Tag: higher ed marketing

  • What Higher Ed Marketers Can Learn from the Meltwater Summit 2025

    What Higher Ed Marketers Can Learn from the Meltwater Summit 2025

    In an era where higher education faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities, the recent Meltwater Summit offered crucial insights for leaders navigating a rapidly changing landscape. This gathering of creative minds, brand leaders and technology experts explored the critical intersection of compelling storytelling, branding and the power of artificial intelligence. Explore strategic takeaways poised to reshape how institutions connect with prospective students, build brand equity and harness AI to drive creative processes.  

    Creativity Flows with You 

    Reese Witherspoon set the tone with an honest reflection on the nature of creativity: it’s constantly flowing but rarely on a set schedule. The challenge isn’t finding ideas—it’s cultivating the environment and carving out dedicated time for them to flourish. The solution? Clear, consistent and intentional communication. Whether you’re bridging teams or brainstorming with collaborators, creating space for dialogue is what truly transforms good ideas into great ones. At EducationDynamics, we aren’t just completing tasks; we are constantly collaborating with each of our partners to ensure we produce the best content possible. Our solutions span creative services, brand strategy, awareness marketing and more—turning inspiration into action and strategy into results. 

    AI: A Teammate, Not a Replacement 

    AI emerged as a powerful ally throughout Meltwater Summit sessions, particularly when leveraged for the content creation process. One standout tactic shared was the “sandwich approach” to content creation, a straightforward framework for combining human creativity with AI support: 

    1. Draft with Intent: Begin by outlining your core message or ideas. This first layer is where your expertise and objectives take shape, setting the foundation for compelling content.  
    2. Expand with AI: Use AI tools to build upon your draft—generating copy variations, enhancing clarity or exploring new angles you may not have considered.  
    3. Refine with Purpose: Continue to refine and rework AI-enhanced content through your own lens. Strengthen the structure, sharpen the voice and align it with your audience and brand tone. Great content takes more than one pass; it’s built through deliberate iteration.  

    The takeaway was clear—AI isn’t here to replace your creativity. It should be used to to amplify it. When used intentionally, it becomes a partner in the process, helping ideas take shape faster than before. 

     At EducationDynamics, we embrace AI as a collaborative tool that helps streamline ideation and improve efficiency. It should be a jump-off point, not a final destination, supporting the creative process without replacing the human insight that drives it. 

    Prompt Writing with AI

    AI can be an amazing content marketing tool, especially when used to generate fresh ideas, streamline workflows, and tailor messaging for specific audiences. In order to achieve these goals using AI, effective prompt writing is also a critical asset.  

    While a typical Google search might consist of just a few words, an effective AI prompt can span hundreds. The more detail you provide, the better your results will be. Don’t hesitate to ask AI to evaluate or improve your original prompt; collaboration is your asset when using AI. Treat an AI assistant as a teammate. Work with it, and understand it is there to work the foundation, not complete it.  

    Important Tip: Protect your data. Avoid sharing sensitive information with public AI tools, and use secure, private systems that align with your institution’s compliance and governance policies. 

    Smarter Workflows with AI

    AI isn’t just for writing. It can streamline your entire workflow. From summarizing analytics and setting alerts for media mentions to helping coordinate across teams, AI is becoming an indispensable partner in day-to-day operations.

    The takeaway: AI won’t take your job—but it might take over the tasks that are holding you back from your best work.

    Content That Captures and Connects 

    Creative content marketing has the power to elevate your institution’s voice and drive meaningful engagement across platforms. Today’s most effective content does more than inform; it creates an emotional connection. That means capturing content that feels real, engaging and multi-layered. Even one filming session can yield a wealth of valuable content. In each filming session, aim to produce the following: 

    • A core message or question 
    • Authentic behind-the-scenes footage 

    At EducationDynamics, our creative services span the full content spectrum—including Organic Social strategies designed to help institutions tell their stories in ways that resonate and inspire, reaching students right at their fingertips.  

    Strategic Content Planning

    For university marketing leaders and content marketing managers alike, every piece of content should align with your larger content calendar and overarching brand goals. Don’t post just to fill the gap. Each piece should serve one (or more) of three purposes:

    • Educate: Deliver useful and relevant information. 
    • Engage: Spark genuine conversation and connection. 
    • Encourage: Motivate your audience to act, advocate, or explore further

    In higher education, for example, students crave content that both informs and resonates emotionally. Whether highlighting everyday moments or preparing for crisis communication, a plan—and a designated point of contact—ensures you can respond quickly and effectively.  

