As higher education faces shifting demographics, tech adoption, and rising student expectations, leaders in marketing are rethinking how they engage their audiences. This week’s roundup brings together six powerful pieces that point toward a clear trend: adaptation and creativity aren’t optional they’re expected.
Artificial Intelligence is becoming more than a buzzword. From personalized learning tools to customized marketing outreach, AI is taking on a new role in higher ed strategy. In Walking, Talking, Engaging AI in Higher Ed, experts highlight how AI can support student success through tailored engagement. But in To AI or Not to AI in Higher Education Marketing?, the conversation shifts how far should we go? The promise is real, but so are the risks around privacy, transparency, and trust.
Meanwhile, Your Digital Marketing Strategy is Probably Outdated pushes institutions to modernize fast. The takeaway? Visual storytelling, real-time data, and personalized messaging win attention. Combine that with smart ad spend, like in Leverage Google Ads to Navigate the Undergraduate Enrollment Funnel, and you’ve got a formula to reach the right students at the right time.
But standing out takes more than new tools. Rebel Against Boring is a call to arms for marketers to break the mold. It urges schools to ditch bland brochures in favor of stories, personality, and realness. Similarly, the Parents and Students Post-Secondary Survey brings data-backed insights on what prospective families want: clear value, human connection, and targeted communication.
Together, these articles show that success isn’t about one strategy—it’s about bold ideas, tested data, and flexible thinking.
🔍 5 Common Takeaways
- AI is useful for personalization in both learning and marketing.
- Data is key—whether for Google Ads or student behavior insights.
- Creativity helps schools cut through the noise.
- Personalized, student-first content gets results.
- Schools must move fast to keep up with evolving digital trends.
⚡ 5 Controversial Ideas
- Relying on AI without human oversight can erode trust.
- Traditional higher ed marketing strategies are losing effectiveness.
- Visual content may soon outperform written materials in outreach.
- Paid ads (like Google Ads) may become more essential than organic outreach.
- Being “boring” in messaging is now a competitive risk.
Walking, Talking, Engaging AI in Higher Ed
https://upcea.edu/walking-talking-engaging-ai-in-higher-ed/
2025-06-26T05:00:44.000Z
Engaging AI in Higher Education
Synopsis:
- The article discusses the importance of integrating AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology in higher education to improve student engagement and success.
- It highlights the potential benefits of utilizing AI in personalized learning experiences and student support services.
- The author explores various examples of AI applications in the education sector and discusses the challenges faced in implementing these technologies effectively.
- The article emphasizes the need for institutions to adapt to the changing landscape of education and embrace AI as a tool for enhancing learning outcomes.
Background Resources:
- Studies on the impact of AI in education
- Case studies of AI implementation in higher education institutions
- Interviews with experts in the field of educational technology
Noteworthy Positions:
- Advocates for a proactive approach to integrating AI in higher education
- Emphasizes the importance of collaboration between educators and AI developers in creating innovative solutions for students
Summary & Takeaways:
- AI has the potential to revolutionize higher education by personalizing learning experiences and improving student outcomes.
- Institutions should embrace AI technology and work towards incorporating it into their educational framework to stay competitive in the digital age.
🤖📚 AI in higher ed boosts engagement and success. Time to adapt and innovate! #AIinEd #HigherEdTech
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Your digital marketing strategy is probably outdated—here’s how to fix it
https://eab.com/resources/blog/adult-education-blog/digital-marketing-strategy-outdated
2025-06-25T12:00:00.000Z
Is Your Digital Marketing Strategy Outdated?
Synopsis:
- The article discusses the importance of updating digital marketing strategies to keep up with changing trends.
- It emphasizes the need for a customer-centric approach and personalized content to engage audiences effectively.
- One of the key points made is the shift towards visual and interactive content to capture attention in a crowded digital landscape.
Background Resources:
- Data on consumer behavior trends
- Case studies on successful digital marketing campaigns
Noteworthy Positions:
- The author suggests that businesses should prioritize data analytics to understand audience preferences and behavior.
- They also advocate for integrating social media and email marketing strategies for a cohesive customer experience.
Summary/Takeaways:
- Regularly review and update digital marketing strategies to stay relevant.
- Focus on personalized, visually engaging content to drive audience engagement.
- Utilize data analytics and integrate various marketing channels for optimal results.
🚀 Is your marketing outdated? Use visual, customer-focused content to stay relevant! #DigitalMarketing #Engagement
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Leverage Google Ads to Navigate the Undergraduate Enrollment Funnel | Higher Ed Marketing & Enrollment
https://www.carnegiehighered.com/blog/google-ads-undergraduate-enrollment-funnel
2025-06-23T20:57:39.000Z
How Google Ads Can Impact the Undergraduate Enrollment Funnel
Synopsis:
- Google Ads can be a powerful tool for universities to attract prospective students and guide them through the enrollment process.
