Nate Balcom | Freelancer Resume

NATE BALCOM Lake Orion MI | Phone# and Email Upon Request Professional Summary UX Optimization Specialist & SEO Web Designer with over 10 years of experience creating responsive, accessible, and search-optimized digital experiences. Skilled in UX/UI design, front-end development, and SEO strategies, with a proven track record of improving website performance, Core Web Vitals, and user engagement. Adept at leading cross-functional teams in Agile environments to deliver user-centered solutions, leveraging tools like Figma, Adobe XD, WordPress, and Google Analytics to drive measurable results. Skills ● ● ● ● ● User-centered problem solving Cross-functional collaboration Attention to detail Clear communication Continuous improvement mindset ● ● ● ● ● UX/UI Design, Wireframing & Prototyping Responsive Web Design & Front-End Development WordPress Development & Page Builders SEO, Performance & Core Web Vitals Optimization Analytics, Tracking & Accessibility Compliance Work Experience UX Optimization Specialist & SEO Web Designer 01/2024 to 08/2024 Momentum ● Collaborated with 10+ developers and content teams to implement SEO and UX enhancements, reducing page load times by 40% and increasing user engagement by 25%. ● Designed and optimized user-centered web experiences using data-driven UX principles to improve usability, navigation, and conversion rates. ● Led accessibility initiatives to achieve 100% WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance across 25+ web pages, successfully passing internal audits and legal standards. ● Conducted technical SEO audits and on-page optimizations to improve site performance, search visibility, and organic traffic growth. ● Analyzed user behavior and performance metrics to continuously refine layouts, content structure, and interaction flows for optimal results. UX Designer / Developer 07/2022 to 08/2023 Cardinal Health ● Designed and delivered 12+ high-fidelity Adobe XD prototypes for routing and logistics applications, reducing design iteration cycles by 35%. Collaborated closely with product managers to translate complex logistics workflows into intuitive, user-centered interface designs. Provided real-time Photoshop design updates during 15+ stakeholder review sessions, cutting approval timelines by 50%. Improved client satisfaction by rapidly incorporating feedback and aligning visual designs with functional requirements. Supported agile development teams by preparing developer-ready design assets, interaction specs, and usability guidelines. UX Front-End Designer & SEO Specialist 06/2021 to 01/2022 SME ● Collaborated with 6+ event directors to design and optimize user-centric web pages showcasing emerging technologies, driving a 30% increase in session registrations for tech-focused trade show events. ● Designed and implemented responsive front-end interfaces focused on intuitive navigation and conversion-driven UX, improving user engagement across event platforms. ● Applied SEO best practices including keyword optimization, metadata structuring, and content hierarchy to increase visibility of technology sessions in search results. ● Analyzed user behavior and registration funnel performance using analytics tools to refine UI components and improve click-through and conversion rates. ● Partnered with cross-functional marketing and technical teams to align UX design, front-end development, and SEO strategies with event growth goals. UX Designer - Electric Fleet Division 01/2021 to 06/2021 Ford Motor Company ● Designed and tested 10+ Sketch-based interactive prototypes for electric fleet routing software, accelerating MVP delivery ahead of schedule. ● Collaborated with product managers and engineers to translate electric fleet operational needs into intuitive, user-centered design solutions. ● Conducted usability testing and rapid iteration to optimize routing workflows, improving efficiency and user adoption. ● Developed wireframes, user flows, and high-fidelity designs aligned with electric vehicle fleet requirements and scalability goals. ● Supported MVP launches by delivering design-ready assets and UX documentation, ensuring seamless handoff to development teams. Responsive Web Designer 04/2020 to 01/2021 Homedics ● Designed and deployed 20+ high-performance responsive web pages aligned with marketing objectives, increasing product page conversions by up to 45% during peak seasonal campaigns. ● Collaborated with marketing and content teams to translate campaign goals into visually engaging, mobile-first layouts that drove user engagement and sales. ● Optimized page structure, layouts, and media queries to ensure seamless performance across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices. ● Implemented UX/UI best practices to enhance navigation, load times, and overall user experience, contributing to higher conversion rates. ● Conducted testing and refinements based on analytics and user behavior to continuously improve responsiveness and campaign performance. UX/UI Interaction Developer 05/2014 to 01/2020 Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Auburn Hills MI ● Standardized usability testing protocols in collaboration with HMI and electrical engineering teams, identifying and resolving 30+ critical UX issues prior to production release. ● Represented the UX discipline in three Google Design Sprints at Mountain View, contributing to next-generation infotainment concepts adopted across global markets. ● Partnered with cross-functional engineering and product teams to translate complex technical requirements into intuitive, user-centered interface designs. ● Led iterative design validation through usability testing, heuristic evaluations, and stakeholder reviews to improve interaction quality and system usability. ● Influenced product direction by delivering data-driven UX insights that reduced rework, accelerated development cycles, and enhanced overall user satisfaction. Responsive Application Designer 05/2013 to 01/2014 United Healthcare ● Ensured 100% accessibility compliance across 30+ responsive web applications by implementing WCAG 2.1 standards and conducting monthly accessibility audits. ● Designed and optimized responsive UI layouts to deliver consistent, user-friendly experiences across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices. ● Collaborated with certified accessibility and cross-functional teams to enhance cross-device user experience, resolving 50+ compatibility and readability issues prior to launch. ● Applied inclusive design principles to improve usability for users with diverse abilities, increasing overall accessibility and engagement. ● Tested and refined responsive designs using accessibility and device-testing tools to ensure performance, readability, and compliance before deployment. Education Bachelor of Arts: Fine Arts Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI Associate of Business Oakland Community College Auburn Hills, MI Websites, Portfolios, Profiles ● NateBal.com ● Linkedin.com/in/nbalcom/ Training ● ● ● ● CES, Las Vegas, 2018 Google I/O, Google World HQ Mountain View, CA, 2017 E3 Expo, Crypto.com Arena Los Angeles, 2016 Google Design Sprints, Mountain View,- Projects Uconnect 5 Infotainment System, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, 05/01/15, 01/31/20, Led UX efforts for Uconnect 5, contributing to a system now deployed in 10+ international vehicle lines, supporting 1M+ users worldwide., Developed over 50 wireframes and flows using Figma and Adobe XD for multi-platform applications, reducing design-to-dev turnaround by 40%., Executed 100+ in-vehicle test rides to identify and resolve UX issues, improving driver satisfaction scores by 20% based on post-test feedback. Personal Information Title: WEB DESIGNER/ SEO / UX DESIGNER #HRJ#14525b8c-7ea9-4b0f-bb4c-6428ae604bc6#