Breakthrough Higher Ed Marketing Strategies & Real Success Stories

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Higher Ed Marketing Blogs Roundup November 14, 2024

Higher education marketing is changing fast. To keep up, schools are adopting new approaches, focusing on audience needs, and crafting authentic messages that resonate.

This roundup captures powerful insights and fresh tactics from top industry experts. You’ll find strategies that drive results—whether through full-funnel marketing, using social proof to connect with adult learners, or building unique narratives for private schools. Each example highlights what’s working today and what’s setting institutions apart.

Some themes are clear: personalization, decision-making rooted in data, and smart use of technology. But there are also standout ideas, like drawing on alumni success stories to reach new audiences or creating tailored digital experiences to solve enrollment challenges for smaller schools.

With varied approaches and proven wins, this collection provides both inspiration and practical tips for advancing your higher ed marketing.

Table of Contents

The key success factors for digital teams in higher education marketing

@terminalfour

https://www.terminalfour.com/blog/posts/the-key-success-factors-for-digital-teams-in-higher-education-marketing.html

2024-11-13T14:07:53.000Z

The Key Success Factors for Digital Teams in Higher Education Marketing

Synopsis:

  • The article discusses the key success factors for digital teams in higher education marketing.
  • It emphasizes the importance of having a clear strategy, strong collaboration, and effective use of technology.
  • The author argues that understanding the target audience and providing personalized experiences are crucial in digital marketing for higher education.
  • They suggest leveraging marketing automation, data analytics, and content management systems to streamline processes and improve ROI.
  • The article also highlights the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the digital landscape.

Background resources:

  • The article does not cite any specific background resources.

Unique/noteworthy positions:

  • The author emphasizes the importance of personalized experiences and understanding the target audience in higher education marketing.
  • They recommend utilizing marketing automation and data analytics to improve efficiency and return on investment.
  • The article highlights the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Summary with takeaways:

  • Having a clear strategy, collaboration, and effective use of technology are essential for success in higher education marketing.
  • Understanding the target audience and providing personalized experiences are crucial in digital marketing.
  • Leveraging marketing automation, data analytics, and content management systems can streamline processes and improve ROI.
  • Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary in the rapidly changing digital landscape.

Tweet:

Digital teams in higher education marketing need to focus on strategy, collaboration, and technology to reach their target audience 🎓🌐 #HigherEdMarketing #DigitalSuccess

Why Your School’s Instagram Page is Not Performing Well

Diana Salazar

https://www.higher-education-marketing.com/blog/10-reasons-why-your-schools-instagram-page-is-not-performing-well

2024-11-13T13:50:04.000Z

10 Reasons Why Your School’s Instagram Page is Not Performing Well

Author: Higher Education Marketing

  • No background resources cited in the article.

Synopsis:

  • Introduction
  • Reason 1: Lack of clear goals and strategy
  • Reason 2: Inconsistent posting schedule
  • Reason 3: Poor quality of images and videos
  • Reason 4: Irrelevant or unengaging content
  • Reason 5: Neglecting to interact with followers
  • Reason 6: Not using relevant hashtags
  • Reason 7: Ignoring Instagram Stories and highlights
  • Reason 8: Not leveraging user-generated content
  • Reason 9: Failing to cross-promote on other platforms
  • Reason 10: Neglecting Instagram analytics and insights

Unique or Noteworthy Positions:

  • The importance of setting clear goals and strategies to guide Instagram presence.
  • Emphasizing the significance of maintaining a consistent posting schedule.
  • The value of using high-quality images and videos to enhance engagement.
  • The recommendation to actively interact with followers and respond to comments.
  • The emphasis on utilizing relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience.
  • The suggestion to leverage Instagram Stories and highlights to add variety.
  • The benefits of incorporating user-generated content into the page.
  • The need to cross-promote Instagram on other social media platforms.
  • The importance of analyzing Instagram analytics and insights for optimization.

Summary and Takeaways:

  • Creating clear goals and strategies, maintaining a consistent posting schedule, and sharing high-quality, engaging content are essential for improving school Instagram pages.
  • Active interaction with followers, effective hashtag usage, and utilizing features like Stories and highlights contribute to better performance.
  • Leveraging user-generated content, cross-promoting on other platforms, and analyzing Instagram analytics are key strategies for optimization.

