In the 100 percent online University of Wisconsin Digital Marketing Analytics Graduate Certificate, students will learn how to transform data into digital marketing strategies while earning credentials. DMK 700: SEO and Digital Marketing Research is one of the three courses you will take on your way to completing the certificate.
Enrolling in a graduate certificate program can be a big decision, especially if you are working full-time and have other commitments. You may be wondering what a course in the online program looks like, which can come with its own set of questions such as:
- Are there lectures I need to attend?
- What assignments will I work on?
- How do I interact with others in the course?
We’ll answer these questions and more as part of our course inside look at DMK 700: SEO and Digital Marketing Research.
What will I learn in the course?
DMK 700: SEO and Digital Marketing Research introduces you to the inner workings of search engines and the best ways to optimize your content for higher rankings. You’ll gain experience with using digital tools, boosting your online presence, and connecting with your target audience.
Across seven modules, you’ll cover topics like effectively conducting keyword research, customer experience enhancement, and the ethical and legal issues surrounding SEO strategies. You’ll also learn practical skills for reaching your audience by getting hands-on experience with the Semrush SEO Toolkit.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Conduct research of an organization’s customers and product keywords to improve SEO
- Apply SEO tools for link-building, improving search results, and performance optimization
- Design and monitor omni-channel SEO campaigns
- Use surveys to gather customer experience (CX) insights
- Complete SEO projects using state-of-the art SEO toolkits from Google, Facebook, and other vendors
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Does the course have traditional lectures?
The course doesn’t include lectures, but instead has readings and videos on each topic. This means you have the flexibility to complete assignments on your own schedule.
Students in the course are also given access to resources from the Digital Marketing Institute at no additional cost. Completing the Digital Marketing Analytics Graduate Certificate allows you to sit for the exam to earn credentials in the DMI Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) and AMA Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) dual credentials.
What types of assignments will students complete?
The course contains quizzes, discussions, individual assignments, and one group project. Quizzes are designed to be knowledge checks to reinforce what you’re learning in each module. The discussions allow you to share your insights and brainstorm ideas for the group project, as well as explore and debate real-world scenarios to refine your SEO skills. One discussion has you roleplay as an SEO agency that’s helping a local bakery enhance their customer count and online presence.
What else will I do in the course?
The course features a group project where you’ll collaborate with classmates and conduct market research to design and track an SEO campaign. The project involves making a website, creating blog posts, and compiling a final report. There are six phases spread throughout the project, with each phase building on the last.
There are also individual assignments that offer real and practical ways to learn digital marketing skills. One assignment has you taking on the role of a digital marketing consultant for a tech startup, while another has you review websites that sell socks to create a new company and capitalize on the growing demand.
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Who is the instructor?
Dr. Raghava R. Gundala is an Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and a visiting faculty at the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business in Trinidad. He earned his PhD in Business Administration from Berhampur University and his MBA and Bachelor of Accounting, Commerce from Andhra University.
Dr. Gundala’s research projects have focused on consumer behavior, social media marketing, and green marketing. His love for teaching comes from a desire to share his knowledge and passion for marketing with students as they succeed academically and professionally. When he’s not teaching, Dr. Gundala enjoys traveling and trying new food, motorcycle riding, and ballroom dancing.
Do students in the course interact?
Yes. You will work with classmates on the group project and in discussion sections. There is also a general discussion area where you can reach out to the instructor and classmates with questions as you work through course content.
How much coursework will students do in one week?
There is an average of 10 hours of coursework per week across 15 weeks.
However, the course is asynchronous, which allows you to fit modules within your work and life schedule without having to be online at a certain time.
Will I receive support in the course?
Yes! In addition to the general discussion area, the instructor is available for office hours by appointment. You can also reach out to your Success Coach to help guide you through the program. If you’re new to online learning and are unfamiliar with the learning management system Canvas, there are resources within the course that provide tech support and tips to get you started.
Want to learn more about the UW Digital Marketing Analytics Graduate Certificate or the Digital Marketing Management Graduate Certificate? Contact an enrollment adviser with any questions about our programs. For more information, call 608-800-6762 or email learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu.