Mark McLaren
2727 46th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116 · cell 206-962-9119 · email markmc@mcbuzz.com
I'm an online marketing manager and analytics specialist helping clients connect with online communities.
I use traditional online solutions and social media to build brand awareness, connect with customers and increase sales. With a background in the philosophy of science, marketing communications and web design, I strive to continuously measure and optimize online business performance in all critical areas.
Core Strengths
Seven years of experience working directly with customers, designers, developers and suppliers
to produce and track online marketing campaigns. Ten years of experience in print and digital marketing communications.
Broad skills and experience in natural and paid search marketing: researching keywords, optimizing web pages for search engines, building and managing Google AdWords campaigns, optimizing landing pages for A/B tests, measuring and reporting KPI's with Google Analytics.
Consensus builder. Able to think on my feet, prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment and explain technical subjects clearly and simply. Adept at bridging communication gaps between technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Strong background in branding and marketing communications.
Constantly testing new ways to use social media to create cross-pollination among businesses, increase participation, build brand awareness and generate inbound links.
In-depth knowledge of Search Engine Optimization, WordPress, and business blogging techniques. Additional skills and experience: Google Analytics; email marketing; Microsoft Office including Excel; hand coding HTML, CSS, XML, JavaScript, PHP; Adobe CS4; project management.
Employment Narrative
McBuzz Communications LLC, Seattle, WA
Owner / Online Marketing Consultant
May 2005 to present http://www.mcbuzz.com
McBuzz is a sole proprietorship. I work with suppliers and subcontractors to create and manage online marketing campaigns, and build and optimize websites and other electronic communications solutions for small and medium-sized businesses.
Responsible for new business development, requirement gathering, project planning, execution and acceptance.
McBuzz builds websites using WordPress CMS software. Clients can edit and update sites themselves. These sites easily incorporate the latest social media technologies.
Clients include Nova Chemicals, The Community Builders, Inc., Mt. Si Food Bank, TravelWild Expeditions, Photosafaris.com, law firms, health care consultants, and many others.
Bradley Brown Design Group, Inc., Carnegie, PA
Senior Production Manager / Interactive Developer
2000-2005
Ultimate responsibility for customer satisfaction and project acceptance.
Responsible for a portfolio of Web development and marketing communications projects.
Clients included Goodyear, PPG Industries, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, FreeMarkets.
Industries served included health care, finance, education, manufacturing and aerospace.
Black Box Corporation, Lawrence, PA
Designer / Technical Illustrator
1998-1999
Black Box is a highly respected worldwide provider of network infrastructure services, communications equipment, and technical support.
Worked with a team that transformed website from first-generation, static behemoth into dynamic, database-driven marketing and e-commerce tool.
Website efficiency (page load times, etc.) improved dramatically and customer satisfaction levels experienced equally dramatic increases.
Produced award-winning marketing materials on the Web and in print.
Education
University of Pittsburgh, 1997
M.A., History and Philosophy of Science
School of Arts & Sciences Fellowship, 1994-1997
University of California at Irvine, 1993
B.A., History and B.A., Philosophy
magna cum laude
Phi
Beta Kappa, 1991
Meiji Gakuin University Scholar, Yokohama,
Japan, 1989
Town & Gown Scholarship, 1987-1991
Continuing Education
Project Management for Technical Professionals
Project Management Institute (PMI) certified course
iCarnegie (Carnegie Technical Education)
Course work in systems development, networking and software development
Curriculum developed by Carnegie Mellon University