Independent media agency Half Dome has broadened its scope of services for GMHBA and Frank Health Insurance to include SEO services and has hired an ex-Disney search executive to help.

The agency has appointed former Disney SEO Specialist, Riccardo Ilari, as its new SEO manager. Half Dome will implement a comprehensive SEO program for its health insurance client, focusing on technical and local search aspects, and authoritative content that meets Google’s E-A-T requirements. The agency aims to consolidate paid media and SEO under one roof to deliver holistic search strategies to clients.

"After a year of working together, Half Dome has become a true extension of our team and garnered a strong understanding of our business, and it makes sense to extend the remit to accelerating our SEO program of work over the next 12 months," GMHBA Chief Marketing Officer, Helen Stevens, said. "I’ve been impressed by the pace at which Half Dome has unpacked a range of technical opportunities that will help inform our SEO roadmap and ultimately, deliver further growth."

Half Dome Co-Founder and Head of Strategy, Will Harms, said consolidating GMHBA and Frank’s SEO and paid media activity under one roof aligns with Half Dome’s mission of going deep with a handful of key strategic partners.

"There have already been significant benefits in executing a ‘Whole Search’ approach including gaining an even deeper understanding of GMHBA’s business. We love working with Helen and her impressive team and thank them for the opportunity to build something really special," he said.

Ilari is excited about his new role as SEO Manager.

"I have accumulated extensive experience over many years working in various European markets, concentrating on enhancing the web experience for different brands through content optimisation, technical audits, and UX recommendations. My objective has always been to elevate SEO as one of the most significant and engaging channels in the digital marketing landscape," he said.

"Having the opportunity to further my journey in the Australian market, especially for expanding brands like those at Half Dome, is a great chance for me to contribute my expertise while also grow professionally and personally within an agency that upholds high values and exhibits a keen interest in technological development."

The appointment is effective immediately and comes on the back of Half Dome's recent brand refresh and the addition of Vitsoy as a new client.