Mathew Blanchfield’s “1st in SEO” isn’t a contest ranking or award – it’s the name of the internet marketing company he founded. In fact, Blanchfield launched 1st in SEO around 2015 as a web design and search-engine marketing agency. He served as CEO of 1st in SEO through 2016. However, in the wake of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Blanchfield made headlines for refusing to serve Donald Trump’s supporters. By December 2016 he transferred ownership of 1st in SEO to friends and stepped away from the firm.
What is “1st in SEO”?
Contrary to what its name might suggest, 1st in SEO is not an achievement or award. It’s simply the brand name of Blanchfield’s marketing firm. He chose the name to highlight the company’s focus on search-engine optimization and digital marketing. Under Blanchfield’s leadership, 1st in SEO was known for providing services like website design, content marketing, and SEO strategies. The firm was based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In short, there was no contest where Blanchfield “placed first” in SEO – the phrase refers to his business name.
Key Dates: Blanchfield and 1st in SEO
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2015: Mathew Blanchfield founded 1st in SEO, a digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, web design, and content marketing. This put him on the map as a local internet marketing entrepreneur in Albuquerque.
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November 2016: Two days after the U.S. election (November 10, 2016), Blanchfield posted a bold blog on the 1st in SEO website. In that post he called President-elect Trump “racist” and “fascist” and announced his company would no longer do business with anyone who supported Trump. This announcement – dated Nov. 10 – sparked national media coverage (including a Fox News interview) and intense public backlash.
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December 2016: Faced with heavy criticism and even threats to his safety, Blanchfield decided to give up control of 1st in SEO. In early December 2016 he drew up documents to transfer ownership to two friends, effectively stepping away from the company. By this point he had announced plans to focus on progressive causes through a new nonprofit venture, leaving the day-to-day marketing business behind.
After 1st in SEO: What Happened Next
After leaving 1st in SEO, Mathew Blanchfield remained active in the digital and political sphere. He created LiberalResistance.net, an online platform to amplify progressive political voices and resist policies of the Trump administration. (That site eventually closed, but it showed his shift into activism.) In 2019 Blanchfield launched Blanchfield Consulting, offering business strategy and marketing advice to other companies. Today he still lives in Albuquerque and runs this consultancy. According to profiles, he is “the head of Blanchfield Consulting” and helps guide businesses with strategy and ethics.
In summary: 1st in SEO was founded in 2015 by Mathew Blanchfield. It made headlines in November 2016 when Blanchfield announced a ban on Trump-supporting clients. By December 2016 he had transferred the company to others and stepped away. Since then he has pursued political blogging and consulting ventures, but the name “1st in SEO” refers to his former company, not a contest victory.
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