    Always ask: How does this content deepen connections, build school pride or inform?   You’re not just telling a story—you’re shaping your institution’s impact.  

    Build With Intention

    From AI integration to authentic content creation, one message echoed throughout this year’s Meltwater Summit: success in today’s digital world means being intentional.  

    The institutions that thrive are the ones building with purpose, thoughtfully engaging audiences and effectively leveraging technology. They listen, adapt and invest in strategies that meet the Modern Learner where they are, contributing to overall brand health and engagement.  

    Purposeful creation begins with understanding your community, amplifying their voices and delivering value through every interaction. As a higher education marketing agency, we empower institutions to transform attention into enrollment and inspire students to become advocates.  

    Your institution has the foundation: vision, community and purpose. With the right tools and the right partner, you can turn that foundation into measurable growth that aligns with your goals. If you are ready to grow with intention and engage on a deeper level, EducationDynamics is here to support you.  

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  • What Higher Ed Marketers Can Learn from the Meltwater Summit 2025

    What Higher Ed Marketers Can Learn from the Meltwater Summit 2025

    As higher education navigates rapid change, the Meltwater Summit, held in New York City in May, was a gathering of creative minds, brand leaders and technology experts. The Summit made one thing clear: compelling storytelling, intentional branding and the thoughtful use of artificial intelligence are interconnected forces that shape lasting reputations. Institutions that invest in purposeful content and strategic technology integration are best positioned to lead with both credibility and measurable impact, connecting brand reputation and revenue growth as part of a unified strategy.

    Meltwater is a leading platform in media intelligence, powering reputation management, press monitoring and social listening. At EducationDynamics, we use Meltwater to uncover trends, track brand perception and guide strategies across channels for our partners.

    This year, I had the opportunity to attend the Meltwater Summit—a two-day event designed for marketing and communications professionals focusing on how data and creativity shape brand strategy. In my role as Senior Social & Visual Strategist at EducationDynamics, I was especially tuned into the evolving role of social media.

    The conversations throughout the Summit reaffirmed the importance of developing content strategies that are cohesive, intentional and fully aligned with broader brand goals. Explore the key takeaways we gathered from the event and how they can benefit higher education marketers.

    Reese Witherspoon set the tone with a powerful opening session, delivering honest reflection on the nature of creativity. Creativity is constantly flowing but rarely on a set schedule. The challenge isn’t finding ideas—it is cultivating the environment and carving out dedicated time for them to flourish. The solution? Clear, consistent and intentional communication. Whether you’re bridging teams or brainstorming with collaborators, creating space for dialogue is what truly transforms good ideas into great ones.

    What we learned about the creative process is clear: creativity is not merely a component but a foundational pillar of your university’s reputation. When internal teams collaborate, align and ideate together, they build a cohesive and authentic brand that shapes how your institution is seen from the outside.

    Moreover, it is important to recognize that your organic social efforts, website content, press releases and all other communications are not isolated channels. They form an interconnected ecosystem. Each piece of content plays a role within a broader narrative of your institution’s reputation. Thinking holistically about how every element comes together and ensures that your university’s story is consistent and impactful at every touchpoint.

    For university marketing leaders and content managers, content should do more than fill space—it should move the needle. Every asset should align with your broader strategy, reinforce your institution’s brand and serve at least one of the following purposes:  

    • Educate: Share timely, valuable information your audience can trust. 
    • Engage: Spark genuine conversation and connection. 
    • Encourage: Motivate your audience to act, advocate, or explore further.

    Today’s Modern Learners seek content that not only informs but also resonates with their experiences and aspirations. Whether showcasing everyday moments or navigating a crisis, having a clear plan—and a designated point of contact—ensures your team can respond with timely, thoughtful responses.  

    As you develop your content, ask yourself: Does this content deepen connection, build school pride or inform? Does it strengthen our institution’s reputation? If it does not accomplish any of this, you are just creating noise. 

    Success in today’s digital landscape demands intentionality. It is not just about telling stories—it is about using every piece of content strategically to shape perception, deepen engagement and build a brand that endures.  

