This week's Education Marketing Leader podcast episode concludes our community college series hosted in honor of Community College Month.

I'm excited to share my conversation with Jeff Ebbing, Director of Marketing and Communications at Southeastern Community College and former National Council for Marketing & Public Relations president.

I first met Jeff at NCMPR's National Conference in Orlando last year and got to know him better during a fun run through the streets of Seattle at this year's conference.

Our conversation centered around practical strategies for higher-ed marketers.

We explored how to craft messages that reach, resonate, and inspire action among audiences, providing tangible steps for implementation.

Episode Highlights:

Strategic Messaging: Jeff shared how simplifying complex messages like their "Get Paid to Go to Nursing School" campaign dramatically increased engagement and conversions. This practical approach cuts through the noise, reaching students where they're most attentive.

Audience Engagement: We discussed the importance of directly engaging with students to gather feedback, utilizing programs like the Blackhawk Ambassadors. This real-time input shapes more relevant and impactful campaigns.

Innovative Media Use: From traditional billboards to digital platforms, Jeff emphasized the need to constantly adapt and experiment with media channels to keep messages fresh and effective.

Adapting to Change: Highlighting the evolution from traditional to digital tactics, Jeff provided insights on staying ahead in the rapidly changing landscape of digital marketing in education.

This episode is a must-listen for all higher-ed marketers looking to sharpen their strategies and push the envelope on their campaigns.

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

Until next time. ✌

P.S. Be sure to connect with Jeff and follow Southeastern Community College social to see the strategies in practice.

Resources mentioned during the episode: SCC Ad: Erin Wagner: "I know you can do this"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCReC9t6u1c

In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Maya Demishkevich, the Chief Marketing Officer at Carroll Community College.

Maya shared groundbreaking strategies on how her team uses social media to help Carroll Community College retain its students.

One of the insights shared were the five key pillars affecting student retention:

💲 Financial Burden: Engaging content that informs students about scholarships, financial aid, and budget management tips.

🎓 Academic Challenges: Promotions for tutoring services and study groups to bridge knowledge gaps.

👶 🛠️ Balancing Commitments: Support resources for adult learners and working students, showcasing flexible learning options.

🧘‍♂️ Mental Health: Awareness campaigns focusing on wellness resources and support systems available on campus.

🤝 Student Assistance Resources: Highlighting campus services like career counseling and health services, ensuring students know how to access these resources.

💡 Why It's Crucial:

These pillars represent students' core challenges, and addressing them through social media can significantly enhance their college experience and likelihood of success.

Strategic Takeaways for Marketers:

1️⃣ Targeted Campaigns: Each piece of content is tailored to address specific student needs, making social media a critical touchpoint for support.

2️⃣ Faculty Involvement: Empowering faculty to participate in social media efforts amplifies reach and authenticity.

3️⃣ Student Ambassadors: Leveraging student voices to relate and resonate, making the message more impactful.

Tune in to the full conversation on the Education Marketing Leader podcast today.

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

Until next time. ✌

P.S. Be sure to connect with Maya and follow Carroll Community College on social to see how they put the advice Maya shared into practice.

#HigherEducation #Marketing #StudentRetention #SocialMediaStrategy #Podcast

In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jason Houlihan, MBA, the Executive Director of Marketing and Events at Del Mar College. 🎓

I heard Jason speak at the 2024 NCMPR National Conference in Seattle last month and was so inspired by his talk that I invited him on the show. 🎙

We focused the episode on how to craft memorable marketing messages in higher education.

Here are the key takeaways:

𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭

Jason emphasizes the power of digital marketing, especially in engaging today's tech-savvy students.

From memes that resonate with local culture to the strategic use of YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels, it's about meeting students where they are.

𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐊𝐞𝐲

Jason shared how Del Mar College uses storytelling to connect with students, making them the heroes of their educational journey.

This approach not only enhances relatability but also boosts engagement and enrollment.

𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭-𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

Budget constraints are always a concern, so Jason highlighted the importance of cost-effective marketing strategies.

Leveraging AI and CRM tools can automate and streamline processes, allowing marketers to focus on creativity and human interaction.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The landscape of digital marketing is ever-changing.

Jason's approach involves constant learning and adapting to new platforms while ensuring brand consistency and engagement across all channels.

🔗 Want to hear more about how Jason is transforming the marketing landscape in Corpus Christi, Texas?

