Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Dustin Gary

Freelance Digital Media & Marketing Specialist

Summary

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.

Overview

18
years of professional experience

Work History

Self Employed

Web Developer, Digital Media Consultant/Specialist
2004.01 - Current (20 years & 9 months)

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
2006.11 - Current (17 years & 11 months)

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 Group, Atlanta, United States

Content, Digital Media
2021.04 - Current (3 years & 6 months)

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
2015.02 - 2016.09 (1 year & 7 months)

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 School Greenville, South Carolina

High School Diploma
2004.08 - 2008.06 (3 years & 10 months)

University Overview

  • Member of National Honor Society (2004-2008)
  • Elected Senior Class President (2007-2008)

Clemson University Clemson, South Carolina

from Computer Science
2008.08 - 2010.01 (1 year & 5 months)

University Overview

Skills

    HTML, CSS

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Timeline

Content, Digital Media
Authentic Empire Music Group
2021.04 - Current (3 years & 6 months)
Content Curator & Contributor
Mode Media Corporation
2015.02 - 2016.09 (1 year & 7 months)
Clemson University
from Computer Science
2008.08 - 2010.01 (1 year & 5 months)
Founder, Editor-in-Chief
Gossip On This LLC (gossiponthis.com)
2006.11 - Current (17 years & 11 months)
Southside High School
High School Diploma
2004.08 - 2008.06 (3 years & 10 months)
Web Developer, Digital Media Consultant/Specialist
Self Employed
2004.01 - Current (20 years & 9 months)
Dustin GaryFreelance Digital Media & Marketing Specialist