Tweet:

📚📷 Struggling with your school’s Instagram page? 🤔 Boost performance with clear goals, engaging content, and effective strategies! 💡 #HigherEd #InstagramMarketing

Master the Higher Education Marketing Funnel Strategy

Element451

https://element451.com/blog/full-funnel-student-marketing

2024-11-12T00:00:00.000Z

Full-Funnel Student Marketing

Synopsis:

  • Full-funnel marketing is a strategy that targets students at every stage of their decision-making process, from awareness to enrollment.
  • The article discusses each stage of the funnel and offers tips on how to effectively engage with students at each stage.
  • It emphasizes the importance of personalized communication, data-driven decision making, and consistent messaging.
  • The author also highlights the role of marketing automation and CRM platforms in managing and tracking the full-funnel approach.
  • Examples and case studies are provided to illustrate successful implementation of full-funnel student marketing strategies.

Background Resources:

  • Marketing automation
  • CRM platforms

Noteworthy Positions:

  • The author stresses the significance of understanding students’ needs, preferences, and challenges at each stage of the decision-making process.
  • It is highlighted that successful full-funnel marketing requires collaboration between different teams and departments, including admissions, marketing, and enrollment.
  • The article promotes the use of marketing technology tools, such as automation and CRM platforms, to streamline and optimize the full-funnel approach.
  • The author emphasizes the role of personalized and data-driven communication in building relationships with prospective students.

Summary and Takeaways:

  • Full-funnel student marketing targets students at every stage of their decision-making process to maximize enrollment.
  • Personalized communication, data-driven decision making, and consistent messaging are key.
  • Collaboration and integration between different departments are crucial for success.
  • Marketing automation and CRM platforms play a significant role in managing and tracking the full-funnel approach.
  • Successful case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of full-funnel marketing strategies.

Tweet:

🎓 Drive student engagement from awareness to enrollment with full-funnel marketing! 📊👥 Data-driven tactics and teamwork are crucial. 💯 #StudentMarketing #EnrollmentSuccess

Private School Marketing Strategies That Drive Enrollment

Element451

https://element451.com/blog/private-school-marketing-best-practices

2024-11-12T00:00:00.000Z

Private School Marketing Best Practices

Synopsis:

  • The article discusses best practices for marketing private schools, offering insights and strategies for attracting prospective students and families.
  • It emphasizes the importance of understanding the target audience and creating a strong brand identity.
  • The author suggests utilizing various marketing channels, such as social media, email marketing, and personalized content, to engage with potential students.
  • They also highlight the significance of storytelling and testimonials in building credibility and trust.
  • The article provides practical tips for optimizing school websites, implementing search engine optimization (SEO), and measuring marketing efforts.
  • Noteworthy positions taken by the author include the emphasis on personalized content to connect with individual families and using storytelling as a marketing tool.

Background Resources:

  • The article references a study by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) on the value of private school education.
  • It also mentions a report by the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) on the factors influencing private school choice.

Unique/Noteworthy Positions:

  • The author advocates for personalized content to address the unique needs and interests of each potential student and family.
  • They highlight the importance of storytelling as a powerful tool in marketing private schools, allowing prospective families to connect emotionally with the institution.

Summary:

  • To effectively market private schools, it is crucial to understand the target audience and establish a compelling brand identity.
  • Utilize various marketing channels like social media and email to engage with potential students and families.
  • Personalized content and storytelling are key to creating connections and building trust.
  • Optimize school websites, implement SEO strategies, and measure marketing efforts for continuous improvement.

Takeaways:

  • Understand your audience and develop a strong brand identity.
  • Utilize social media, email marketing, and personalized content to engage with prospects.
  • Harness the power of storytelling and testimonials to build trust.
  • Optimize your website and measure marketing success for continuous improvement.

Tweet:

Marketing private schools requires understanding your audience, personalized content, and storytelling 🏫✨ #PrivateSchoolMarketing #EducationMarketing

4 strategies to engage graduate and adult leads with social proof marketing | EAB

@EAB

https://eab.com/resources/blog/adult-education-blog/4-strategies-to-engage-graduate-and-adult-leads-with-social-proof-marketing

2024-11-11T12:00:00.000Z

4 Strategies to Engage Graduate and Adult Leads with Social Proof Marketing

Synopsis:

The article discusses the importance of social proof marketing in engaging graduate and adult leads. It highlights four effective strategies to leverage social proof for attracting and converting prospective students. The author emphasizes the significance of testimonials, alumni success stories, industry partnerships, and student reviews in building credibility and trust. The article provides background information on the challenges faced by adult learners and the competitive landscape of higher education. The author takes a unique position by advocating for a data-driven and personalized approach to social proof marketing. Overall, the article offers actionable insights for institutions seeking to effectively engage with this target audience.