    To build a brand that endures, every content piece should be seen as an opportunity to reinforce your institution’s voice and values. Strategic content creation, especially through organic social, plays a vital role in shaping how your audience connects with and trusts your brand. 

    When aligned intentionally, organic social media is a powerful channel that strengthens brand affinity while complementing awareness and digital marketing efforts across multiple channels. Creative content marketing, particularly in video, continues to grow in importance as a relevant medium for establishing reputation. Today’s audiences prefer content that feels authentic and emotionally resonant. To capture that depth, institutions should plan how content will be used across multiple channels. For example, to get the most out of every filming session, aim to capture: 

    • A core message or question 
    • Authentic behind-the-scenes footage 
    • Action shots 
    • Introductory context 
    • Relatable soundbites

    These assets do more than fill channels. They bring your strategy to life across multiple touchpoints in a format that is both attention-grabbing and engaging. When your content reflects lived experiences and community voices, it fosters trust and connection. In today’s crowded digital space, trust is a vital currency that drives reputation and results.

    No conference in 2025 is complete without discussions of AI.  Throughout the Summit, AI was highlighted as a powerful ally, particularly when leveraged within the content creation process.  One key tactic shared was the “sandwich approach,” a straightforward framework for combining human creativity with AI support:  

    1. Draft with Intent: Outline your core message and ideas based on your expertise.
    2. Expand with AI: Use AI tools to generate variations, improve clarity or explore new angles.
    3. Refine with Purpose: Edit and polish AI-enhanced content to match your brand voice and audience.

    Strong results also depend on clear, detailed prompts. Providing AI with context like tone, audience and format helps produce relevant output. Beyond content creation, AI can streamline workflows, freeing marketers to focus on strategy and adding creative touches.

    At EducationDynamics, we view AI as a collaborative tool that boosts efficiency and creativity. It serves as a jump-off point, not the final destination, supporting the work driven by our team’s vision.

    Meltwater reinforced that when AI is thoughtfully integrated into the creative process, it does not replace your unique insight. Instead, it amplifies it, freeing your team to focus on the meaningful and strategic work that shapes your institution’s brand.

    If one message stood out at this year’s Meltwater Summit, it was that creativity and strategic content creation are essential to building a compelling strong and enduring reputation.

    The institutions best positioned to thrive are those that engage their audiences intentionally, invest in the right technologies and meet the Modern Learner where they are.

    Purposeful creation begins with understanding your community, amplifying their voices and delivering value through every interaction. As a higher education marketing agency, we empower institutions to transform attention into enrollment and inspire students to become advocates.

    Your institution already has the foundation: vision, community and purpose. With the right tools and the right partner, you can turn that foundation into measurable growth that aligns with your goals. If you are ready to grow with intention and engage on a deeper level, EducationDynamics is here to support you.

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  • 10 Website Marketing Strategies for Building Your Reputation

    10 Website Marketing Strategies for Building Your Reputation

    The internet has dramatically transformed and so has university website marketing. From basic online brochures relying on a “build it and they will come” approach, websites evolved into dynamic, interactive platforms driven by search engine optimization (SEO) and mobile optimization. Now, website marketing blends AI-driven insights with omnichannel experiences, as prospective students expect seamless, personalized interactions that clearly articulate an institution’s value. 

    With Google’s widespread release of AI-powered search to all users, your brand and reputation are more critical than ever. The internet’s collective opinion of your institution, interpreted by AI, now directly influences search results. Strong, positive brand reputations inherently signal authority and trustworthiness to AI, increasing visibility and recommendations.  

     This moment opens new doors for higher ed digital marketing. A website that simply exists today is a missed opportunity. If it doesn’t connect with the Modern Learner or clearly articulate your institution’s unique value, you’re not just losing their interest; you’re losing enrollments and damaging your reputation. For today’s Modern Learner, who expects seamless digital experiences and values authenticity and flexibility, your website is their first impression of your brand and reputation. 

    To transform your website into a reputation-building, revenue-generating asset, you need a holistic website marketing strategy that positions your EDU website as a strategic asset that continuously adapts to learner needs, builds authentic connections and signals authority to AI. Explore 10 essential website strategies to that will ensure your institution is found and chosen by the Modern Learner.

