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What this class has taught me

Throughout this semester, I learned that there is WAY MORE to digital PR than I thought, even as I go into my last two semesters in college as a PR major. While there are so many things I will take with me from this class, there are a few that stood out to me the most. I chose these because I think they will be especially useful in my future career in social media marketing and as an event planner.

Don’t be Too Serious 

One of the hardest adjustments I’ve had to make is writing in a conversational tone. In school I was always taught to NOT write the same way you talk. Though part of that still applies in digital PR it is not exactly the same when writing for an online audience. Readers don’t want to feel like they are reading a textbook, they want it to read something that feels relatable and personal. Using a conversational tone can help brands build a stronger connection with their audience and make their content more engaging.

Learning How to Blog

Another thing that stood out to me was learning how to use a Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress, and enjoying using it. Before this class, I had never really thought to blog, or thought that I would even like blogging. I am someone who could talk all day, but doesn’t like journaling, so blogging is perfect. Learning now how to start, organize, and publish a blog post will be so beneficial for my future. Not only have I found something I enjoy doing, I also feel like I am one step ahead of others in my field.

Likes Aren’t Everything

Learning about KPIs and vanity metrics completely changed the way I look at social media. Before this class, I honestly thought that the amount of likes, followers, and comments were the biggest signs of success online. While they can still be important, they do not always show the truth.

The assignment that helped me understand this the most was application assignment one and two. Creating vanity metrics, a KPI, and writing a SMART objective for Ulta Beauty’s K-Beauty launch campaign showed me how brands use things like click-through rates and discount code usage to measure real success instead of just focusing on engagement numbers. 

My Final Thoughts

Overall, this class taught me a lot more than just how to write a blog post. It helped me better understand how digital communication, audience engagement, and digital marketing all work together. I look forward to using the knowledge and skills I gained from the class for many years to come.