As a J-School grad, I'm always excited to speak with a TV reporter gone higher-ed marketer. 

During the latest Education Marketing Leader podcast episode, I spoke with Siobhan Lopez, the Assistant Director of Media Relations at Southern New Hampshire University. 

Siobhan's journey is a narrative that's as compelling as it is instructive.

Here's the scoop:

Siobhan's decade-long stint in broadcast journalism was more than a career—it was a masterclass in storytelling. 

Transitioning to higher ed marketing, she's now turning the spotlight on SNHU, proving that every great institution has a story to tell. 

Journalist's Instinct: 

Imagine leveraging a reporter's eye in your marketing strategy. 

That's Siobhan for you!

Her advice? 

Hire those who know a reporter's beat, likes, and dislikes. 

Their storytelling is as effective as it is transformative. 

Pitch Perfect: 

These days, it's no longer just about pumping out press releases. 

It's about sending the right ones to the right outlets.

Siobhan's mantra is clear – understand your audience, tailor your pitch, and watch your story get picked up.

Real Relationships: 

Forget mass emails. 

Siobhan's success with media placements is all about those personal connections, knowing what journalists want, and delivering stories that resonate. 

It's networking gold. 🤝

Authenticity is Key

In a world buzzing with content, authenticity wins. 

Siobhan's work exemplifies this: turning SNHU's narratives into compelling, sought-after media stories that inspire and engage. 🌟🗣

Siobhan's Takeaway: 

Transform your approach, think like a journalist, and tell stories that matter. 

Siobhan's background is impressive, and her episode is a blueprint for education marketers aiming to make a real impact.

Eager to amplify your university's stories with the same finesse? 

Connect, share, and engage with this episode's golden insights. 🎓

P.S. A special thank you to Kirk Hazlett, a former Education Marketing Leader podcast guest, and mutual connection, for introducing me to Siobhan.

#EducationMarketing #HigherEdInnovation #MediaRelations #Storytelling #MarketingStrategy

Just dropped an insightful conversation with the brilliant Harrison "Soup" Campbell, Head of Community Experience at ZeeMee, where we dove deep into the evolution of student engagement in the higher education space. 🎓💡

Soup shared his incredible journey from University Admissions Pro to the groundbreaking work ZeeMee is doing to revolutionize how colleges and universities connect with prospective students. 🌟

🔑 𝕂𝕖𝕪 𝕋𝕒𝕜𝕖𝕒𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤:

𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥: The shift from a digital portfolio platform to a thriving social community emphasizes the importance of early and authentic engagement with students. Soup stresses the need for relational over transactional interactions to build meaningful connections. 

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲: In the digital age, students crave genuine connections. Leveraging current students as influencers and hosting authentic events can significantly enhance engagement and foster a sense of belonging among prospective students. 🌐

𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐄𝐈: Highlighting USC's success story, Soup shares how dedicated chat channels can lead to record-breaking enrollment increases, showcasing the effectiveness in supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. 🎉

𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞: Finally, the conversation circled back to the challenges and opportunities in engaging digital-native students. Understanding the culture of various online communities and the pivotal role of technology, especially AI, in shaping future engagements. 🚀

This episode is a goldmine for higher education marketing professionals looking to elevate their strategies and connect with their audience meaningfully.

👉 Don't miss out on this episode filled with actionable insights; head to our podcast page to listen now!

And if Soup's journey or ZeeMee's innovative approach sparks an idea, feel free to connect with him on LinkedIn. 

Let's keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible in education marketing together. 🌱

Until next time, stay curious and engaged. ✌️

#EducationMarketing #HigherEd #DigitalEngagement #PodcastRecap #CommunityBuilding #ZeeMee #MarketingInsights

In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Kathleen Stockham, the CMO at South College. 

Kathleen's journey from television news to e-commerce giant America Online and eventually to the helm of South College's marketing is nothing short of inspiring.

Kathleen took us behind the scenes of South College's website overhaul, a project critical for modernizing their digital presence. 

The revamp was more than just about aesthetics. 

It was about creating a seamless, mobile-friendly user experience that resonates with prospective students and parents alike.

Speed and personalization were at the core of the project. 

Drawing on her e-commerce expertise, Kathleen emphasized the need for fast, accessible content and the power of multimedia to engage prospective students. 