    1. Optimize Content to Feed AI Robots  

    The Modern Learner’s journey now begins with AI. To stand out, your website needs to engage prospective students and be optimized for how AI tools find and present information. At EducationDynamics, we’ve anticipated the rise of AI in search and adapted our website marketing strategies to help institutions stay ahead and continue to outrank the competition.     

    To optimize content for both audiences, structure it clearly with descriptive headings, concise copy and consistent formatting so AI can accurately surface your programs. Highlight outcomes like career paths, program value and student success to connect your offerings to what students truly want.  

    Use natural, straightforward language that’s easy for humans and AI to interpret. Prioritize content types that AI favors, such as FAQs, career guides and student stories, to build trust and boost discoverability.  

    Your website is a pivotal opportunity to tell a compelling story that highlights your institution’s core values and unique strengths. That way, when students ask the search engines questions about the right institution for them, your website is positioned to be a top answer.  

    2. Ensure Your Website Provides a Seamless User Experience (UX) and Prioritizes Accessibility 

    Modern Learners expect fast, intuitive and accessible digital experiences. From the moment a prospective student lands on your site, navigation should feel natural. Clear headers, streamlined menus and a consistent experience across all devices ensure visitors can easily find the information they need without frustration. 

    First impressions matter, and your website’s speed and mobile responsiveness are non-negotiables. Slow load times or clunky mobile layouts can lose students before they even reach your message. A user-centric website builds trust and reflects your institution’s commitment to meeting students where they are.  

    Accessibility isn’t an add on—it must be built into your website’s infrastructure. Inclusive design ensures every user, regardless of ability, can engage with your content.  

    At EducationDynamics, we consistently stay ahead by adopting UX and CRO technologies early, allowing our team to rapidly launch A/B tests and uncover what truly resonates with students. Through continuous optimization and real-time insights, we help institutions create user experiences that reflect their brand, support enrollment goals and keep prospective students moving forward. 

    3. Optimize for Modern Search (SEO & GEO) 

    The Modern Learner demands more. As search evolves with AI, your institution’s digital visibility isn’t just important—it’s paramount.  Traditional SEO, while foundational, falls short in today’s evolving search ecosystem where the rules of digital visibility are being rewritten. 

    With the widespread release of AI-powered search, prospective students are discovering their educational options without clicking on an actual link. As a result, institutions must embrace Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). GEO isn’t just about keywords; it’s about optimizing for how AI interprets, ranks and amplifies your institution’s content. A GEO-first strategy demands prioritizing well-structured content, rich media and authentic first-person perspectives from your students and faculty to command visibility in this new, AI-driven search reality. 

    EducationDynamics doesn’t just adapt to these shifts; we innovate by anticipating emerging trends, leveraging cutting-edge technology and leveraging data-driven insights.  Our research-driven approach to SEO for higher education and GEO is continuously evolving, placing your institution at the forefront of how Modern Learners discover and engage. We ensure your visibility, credibility and competitive edge are undeniable, whether through traditional search or the power of AI. 

    4. Amplify Your Brand Voice Across All Digital Touchpoints 

    In a crowded digital landscape, fragmented messaging is a liability. For the Modern Learner, a unified brand voice across every digital touchpoint isn’t just a best practice; it’s the foundation of trust and the catalyst for lasting connection. When prospective students move between your website, social media, emails and ads, they should encounter consistent messaging that reaffirms your brand identity. Anything else risks confusion. Consistency, on the older hand, builds clarity and drives connection.   

    That alignment must be grounded in a strong brand narrative that communicates your institution’s values, mission and what sets you apart. In a market where students are inundated by options, your ability to clearly communicate your institution’s unique offerings is critical and helps students quickly understand why your institution is the right choice.  

    Real stories from students and alumni bring that narrative to life. These experiences do more than inspire; they create emotional ties that help prospective students see themselves in your community. 

    A clear, consistent brand voice, supported by a strong website content strategy, is more than a marketing asset. It is a strategic imperative, turning interest into action that builds lasting loyalty from enrollment to graduation and beyond.  

    5. Personalize the Digital Experience for Each Prospective Student 

    Personalization is no longer optional. It is essential for driving engagement, building trust and supporting students through the enrollment process. 

    By leveraging personalized content marketing, institutions can create a one-to-one experience that feels relevant and responsive. Customized email campaigns, dynamic landing pages and virtual campus tours foster connections with students. These experiences demonstrate your institution’s understanding of Modern Learners and help each individual develop a meaningful connection. 

