About Chad Austin

Constantly staying ahead of the technology and multimedia curve.

Overview

Chad Austin is a multi-faceted creative professional whose extensive experience in design, multimedia, and technology sets him far above the typical ad agency or standard web designer. Since 1995, Chad has designed and produced hundreds of websites, e-commerce systems, content management solutions, digital marketing campaigns, and multimedia productions across diverse industries.

Chad began his career in web design in 1995, mastering foundational HTML and expanding his skill set over the decades to include advanced CSS, PHP, WordPress, JavaScript, and modern SEO methodologies. He is certified in WordPress and has worked almost exclusively with the platform since 2008, developing and managing complex sites for businesses, municipalities, and creative organizations alike.

Continuing Education: ongoing professional development in HTML, CSS, Advanced CSS, PHP (server-side), UAV/drone operations, photography, marketing, and AI.
Longevity of the relationship between the City of Hickory and CHad Austin, inc.

City of Hickory Partnership

In 2012, Chad began working with the City of Hickory, North Carolina as the Official Marketing Company, contributing to the city’s now-iconic “Life. Well Crafted” campaign — including logo development and long-term brand strategies.

In July 2016, Chad incorporated as Chad Austin, Inc. (CAI) and became the City of Hickory’s Official Photography and Videography Company. That relationship remains a creative collaboration that has earned state awards for photography, videography, and soundtrack/songwriting.

Chad Austin, Inc., UAV and Drone Operations

UAV / Drone Operations

Chad is an FAA Part 107–certified drone pilot, flying commercially since May 2017, and bought his first drone in December 2014. CAI operates a fleet of drones used for cinematic production, aerial photography, aerial 360 tours, commercial projects, and municipal initiatives and entities, including law enforcement.

Chad Austin, Inc., Video Productions

Video Production

With roots in broadcast and commercial production, Chad has produced documentaries, commercials, entertainment features, and music videos. He earned Adobe Premiere Pro certification in 2006 and integrates cinematic storytelling throughout his web and brand work.

Chad Austin, Inc., Web Analytics

Analytics

Working with web statistics since 1999, Chad focuses today on Google Analytics for data-driven marketing insights, SEO performance measurement, and conversion optimization—translating traffic trends into actionable business strategies.

Historic experience with Omniture SiteCatalyst informed his analytics practice; Google Analytics is now the primary platform.

Chad Austin, Inc., Music and Audio

Music & Audio

A multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, audio engineer and producer, Chad has operated Salamander Studios since 1992 and his record label, LadyDancin Records since 2010. He has produced award-winning albums, singles, and commercial soundtracks and frequently composes original scores for video and marketing productions. He is certified in Adobe Audition and Cubase, with deep experience in MIDI, mixing, and producing.

Certifications and Education

  • Multimedia - (May 13, 2005) UNC at Chapel Hill, School of Journalism and Mass Communication
  • Learning Adobe Animate CC (July 25, 2017) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Shooting a Hyperlapse Time-Lapse Video (August 2, 2016) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Creating Time-Lapse Video (July 31, 2016) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Up and Running with the Sony Alpha a7 Camera Series (July 28, 2016) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Working with Raw-Format Photos in Lightroom and Photoshop (April 28, 2016) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Up and Running with Cubase 7 (Apr. 8, 2015) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Superior Drummer Master Class (with Toontrack CEO Rikk Currence) (Oct. 14-15, 2015) - creativelive.com
  • Working with Raw-Format Photos in Lightroom and Photoshop (Apr. 28, 2015) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Up and Running with Cubase 7 (Apr. 8, 2015) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Creative GoPro Photography and Video Techniques (Nov. 29, 2014) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Design the Web: Graphics and CSS Pseudo-Elements (Apr. 18, 2014) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Developing a Style Guide (Oct. 25, 2012) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Social Media Marketing - 2012 edition (Twitter™, Facebook™) (Sept., 2012) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Creative Portfolios in WordPress (Aug. 7, 2012) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Online Marketing Fundamentals (Mar. 11, 2012) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Edge First Look (Feb. 9, 2012) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Analyzing Your Web Site to Improve SEO (July 15, 2011) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Google Analytics Essential Training (July 6, 2011) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Joomla! 1.6 Essential Training (Mar. 27, 2011) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Web Site Strategy and Planning (Mar. 26, 2011) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Joomla! 1.5 Essential Training (Feb. 24, 2011) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • WordPress 3 Essential Training (Jan. 02, 2011) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • XHTML and HTML Essential Training (Apr., 2010) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • SEO: Search Engine Optimization (Sept., 2010) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • HTML5 First Look (Oct., 2010) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Flash CS4 Professional Essential Training (Nov., 2009) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Social Media Marketing (Twitter™, Facebook™) (Nov., 2009) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • ActionScript 3.0 in Flash™ CS3 Professional Essential Training (Nov., 2009) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • "Flash" forward: BitmapData and 3D Image Manipulation in AS3 (Aug., 2009) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Adobe Flash™ CS3 Animation Secrets (Aug., 2009) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Adobe Flash™ CS3 Professional Fundamentals (Aug., 2009) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • Adobe Audition (May, 2009) - Lynda.com (now inLearning of LinkedIn).
  • ColdFusion (1999) - Allaire Corp. Cambridge, Boston, Mass.
  • Flash™ (1999, 2003 - MX 2004) Lodestone Digital, Charlotte
  • Advanced Flash™ (2004) Lodestone Digital, Charlotte
  • Adobe Premiere Pro (2006) Lodestone Digital, Charlotte
  • CSS (2000, 2007, 2008 -3x) Online course; Lodestone Digital, Charlotte; Webucator online (instructor-led, online training)
  • XML (2003) Microsoft™, Charlotte facility
  • HTML (1999, 2000, 2001) Online courses
  • Microsoft™ ASP (2000, 2001) Online courses
  • Database Development (2000, 2001, 2002) Online courses