Chronological Order, Scroll down to find each class
2/4/24 blog post:
My initial thoughts for starting my master's in digital marketing were apprehensive at first. Taking on a big commitment like this and branching out into a diverse and technical field was initially beyond my scope of comfortableness. As we started the first class in Mastery, I began to become more comfortable knowing that a good plan of action was in place and that this master’s course had a digestible and intuitive workflow of information that set us up for success. Now that I am near completion of the second month with Digital Marketing Fundamentals, I am getting more comfortable with the cadence and routine of studying and applying what we learned into action. My original intentions of starting this master’s course are now becoming much clearer about what is expected of us. I really like the routine of having course zoom meetings then, expanding on discussion boards which leads into an assignment that helps broaden our scope of knowledge at a digestible pace. This course specifically has been great in getting me more interested in doing market research on web design and how to interpret the data we need to start seeing success in building our own website and what the pros and cons are of design. This has sparked my interest in understanding basic coding to build these sites with html and even great systems like SWOT/PESTEL analysis to not just find the information, but to better analyze it in a comprehensive way. Our market research paper and doing the competitor checklist were the best learning tools by far in getting a great look at why and how websites can work and what could be improved.
Sometimes doing assignments can feel like checking a box, but with the material we covered this month, I noticed myself not rushing to finish things, and diving deep beyond the material to better understand some of the topics we covered. I really enjoyed SEMrush analytics for website research and seeing SEO in action and how it can be applied to future products. I am interested to see how next month will be in terms of difficulty and how we can evolve as a class and rise to the challenge.
-Ryan Tahincioglu
3/3/2024 Blog post:
This Month's blog post will be about the class Digital Storytelling and Branding. This was a great class month, there was a lot that I did not know going into this course, but by the end of it, I felt way more confident about the subject matter. As a Graphic Designer, the subject of branding was fun to deep dive into. The first week was mostly reading and the standard discussion board assignments revolving around an interesting reading on The Three Little Questions- Who You Are?, What Do You Do? and Why Does It Matter? Nothing but little questions indeed. They really helped get to the root of a brand and what and how it operates.
Week two was a great exercise that I used with Keynote to create a brand voice identity video comparing my chosen research company to that of famous actor Tom Hanks. It helped really look at my chosen research company and showcase some of the qualities that the actor and my company had in common. In week three we created a brand story which I also created in Keynote, but this time it was more a brand story and how to showcase my chosen research company in a short video. My goal was to make a short video to help connect my brand to its audience. Then came week four, which was probably the hardest but also the most important section, which was writing a research paper reflecting on the Brand of my chosen company and all of its various touch points that interact with the customer. This focus on Brand Strategy was an important skill set to take on. It was a good process to take a close look at how a brand affects the customer and was an eye-opener for sure.
-Ryan tahincioglu
5/5/2024 Blog Post:
In Month 4 of the program for my Master's we learned about Digital Design and Storytelling. This was a great and informative class because it covered some of my favorite topics revolving around User Experience design as well as how to improve on Findability. I was able to make some great Power Points that showcased some of the strengths and flaws of my chosen website to cover. we also learned about how Usability and findability are key to keep the user engaged and interested in the website to allow a better flow of information.
I also gained valuable information about what makes a great homepage and really got to analyze some of the best website in the industry and why they do what they do so well. the main takeaway that I started to appreciate the most with good web design was definitely the navigation bar, and how it can set the stage for a users experience. It allows them to find what they are looking for without having to go fishing through links and back tracking. going forward this will always be in the forefront of my thoughts when looking to design a homepage.
My favorite part of the course was learning how to spot weak points of a website which before was just speculative, but based on our readings and the information of experts i can better evaluate what makes a site work and what does not.
5/29/2024 Blog Post
In this month we studied New Media Marketing and it was a great experience overall. We focused on new material week after week about the challenges and strategic tactics for marketing. We were able to choose from either making an Influencer Outreach Program or in my case, a Brand Ambassador Program. These programs were focused on throughout the course and interconnected to each assignment.
Week 1: Developed Personas, established our goals and choose our strategy of Brand Ambassador.
week 2: Identified and did research on who would be ideal candidates for our Brand Ambassador Program.
Week 3: We created a plan on how to execute our proposal of a brand ambassador program. This was specific to my chosen companies (Aggro Creative) Goals and Target Audience.
Week 4: Measurement of a plan on how the Brand Ambassador program is successful and the metrics that show this.
It was through these various assignments that we had a better understanding of the Totality of how a plan gets established and then executed. It was also through these assignments and research that we learned how valuable having one of these influencer or brand ambassadors can have for the chosen company. we analyzed the ways in which organizations identify and engage influencers in its target market using mobile, social media, content marketing, online video, and location-based technologies.
