Valentina Izzo’s journey from an avid reader and aspiring journalist to a significant player in the digital marketing and SEO landscape is a testament to her resilience and creativity. Born in Naples and now proudly Roman, Valentina’s early love of books and writing laid the foundation for her future endeavors.
Discovering the vast potential of the web and new communication channels, Valentina turned to marketing, immersing herself in the world of SEO and communication agencies. In the dynamic environment of social media, she honed her ability to directly engage her audience, blending the essence of a brand with authentic human interaction. This experience was pivotal, making her realize that her true calling was content creation.
Joining the WordLift team as Marketing Content Manager marked a significant milestone in Valentina’s career. Here, she has been instrumental in creating content that resonates with the Italian and international communities that follow WordLift. Her work is characterized by a harmonious blend of honesty, creativity, and a keen understanding of audience engagement. Valentina’s ability to turn words into “music to the ears” of readers reflects her deep commitment to delivering value through content.
Valentina’s contributions go beyond content creation. She has co-authored exciting articles on the evolving SEO landscape, highlighting the importance of Knowledge Graphs and generative AI in improving search engine optimization strategies. Her exploration of Google’s Multitask Unified Model (MUM) and its impact on search capabilities demonstrates her expertise in navigating the complexities of AI in SEO. In addition, Valentina’s collaboration on articles on conversational search in SEO and her use of tools such as Streamlit for AI-based SEO tools underscore her forward-thinking approach and dedication to innovation in the field.
Valentina Izzo’s journey is a compelling tale of growth, adaptation, and impact in digital marketing. Her contributions to WordLift and the broader SEO community reflect her passion for storytelling, strategic mindset, and unwavering commitment to excellence in content creation and digital marketing strategies.
Relevant Articles & Events
Valentina has written over 30 articles for the WordLift blog and other platforms. Here you will find collected some of the most recent and relevant ones that have been published.
So, imagine this: born and raised in Rome, and after 18 years away, I’m back in the heart of the city, stepping into the role of COO at WordLift. Yep, talk about a homecoming! But let me give you a quick rundown of how I got here.
After completing my MA in Economics at La Sapienza, I dove headfirst into the consultancy world from 2004 to 2011, right here in Rome. I started from scratch, learning the ins and outs of project management while collaborating with a variety of public and private organizations.
But you know what they say – variety is the spice of life. So, in 2005, I made the leap into academia, pursuing a PhD journey and diving into research and teaching, first in Turin and later in Lisbon. My thirst for knowledge led me to explore diverse areas such as policy analysis, Science and Technology Studies (STS), and the ever-evolving dynamics of digital markets.
Fast forward to 2011, and I found myself at the helm of various R&D organizations, steering the ship towards innovation and success. One standout experience? My time as Programme Coordinator at the prestigious European University Institute in Florence, where I lived for six years. There, I managed a flurry of activities, from coordinating academic resources to forging strategic partnerships with heavyweights like the European Commission and global tech giants in e-commerce and technology.
And now, armed with a robust toolkit of skills and insights honed over the years, I‘m ready to dive headfirst into the dynamic world of WordLift. From mastering project management intricacies to navigating the ever-shifting digital landscape, I’m geared up and eager to tackle any challenges that come our way.
What does a Chief Operating Officer do?
So, let’s dive into what it means to be the Chief Operating Officer at WordLift. As COO, my role revolves around ensuring that WordLift runs like a well-oiled machine, keeping everything in check so we can focus on what we do best – revolutionizing the world of modern and AI-powered SEO.
I take charge of planning, coordinating, and supervising the key areas of the company, including the tech team, innovation hub, and business development. This involves not only overseeing the day-to-day operations but also strategically aligning these departments with the company’s long-term goals. I work closely with each team to identify opportunities for synergy and collaboration, ensuring that our efforts are cohesive and aligned towards driving growth.
My goal is to integrate processes and procedures across the different departments to streamline operations and maximize efficiency. By implementing best practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, I aim to ensure that we are well-equipped to execute our growth plans effectively.