    Personalization works best when guided by data. By monitoring behavioral cues such as pages viewed, time spent and programs researched, institutions can tailor content and messaging to align with each student’s needs. This enhances the user experience and makes students feel understood. 

    This is more than optimization. It’s relationship-building. Strategic personalization transforms passive interest into meaningful engagement and builds confidence in your institution’s ability to support each student’s journey. 

    Modern Learners don’t respond to static messages. They engage in dynamic conversations. Through data-driven personalization, institutions can build digital experiences that feel tailored and conversational, moving students from curiosity to commitment faster and with greater trust. 

    6. Build Your Advocate Community  

    he most powerful testimonials come from those who live your brand. By cultivating a vibrant advocate community, your institution doesn’t just enhance its reputation; it ignites a powerful, authentic narrative that deeply connects with prospective students, solidifying their confidence and accelerating their enrollment decision.  

    Student testimonials and reviews are among the most effective tools for building trust and credibility on your website. Authentic stories bring your brand to life, helping prospective students envision themselves thriving at your institution. Featuring a diverse range of testimonials across various website pages ensures these voices resonate with a wide audience and reflect the true student experience. 

    Provide opportunities for students and alumni to share their stories, then amplify their voices across your website and broader digital presence. This cohesive approach weaves authentic advocacy into all touchpoints, enhancing emotional connection and making your institution more relatable. 

    By rooting your brand in real experiences, you strengthen reputation and build lasting relationships. Authentic connection sets your institution apart and drives enrollment in a competitive market. 

    7. Facilitate Communication and Engagement 

    In today’s fast-moving digital world, access matters. Offering multiple communication channels on your website such as forms, live chat, text messaging, email and phone ensures prospective students can easily reach out in the way that suits them best. Making information and enrollment support readily accessible improves the overall student experience and fosters a sense of control during the decision-making process. 

    Incorporating AI-powered chatbots can further enhance engagement by providing instant answers and personalized guidance 24/7. These tools handle routine questions efficiently, allowing your team to focus on high-impact interactions that require a human touch. 

    When institutions prioritize fast, flexible communication across digital, they do more than offer convenience. They build trust, open the door to deeper engagement and provide the seamless support that moves students closer to enrollment. 

    8. Use Data and Analytics for Continuous Improvement

    Website optimization isn’t a one-time task; it is a continuous process driven by data.  Institutions should regularly track key metrics such as page engagement, bounce rates, conversions and time spent on site to understand how visitors interact with their content. Tools like heatmaps and A/B testing provide valuable insights into user behavior and help identify what elements resonate and where improvements are needed. 

    By leveraging data-driven insights from user search patterns, click paths and drop-off points, institutions can make informed decisions to enhance user engagement and increase conversion rates. Testing different headlines, layouts and calls to action allows for experimentation that drives measurable results. In addition, effective website management requires a robust Content Management System and a clear governance policy to ensure ongoing maintenance and optimization. 

    As leading market research experts in higher education, EducationDynamics knows what it takes to transform data into action.  Our team’s relentless focus on analytics and optimization isn’t just about attracting students; it’s about continuously refining a digital experience that fortifies your institution’s reputation. We empower you to harness insights, ensuring your website is a dynamic asset that converts curiosity into committed enrollment and lasting brand loyalty. 

    9. Showcase Real Outcomes with Career-Focused Tools and Resources

    Today’s students are looking for more than a degree. They want a clear path to a successful future. Your website must deliver on this expectation by showcasing tangible outcomes that prove your institution’s value. Highlighting real-world results is one of the most powerful ways to build credibility and elevate your brand.  

    Integrate features that demonstrate the long-term impact of your programs. Job placement stats and alumni success stories reinforce your institution’s influence and give students confidence in their future. Spotlight employer partnerships and accessible career services to position your school as career-connected and student-focused. Interactive tools like salary calculators, career pathway infographics and program-matching quizzes deepen engagement and help students make informed decisions. 

    By clearly communicating return on investment through your website, you do more than just inform prospective students — you build trust, strengthen your institution’s reputation and guide students closer to enrollment. This isn’t merely sharing information, it’s about demonstrating that your institution delivers on its promises. When you connect outcomes to the student experience, you create the kind of meaningful, value-driven journey that today’s Modern Learners actively seek.  

