Skilled content creator, self-taught web designer/developer, and digital media marketing specialist with more than 18 years experience. Proficient in researching, writing and editing diverse content. Dedicated professional with history of meeting goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Works well under pressure while also adapting to new situations and challenges.
Hi, I’m
Dustin Gary
Freelance Digital Media & Marketing Specialist
Summary
Overview
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Self Employed
Web Developer, Digital Media Consultant/Specialist
01.2004 - Current
Job overview
- Provided front-end website development using CSS, HTML, PHP, WordPress and other software.
- Worked with several well-known record labels such as Universal Music Group, Island Def Jam, Sony Music/Columbia Records creating content and building microsites for artists (Beyoncé, Destiny's Child, Mariah Carey, Nas, Usher, Nelly, Ashanti, and many others).
- Worked with a number of Creative Agencies & Design Firms helping complete tasks in areas of expertise (i.e. Web Design/Development, Marketing, SEO, Social Media Management, Content Writing, etc.)
- Created dynamic SEO strategies to exceed market competitors and meet client needs.
- Reviewed and optimized client sites to improve keyword targeting URL strategies, website architecture and content.
- Researched and implemented search engine optimization recommendations.
- Collaborated with editorial and marketing teams to drive SEO in content creation and content programming.
- Founded web hosting company at age 15 and sold company after 2 years.
Gossip On This LLC (gossiponthis.com)
Founder, Editor-in-Chief
11.2006 - Current
Job overview
- Designed and developed publication website, blogs and social media presence.
- Established editorial direction and publication policies and procedures and monitored and maintained functional consistency.
- Defined company roles and responsibilities to establish and enhance processes.
- Oversaw, trained and developed writers and junior editors to optimize production and quality of work.
- Adhered to ethical guidelines and standards to promote responsible publication and media practices.
- Managed marketing campaigns to cultivate brand awareness and drive website traffic.
- Masterminded highly successful digital strategies for various platforms to attract customer engagement.
- Monitored and optimized advertising campaigns using Google and Facebook.
- Measured and report performance of all digital marketing campaigns, and assessed against ROI and KPIs.
- Employed web analytics to evaluate campaign success and identify opportunities and key performance trends.
- Reviewed and optimized website to improve keyword targeting URL strategies, website architecture and content.
- Developed and implemented quality link-building strategies.
- Maintained knowledge of current market trends and algorithm updates of top search engines.
- Created actionable plans to grow and maintain followers through Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
- Grew Facebook following from 10,000 to 100,000 in less than a year.
- Grew website traffic to average of 500K-1M+ page views per month. Most traffic seen in one day: 1 Million pageviews (100K-300K per hour during peak traffic)
Authentic Empire Music GroupAtlanta, United States
Content, Digital Media
04.2021 - Current
Job overview
- Put together and distributed press kits and other materials. Wrote and edited high-quality content under deadline pressure.
- Developed ads to increase brand awareness and sales and created content strategies for digital media.
- Managed and created content for company social media outlets.
- Engaged in photography, graphic design and video content creation.
- Generated web hosting presence to accommodate specified needs.
- Provided front-end website development using WordPress and other software. Designed and developed over 100 websites in less than a year. Adhered to SEO best practices while designing sites.
- Multi-tasked across multiple functions and roles to meet deadlines and organizational expectations.
- Implemented changes and integrated requested elements to streamline business operations (e.g. Introduced and helped implement Thryv CRM to help manage customer data and client relations.)
Mode Media Corporation
Content Curator & Contributor
02.2015 - 09.2016
Job overview
- Pitched and created unique story ideas on viral and trending topics weekly to the editors of Mode.com (Mode Media's flagship content site) under the Gossip On This byline.
- Managed content distribution to online channels and social media platforms under tight deadlines.
- Used content management system to analyze user engagement and website traffic metrics.
- Collaborated with other writers and team members for new ideas and strategies.
- Researched and organized facts and sources.
- Proofread copy written by colleagues to correct spelling, punctuation and grammar.
- Utilized exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills to produce engaging and error-free content.
Education
Southside High SchoolGreenville, South Carolina
High School Diploma
08.2004 - 06.2008
University Overview
- Member of National Honor Society (2004-2008)
- Elected Senior Class President (2007-2008)
Clemson UniversityClemson, South Carolina
from Computer Science
08.2008 - 01.2010
University Overview
Skills
HTML, CSS
Timeline
Content, Digital Media
Authentic Empire Music Group
04.2021 - Current
Content Curator & Contributor
Mode Media Corporation
02.2015 - 09.2016
Clemson University
from Computer Science
08.2008 - 01.2010
Founder, Editor-in-Chief
Gossip On This LLC (gossiponthis.com)
11.2006 - Current
Southside High School
High School Diploma
08.2004 - 06.2008
Web Developer, Digital Media Consultant/Specialist
Self Employed
01.2004 - Current