Additionally, I provide the company with the necessary infrastructures for growth. This includes developing and implementing policies and procedures to support our expanding team, optimizing our financial resources to fuel growth initiatives, and ensuring that we remain compliant with relevant regulations and standards. By proactively addressing these foundational aspects of our business, I help lay the groundwork for sustainable growth and success.
But perhaps most importantly, I’m here to support our team, and that’s what I love doing. Whether it’s providing guidance, fostering a culture of innovation, or rolling up my sleeves to lend a hand, I’m committed to empowering our talented individuals to thrive and succeed.
So there you have it – a glimpse into the world of a Chief Operating Officer at WordLift. It’s a role that’s equal parts strategy, execution, and support, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Leadership and strategic planning emerge as pivotal elements in the rapidly evolving tech industry landscape, where innovation and adaptability are the cornerstones of success. At the helm of these transformative journeys are visionary leaders who foresee the challenges ahead and chart a course that aligns with the company’s ambitious growth plans.
We meet Chiara Carrozza, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of WordLift, and she shares with us her perspective on steering the company through the intricacies of technological advancements and regulatory landscapes.
Join us as we explore the strategic initiatives and leadership philosophies shaping the future of WordLift, setting a benchmark for excellence in the tech industry.
Introduction to Chiara’s Professional Path
Chiara, we’re thrilled to explore the depths of your extensive professional journey. Could you share how your varied experiences have prepared you for the critical role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) at WordLift?
My career has spanned both the private sector and the academic world, encompassing roles in consultancy for both public and private entities (2004-2011), academic research and teaching (beginning in 2005), and leadership and coordination within R&D organizations (starting in 2011). Each of these roles has contributed a unique set of skills and knowledge crucial for tackling the challenges at WordLift.
In my consultancy roles within the private sector, I honed a comprehensive skill set in project management, encompassing the entire lifecycle of a project from its inception, through planning and execution, to its successful conclusion. My academic pursuits as a researcher and lecturer have endowed me with deep insights, analytical prowess, and communication skills, particularly in policy analysis, Science and Technology Studies (STS), the regulation of emerging and disruptive technologies, and competition dynamics in digital markets.
As the Programme Coordinator at the European University Institute (EUI), I managed the program’s activities and academic and administrative resources. I managed strategic relationship management with key external partners and stakeholders. This included engagements with EU institutions (notably the European Commission) and leading global corporations in telecommunications, digital technologies, semiconductors, and e-commerce & delivery. This rich tapestry of experiences has equipped me with a diverse toolkit of competencies that perfectly align with the demands and aspirations of my role as COO at WordLift.
Exploring the COO’s Role at WordLift
Chiara, as you delve into the core responsibilities of the COO role at WordLift, how do you perceive your essential functions and duties? Furthermore, how do you plan to enhance the synergy between your role and the CEO’s vision?
Upon embarking on my journey with WordLift a few months back, I was recommended the insightful book “How to be a Chief Operating Officer” by Jennifer Geary. The book paints the COO as a multifaceted role, overseeing various technical areas ranging from HR policy and regulation to Legal & Compliance, Internal Communications & Public Relations, and Finance.
It’s a role marked by complexity and diversity, highly dependent on the company’s size and stage. Crucially, it evolves in close synergy with the CEO, necessitating a tailored approach to complement the CEO’s personality and experience. In essence, no two COO roles are identical. In steering WordLift through its dynamic and ever-evolving landscape, my primary aim is to synchronize the company’s strategic ambitions with the efficient management of daily operations. Currently, my efforts are centered around three key pillars: leadership, collaboration, and communication.
Firstly, I’m focusing on bolstering the organization’s leadership, particularly at the management level, by establishing a board of managers. This forum serves as a platform for in-depth discussions on strategic decisions and the execution of major initiatives.
Secondly, I aim to cultivate a culture of collaboration and cooperation across the company’s various functional areas. I emphasize recognizing the interplay and dependencies among departments to achieve collective success. By promoting open communication, encouraging cross-functional teamwork, and fostering a shared understanding of each area’s contribution to our common objectives, I aim to enhance the synergy and efficiency of our operations.
Lastly, a significant aspect of my role involves improving internal communication within WordLift. A key focus is bridging the communication gap between our technical and non-technical teams. Acknowledging the crucial role of effective translation in a tech-centric company, I am dedicated to ensuring smooth communication to facilitate knowledge and expertise exchange across departments and enhance problem-solving within the organization.
Navigating Future Horizons and Strategic Initiatives
Chiara, as we look to the horizon, what do you foresee as the primary challenges awaiting WordLift, especially within your sphere of influence? How do you intend to guide the organization through these hurdles, ensuring alignment with our ambitious growth objectives?
As for the future challenges in the technological domain, these are outside my area of expertise: I rely on our brilliant CEO’s vision and our talented team’s capacity to forecast emerging trends and develop innovative solutions to uphold our competitive edge in the market.
As for the future challenges that will directly affect my role, I foresee two key areas. Firstly, we must stay proactive in anticipating forthcoming AI regulations, ensuring that our operations maintain compliance and adhere to ethical standards as the regulatory environment evolves in the next few years.
In second place, I will be committed to aligning our company’s trajectory with the three-year growth plan we outlined towards the end of 2023. This plan encompasses strategic expansion initiatives aimed at propelling our business forward. By staying committed to this roadmap, we can navigate uncertainties effectively and capitalize on opportunities for sustainable growth.
WordLift is happy to announce a member of the team – Ángela Ballesteros García 💙
Quick Facts
Name: Ángela Ballesteros García
Age: 25
Position in WordLift: Business Developer & Account Manager.
Languages spoken: Spanish, German, English, italian
Let’s Get to Know Ángela
Tell us more about yourself…
My name is Ángela Ballesteros García, and I’m a 25-year-old. I was born in Los Molinos, a small mountainous village in the northern Sierra of Madrid – in Spain. I’ve always been fascinated by languages, different cultures, and worldviews.
When I turned twenty, I moved to Regensburg, Germany, for my studies. I engaged in a comprehensive German-Spanish studies program, which immersed me in various disciplines, including politics, culture, linguistics, literature, and languages. Enhancing this foundation, I pursued an additional certification in German for International Rhetorical Competence, refining skills vital for persuasion, critical thinking, reading, communication, public speaking, and ethical reasoning.
Furthermore, I dedicated myself to German, Italian, and English language courses. Concurrently, I actively worked ‘in diverse customer-facing roles” to further enhance my proficiency in German.
There, I had the chance to meet people from various countries and cultural backgrounds, but more importantly, I got to know myself better. Accustomed to being surrounded by friends and family, I faced life’s challenges alone.
At the beginning of the pandemic, I was in Houston, Texas. Then, the spread of COVID-19 started, and I could not return to Germany. After almost three months, I was finally able to return home. I spent a lot of time reading, walking, and studying. Most of my friends were abroad, so I was alone, which motivated me to nurture my knowledge in diverse human disciplines like anthropology and psychology.
During this period of self-discovery, I realized two things: first, after finishing my university degree, I wanted to live in a country where people were more similar to me. I was living in Germany, then I moved to Italy because I desired a country where people are known for being more talkative, humorous, and easy-going. I sought a place where human connections are valued over mechanical interactions and where there’s a genuine appreciation for the art of cooking and dining, as well as for fashion and beauty.
Secondly, I wanted to learn something completely new, different from my previous studies. That’s why I decided to move to Rome and pursue a master’s degree in marketing and sales.
During my master’s, I had the opportunity to intern at WordLift. WordLift offered me the chance to start from scratch with no previous knowledge of technical SEO or knowledge graphs. This shows that you can always start something new, and as we say in Spain, it’s never too late if the opportunity is good.
Three things you love the most about being a Wordlifter🏋️♀️
What I love most about working at WordLift is that I can be surrounded by very ambitious and knowledge-hungry people, which helps me broaden my horizons, learn new things, and constantly strive to better myself.