Tune in to the full conversation on the Education Marketing Leader podcast.

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

Until next time. ✌

P.S. Be sure to connect with Jason and follow Del Mar College on social to see how they put the advice Jason shared into practice.

#HigherEducation #Marketing #DigitalMarketing #Storytelling #Podcast

In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, Abby Humbel, Digital Marketing Manager at Hagerstown Community College, shared practical insights on implementing student influencer marketing. 💡

Here's a breakdown of the episode:

💠 Strategy Introduction

Abby explained the shift towards using student influencers to create authentic, relatable content that reflects real student experiences, aiming to connect with prospective students on a genuine level. 🤜 🤛

💠 Advantages

The authenticity and relatability of student-created content stand out.

Successful campaigns include study tips and "day in the life" videos, resonating well due to their genuine insight into student life. 🎓

💠 Implementation

Abby outlined the process of working with student influencers who operate as contractors, producing content independently while adhering to set guidelines to ensure brand alignment and authenticity. 😎

💠 Metrics and Diversity

Importance is placed on engagement metrics and the diversity of influencer groups to ensure broad relatability.

This approach helps refine the strategy and ensure that the content appeals to a wide audience. 📈

🔑 Key Takeaways

Abby emphasized the need for clear program guidelines, the value of diversity among influencers, and the importance of balancing informative and entertaining content. 🤓

For more detailed insights, Abby's full discussion offers a roadmap for starting or enhancing a student influencer marketing program at your college or university.

Connect with her on LinkedIn for more on digital marketing in education.

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

Until next time. ✌

In the latest Education Marketing Leader podcast episode, I sat down with Maria Kuntz, Communications Director at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Maria shared her unexpected journey into higher education marketing and her commitment to inclusivity in communication. 💡

Key insights for higher education marketing professionals:

♦ Inclusivity Starts with Acknowledgment:

Recognizing you don’t have all the answers is the first step toward fostering an inclusive environment.

♦ Training is Crucial:

Educating your team on bias and identity reduces fear around discussions of difference, enhancing inclusivity in your campaigns.

♦ Safety to Learn:

A psychologically safe team space encourages learning from mistakes, which is vital for developing inclusive storytelling.

♦ Be Intentional with Storytelling:

It’s about lifting diverse voices and ensuring content resonates authentically with a wide audience, respecting cultural nuances.

♦ Retention Focus: Beyond attracting underrepresented students, focus on creating supportive environments to improve retention.

♦ Mindful Questioning:

Avoid unnecessary identity-based questions in interviews unless they serve a clear purpose in the context.

♦ Navigating DEI Initiatives:

With shifting policies, it’s essential to adapt and maintain a commitment to diverse and inclusive narratives.

♦ Start Small and Be Curious:

Implementing an inclusive mindset in marketing strategies begins with one project. Approach it with curiosity and be open to feedback.

Maria’s advice emphasizes the importance of slowing down to ensure the inclusivity of both the process and the narrative.

For those looking to explore inclusive marketing practices in higher education more deeply, connecting with Maria on LinkedIn could offer further insights.

Listen to the full episode for a comprehensive understanding of integrating these principles into your marketing strategies.

#HigherEdMarketing #InclusiveMarketing #EducationMarketingLeader

In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Elliot Lollis, a Senior Brand Strategist at Up&Up.

We discussed how colleges and universities can elevate their institution's brand amid the stiffening competition.

Below are some takeaways from the show:

👂 Listen Before You Leap

The cornerstone of Elliot's strategy revolves around deep listening—understanding the unique DNA of an institution before crafting a brand story that resonates with both internal stakeholders and prospective students.

🗝 Authenticity is Key

Elliot emphasizes the importance of genuine storytelling. It's about capturing the essence of an institution's values, culture, and vision.

🤝 Collaboration Across Departments

Elliot discussed the silos within institutions that can impede a cohesive brand strategy.

Her solution?

Foster cross-departmental collaborations as a way to unify the brand voice and experience.

😵 Avoiding the Pitfalls

Elliot was candid about the missteps to dodge in higher education marketing—from the perils of inconsistency to underestimating the power of student voices in storytelling.

🛠 Tools and Trends

Always ahead of the curve, Elliot shared insights into the latest trends and tools that are reshaping how we approach brand strategy in higher education, underscoring the importance of staying adaptable and learner-centric.

