Tips for Updating Digital Marketing Course Content

As the Fall semester started, I kept thinking about how I needed to write a new blog post but, due to a decision to move from a textbook to industry resources, I found myself a bit busy and unsure of what I should write. It's now February 1, and I would like to share some tips based on my experience.

Those of us who teach courses in Digital Marketing know that developing a course in our field is an ongoing process. The Internet is always changing, thus, we must constantly change our course content. This blog post is meant to direct you to some of the resources that I use and to help you efficiently use your time for class preparation. 
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Find your "Go-To" Industry Resource

I assign my students annual reports and updated guides from a wide variety of resources. Companies that provide business solutions typically create white papers, industry guides, and other resources that can be used in your class. Two of my favorites are:

     1) HubSpot: I use their guides, ebooks, and blog posts in my class. 
     These are constantly updated and provide students with an
     understanding of the state of the industry as well as best practices. 

     2) HootSuite: I watch the webinars offered by HootSuite. This helps me 
     to keep up on social media education. I also follow the HootChats on         Twitter when I have time.

​There are many other industry resources from companies such as Digital Marketer, Marketo, Sprout Social, Wordstream,and Moz. 

I also use the Google Help Center for various digital topics such as Google Analytics. 

Find Blogs and Industry News Websites

In addition to companies that offer business solutions, there are several informational websites that I use to keep up on industry trends. My "go-to" websites are:
​      1) Search Engine Land: This website provides all the latest news on            search. This is the website that has served as my own tutor, teacher,         professor, and provider of information related to SEM, SEO, and  PPC.       Without it, I would have probably given up on trying to keep up. 

​      2) Social Media Examiner: This website provides information on the            latest in social media. Each year, an updated report on the State of            Social Media is available for a free download.Additionally, the founder,        Michael Selzner, hosts a weekly talk show that is broadcast live and            then  available as a podcast. 

Connect with other Digital Marketing Professors

​Sharing ideas and resources with other digital marketing professors is one of the best ways to stay up to date and to lighten your work load. Attending academic conferences that focus on teaching, or offer workshops, has been one of my greatest sources of inspiration.

   1) Marketing Management Association: Each September, they hold their     Fall Educator's Conference in a different location. I never leave without       at least 3 new ideas for my classes.

​ 2) Academy of Marketing Science: In 2017, AMS offered its first         Professional Development and Certification workshop in Teaching Digital   Marketing. I recruited two digital marketing professors who presented   with  me. We will be bringing this workshop back to the Annual   Conference in NOLA (May 23-25). AMS will also offer a new workshop       on  Teaching Marketing Analytics at this conference. 

 3) Join our private Facebook Group: Digital Marketing Academics. This   group is only open to instructors and professors.

Cheers to a great Spring semester for all of us.