Thanks to Kathleen and her creative director, Jose Salas, personal stories, vibrant colors, and intuitive layouts now define South College's online identity.

What sets Kathleen apart is her commitment to understanding student motivations. 

By gathering first-party data and prioritizing compliance without compromising consumer value, she's ensuring South College's website is a portal and a journey into the heart of what the college offers.

The road to revamping a higher-ed website is fraught with challenges, from convincing stakeholders to ensuring mobile optimization. 

Kathleen's strategy? 

Continuous improvement and a relentless focus on the user experience.

Whether you're knee-deep in marketing strategy or just fascinated by the intersection of education and digital innovation, this episode is a goldmine of insights.

"The website is a living entity demanding constant care," Kathleen reminds us. 

In higher education marketing, being static is not an option.

Eager to dive deeper into Kathleen's strategies or start a conversation? 

Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Keep pushing the boundaries of higher education marketing. 

Stay tuned for more episodes that blend expertise, strategy, and actionable advice.

Until next time. ✌️

P.S. A special thank you to Olivia Giamanco for the introduction. 

#HigherEdMarketing #Web #marketing

In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I sat down with Kristin Nichols, Founder of Nichols Higher Education, to discuss a topic that many of us are interested in:

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭-𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬.With the enrollment cliff looming,

Kristin underscored the untapped potential within this demographic.

Drawing on over two decades of experience working in higher-ed, she shared how institutions can authentically connect with these students, ensuring they feel seen, supported, and included.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

🤔 Understand Their Unique Challenges:First-gen students often balance familial responsibilities alongside their studies.Marketing needs to highlight the student experience and the support systems in place, not just the ROI of education

.🤝 Inclusivity in Communication:Many first-gen students come from non-native English speaking backgrounds. Translating digital and physical materials can make a significant difference.Simple, yet profound strategies like accommodating event times can make these students feel valued.

👍 Authentic Engagement:Use a conversational tone in your messaging. Break down the college application process, financial details, and long-term benefits into digestible information.Storytelling, especially through digital platforms, is key. Share success stories of first-gen students to inspire and motivate.

🤜 🤛 Community Engagement:Extend your marketing efforts beyond the campus.Engage with local communities through cultural events and exhibits. It's not just about bringing people to campus but building trust with them.

⏩ Continuous Innovation:Stay agile.

With demographics and trends constantly evolving, assessing and adjusting your communication strategies is crucial.Embrace new technologies and platforms where first-gen students spend their time.

Kristin's insights remind us that a commitment to understanding and addressing first-generation college students' unique needs and challenges is at the heart of effective marketing to them.

It's about creating a sense of belonging and support that extends from their first inquiry to graduation and beyond.This episode is for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of first-generation students and navigate the upcoming enrollment challenges.

Connect with Kristin on LinkedIn and join her at the 2024 Cascade User Conference on February 22, where she is a panelist at a round table discussion on navigating the enrollment cliff.

Don't miss it!

Until next time.

In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sean Beasley, Director of Marketing at Missouri State University's College of Business. 

Sean's journey from journalism to higher ed is a testament to the transformative power of personal touch in education marketing.

Here's why this episode is a must-listen for higher education marketing professionals:

👥 Personalization Is Key: In an era of fierce competition, Sean emphasizes the critical role of personalization in engaging prospective students. Tailored messages stand out and make students feel valued, significantly impacting their decision-making.

📧 Emails That Speak Directly: Sean shares insights on crafting personalized, resonant emails. 

🤝 Building Relationships: It's not just about being responsive; it's about being thoughtfully responsive. Missouri State's reputation for engaging with prospective students through personalized communication and responsiveness has set a benchmark for success in student recruitment.

📈 Beyond Chatbots: While acknowledging AI's role in marketing, Sean advocates for a balanced approach that prioritizes genuine human interaction. 

🎨 CTA & Email Optimization: Sean shares practical tips on optimizing email campaigns. 

🧪 Experimentation & Learning: The conversation wraps up with Sean encouraging marketers to experiment with different strategies and learn from them. A/B testing, attending marketing conferences, and staying open to new methods are crucial for evolving and enhancing higher education marketing efforts.