I also appreciate that the technology and the field where WordLift operates are very innovative, which means I always stay energized because there’s always something new to discover!
Lastly, what I love most about WordLift is our clients. It’s an immense pleasure for me to serve people who are engaged in what they do and, like the WordLift team, always want to improve and be their best version.
Can you share the exciting, innovative work that you’re doing at WordLift?
Currently, I hold all clients who have acquired a WordLift license, whether it’s Starter, Professional, or Business. Additionally, I serve as the crucial link between leads and potential clients and our final product.
This means I work closely with those intrigued by WordLift, demonstrating our platform’s immense value. I do this through the WordLift Demo. Once a lead transitions into a client, I become their dedicated account manager, optimizing their website’s interaction with our product to achieve the most excellent synergy possible.
So, if you’re not yet a client, what are you waiting for? As a Business Developer and Account Manager, I’m here to ensure you unlock the full potential of WordLift. Reach out, and let’s embark on this journey together. Let’s meet 🤝
Kalicube is a digital marketing agency that developed a platform called Kalicube Pro to help businesses to increase their presence on Google by optimizing Brand SERPs and managing Knowledge Panels. Kalicube was founded by Jason Barnard, and now it has a team that handles all aspects of brand development, management, and promotion.
They are a company with in-depth knowledge and experience in search engine optimization (SEO), but soon realized that traditional SEO was no longer enough to grow their business. With the idea of taking SEO to the next level, the Kalicube team started using WordLift to add schema markup to content published on the website and build an internal Knowledge Graph.
In this SEO case study, I’ll tell you how the Kalicube team increased the organic traffic to the website by adding FAQPage schema markup and VideoObject.
What made you decide to use WordLift?
We are a company built on a foundation of SEO – Jason Barnard has been leading the line in SEO since the year Google was incorporated (1998). But traditional SEO is no longer enough. We realized that, although we clearly have great visual, video and written content on our specialized subject, brand message on Google SERPs, Google didn’t fully recognise our topical authority in the field.
One problem is that, although the content is unique and of great quality, the site is young (12 months) and we couldn’t compete with major authorities in the sphere of SEO such as Search Engine Journal, Search Engine Land…we lack maturity and inbound links.
We worked on internal linking, which helped tremendously – putting us at the top of long-tail searches. Growth through this technique was incredible, but that alone was not enough, and growth slowed. We are convinced that by building an internal Knowledge Graph with WordLift, we can maintain growth over the long term, gain an advantage over more mature sites in this space, and rank #1 for medium and short-head searches.
We also have a FAQ section on the site and wanted to use Wordlift’s FAQ schema markup to give those pages extra traction.
What were your expectations and the goals you wanted to achieve?
We expect an increase in traffic via Google Search as Google understands our topical authority thanks to the use of Wordlift’s schema markup through WordPress tagging.
Specifically for the FAQ section (where we have more than 70 pages), by using the FAQ extension in WordLift, we expect to see improvements in rich FAQ results in Google SERPs and increased organic traffic. By using the VideoObject we hope for better visibility in the video results of Google searches. This is especially important as these results show a thumbnail image, and we have a solid visual identity which we believe will significantly increase brand awareness. If we can put these images in front of people.
What were the challenges and opportunities you encountered along the way?
Some of the concepts in WordLift are hard to grasp at first, even for us at Kalicube (and we work on entities all day). But with a bit of persistence, the logic becomes “obvious” and easy to implement.
It’s a challenge to stay consistent with tagging – it requires dedication, memory, and concentration. Fortunately, Jean Marie has all of these qualities. It’s also tempting to “over tag.” Once we realized that more is not necessarily better (too much confuses the message and has a negative effect), we were okay.
We have a lot of video content on Kalicube’s YouTube channel. We had them embedded in the content on our own website. They provide a great user experience for site visitors but are not bringing in traffic via Google search. We implemented Wordlift’s VideoObject, which allows us to replace the YouTube video in Google’s SERP with the video on our website, driving traffic to our website at the expense of YouTube.