🎧 Why This Matters

As higher education marketing professionals, understanding the interplay between brand strategy, storytelling, and audience engagement is critical.

Elliot's insights illuminate the path to stronger brand alignment and encourage us to think outside the traditional marketing playbook.

For those eager to dive deeper into the world of brand strategy and storytelling, connect with Elliot on LinkedIn.

Take advantage of the latest conversation with actionable strategies, personal anecdotes, and a roadmap to branding success.

Until next time.✌️

#highereducation #marketing #branding #pocdast

In the latest Education Marketing Leader podcast episode, I was thrilled to welcome Julie Johnson Novara, the visionary behind Julie Johnson Writing Services. 🔏

With a rich background in international studies, education, and a deep-seated love for storytelling, Julie brings a fresh perspective to crafting compelling content strategies for higher education institutions. 💡

Here are some key insights from the episode:

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲

Begin by clearly understanding your content goals, knowing your audience intimately, and choosing the right channels to engage them.

𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭

Emphasize thorough research to grasp the nuances of your student body's needs and aspirations, ensuring your message hits home.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

Achieve the right mix of informative and promotional content, tailoring your approach to inform, engage, and inspire your audience without overwhelming them.

𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠

Leverage your institution's unique stories to foster a genuine connection with prospective students and showcase real impact and value.

𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝

Stay abreast of evolving trends like AI and virtual reality, but anchor your content in the authenticity only human-created narratives can provide.

𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫

Focus on KPIs that truly reflect engagement and conversion, adjusting your strategy to optimize performance and ROI.

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲

Encourage a synergistic environment where marketers, content creators, and academics collaborate to produce content that resonates and attracts.

𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲

Julie advocates starting with well-defined objectives and progressively refining your approach based on audience feedback and evolving trends.

Whether it's through impactful stories, innovative formats, or strategic engagement, the goal is to create content that deeply connects with your audience. 🤜 🤛

Tune in to glean actionable advice that will:

🔸 Empower you to refine your content strategy

🔸 Engage prospective students more effectively, and

🔸 Amplify your institution's narrative in the competitive landscape of higher education.

🖇 Connect with Julie on LinkedIn to explore further insights into effective content strategy in higher education, or visit her website at www.johnsonwriter.com

Until next time. ✌️

#marketing #highereducation EducationMarketing #HigherEdContent #ContentStrategy #Podcasting

🎙️ Exciting Recap from the Latest Episode of the Education Marketing Leader Podcast! 🚀

In a recent episode, I learned about public scholarship and how to amplify research through podcasting from Robert S. Li 🎓🎙, co-founder of University FM and Professors.fm. 

For all you higher education marketing professionals, this episode is a wellspring of innovative strategies and valuable insights!

🔊 Amplifying Faculty Voices Through Podcasting:

Robert shared his journey from the University of Michigan to co-founding University FM, a platform transforming the landscape of higher education communication. 

We explored the transformative power of podcasts in making scholarly research accessible, engaging, and relevant to the broader public.

🎓 The Power of Public Scholarship:

We dove into how podcasts serve as a bridge, connecting complex academic research with the community, enhancing the institution's impact and reach. 

Imagine the potential when your faculty's groundbreaking research resonates with a global audience!

🎧 Strategic Insights for University Podcasts:

Whether you're contemplating a faculty-hosted show or a student-driven podcast, the key lies in aligning with your university's core message. We dissected the podcast production process into strategic phases.

📈 Elevating Your University's Brand:

Robert highlighted how scholar-hosted podcasts could significantly boost your university's reputation, drawing in prospective students eager to learn from renowned experts firsthand.

🤔 Who Should Host? Navigating Choices:

The decision between a faculty member or a marketer hosting your podcast can be pivotal. 

We discussed how this choice affects brand consistency, audience connection, and the overall success of your podcasting endeavor.

Don't miss this rich discussion with actionable insights tailored for higher education marketers looking to innovate and elevate their institution's voice in the digital sphere.

🔗 Connect with us to stay ahead in the dynamic world of education marketing, and tune in for more episodes that empower your strategies and spark transformation.

Until next time, keep pushing the boundaries of educational marketing! ✌️

#EducationMarketing #HigherEd #Podcasting #PublicScholarship #UniversityFM #InnovationInEducation

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