Social Media.  It’s all you’ve been hearing for the past couple of years. You won’t want to miss this year’s Texas Tech University College of Mass Communications Scholarship Breakfast and Beyond the Breakfast Conference where the theme, Social Media and Its Effect on the Media Landscape, is featuring a panel of experts who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table.

Mark your calendar to attend the scholarship breakfast on Thursday, March 25^th at the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas. All attendees are invited to attend the Beyond the Breakfast Conference immediately following the breakfast at no additional charge. This is an outstanding educational opportunity for you and an outstanding benefit for the student who will receive the scholarship as a result of your support for this event. All proceeds from this event will go to provide scholarships for students at Texas Tech’s College of Mass Communications.

Here’s the lineup you won’t want to miss:

• Keynote Speaker Brett Tabke – CEO/Founder of Webmasterworld.com and the famous Pubcon internet marketing conferences.
• Nick Bomberbach, Director of Digital Marketing and Customer Experience for JCPenney, is responsible for developing and executing JCPenney’s digital and eCommerce strategy. Hear how JCPenney has found a way to effectively incorporate Social Media and Digital Marketing in their marketing strategy.
• Christi Day and Alice Wilson – Social Media specialists for Southwest Airlines who are in charge of the daily social media strategy for the airline.
• Tony Wright, with more than ten years of hands-on and strategic experience in interactive marketing and a background in traditional and interactive public relations and journalism, has spent his career building search engine marketing teams. Wright is a sought after speaker at industry events designed to create or enhance interactive advertising and search engine marketing.
• Sam Bradley, Ph.D., assistant professor of advertising is a front runner in Social Media Analysis whose research focuses on current trends in social media.  Tom Johnson, Ph.D., is the Formby Regents Professor in Convergent Media. Both professors will discuss the importance of integrating social media trends into classroom instruction and conducting analytical research of the effects of social media.

Event Costs (proceeds benefit scholarships for the College of Mass Communications at Texas Tech University)

$1,000 table sponsorships available for a table of 8

$100 per person or $75 for young professionals (under 30)

We hope you will join us for an informative and information packed session on March 25. To sign up and for more information, please visit www.texastechmass.com.

“We are excited that a board member of DFWSEM is now on the national board of SEMPO,” says Sean Jackson, president of DFWSEM. “Rob is a true thought-leader in search marketing and this national recognition and his new position further re-enforce the depth of talent that Dallas Fort Worth has within the search marketing community.”

Additional board members recently elected include:

• Chris Boggs – Director, Search Engine Optimization, ROSETTA®
• Massimo Burgio – Founder, Chief Strategist, Global Search Interactive
• Bruce Clay – President, Bruce Clay, Inc.
• Dave Fall – SVP Product and Operations, Clickable, Inc.
• Rob Garner – Strategy Director, iCrossing
• Mike Grehan – VP and Global Content Director, Incisive Media
• Motoko Hunt – President, Japanese Search Strategist, AJPR
• Kevin Lee – CEO, Didit
• Kristjan Mar Hauksson – Director Search / Owner, Nordic eMarketing
• Dmitriy Minenko – Online Specialist, Search Engine Marketing, Tourism British Columbia
• Jeffrey Pruitt – CEO, Acendant
• Margaret Willette – Search Marketing Manager, Intuit
• Michael Y. Xu – SVP, Beijing Gridsum Technology Co., Ltd.

Job Responsibilities

• Work with business contacts regarding content optimization and keyword research
• Perform hands-on optimization, including keyword/phrase research, SEO-friendly title/meta/alt
• tag and copy writing and implementation
• Implement keyword level conversion-based measurement and SEO status reports, including
• tracking positions and monitoring organic share, and understanding and integrating the
• relationship of SEO and PPC positions
• Perform analytics-based analysis to measure program progress/success
• Compile findings and provide analysis
• Write and conduct SEO briefings and training sessions as needed
• Drive and measure link-building efforts to improve SEO positions and share
• Work with business and development teams to implement improved onsite search capabilities
• Drive existing roadmap projects and propose new projects

Qualifications

Bachelors degree required, Masters degree a plus

• 3-5 years Internet Marketing experience
• 3+ years website analytics; HBX and/or Omniture Site Catalyst preferred
• Thorough knowledge of SEO conventions, tools and infrastructure
• 3-5 years hands-on experience
• Thorough knowledge of website conversion metrics and optimization techniques
• Thorough knowledge of current social media trends, capabilities and tools, with an emphasis on understanding and maximizing benefit from the relationship between search and social media
• Experience with onsite search a plus, including knowledge of conventions and infrastructure such as structured metadata, taxonomy, content optimization and late-generation software solutions
• Proficient with all major SEM tools and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Proficiency with Hitwise a plus

Application

This is an immediate opening. Please submit resume and salary history to careers@cs-creative.com and
include job title in email subject line. Or visit us online at www.cs-creative.com.

