Ashley Friedlein

Ashley Friedlein is a prominent figure in the digital marketing industry, best known as the CEO and Founder of Guild, a platform designed for professional communities and networking. He also founded Econsultancy in 1999, which has established him as a significant influencer in digital marketing trends and practices.

Background and Career

• Founder of Guild: Launched in 2020, Guild aims to provide a private messaging app tailored for professionals, facilitating ad-free communication and community building among users. The platform has evolved to include features that support professional networking and group interactions, boasting over 108,000 members and more than 7,000 communities since its inception.124

• Econsultancy: Friedlein founded Econsultancy, a leading resource for digital marketing knowledge, where he has contributed significantly to the discourse on digital trends. His insights have been influential in shaping marketing strategies across various sectors.13

• Public Speaking and Writing: He is an author of two best-selling books on digital marketing and frequently speaks at industry events worldwide. His writings often focus on emerging digital trends and best practices in marketing.14

• Education: Friedlein studied at the University of Cambridge, which laid the foundation for his career in business and technology.3

Current Endeavors

As of now, Guild is set to close on October 1, 2024, due to challenges in achieving profitability despite its growth and community engagement efforts. This decision reflects broader market trends favoring profitable businesses over those focused solely on growth.2 Friedlein's vision for Guild was to create a unique space for professionals to connect without the distractions of traditional social media platforms.

In summary, Ashley Friedlein is a key player in the digital marketing landscape, leveraging his extensive experience to foster professional connections through innovative platforms like Guild.