- By strategically utilizing Google Ads, universities can increase brand awareness, drive website traffic, and encourage conversions.
- The author discusses the various stages of the undergraduate enrollment funnel and how Google Ads can be integrated into each stage to optimize results.
- Case studies and data are provided to support the effectiveness of Google Ads in the higher education sector.
Unique/Noteworthy Positions:
- The author emphasizes the importance of utilizing data-driven strategies and continuously optimizing Google Ads campaigns for maximum impact on student enrollment.
- They also highlight the potential for Google Ads to target and engage with specific demographics, ultimately leading to higher conversion rates.
Takeaways:
- Google Ads can play a crucial role in attracting and converting prospective students.
- Universities should focus on creating targeted ads, conducting A/B testing, and analyzing data to enhance their enrollment funnel.
- With the right approach, Google Ads can significantly improve the overall success of student recruitment efforts.
🎓📈 Boost enrollment with Google Ads! Optimize conversions for higher ed success. #HigherEdMarketing #GoogleAds
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The Second Annual Parents and Students Post-Secondary Survey
2025-06-23T16:56:35.000Z
Higher Education Marketing Challenges and Solutions
Synopsis:
- The article discusses the various challenges faced by higher education institutions in marketing their programs.
- It addresses the evolving landscape of digital marketing in higher education.
- The whitepaper provides strategies and solutions for overcoming these challenges, including the importance of data analytics and personalized messaging.
- Case studies and examples are included to illustrate successful marketing campaigns in higher education.
Background Resources:
- Data analytics tools
- Digital marketing trends in higher education
- Case studies of successful marketing strategies
Noteworthy Positions:
- Emphasis on the need for personalized messaging in higher education marketing
- Importance of leveraging data analytics for targeted marketing campaigns
Summary/Takeaways:
- Higher education institutions face unique challenges in marketing their programs
- Personalized messaging and data analytics are key components of successful marketing strategies in this sector
🎓📊 Higher ed marketing is tough—but data and personalization drive results! #HigherEdMarketing #DataDrivenMarketing
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Rebel Against Boring
https://simpsonscarborough.com/blog/rebel-against-boring/
2025-06-20T21:09:59.000Z
Embracing Creativity in Higher Education Marketing
Synopsis:
- The article discusses the importance of infusing creativity into higher education marketing strategies to stand out in a saturated market.
- Traditional marketing techniques no longer suffice in capturing the attention of target audiences, hence the need for creativity and innovation.
Background Resources:
- Cites research and data from the 2021 E-Expectations Report.
- Mentions the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on higher education marketing.
Unique/Noteworthy Positions:
- Emphasizes the idea of “rebelling against boring” and pushing boundaries in marketing approaches within the higher education sector.
- Suggests strategies such as personalized content, interactive elements, and storytelling to engage prospective students.
Summary & Takeaways:
- Higher education institutions must be willing to break away from conventional marketing strategies to attract and retain students.
- Creativity and originality are key in capturing the attention of Gen Z audiences.
- Embracing a rebellious mindset towards marketing can lead to standout campaigns and increased success in student recruitment.
🎓💥 Ditch the boring! Stand out in higher ed marketing with bold stories that engage Gen Z. #HigherEdMarketing #CreativityFTW
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To AI or Not to AI in Higher Education Marketing?
2025-06-19T21:10:06.000Z
To AI or Not to AI in Higher Education Marketing
Synopsis
- The article discusses the benefits and challenges of using artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education marketing.
- The author explores how AI can personalize communication with prospective students, optimize marketing strategies, and improve overall efficiency.
- The article also highlights concerns about privacy, data security, and ethical implications of AI in marketing.
Background Resources
- Higher Education Marketing article on AI and machine learning
- Study by Pew Research Center on public views of AI
Noteworthy Positions
- The author acknowledges the potential of AI to revolutionize marketing practices but warns about the need for transparency and ethical considerations.
- Emphasizes the importance of human oversight in AI-driven marketing initiatives to maintain trust with prospective students.
Summary and Takeaways
- AI offers significant opportunities for higher education marketing but requires careful consideration of ethical and privacy implications.
- Human involvement remains crucial in leveraging AI effectively while maintaining trust and transparency.
- Institutions should approach AI in marketing with a balance of innovation and ethical responsibility.
🎓 AI in higher ed marketing has big potential—but ethics and human oversight are key. #AIinHigherEd #MarketingEthics
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Conclusion:
In a crowded and changing market, the edge goes to those willing to try, test, and change. Whether through AI, ads, or artistic flair, higher ed marketing is being reshaped and fast.