6/30/2024 Blog Post
In this month we studied Advanced Digital Marketing. In the first week we covered Digital Media Buying & Planning. I learned some great techniques and strategies on what digital media buying and planning really entails. We covered important topics of the different types of marketing Channels of the various digital ad formats. In planning and placing digital ads effectively, I dove into the dynamic landscape of programmatic advertising and sophisticated targeting strategies. It was interesting learning about leveraging the AIDAS model—Attention, Interest, Desire, Action, Satisfaction. By strategically mapping out campaigns that guide consumers through each stage of the purchasing process was enlightening. I explored interest-based and intention-based marketing strategies to tailor messages precisely to consumer behaviors and preferences, enhancing engagement and how to drive conversions. The assignments of this months class topic were a valuable thought exercise and really challenged me week to week. With that said I really did enjoy the structure on how each assignment was laid out by having good templates and examples on what direction to take these. It was fun to dive into topics that I have had some idea about on a surface level, but we really dug deep into the details.
7/28/2024 Blog Post
Taking the Advanced Search Engine Optimization course was a valuable experience that significantly broadened my understanding of digital marketing. This course built upon my previous knowledge and introduced me to strategic approaches to SEO that are important for achieving search-marketing goals. We delved deeply into organic search methods, directory listings, and paid placement tactics, analyzing their effectiveness and how they can be leveraged to enhance visibility and drive traffic.
This course was challenging at times, but it provided me with the knowledge to adapt my strategies to keep up with the evolving digital landscape. The course also introduced us to new trends in search engine marketing and SEO. We explored the impact of emerging technologies like voice search, mobile-first indexing, and artificial intelligence on SEO practices.
One of the key areas of focus was on organic search methods. The course emphasized the importance of optimizing websites to rank higher in organic search results. I learned about advanced techniques in on-page optimization, content creation, and technical SEO. Understanding the factors that influence search engine algorithms and how to manipulate these elements to improve rankings was a significant part of the curriculum.
In addition to organic search, the course also covered paid placement tactics, such as Pay-Per-Click advertising and sponsored listings. We explored the strategic integration of paid search efforts with organic SEO to create a balanced and comprehensive marketing approach. The assignment covering this was very helpful and practical.
Furthermore, the course addressed the inherent complexities of the Internet that impact SEO practices with the assignments we worked on. We examined challenges posed by websites with abundant content, advanced technology, and increased personalization capabilities. Understanding these complexities helped me to develop a more robust and adaptable SEO strategy.
Overall, the Advanced Search Engine Optimization course was an enriching experience that enhanced my technical expertise and strategic thinking in SEO. Despite it being one of the harder courses, it was an enjoyable experience in enriching my work Aggro Creative as my chosen company project.
09/01/2024 Blog Post
My Journey Through learning Public Relations
Week 1: Understanding the Fundamentals of Public Relations
This week, I dove into the basics of public relations, focusing on crisis management and the vital role of internal and external PR strategies. It was an eye-opener to explore how PR isn't just about managing a company's image externally, but also about maintaining a strong, cohesive narrative internally. I learned that successful PR involves understanding both these aspects and using them to build and protect an organization's reputation. I came away with a clearer understanding of how PR functions as the guardian of an organization's reputation, managing communication with all stakeholders.
Week 2: Mastering the Art of PR Writing
This week, we shifted our focus to the art and science of PR writing. We learned the techniques of crafting effective press releases and other forms of PR writing. One of the most interesting parts was understanding how to integrate PR writing across various media channels. It’s not just about what you say but how, where, and when you say it. Consistency in messaging across platforms is key to maintaining a strong brand presence and aligning with strategic goals. By practicing writing different types of PR materials, I realized how important it is to tailor messages to different audiences while keeping the core message intact.
Week 3: Developing Strategic PR Plans and Crisis Mitigation
In Week 3, we dove into the development of strategic PR plans and crisis mitigation strategies. This was probably the most challenging week so far, but also the most rewarding. We learned how to use research and analysis tools like SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) and PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental) to create detailed plans that address potential crises. I found it incredibly useful to see how these tools help in forecasting possible issues and crafting responses that ensure organizational resilience. It became clear that being prepared for a crisis with a strategic PR plan is not just about having a response ready, but about being proactive and strategic in our approach. This week emphasized the importance of preparation in PR and gave me the tools to start thinking like a PR strategist.
Week 4: Implementation and Measurement of PR Strategies
This last week was all about putting plans into action and measuring their effectiveness. We focused on executing PR plans and monitoring their impact using key performance indicators (KPIs). It was enlightening to learn how critical it is to measure the effectiveness of PR strategies to understand what’s working and what isn’t. Aligning our efforts with industry standards, like the Barcelona Principles, was also a key theme this week. The principles guide us in building and maintaining stakeholder trust by ensuring transparency and accountability in our PR activities. Learning how to track our progress and adapt our strategies based on data was incredibly valuable. It’s clear that in PR, just like in any other field, success is not just about planning but also about execution and continuous improvement.
Reflecting on these four weeks, it was great how each project built on the last, giving me a well-rounded understanding of public relations. The journey has been intense, but incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited to continue learning.