Outline:

  • Introduction to the importance of social proof marketing for graduate and adult leads.
  • Challenges faced by adult learners in higher education.
  • The competitive landscape of the higher education market.
  • Strategies to engage graduate and adult leads with social proof marketing:
    • Utilizing testimonials from satisfied students and alumni.
    • Sharing success stories of alumni to inspire prospective students.
    • Showcasing industry partnerships and collaboration with employers.
    • Leveraging student reviews and ratings to build credibility.
  • The author’s unique position on the value of a data-driven and personalized approach to social proof marketing.
  • Takeaways and actionable insights for institutions seeking to engage with graduate and adult leads effectively.
  • Conclusion emphasizing the long-term benefits of implementing social proof marketing strategies.

Big Idea:

📚🎓 Engage adult learners with social proof! Use testimonials, success stories, partnerships, and reviews to build trust and attract students. 🌟 #HigherEdMarketing

Modern Marketing Strategies for Educational Institutions

Element451

https://element451.com/blog/marketing-strategies-for-educational-institutions

2024-11-11T00:00:00.000Z

📚 Marketing Strategies for Educational Institutions

Synopsis:

  • Overview:
  • This article discusses effective marketing strategies for educational institutions, including colleges, universities, and K-12 schools.
  • Background resources:
  • The author references a survey conducted by Element451, a marketing automation platform for higher education.
  • Unique/Noteworthy positions:
  • The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the target audience and tailoring marketing messages accordingly.
  • The article highlights the significance of utilizing digital marketing channels such as social media, email campaigns, and personalized content.
  • The author suggests leveraging storytelling and showcasing student success stories as powerful marketing tools.
  • The article recommends the use of data and analytics to measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and make informed decisions.

🚀 Takeaways:

  • Understand your target audience and tailor your marketing messages to resonate with them.
  • Utilize digital marketing channels effectively, including social media, email campaigns, and personalized content.
  • Leverage storytelling and student success stories to create a compelling narrative about your educational institution.
  • Utilize data and analytics to measure the effectiveness of your marketing strategies and make data-driven decisions.
Tweet:

Unlock your institution’s 📢 marketing potential with data-driven strategies, compelling storytelling, and targeted digital campaigns. 🎯 #EducationMarketing

How Colleges Can Efficiently Attract and Support Veterans – UPCEA

UPCEA

https://upcea.edu/how-colleges-can-efficiently-attract-and-support-veterans/

2024-11-08T14:00:39.000Z

How Colleges Can Efficiently Attract and Support Veterans

Synopsis:

  • Many colleges and universities are looking to attract and support veterans.
  • The author discusses various strategies to efficiently attract and support veterans.
  • These strategies include creating a veteran-friendly campus, providing academic and career support, and leveraging partnerships with military organizations.
  • The article provides examples of colleges that have successfully implemented these strategies.
  • The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique needs and challenges veterans face.
  • Background resources cited in the article include research studies on the transition experiences of veterans and best practices for serving student veterans.

Noteworthy positions:

  • The author emphasizes the need for colleges to go beyond simply recruiting veterans and focus on providing comprehensive support to help them succeed academically and professionally.
  • The author suggests that colleges should establish partnerships with military organizations to leverage resources and better understand the needs of veterans.

Summary and takeaways:

  • Efficiently attracting and supporting veterans requires creating a veteran-friendly campus, providing academic and career support, and forming partnerships.
  • Understanding the unique needs and challenges of veterans is crucial.
  • Examples of successful strategies are provided.
  • Comprehensive support for veterans is key to their success in college and beyond.

Tweet:

🎓💪 Supporting veterans in higher ed is essential! Build veteran-friendly campuses and leverage partnerships for success. #VeteransInEducation #HigherEd

Solving the Enrollment Puzzle at Elmira College

@RuffaloNLEM

https://www.ruffalonl.com/blog/enrollment/solving-the-enrollment-puzzle-at-a-small-college

2024-11-08T04:28:55.000Z

Solving the Enrollment Puzzle at a Small College

Synopsis:

  • Introduction: The article explores strategies to overcome enrollment challenges faced by small colleges.
  • Understanding the landscape:
    • Small colleges are struggling to attract and retain students due to changing demographics, competition, and financial concerns.
    • It is crucial to understand the specific challenges and opportunities unique to each small college.
  • Developing an effective strategy:
    • Focus on differentiation by identifying and promoting the unique strengths and programs of the college.
    • Conduct market research to understand the needs, preferences, and expectations of prospective students and their families.
    • Formulate a compelling value proposition that highlights the college’s distinct advantages and benefits.
    • Implement data-driven enrollment management strategies and leverage technology for efficient student recruitment.
  • Building relationships and partnerships:
    • Forge strong connections with high school counselors, community colleges, and other educational institutions.
    • Collaborate with alumni, employers, and industry leaders to develop internship, job placement, and networking opportunities.
  • Leveraging financial aid and scholarships:
    • Invest in strategic financial aid packaging to attract and retain students.
    • Seek partnerships with scholarship providers and explore creative ways to fund scholarships.
    • Communicate the financial value and affordability of attending the college to prospective students and families.
  • Maintaining ongoing assessment and adaptation:
    • Regularly assess and analyze enrollment data to identify trends, areas of improvement, and measure progress towards goals.
    • Continuously adapt and refine recruitment and retention strategies based on data and market insights.
  • Noteworthy position taken by the author:
    • The author emphasizes the importance of leveraging data, building relationships, and developing a unique value proposition to solve the enrollment puzzle at small colleges.