🔗 Connect & Learn: Sean is open to connecting on LinkedIn for anyone interested in diving deeper into personalization and effective marketing communication strategies in the higher education space.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights for higher education marketing professionals looking to elevate their strategies and truly connect with their audience. 

Personalization is the future of effective higher education marketing.

👉 Listen, Apply, Transform: Take these insights, apply them to your marketing strategies, and watch how personalization can transform your recruitment efforts.

🌟 If you enjoyed the episode, please hit like, subscribe, and leave a review of the Education Marketing Leader. 🙏

Until next time. ✌

#EducationMarketing #HigherEd #Personalization #MarketingStrategies #StudentRecruitment #EmailMarketing #DigitalMarketing

In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader, I had the pleasure of hosting Joshua Charles, the Director of Web Strategies at Rutgers University Business School.

Josh's journey from web programming to marketing, driven by his passion for education, is inspiring.

During the episode, Josh explains how web strategy acts as the digital front door for institutions, vital for attracting and retaining students, especially with the upcoming demographic enrollment cliff. He emphasizes that a university's website is a pivotal part of a broader marketing and communications strategy.

Understanding the audience's journey is key to ensuring the website and customer journey are inextricably linked.

Our conversation took a deep dive into the art of connecting business objectives with prospective students. Josh underlines the importance of aligning the institution's brand, values, and unique selling points with the audience's needs.

He stresses the necessity of emotional and transactional content that resonates with diverse student backgrounds, like international students adapting to new environments.

Personalization is king! Josh discusses strategies to foster a sense of belonging and diversity despite resource limitations. For instance, crafting content that emotionally connects with various student demographics is crucial.

Looking towards the future, Josh and I explore the evolving landscape of higher education marketing, particularly the role of AI.

He advises educators and marketers to step out of their comfort zones and embrace continuous learning.He encourages curiosity and open-mindedness to budding higher-ed web and marketing professionals, focusing on foundational growth rather than getting bogged down in tactical details.Don't miss this insightful episode!

Listen now to elevate your education marketing game!

For more insights from Josh and to dive deeper into the world of web strategy in higher education, connect with him on LinkedIn or the HighEdWeb Slack Channel. 🌟

If you enjoyed the episode, please hit like, subscribe, and leave a review of the Education Marketing Leader. 🙏Until next time. ✌hashtag#marketing hashtag#highereducation hashtag#web

In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Jenny Martin and Tim Wombles from the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

Jenny, with her roots in higher education advancement, and Tim, who started as a graduate assistant and found his calling in digital communications, shared their journey toward transforming UMSL's web presence.

The duo is gearing up to present at Hannon Hill's 2024 Cascade User Conference, showcasing how UMSL reclaimed its digital identity.

This interview touches on some of the aspects of their efforts.

Jenny and Tim discussed shifting from a fragmented web presence managed by over 400 individuals to a centralized, cohesive digital front.

The pre-2020 era saw UMSL's digital landscape as a wild west of over 300 sites with inconsistent branding and structure.

The creation of the First Central web team in 2022 was a game-changer, aligning the university's digital strategy with modern branding and features.

Jenny and Tim emphasized the critical role of a unified brand by collaborating with faculty, staff, and graduate assistants; the web team revamped the university's website to resonate with prospective students.

Their approach?

A CMS template ensuring brand consistency and focusing on updating enrollment management university-wide.

The team also highlighted the necessity of open communication and the power of compromise in enhancing user experience.

Looking ahead, Jenny and Tim are excited about expanding UMSL's services to cater to diverse audiences, including corporate partners, adult learners, and transfer students.

To dive deeper into their insights, connect with Jenny and Tim on LinkedIn or via their emails on UMSL's website.

Join them at #CUC24 on Wednesday, February 21, at 1:45 p.m. to learn how you can reclaim your university website.

🌟 If you enjoyed the episode, please hit like, subscribe, and leave a review of the Education Marketing Leader. 🙏

Until next time. ✌

#marketing #highereducation #web

In this episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I met one of the fastest men on the AMA HigherEd circuit:

Shamell Forbes is the Campus Partnerships Associate at Campus Sonar, a former track and field star, the father of one cat, and the son of two immigrants. 🇯🇲

We had a fascinating discussion on the pivotal role of inclusivity in higher education marketing communications.