9/29/2024 Blog Post
Reflections on the Digital Analytics and Optimization Course
In today’s digital landscape, understanding web metrics is crucial for optimizing marketing strategies and driving growth. Throughout the Digital Analytics and Optimization course, I’ve gained valuable skills into how these metrics serve as the backbone of decision-making in digital marketing.
The course emphasized that metrics aren't just numbers, but tell a story. Whether it's explaining an outcome, solving a problem, or forecasting future trends, having a solid grasp on analytics allows marketing teams to make informed decisions. I've learned how to build effective reporting structures that help track campaign performance and assess the success of various marketing initiatives.
This knowledge has not only deepened my understanding of data but has also empowered me to leverage metrics to improve marketing outcomes. It's clear to me that mastering analytics is key to aligning marketing goals with business growth, and I look forward to applying these strategies in real-world settings.
Embarking on the journey to earn my Google Analytics certification was both challenging and rewarding. I began by familiarizing myself with the Google Analytics Academy, which offers free courses designed to help you understand the platform, its tools, and its features. I started with the "Google Analytics for Beginners" course and gradually moved on to the more advanced ones and eventually passed the test.
This certification has really enhanced my understanding of digital analytics and provided a solid foundation for future studies. It’s a credential I’m proud to have and one that I know will continue to benefit my career in the digital marketing space.
The Digital Analytics and Optimization course has provided invaluable knowledge that has directly enhanced my ability to study and analyze Aggro Creative as my case study company. By understanding key web metrics and how they reflect a company's digital marketing performance, I've been able to dissect Aggro Creative's digital presence more effectively from afar.
One of the most significant takeaways has been learning how to create a reporting structure that breaks down complex data into actionable insights. This has helped me identify specific trends and characteristics within Aggro Creative.
10/27/24 Blog Post
Reflecting on Digital Marketing & The Law
As I conclude my "Digital Marketing and the Law" class, I’ve been reflecting on how it has enlightened me and is in the top 3 of my favorite courses. My three goals were to deepen my understanding of the legal framework surrounding digital marketing, learn how to create marketing strategies that are both effective and compliant, and enhance my ability to navigate issues related to online privacy and intellectual property.
This course met and exceeded these objectives through its engaging assignments and the expert knowledge of our Professor. The first assignment, creating a podcast, covered the complexities of copyright law and how to setup and think about a podcast. Adopting a specific stance forced me to critically evaluate different perspectives and understand the current state of intellectual property rights.
In the second assignment, preparing a narrated keynote to explain the effectiveness/dangers of spam (while complying with the CAN-SPAM Act). I learned the delicate balance between aggressive marketing and legal compliance. Discussing criminal liability and the First Amendment added depth to my understanding of the ethical and legal boundaries in marketing communications.
Drafting a website privacy policy in the third assignment allowed me to appreciate the importance of transparency and user trust. Selecting specific provisions and defending them helped me grasp how privacy laws impact user engagement and company responsibility. The fourth assignment, evaluating a website's terms of service through a video presentation, honed my ability to interpret and critique legal documents that govern user interactions.
From the course content, I learned that legal knowledge is integral to successful digital marketing. Understanding regulations and intellectual property laws is important to crafting campaigns that are not only effective but also lawful. I also recognized the significance of clear privacy policies and terms of service in building consumer trust.
In my professional endeavors, I plan to apply this knowledge by ensuring that all marketing strategies I develop are legally sound and ethically responsible. I feel more equipped now to navigate legal best practices. This course has bridged the gap between creative marketing and legal compliance for me, which is crucial in today’s digital landscape.
Overall, my experience in this class has been invaluable, and this knowledge can be applied to all aspects of my marketing future.
11/24/2024 Blog Post
Reflection on My Digital Marketing Master's Program
As I approach the conclusion of my Digital Marketing Master’s program, I reflect on the incredible journey and growth I’ve experienced. My ultimate career goal is to merge my passion for creativity with marketing and eventually transition into an educator role. This program has laid a solid foundation for that vision by equipping me with advanced skills in SEO, analytics, content strategy, and the latest digital marketing trends. Looking ahead, I plan to continue expanding my expertise through ongoing certifications, networking opportunities, and real-world application to position myself as both a professional leader and mentor in the field.
One of the most transformative experiences in this program was from the Digital Marketing Plan (which is loaded onto this website) and the Pitch Presentation. It provided a realistic and challenging platform to showcase my ability to communicate effectively and think critically under pressure. The feedback I received was instrumental in identifying both strengths and areas for growth. This experience reinforced the importance of preparation, adaptability, and delivering value with clarity and confidence in professional settings.
Overall, my time in the program has been both enriching and inspiring. I’ve developed not only the technical skills to thrive in the digital marketing landscape but also the strategic thinking and creative problem-solving abilities needed to make an impact. This journey has deepened my commitment to using what I’ve learned to inspire others, whether in industry roles or eventually as an educator. I am excited to continue evolving in a field that challenges and motivates me to grow every day.