. One of the areas I’m most passionate about is developing our people. Continuous education has become a core part of our culture, with ongoing internal training ensuring our team stays ahead of emerging technologies, search trends and evolving digital marketing strategies.
By investing in our team, we’re able to continually deliver greater value to our clients.
Ryan's Top Specialities
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Team Development & Leadership
Digital Marketing Strategy
Business Development
AI Automation & Process Development
Marketing Mentoring
Need a Digital Marketing partner in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, or elsewhere in Australia?
Wherever you are in Australia, if you’re ready to invest in your business’s growth, our team of digital marketing specialists are here to help. We help businesses who are ready to grow their team, open more locations, or increase their profit from $1 or $2 million to $3+ million a year. Chat with us to find out how.