THE Expert

    I know firsthand what it takes to be an SME in training because of my ADV 4310 class. In this class, I was asked to research a media platform and analyze the benefits and ways companies can advertise on them. So with that being said, an SME is a person with bona fide expert knowledge about what it takes to do a particular job. I am by no means an SME by that standard but because I played the role of one, I can assume what it takes to be one. Order to be an SME (subject matter expert) takes someone who is knowledgeable and contributes expertise to enhance organizational efficiency. They are able to evaluate the organization's needs, determine suitable technical solutions, and ensure that defined requirements are met and exceeded. Along with that, they oversee the development, testing, and implementation of a company's technical solution thus ensuring an accurate representation of those solutions. 

    So, with that in mind, there are a number of benefits to being an SME in Digital Media. One benefit of being an SME in digital marketing is that if it's done right, it can establish and bolster a company's online presence and thus increase its brand awareness. An SME can also influence the consideration of consumers to utilize a company's products and services. These are just some ways SMEs bring value to digital media and marketing. With the help of SMEs, companies can utilize SEO (search engine optimization), pay-per-click, content marketing, email marketing, and social media marketing as a means to keep and attain customers (all of these have been discussed in my ADV 4310 class). Even with limited resources, SME marketing in digital media can be successful and provide value to any company. Their expert knowledge set them apart from the rest of the marketers and are a valued part of any team.