What if a singular class could change the way you see the entire digital world? That is exactly what the BA 436/536 Internet Marketing/E-Commerce class did for me. When my advisor recommended I take this course, I expected to learn a few technical skills and expand my understanding of online marketing. But what I found was far more impactful. This was a course that gave me confidence, creativity, and real-world tools that I will carry with me into every future role I take on in business.
I have included a few of the biggest lessons I learned – and why they matter.
1. The Importance of User Experience (UX) in Website Design
One of the most eye-opening lessons of the course was the realization of just how much user experience (UX) matters in digital marketing. A brand’s website is often the first real interaction a customer has with the company. UX goes beyond aesthetics, it is about making sure visitors can navigate effortlessly, find what they are looking for, and enjoy the process.
Consider a cooking blog. If the reader clicks “view the recipe” but has to jump through five confusing pages to find the recipe, they will likely abandon the cart. But if the site has clear menus, filters, and a two click process for recipes, their rates will go up.
As someone exploring a career in marketing, I now understand how vital it is to assess and improve website flow regularly. From landing pages to mobile optimization, UX is a continuous process that can directly impact a business’s success.
2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Visibility
SEO is what makes a brand discoverable. Instead of paying to be seen, a well optimized website organically appears in search results and reaches users who are actively searching for solutions.
A local bakery that wants to increase catering orders could optimize their site with search-friendly headings such as “wedding cake catering in Ashland” or “custom desserts for events.” Adding those keywords and optimizing image tags or blog content boosts their rank on Google without paying for ads.
SEO was once intimidating, but I now see it as a powerful, cost-effective tool. In any future marketing role, SEO will be something I apply to improve visibility and engagement.
3. Choosing the Right Social Media Platform
Not every brand needs to be on every social media platform. This course taught me how to evaluate where a business’s audience is most active and what kind of content will perform best there.
For example, a law firm will likely find more success with thought leadership on LinkedIn, while a skincare startup might thrive with visual storytelling on Instagram or TikTok. Choosing platforms strategically saves time and amplifies impact.
With so many brands stretching themselves thin across platforms, this topic reminded me to lead with strategy. Whether running a campaign or managing a business’s social presence, knowing where and how to show up is key.
4. The Business Value of Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a performance-based approach that allows brands to expand their reach with the help of individuals or content creators who promote products for a commission. It’s a win-win: the affiliate earns revenue, and the business gains customers.
A great example of this is a fitness coach partnering with a supplement company and promoting their products through Instagram reels. When followers click the affiliate link and make a purchase, the coach earns a cut—while the brand sees more sales with minimal upfront cost.
Learning the mechanics of affiliate programs showed me how scalable this model can be. Whether helping a small brand grow or developing a campaign for a larger company, affiliate marketing is a modern strategy I now understand and can confidently apply.
5. Gaining Confidence with WordPress
At the beginning of the course, WordPress felt overwhelming. But over time, I became more comfortable exploring its features—from adjusting themes and fonts to embedding media and publishing posts.
Building out blog posts with custom formatting helped me see how digital tools can enhance content, making it more engaging and professional. What once felt scary became an enjoyable, creative outlet.
WordPress is one of the most widely used content management systems in the business world. Gaining experience with it now means I can confidently manage blogs, publish press releases, and help businesses maintain professional websites without fear.
Final Thoughts: This Course is More Than Worth It
What makes this course stand out is not what is taught, but how that translates into skills that really matter. From strategy to execution, this class gives students real tools they can use in all aspects of their educational and professional career. Whether optimizing a website, crafting ad campaigns, or developing content, these five takeaways will stay with me throughout my marketing journey.
To future students considering this course: take the leap. It is empowering, practical, and will set you up to thrive in today’s digital landscape.