Wednesday, March 26, 2014

BUS572 - Blog #5

The Google e-learnings contained a vast amount of information.  I found it helpful to have the questions at the bottom of each section, and the ability to check your answers.  This provided better preparation for the certification.  I still have not had the chance to use Google Analytics yet, still waiting for the opportunity.  It would be helpful to apply this knowledge; however I think I will retain most of it. 


Our group has had a difficult time with the Google Online Marketing Challenge.  There are a lot of “hoops” that you need to jump through in order to actually begin.  Just a few minutes ago, I think I finally completed all steps and the account is active.  I’m not 100% sure, because I have thought that before just to find out there are additional steps that need to be completed.  

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

BUS572 - Blog #4

Concept #1 – Cookies
I always thought cookies were something you ate for a snack or desert, but this week taught me otherwise.  A cookie is a small piece of data sent from a website that is stored in a user’s web browser.  Every time you visit a website, the browser sends data to the website regarding previous activity on that specific website.  Cookies are used as session management to maintain relevant data during a set period, for personalization, and tracking.  I decided to do a bit more research about cookies and discovered there is a cookie called a zombie cookie; of course, I had to read about this.  These cookies are able to recreate themselves even after a user deletes them, the name makes sense.  You can read more about zombie cookies on Techopedia.  How do you feel about zombie cookies recreating after you delete them? 

Concept #2 – Google Display Network
The Google Display Network is a collection of partner networks that show AdWords ads.  This display network reaches 83% of internet users all over.  By utilizing this, you can reach new customers, select where your ads appear, and engage users with appealing ad formats.  Text ads (which will be utilized in the GOMC), image ads, rich media ads, and video ads can all be exploited in the display network to Google's trusted partners.  When Sarah from Luna Metrics came, I remember her advising only to select the Google Display Network, because of the uncertainty of the others.  Are there any other competitors that are reducing Google’s market share when it comes to their display network, or are they continually expanding?
 
Skillset – Google Analytics
A crucial skillset gained throughout this session is utilizing Google Analytics.  Not only will my group for Global Marketing be using Google Analytics for the GOMC, but I informed one of my business associates about Google Analytics, and it blew his mind!  He has since turned it on, and I am looking forward to reviewing the results with him.  This tool can be used to track just about anything you would want to know about users on your website.  I can’t wait to get my hands dirty with Google Analytics. 

Conclusion
Throughout this week, I learned a variety of topics.  The Ghose reading was difficult for me; it had an enormous focus on equations.  These equations were confusing, so I tried to focus on the point they were trying to illustrate in the equations.  Focusing on this helped me to understand some of the equations, even though they were way over my head.