Social Media class lets students provide real-world marketing insights to local businesses

Colin Mills ’26 with Chick-fil-A staff members.Students in Professor Kelly Kruse’s Social Media course at Carthage College recently concluded a semester-long project by presenting in-depth digital audits to local business owners and marketing managers on May 13 and 20.

Throughout the semester, students analyzed and evaluated the websites and social media presence of 12 local businesses. The project culminated in live presentations in which students delivered customized strategies for improving each business’s online performance.

Participating businesses included:

A presentation for Friendship Clubhouse by Nicole Adamski ’25 and Madeline Crawford ’25.Business owners were impressed with the professionalism and depth of the students’ work. Meagan Petersen, owner of Reefpoint Brew House, shared that they “will definitely be implementing suggestions.” Caleb Robinson, owner of George’s Encore, praised the analysis presented by student Belle Rummel ’25, calling it “absolutely fantastic” and said he plans to implement her marketing strategies immediately.

Prof. Kruse believes strongly in bringing real-world experience into the classroom. “It was an amazing opportunity for students to meet with business owners one-on-one throughout the semester and then present their findings directly to them. This kind of hands-on experience is what Carthage prides itself on.”

Congratulations to all the students for their hard work and to the businesses who invested their time in mentoring the next generation of marketing professionals.

Sponsoring Department, Office, or Organization:

Division of Arts and Humanities

For more information, contact:

cness@carthage.edu