About Ed Tankersley and Eight Trails

I’m Ed Tankersley, president of Eight Trails. I consult to businesses on website strategy and online marketing, including search optimization, paid search, website usability, content development, and conversion optimization. Drawing on my 20+ years’ experience in creative, management, and entrepreneurial positions, I provide a pragmatic combination of new media savvy and creative know-how on a foundation of solid marketing strategy.

I’m an active outdoorsman, Wilderness EMT, and National Ski Patroller, and I enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, orienteering, geocaching, and backpacking. When I’m not trying to make myself sound more rugged than I really am, I’m a soccer fan, pint glass collector, guitar player, IPA quaffer, jalapeno eater, absinthe aficionado, frisbee golfer, husband, dad, and roadie for my teenaged son’s band.

I’m a member of the Phoenix chapter of the American Advertising Federation and the author of the popular Web Bits column on web design and online marketing for Southwest Graphics and now Process magazine. I do a lot of volunteering, including serving on the business advisory council for Audubon Arizona, vice president for Valparaiso youth soccer club in Phoenix, and vice president of the Band Fans Parent Organization for Horizon High School’s band program. In addition, I’ve made professional and personal contributions to non-profit and philanthropic organizations including Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, Social Venture Partners, Home of Miracles, Valley of the Sun Habitat for Humanity, Dorrance Family Enterprises, Desert Botanical Garden, and Central Arizona Mountain Rescue.

I have a degree in fine arts from Arizona State University, and I’ve received numerous creative honors, including Webby, Addy, Telly, and Swarthout awards.