Shamell, with his background in social work and transition to higher education on the EdTech side, brings a unique perspective to the table when it comes to communicating inclusively with empathy. 💡

As always, we started the episode by exploring my guest's unique journey and his decision to enter the higher education sphere, which was fueled by a desire to make a meaningful impact -- a theme that resonated throughout our conversation.

Shamell explained the essence of inclusive communication in higher education, emphasizing the need to foster a genuine sense of belonging among students from diverse communities.

I learned it's about creating a welcoming environment through authentic marketing and communication practices.

He also stressed to hire staff from underrepresented communities to ensure a more holistic and relatable approach to marketing.

The conversation then shifted towards practical strategies for integrating inclusivity on an institution's website.

Shamell highlighted the need for institutions to understand their target audiences, engage with students on social media, and be transparent about past issues.

He shed light on the importance of showcasing the authentic experiences of all students, including those who might not fit the traditional narratives of excellence.

This approach, he believes, can inspire and resonate with a broader audience.

Learn how to communicate with diverse audiences in 2024 by listening to the complete episode on YouTube and your favorite podcast medium.

🌟 If you enjoyed the episode, please hit like, subscribe, and leave a review of the Education Marketing Leader. 🙏

Until next time. ✌

#marketing #highereducation #SEO #DEI

Ever wonder how universities climb the ever-shifting mountain of Google rankings?

Well, I recently sat down with a man who's built his agency into a sherpa for higher-ed institutions struggling to reach the peak. 🏔

Meet Abu Noaman, CEO of Elliance, Inc., who shared his story of using digital marketing to unlock enrollment growth for colleges and universities.

Abu's journey is one of personal triumph and a deep belief in the transformative power of education. 💪

He saw education as a ladder out of hardship, and now, he helps others on the climb with a focus on SEO and student recruitment.

During the episode, Abu paints a picture of SEO's evolution from the wild west days of Yahoo to the user-centric landscapes of today.

He calls out the unique challenges facing smaller schools and community colleges, where visibility can be as scarce as funding. 💸

Yet, through SEO, he's seen every single one of his clients break the Google glass ceiling and land on that coveted page one.

But SEO isn't just about pleasing Google's algorithm.

Abu champions the power of human thought leaders – those brilliant faculty and researchers with minds overflowing with original insights.

He urges university marketers to tap this rich vein through interviews and collaborations, reminding us that AI-generated content, no matter how fancy, can't compete with the spark of a human-powered story.

Listen to the complete episode to learn about Abu's insights on how to improve your SEO game in 2024, and join his session at Hannon Hill's Cascade CMS User Conference on February 21, where he'll present SEO in depth.

🌟 If you enjoyed the episode, please hit like, subscribe, and leave a review of the Education Marketing Leader. 🙏

Until next time. ✌

The first guest on the "Education Marketing Leader" podcast in 2024 is well-known on the higher-ed conference circuit.

Her passion for empathy in communications and mission to break down content walls benefit equity-deserving students from around the globe.

Meet Day Kibilds, Strategy Director at Ologie and host of the "Talking Tactics" podcast.

During our chat, we focused on how to create inclusive Higher-Ed Web content.

Her experience as an international student who had difficulties enrolling in a U.S.-based university, combined with her extensive background as an admissions professional, qualifies her to illuminate the challenges many students face, particularly those unfamiliar with academic jargon.

Day emphasized the need for empathy in the application process, advocating for simplicity over complexity in web content.

She highlighted the essential role of clear, straightforward language on websites, stressing the importance of tools like the Hemingway app and ChatGPT to ensure content is accessible to all.

The statistics Day shared are eye-opening - 57% of high school seniors feel overwhelmed by the admissions process, often missing out on crucial opportunities due to complex language and procedures.

She challenges higher education institutions to lower these barriers, making the journey more inclusive.

Day also tackled the misconceptions around web accessibility.

She argues that simplifying web content isn't about dumbing down but about equity and inclusion.

🤝 Day's message is clear: empathy, equity, and simplification are key to democratizing the higher education application process.

Listen to the complete episode to dive deeper into Day's insights and vision for a more inclusive higher education landscape, and join her session at Hannon Hill's Cascade CMS User Conference on February 21, where she'll present the topic in depth.

🌟 If you enjoyed the episode, please hit like, subscribe, and leave a review of the Education Marketing Leader. 🙏

Until next time. ✌