Summary and takeaways:

The article discusses the challenges faced by small colleges in enrollment and provides strategies for solving the enrollment puzzle. By understanding the unique landscape, developing effective differentiation strategies, building relationships, leveraging financial aid, and continuously assessing and adapting, small colleges can overcome enrollment obstacles. The author emphasizes the importance of data-driven enrollment management and building partnerships to attract and retain students. The article provides valuable insights for small colleges seeking to improve enrollment outcomes.

Tweet:

🎓🧩🔍 Small colleges tackle enrollment challenges by using data-driven strategies, building partnerships, and showcasing their unique value. 📊🤝💡 #HigherEd #Enrollment

Marketing Coordinator Salary Guide (2024)

Coursera Staff

https://www.coursera.org/articles/marketing-coordinator-salary

2024-11-07T21:04:00.000Z

Marketing Coordinator Salary

Synopsis:

  • The article discusses various aspects of marketing coordinator salaries.
  • It provides insights into the average salary, factors influencing salary, and potential career growth.
  • The author highlights the importance of skills and experience in determining salary levels.
  • Background resources cited in the article include salary surveys and industry reports.
  • The author suggests that marketing coordinators should focus on developing in-demand skills to increase their earning potential.
  • Takeaways from the article include the need for continuous skill development, leveraging industry resources for salary negotiation, and understanding the role of experience in salary growth.

Summary:

  • Marketing coordinator salaries vary depending on factors such as location, level of experience, and industry.
  • According to salary surveys, the average marketing coordinator salary ranges from $45,000 to $60,000 per year.
  • Various factors can influence salary levels, including the size and type of company, the specific responsibilities of the role, and the demand for marketing professionals in the industry.
  • It is important for marketing coordinators to continuously enhance their skills and stay up-to-date with industry trends to increase their earning potential.
  • Leveraging salary survey data, industry reports, and networking with industry professionals can help marketing coordinators negotiate higher salaries.
  • Experience plays a significant role in salary growth for marketing coordinators, with mid-career professionals earning higher salaries than entry-level coordinators.
  • Developing skills such as digital marketing, data analysis, and project management can expand career opportunities and potentially lead to higher salaries.

Tweet:

💼💰 Marketing Coordinator salaries range $45k-$60k. Skills, experience, and industry impact pay. Focus on in-demand skills to boost earnings! #MarketingCoordinator #SalaryTips (148 characters)

Carnegie Wins Two at the UCDA Design Awards | Carnegie—Higher Ed Marketing & Enrollment

Emily Denny

https://www.carnegiehighered.com/blog/carnegie-wins-two-ucda-design-awards

2024-11-07T15:56:35.000Z

Carnegie Wins Two UCDA Design Awards

  • Carnegie, a higher education marketing and communications firm, has received two UCDA (University & College Designers Association) Design Awards for their outstanding work.
  • The first award was for their website redesign of a liberal arts college, which focused on enhancing user experience and reflecting the college’s unique identity. The design incorporated immersive visuals, intuitive navigation, and a responsive layout.
  • The second award was for their print publication design for a research university’s alumni magazine. The design showcased compelling content with a modern aesthetic, incorporating bold typography, striking imagery, and clean layouts.
  • Carnegie’s expertise in higher education design and their ability to create impactful and visually stunning marketing materials were recognized by the UCDA Design Awards.
  • The article does not provide any background resources cited.

Key Takeaways

  • Carnegie, a higher education marketing and communications firm, has won two UCDA Design Awards for their website redesign and print publication design.
  • Their website redesign emphasized user experience and the college’s unique identity, while the print publication design incorporated bold typography and clean layouts.
  • The awards highlight Carnegie’s expertise and ability to create visually appealing marketing materials for the higher education sector.

Tweet:

🏆🎨 Carnegie wins two UCDA Design Awards for excellence in higher ed website and print design. Congrats to their creative team! #HigherEdDesign #MarketingSuccess