From writing commercials to NZIE Social Media Marketing Tutor – Matt Wort
By Scott Donaldson
Author & Content Specialist
Matt Wort brings over six years of marketing industry experience to his new role as New Zealand Institute of Education Social Media Marketing Tutor.
While Matt is a social media expert, he has completed a number of digital marketing roles on his path to where he is today. And, fine-tuning his skills along the way.
He started out writing commercials at advertising agency Bright Sunday. After finishing his Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from the Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2015.
Following on from this role, he took a step up to become a copywriter. From there an account manager at the same company. Before going it alone as a freelance social media specialist and has never looked back.
Among his experience, Matt has completed a diverse portfolio of jobs for various clients. Including digital marketing for the Auckland Museum. Also, working at local charities, promoting the launches of movies and running large tourism campaigns.
How did Matt get into digital marketing?
Matt’s background is in creative writing, where he excelled during his time studying for a Bachelor of Arts at MIT.
“As soon as I was introduced to something I was genuinely interested in (creative writing), I started getting A’s and ended my final thesis with a 99/100,” Matt says.
“That one point still haunts me, years later.”
He quickly realised he could use his storytelling skills and passion in an industry that was going to make him money and so he kicked off his career in digital marketing.
Matt was offered his first role writing commercials after bumping into the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bright Sunday in the hallway at MIT.
“It was one of those serendipitous career moves, and I consider myself extremely lucky to have been in that corridor on that day,”
What students can expect when learning with Matt.
Matt, who is originally from the UK, is excited to share some of his tips, tricks and hints to becoming a social media specialist with students of the NZIE Diploma in Digital Marketing Level 7.
“First and foremost, I want my students to embrace their ability to have fun with digital marketing,” Matt says.
“As consumers online we can sense when something is genuine. Through our sheer exposure to technology, Gen X and younger have developed this sixth sense when it comes to brands online. We can smell spam, we can see cash grabs and fakes.”
Matt will draw on his industry experience to teach the NZIE social media marketing course in the Diploma in Digital Marketing so students can draw on his knowledge and learn from his experiences, to advance their careers as seamlessly as possible.
He believes with an industry so tied to technology, we should be utilising it to its full potential in making our jobs smoother.
Therefore, Matt has curated a huge list of useful websites, shortcuts, and hacks for course participants pursuing a career in digital marketing, including as a social media manager, social media strategist, social media analyst, paid ads specialist, social media consultant, social media coach, content creator or social media influencer.
Besides social media marketing, what else is there to Matt?
When he is not thinking about the next brilliant social media campaign or updating his Instagram. Matt continues his love for writing in his spare time, too.
He is currently working on writing his fifth novel, which Matt claims to be his best – so stay tuned for that!
He also loves video gaming with people from around the world.
“Our neighbours are probably used to the cackling and screaming when we play Dead By Daylight,” he says.
Matt’s parting piece of advice
With the social media marketing industry changing so fast, Matt has one piece of advice for any of his NZIE social media marketing students.
“The key is to stick to your fundamentals, pick up the new stuff as you go along, and try your absolute best to have fun while you create.”
If you’re interested in learning from the likes of Matt and our other industry expert tutors, consider joining the Diploma in Digital Marketing today!
