Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States by population and the largest in Texas, with a population of around 2.3 million people. The Greater Houston metropolitan area is even more significant, hosting about 7 million people.

 

The city covers an area of approximately 671 square miles, making it the ninth-largest in the United States by total area. Its diverse demographic composition has sizable populations of Caucasians, African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians. It is also known for its diversity and multiculturalism, home to numerous cultural institutions and exhibits.

History:

In 1836 Houston was founded by brothers Augustus Chapman Allen and John Kirby Allen on land near the banks of Buffalo Bayou. The city was named after General Sam Houston, the Republic of Texas president who had commanded and won at the Battle of San Jacinto.

The city grew rapidly as a railroad industry and cotton shipping center. The discovery of oil in the area in the early 20th century led to an economic boom. During the mid-20th century, Houston became a center for the aerospace industry as the location of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where the Mission Control Center is located.

Economy:

Houston’s economy is broad-based and has a solid industrial base in energy, manufacturing, aeronautics, and transportation. It is leading in healthcare sectors and building oilfield equipment. In addition, it hosts the second-most Fortune 500 headquarters of any U.S. municipality within its city limits (after New York City).

Companies and Online Marketing Power Players:

Numerous large and influential companies call Houston home. Some prominent examples include ConocoPhillips, Sysco, and Halliburton. Also, major hospitals and research institutions such as Texas Medical Center and MD Anderson Cancer Center are located in Houston.

 

In terms of online marketing and digital commerce, there are numerous innovative firms based in Houston:

1. com: This major online retailer specializes in window blinds and coverings. They are a prime example of a company leveraging digital marketing strategies to expand its reach.
2. TDECU: TDECU Digital Services is a significant player in online banking. Their growth has been propelled by a successful digital marketing strategy, showing the impact such techniques can have even outside traditional tech companies.
3. Pop Labs: This digital marketing agency is based in Houston and is recognized as an industry leader in SEO, social media marketing, and other digital marketing techniques.
4. Bounce Energy: This company is another strong example of a Houston-based business using advanced digital marketing strategies to be seen in a niche market, in this case, the energy market.
5. Forthea: A full-service digital marketing agency, Forthea specializes in SEO, PPC, and analytics. They’ve worked with various clients, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies.

 

Culture, Attractions, and Facts:

Houston has a vibrant cultural scene, with institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The city’s Theater District has nine major performing arts organizations and six performance halls. It’s one of only five cities in the U.S. with permanent professional resident companies in all major performing arts disciplines: opera, ballet, music, and theater.

Houston is also home to the Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA’s astronaut training and flight control complex. This is part of why Houston is commonly associated with the phrase “Houston, we have a problem” from the Apollo 13 mission.

Furthermore, the city is known for its food culture. It’s been called the “newest capital of great food” by Food & Wine and the country’s most exciting food city by Tasting Table.

Last, but not least, Houston is recognized for its energy industry—particularly for oil and natural gas—as well as for biomedical research and aeronautics. Renewable energy sources—wind and solar—are also growing economic bases in the city.

 

Houston is home to several prominent colleges and universities, many offering comprehensive Houston marketing programs. Here are some examples:

1. University of Houston (U.H.):

The University of Houston’s Bauer College of Business has a Department of Marketing & Entrepreneurship that offers undergraduate and graduate marketing programs. The program combines theory with real-world application, preparing students for various marketing roles. Specializations within the program include professional selling, retailing, and digital marketing.

2. Rice University:

Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business offers an MBA program with a concentration in Marketing. The concentration includes courses in marketing research, brand strategy, digital marketing, and consumer behavior. Rice is consistently ranked among the top universities in the U.S., and its business school is highly respected.

3. Texas Southern University:

The Jesse H. Jones School of Business at TX Southern University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing. The curriculum aims to provide students with well-rounded marketing knowledge, covering topics like marketing management, consumer behavior, marketing research, and international marketing.

4. Houston Baptist University (HBU):

Houston Baptist University’s Archie W. Dunham College of Business provides a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. The program covers fundamental areas of marketing, including marketing principles, consumer behavior, marketing research, and strategic marketing. Digital marketing and international marketing are also part of the curriculum.

5. University of St. Thomas (UST):

The Cameron School of Business at the University of St. Thomas offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing. The curriculum incorporates traditional marketing theory with innovative techniques and tools in the modern market landscape.

These universities are known for offering excellent marketing programs that balance theoretical learning with practical application. They aim to equip students with the necessary tools and skills to succeed in a fast-paced, dynamic marketing environment.

 

Before deciding on a program, it’s essential to consider factors like curriculum, faculty, location, cost, and the opportunities available for internships or practical experience. It would be helpful to visit the university’s official website or contact their admissions office for the most accurate and updated information.