    10. Develop a Robust Content Hub That Positions Your Institution as a Thought Leader 

    In today’s competitive higher education environment, institutions must take every opportunity to showcase their unique brand proposition. Your website is a mission-critical touchpoint with power to either build or break institutional reputation. When used strategically, it becomes more than a source of information. Rather, it can be a content hub that reflects your institution’s unique offerings, while building trust and elevating your brand. 

    By highlighting content such as faculty research, student initiatives, alumni achievements and blogs on timely topics, your institution can build relevance and authority. Your website content strategy should ensure your website becomes a living representation of your institution’s values and vision. This makes your website a living representation of the institution’s values and vision, creating an integral link to your audience and ultimately leading to stronger brand credibility, increased organic engagement and a lasting reputation as a thought leader in higher education.

    The Moment is Now: Elevating Reputation in the AI Era 

    Your website is more than a digital touchpoint; it is the heartbeat of your brand and foundation of your institution’s future. In an AI-driven world, standing still means falling behind.  

    At EducationDynamics, we’re here to help you navigate these changes with confidence. Transforming lives through higher education is at the core of our mission, and that means anticipating trends, understanding shifts and equipping our partners to thrive. 

    This is not merely an opportunity to adapt; it is an imperative to lead. Now is the decisive moment to fundamentally reimagine your website’s strategic role in driving unparalleled visibility, sustainable growth, and a strong reputation. Join John Weaver and Karina Kogan for “The New Rules of Website Marketing,” a live virtual masterclass that will show you how to turn your website into a high-impact tool for success in an AI-driven world. Secure your institution’s future advantage by reserving your spot today

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  • Stop Marketing to Yesterday’s Students: A New Era for Higher Ed 

    Stop Marketing to Yesterday’s Students: A New Era for Higher Ed 

    Is your institution’s marketing truly reaching today’s students, or are you shouting into the void? Higher education marketing is undergoing a seismic shift. With rapid changes in student behavior, the rise of AI and mounting constraints on institutional funding, marketing leaders can no longer rely on yesterday’s strategies to meet today’s challenges. Student expectations have evolved. Budgets are tightening. And yet, many institutions are still using outdated strategies that fail to resonate with the Modern Learner.  

    To stay competitive, institutions must embrace the new era of higher education marketing—an era defined by personalized engagement, brand-building and data-driven decision-making. In a world where marketing dollars work must work harder than ever, rethinking your strategy is no longer optional. It is essential to long-term success.  

    Students no longer passively wait for information. They actively seek it across multiple channels, from social platforms to AI-powered search tools. Their behaviors are more self-directed than they were even a decade ago, and the expectations they bring to the table are shaped by instant access, transparency and digital convenience. Modern Learners want institutions that reflect their values and aspirations. As a result, branding plays an even more critical role in decision-making than ever before. Trust, authenticity, and alignment with personal identity all contribute to conversion. Meanwhile AI is accelerating these shifts by analyzing behavior in real time and delivering tailored experiences at scale.  

    These changes are not on the horizon—they are already here. Institutions that fail to adapt risk being left behind.  

    This evolution is shaping the standard of higher education marketing, and redefining what it takes to attract and engage Modern Learners. Today’s students are not yesterday’s prospects. They are savvy, value-driven and self-directed. Marketing strategies must evolve to meet them where they are—not where they used to be.  

    At EducationDynamics, we are not here to maintain the status quo; we are here to challenge it. We rethink, rebuild and drive your institution into a future where growth isn’t just a goal—it’s a guarantee. With solutions designed to empower, we are continually adapting to the evolving needs of our partners to equip them for long-term success.  

    Evolving Student Behavior: Implications for Higher Education Marketing 

    The Changing Search Journey 

    Today’s students are no longer waiting to be guided; they are leading the charge. With a strong sense of autonomy and purpose, Modern Learners navigate the enrollment journey on their own terms. Their decisions are shaped by what EducationDynamics identifies as the Three C’s: cost, convenience, and career outcomes. These components are central to a student’s decision to apply or enroll. The challenge for institutions is not just to deliver value, but to demonstrate that value clearly and quickly in the digital environments that students operate in.  