On Wednesday, March 17th at 6:30 pm at the Renaissance Hotel in Richardson, we have a panel discussion to review the ins-and-outs of what to measure online and offline to show the real ROI from your search marketing efforts.

As always, members of DFWSEM get in FREE, so please join us.

Register ONLINE at http://dfwsem.memberlodge.org.

Discussion will focus on listening to your thoughts about Bing, gathering feedback and highlighting the latest SEO/SEM tips and tools available. We’ll provide the food and beverages, you bring the questions

Click here to register for the DFW SEM Bing Session

Click here to download the DFW February Meeting PPC Back to Basics PowerPoint.

This month’s presentation will feature noted PPC experts Jon Shugart and Shelley Ellis.

Jon Shugart (follow on twitter) is the man behind Keyword Rockstar, internet marketing’s premier keyword research and PPC tool. Jon was a software engineer by trade before entering the world of internet marketing. Today he focuses on creating powerful and efficient PPC campaign building software applications that help people be more effective with their online advertising campaigns.

Shelley Ellis specializes in the area of contextual advertising and serves on the advisory board for Content Revenue Strategies.

Please join us February 17 at 6:30 for networking opportunities. our program will start at 7:00. We have our presentation and the experts will be available for an in-depth. Question and Answer session. By attending the meeting you will receive a FREE 30-day trial of the Keyword Rockstar service.

NEW: DFW SEM Members Get In Free
The DFW Search Engine Marketing Association (DFWSEM), has restructured its annual membership and meeting charges. In response to member requests, there will no longer be a meeting charge for members to attend regular meetings. If you would like to join the DFW SEM please click here.

PubCon coming to Dallas
Mark your calendars for PubCon Dallas on April 13 – 15, 2010. PubCon will feature a large lineup of sessions featuring thought leaders and representatives from all of the major search engine firms, capped off with their trademark PubCon Classic networking event where attendees will have the opportunity to meet and discuss their business issues with industry experts.

About the DFW Search Engine Marketing Association (DFW SEM)
The Dallas/Fort Worth Search Engine Marketing Organization (DFW SEM) is dedicated to education and promotion of the Dallas/Fort Worth search engine marketing industry, conversing various topics related to search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click search (PPC), as well as other emerging media. The group meets monthly at the Renaissance Hotel in Richardson, Texas, and is open to anyone interested in search engine marketing, including in-house marketers, independent consultants, and agencies.

Initially founded in 2003, DFWSEM is the oldest and longest running local search engine marketing group/meetup in the country. Member agencies include Vizion Interactive, iCrossing, Range Online Media, KeyRelevance, MarketNet, and WrightIMC. For more information, visit http://www.dfwsem.org.

Sponsoring DFWSEM
DFWSEM Association members cumulatively represent over $100,000,000 in annual search engine ad spend, and sponsorship is a great way to get your message in front of this group of decision makers and key influences. To find out how to sponsor a monthly meeting or other opportunity, contact Dan Sturdivant at dan.sturdivant@gmail.com.

DFWSEM Speakers Bureau
Many members of DFWSEM are actively speaking at various interactive marketing conferences, including SMX, Search Engine Strategies, ad:tech, and WebmasterWorld. If you are looking for someone to speak about search engine marketing related topics, or would like to interview a member, feel free to contact the group for more information at 972.979.9723.

The DFW SEM Association welcomes requests to speak to the group at info@dfwsem.org.

More into to come.

Match.com.com is seeking a Sr. Manager, Search Marketing to lead the development of our Search Engine Marketing strategy, including both Paid Search campaigns (SEM) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) efforts.  This position requires hands-on knowledge of best practices in SEM/SEO and a proven track-record of delivering qualified traffic from both an acquisition and conversion standpoint. The role requires an analytical mindset and relentless drive for performance to optimize our search marketing campaigns for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.   A leadership position at Match.com, this role requires the ability to operate on both a strategic and tactical level, touching all aspects of the search marketing roadmap including vendor selection, systems recommendations, keyword management, bidding strategies, creative testing, and analytics.

Responsibilities:

• Create, manage, and analyze paid search campaigns across multiple search engines to ensure acquisition and conversion goals are met.
• Direct Match.com’s ongoing site-wide SEO efforts, including tracking measurement metrics, analyzing results, and working with technology and product management resources to optimize natural search results.
• Responsible for day-to-day management of paid search campaigns including keyword generation, ad copy writing and testing, bid management, landing page optimization, budget management etc. Primary point of contact and subject matter expert for paid search with both internal and external contacts, for example: Google, Yahoo, & MSN.
• Research, collect, and analyze data, leverage internal and external resources, and data sources to report on successes and actionable opportunities for the paid and natural search programs.
• Utilize bid management tools, data modeling, and testing to maximize the effectiveness of PPC campaigns.
• Manage stakeholders with our 3^rd party bid management providers.
• Generate and disseminate management reporting to ensure that the wider team is aware of campaign performance trends.
• Manage relationships with third party bid management partners to effectively and efficiently allocate budget across search engines and terms to maintain performance success.
• Cross departmental coordination to develop, implement and monitor new campaigns and creative units.
• Develop and test new campaigns to better target users and improve overall ROI.

Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree, MBA preferred.
• 5+ years experience in search marketing.
• Deep knowledge of SEM and SEO as well as a working knowledge of current and emerging trends and technologies.
• Experience working for consumer internet brands with similar conversion models highly desired.
• Experience using Google AdWords, Yahoo Marketing Solutions and MS AdCenter.
• Experience with A/B and/or multivariate testing.
• Advanced knowledge of Excel
• Strong written and verbal communication and analytical skills.
• Excellent time and project management skills.
• Creativity, teamwork and strong attention to detail required.

About Match.com:

Match.com pioneered online personals when it launched on the Web in 1995 and continues to lead this exciting and evolving category after more than a decade. Throughout its 14-year history, Match.com has helped redefine the way people meet and fall in love. Match.com provides a rich tapestry of ethnicities, interests, goals, ambitions, quirks, looks and personalities from which to choose.  Match.com operates some of the leading subscription-based online dating sites in 24 countries, in 8 languages and spanning five continents, as well as oversees its ongoing investment in Meetic.  Match.com also powers online dating on MSN across Asia, Australia, the United States and Latin America. Match.com is an operating business of IAC (NASDAQ: IACI).

Benefits:

In addition to a unique culture that appeals to individuals who thrive in hyper-drive environments and who work just as hard as they play, Match.com also provides US employees with a full spectrum of benefits including:

- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

- Matching 401(k)

- Company-paid maternity & paternity leave

- Flexible Spending Accounts

- Life and AD&D Insurance

- Long Term Disability Insurance

- Paid Time Off

- Paid Holidays

- Pet Insurance

- Discounted gym membership

- Tuition Reimbursement

This is a summary of benefits and does not offer provisions such as exclusions or plan limitations.

Please apply at http://www.match.com/careers.

Wednesday, January 13th at the Renaissance Hotel, in Richardson Texas, the DFW Search Engine Marketing Association,  will be hosting its first meeting of the new decade. Because the SEO/SEM industry is always changing, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest news about algorithm fluxes or new tactics and techniques. That is why every once in a while we need to get “back to the basics” and why we are hosting an all-star panel speaking on “SEO: Back to the Basics.”

The panel will include Christine Churchill of KeyRelevance, Mark Barrera of Vizion Interactive, and Rob Garner of iCrossing.

Christine Churchill, President of KeyRelevance – Ms. Churchill will be discussing a short history of search along with some interesting facts and data about the phenomenal growth of search of the past 10 years.

Mark Barrera, SEO Lead for Vizion Interactive and Rob Garner, Strategy Director for iCrossing.com – They will be discussing “On Page Factors” and “Problem Areas” and “Simple How-Tos.”

There will be ample time for our panel to answer any of your SEO questions.

Click here to pre-pay for thist meeting

NEW: Current Members Get In Free

The DFW Search Engine Marketing Association (DFWSEM),  has restructured its annual membership and meeting charges. In response to member requests, there will no longer be a meeting charge for members to attend regular meetings. The new rates for annual memberships and regular meetings are:

Individual Membership: $150/year, regular meeting fees: $ 0

Corporate Membership (3 people per meeting): $300/year, regular meeting fees: $ 0

Student Membership (Full-Time Students): $ 50/year, normal meeting fees: $ 0

Guest/Nonmember: $35.00 per meeting

Click here to pre-pay for thist meeting

About the DFW Search Engine Marketing Association (DFWSEM)
The Dallas/Fort Worth Search Engine Marketing Organization (DFWSEM) is dedicated to education and promotion of the Dallas/Fort Worth search engine marketing industry, conversing on various topics related to search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click search (PPC), as well as other emerging media. The group meets monthly at the Renaissance Hotel in Richardson, Texas, and is open to anyone interested in search engine marketing, including in-house marketers, independent consultants, and agencies.

Initially founded in 2003, DFWSEM is the oldest and longest running local search engine marketing group/meetup in the country. Member agencies include Vizion Interactive, iCrossing, Range Online Media, KeyRelevance, MarketNet, and WrightIMC.  For more information, visit http://www.dfwsem.org.

Sponsoring DFWSEM
DFWSEM Association members cumulatively represent over $100,000,000 in annual search engine ad spend, and sponsorship is a great way to get your message in front of this group of decision makers and key influences. To find out how to sponsor a monthly meeting or other opportunity, contact Dan Sturdivant at dan.sturdivant@gmail.com.

DFWSEM Speakers Bureau
Many members of DFWSEM are actively speaking at various interactive marketing conferences, including SMX, Search Engine Strategies, ad:tech, and WebmasterWorld. If you are looking for someone to speak about search engine marketing related topics, or would like to interview a member, feel free to contact the group for more information at 972.979.9723.

The DFW SEM Association welcomes requests to speak to the group at info@dfwsem.org.