Being part of Team Kalicube has given me the opportunity to understand the concept of “entities.” I would like to emphasize the importance of understanding this concept because it is incredibly useful when implementing tags, especially for pages and/or articles published in Kalicube’s learning spaces. Even though it’s challenging for someone like me who does not have a deep knowledge of semantic SEO, schema markup, and some of those complicated things.
Understanding “entities” helped me focus on what makes sense for Google to understand what topics Kalicube is really targeting because, as Jason says, “Google needs to understand our thematic authority.”
Of course, Wordlift analyzes the content of each article and identifies matching entities. That’s very helpful indeed because the suggestions help me decide what to focus on and where. But the wonderful thing is that I do not have to limit myself to these suggestions because the system allows me to create other relevant entities that can be added to the articles in the form of tags.
I believe that Google’s crawlers understand Kalicube’s content better when they focus on the relevant tags, thanks to WordLift schema markup.
Jean Marie Laurente – Website Content Manager
What results have you achieved?
Google Search Console results show that Kalicube’s FAQ section has made significant progress in impressions and clicks over the last 3 months. This can be attributed to the strategies implemented by the Kalicube team, which include tagging with WordLift, and internal and external linking.
In particular, there was an increase in the number of clicks with +2.23K (more than double the previous period) and an increase in the number of impressions with +271k compared to the previous period.
WordLift is happy to announce a new member of the team – Kim Renberg 💙
Quick Facts
Name: Kim Renberg Age: 58 Position in WordLift: Sales Administrator Languages spoken: English, Italian, Danish
Let’s Get to Know Kim
Tell us more about yourself…
I was born in Denmark and have lived half my life in Italy, mainly in Rome. Over the years I have become a kind of hybrid, mixing the two cultures. The Italians experience me as Nordic and the Danes as Mediterranean. I have a very broad professional background and interests: I have a master’s degree in public administration from Denmark, I have worked as an export manager in the Italian automotive industry, I have worked as a project manager in the Italian MICE and travel industry, and I have taken on several roles in the digital media industry. Throughout my professional life, I have always worked with people from different cultural backgrounds from many countries around the world. This is always an inspiring experience that I enjoy very much. Organizing business activities across multiple local, business and even corporate cultures is a great challenge that I enjoy very much – and making it even more successful. In the field of digital media, SEO has always been my main interest. I have been working with SEO since 2000. One of my first challenges was AltaVista, now it’s as good as Google. I believe SEO should be an important part of any content marketing project. So I find WordLift’s ambition to push modern SEO into the realm of structured data and semantic markup very exciting.
3 things you love the most about being a WordLifter🏋️♀️
I enjoy organizing sales efforts and helping organizations and businesses use WordLift tools, services and solutions in the best way possible. I love selling highly innovative technologies with WordLift’s multidisciplinary team, which has strong expertise in search engine optimization. It’s a great experience to be part of the commercial rollout and add business value to our global customers. Finally, I find it stimulating to work in an innovative environment with smart people. I learn new things every day. Before I started at WordLift, I did not know much about e-commerce and AI-generated content. Now it’s part of my everyday work. And then one more thing. WordLift as a company works with many other innovative professionals, organizations and companies in many countries. Working at WordLift means being part of something bigger that’s happening all over the world.
Can you share exciting innovative tools that you’re using at WordLift?
Well, I use the WordLift WordPress plugin myself as a travel blogger. The blog is written in Danish and aims to sell Rome as a travel destination to Danish individual travelers. I have been using WordLift since before I joined the company. Dealing with a destination means that keyword searches are often inefficient and competition is high. Tourist places have names you can not get around. You need to rank for their official names. Working with structured data and semantic markup has been a spectacular experience for me. Even a small blog can benefit from WordLift technology. After a few months I found my posts on good page 1 positions in Google SERP, with FAQ schema markupI got good results on ‘people also ask’ and I even found some rich snippets at the top of SERP. I definitely found that structured data is not just a matter for big companies, but this innovative tool is suitable for everyone, including blogs and small businesses.
