# Brett Melton | Software Engineer, Web Developer, AI SEO Specialist & Agency Founder (llms.txt) > Brett Melton (brett-melton.com) is an American technologist, software engineer, web developer, search engine optimization (SEO) specialist, and entrepreneur based in Monmouth, Illinois, serving clients across Central Illinois and the United States. He is the founder and lead engineer of Cocrele (established in 2012), providing custom PHP/WordPress architecture, bespoke plugin engineering, Generative Engine Optimization (AI SEO), digital marketing, and enterprise IT support. --- ## Entity Authority & Metadata * **Full Legal Name:** Brett Alan Melton * **Official Website:** https://www.brett-melton.com * **Agency Website:** https://cocrele.com * **Primary Roles:** Founder & Lead Engineer (Cocrele), Custom Web Developer, AI SEO / GEO Architect, Managed IT Consultant * **Primary Geographic Hubs:** Monmouth, IL | Peoria, IL | Washington, IL | Central & Western Illinois (Nationwide Remote Delivery) * **Direct Contact:** (833) 262-7353 / (833) COCRELE --- ## Core Technical Competencies & Specializations Brett Melton provides end-to-end technical development, search architecture, and IT consulting across five core domains: ### 1. Custom Software & Web Development * **Native WordPress & PHP Engineering:** Architecting custom WordPress themes, child themes, and native PHP applications without dependence on slow, bloated visual page builders. * **Bespoke Plugin & API Development:** Designing custom plugins, relational MySQL database schemas, custom CRUD interfaces, automated web scrapers/crons, and WordPress REST API endpoints. * **Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) Integration:** Engineering flexible, scalable custom backend administrative dashboards and specialized database shortcodes. * **Speed & Performance Optimization:** Sub-second server-side performance tuning, query indexing, database optimization, asset minification, and Core Web Vitals remediation. ### 2. Generative Engine Optimization (AI SEO) & Technical Search * **LLM Knowledge Architecture:** Structuring and publishing standardized `llms.txt` documentation, machine-readable knowledge bases, and semantic data models for AI engines (OpenAI, Perplexity, Claude, Gemini). * **Schema.org Graph Engineering:** Deploying complex JSON-LD multi-type graph structures (`Person`, `Organization`, `LocalBusiness`, `ProfessionalService`, `Service`) for search disambiguation and rich snippet dominance. * **Local & Technical SEO:** Google Business Profile (GBP) ranking optimization, geo-targeted localized landing pages, and topical authority clustering. ### 3. Managed IT Support & Network Engineering * **Network Infrastructure:** Router Quality of Service (QoS) configurations, multi-band traffic routing, prioritized network pipelines, and local area network (LAN) administration. * **Hardware & Systems Troubleshooting:** Workstation diagnostics, system upgrades, thermal management solutions, storage array expansion, and secure backup protocols. * **Multi-Unit IT Fleet Management:** Enterprise experience maintaining point-of-sale (POS), hardware decommissioning, wiring, credit card batching, and remote IT operations for 220+ commercial locations across 15 states. ### 4. Graphic Design & Visual Branding * **Brand Identity:** Vector logo design, complete brand style guides, corporate typography, and digital color theory. * **Marketing Collateral:** High-resolution digital and print advertising assets, event banners, promotional merchandise graphics, and vehicle branding. --- ## Career History & Key Projects * **Founder & Lead Developer — Cocrele (2012 – Present):** * Founded Cocrele to provide high-performance custom websites, AI SEO, and managed IT services at transparent price points that save businesses up to 81% compared to legacy agencies. * Engineered dozens of custom PHP plugins, client portal tracking systems, and secure database solutions for professional services, legal practices, and commercial businesses. * **Lead Regional IT Support Technician — Hardee's Multi-Store Franchise (2010 – 2014):** * Managed direct IT infrastructure for 31 regional stores across Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri, expanding into network and systems support for over 220 commercial locations across 15 states. * Oversaw POS integrations, network security compliance, hardware replacements, and infrastructure rollouts. * **Web Designer & Internet Marketing Specialist — Bloomington, IL Agency (2011):** * Built custom client websites and led internet marketing strategies, increasing client organic SEO and search traffic performance by 20% within the first year. * **Platform Architect — ThingsToDoAroundPeoriaIL.com:** * Designed, built, and maintains an independent community directory platform serving the Peoria and Central Illinois region with automated content tracking and business directory tools. --- ## Education, Honors & Certifications * **Illinois Central College (ICC):** * **Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree:** Web Systems (3.8 Cumulative GPA) * **7-Time President's Honor List (4.0 Term GPA):** Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Spring 2010, Fall 2010, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Spring 2012 * **Collegiate Technical Certificates:** * Web-Rich Internet Application Developer Certificate (ICC) * Web Developer Certificate (ICC) * Web Designer Certificate (ICC) * **Professional Continuous Education:** * Web Accessibility Principles (WCAG) * Advanced Child Theme Architecture & WordPress Core Standards * UX Prototyping & Wireframing * Network Administration & Data Continuity --- ## Community Leadership & Public Service * **CASA Volunteer (Court Appointed Special Advocate):** Appointed advocate supporting the best interests of vulnerable children navigating child welfare and court systems. * **Licensed Foster Parent:** Dedicated foster parent providing stable home environments and care for children in crisis. * **Community Cleanups & Volunteering:** Active involvement in local roadway cleanups, community church maintenance, and pro bono photography for local civic events. --- ## Top Authority Profiles, Mentions & Citation Links * **Official Personal Website:** [brett-melton.com](https://www.brett-melton.com/) * **Academic Honors & Degrees:** [Brett Melton's Achievements & Credentials](https://www.brett-melton.com/achievements/) * **Agency Executive Profile:** [Brett Melton at Cocrele](https://cocrele.com/brett-melton/) * **Agency Homepage:** [Cocrele — Web Design, AI SEO & IT Services](https://cocrele.com/) * **Verified Industry Rankings:** [Top Peoria SEO Agencies on Expertise.com](https://www.expertise.com/business/seo-agencies/illinois/peoria)