I’m Patrick Powers. When you hire Powers Digital, you get me.
ABOUT
I'm an independent consultant in St. Louis. For more than 20 years I've helped organizations get found, understand their data and plan better websites, first in-house, then at an agency, and on my own since 2017.
20+
years in digital marketing
125+
colleges and universities
2017
independent since
1
person doing the work
I’d rather be known for great work than billable hours.
WHY INDEPENDENT
I started Powers Digital in 2017 to build real partnerships with the people I work with. After years on campus and inside agencies, I wanted to spend my time on the work, not on utilization targets and selling the next package.
My best client relationships are true partnerships. They trust me enough to skip the standard playbook and build something specific to their situation, and they're set up to act on what I recommend. That's when real change happens.
I started my career as a newspaper reporter, which taught me to ask good questions and find the story in the data.
That instinct is still most of the job.
MY PATH
In-house, agency, and independent
I've sat where my clients sit, so I know what it takes to get a recommendation approved and built.
2005 to 2013
Webster University
Rose to Director of Digital Marketing & Communications. Led a full website redesign and built data-driven content measurement.
2013 to 2015
mStoner
Digital strategist at a higher-ed agency, advising on strategy, redesigns and SEO for institutions including Johns Hopkins and Fordham.
2015 to 2017
Mercy
Digital content manager for one of the largest health systems in the U.S., leading content strategy, and SEO.
2017 to today
Powers Digital
Independent consultant for universities, health systems, nonprofits, resorts and sports organizations, and the agencies that serve them.
HOW I WORK
Why work with me
Partner, not vendor
One senior lead from start to finish. You work with the person doing the work, every time.
No magic bullets
I diagnose before I prescribe. Proven methods, with answers built for your organization.
Human in the loop
I explain what AI and your data are really saying, past the surface.
I do what I say
On time, as promised, and ready to put in front of your executives.
“
Patrick has a rare quality: he does what he says he's going to do when he says he's going to do it.
Susan T. Evans
Former supervisor
Credentials
Education
MBA, Webster University
MA, Public Affairs Reporting, University of Illinois Springfield
BA, Communication, Saint Louis University
Teaching
SEO strategies, Washington University in St. Louis (2021)
Social media, Webster University (2012 to 2019)
Research
Original research on AI search in higher education
Understanding AI Search, a free briefing for marketing teams
Community
Planning Commissioner, City of Shrewsbury, Missouri (since 2021)
Board of Directors, LifeBridge Partnership (2012 to 2024)
I live in St. Louis with my wife and our two kids.
Let's see if we're a good fit.
A 30-minute call, no pitch deck. Tell me what you're working on, and I'll tell you honestly whether I can help.