    The student search journey has undergone a fundamental shift. No longer do students begin with degree or program keywords. Instead, 58 percent of Modern Learners now initiate their search with specific school names, according to EducationDynamics’ 2025 Engaging the Modern Learner Report. If an institution is not top-of-mind, it is already at a disadvantage. 

    Compounding this shift, nearly 60 percent of education-related searches result in no clicks. Students are making faster decisions, often based on AI-generated overviews that appear directly within search results. Currently, 65 percent of education searches trigger these overviews. This marks the rise of zero-click search and the emergence of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) as a critical strategy.  

    The message is clear: if your institution is not immediately visible and delivering value within the search experience, it risks being excluded from the student’s consideration entirely. 

    Search engines like Google are prioritizing quick, curated answers, reflecting broader shifts in how users engage with content. Education-related searches have become more intricate, with students asking detailed and personalized questions. They are no longer browsing—they are making decisions. A static, cumbersome website is not just outdated; it is actively repelling Modern Learners. Institutions must create digital experiences that are responsive, student-focused and seamlessly accessible across all digital touchpoints. A lack of dynamic, intuitive design is no longer an option; it’s a failure to meet Modern Learners’ expectations. 

    In today’s search environment, visibility alone is not enough. Institutions must deliver relevance, clarity and authenticity across channels that Modern Learners use.  Institutions that want to remain competitive must not only be present at the beginning of the search journey, but also deliver information with the speed, clarity and authenticity that Modern Learners expect. Those that rise to this challenge will earn attention and trust, while those that don’t will fall behind amid competition.  

    The Demand for Authentic and Engaging Content 

    If your institution’s content strategy still leads with rankings, tradition or campus accolades, it is missing the mark. Modern Learners are not making enrollment decisions based on institutional prestige alone. They are looking for evidence of belonging, support and authenticity. Colleges and universities must shift from promotional messaging to content that mirrors the lived experiences of their students. Modern Learners want to see real people, real stories and a real sense of community. 

    Video content, especially in short-form, is now one of the most powerful mediums for delivering the connection that Modern Learners seek. Today’s students are not flipping through text-heavy brochures or watching ten-minute promotional videos. They are forming impressions in literal seconds, with the rise of TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. These channels are avenues where your institution’s brand can come to life, showcasing content that is concise, compelling and aligned with the pace of student attention. Highlighting faculty, student testimonials, campus culture and day-in-the-life content in thirty seconds or less can drive significantly more engagement than polished but impersonal campaigns.  

    Authenticity is not a trend—it is a requirement for building trust. User-generated content (UGC) plays a critical role in building credibility. When students and alumni share their own stories, they give prospective students a transparent view of your institution’s impact. An honest glimpse into campus life helps cultivate connections and bolster credibility in ways that other marketing mediums cannot achieve. 

    At the same time, social media is no longer just a place for amplification. Increasingly, it is becoming an integral steppingstone in the student research journey. Modern Learners actively use platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Facebook to evaluate how your institution aligns with their lives and goals. Marketing strategies must evolve to include social-first storytelling and platform-specific content that makes the institution feel approachable and relevant. 

    At EducationDynamics, we don’t just help institutions meet the demand; we empower them to exceed it. We deliver Creative Solutions that are not only strategic but deeply human. Our approach centers on compelling storytelling, a student-first mindset and content designed for the channels where prospective students are making key decisions. Whether through video, social campaigns or user-driven narratives, we equip colleges and universities to show up in ways that make real impact and drive measurable results. We help our partners shape the future, rather than follow it.  

    Key Shifts in Higher Education Digital Marketing

    Website Marketing Evolution 

    In today’s higher education environment, your website is not just an accessory to your digital strategy; it is the central nervous system of your brand, the engine behind your reputation and a key driver of student engagement and revenue. With deep expertise in enrollment marketing, our team of experts transforms websites into high-performing conversion machines. Through data-driven UX, advanced SEO, GEO and conversion strategies, we ensure your website continuously evolves to meet the changing demands of the industry. If your institution’s website isn’t delivering results, it’s not just underperforming—it’s limiting your growth potential. 

    To remain competitive, website marketing must shift from static, siloed approaches to dynamic, user-centric experiences. As student behavior changes and new digital platforms emerge, institutions must design websites that can withstand these digital disruptions and provide seamless navigation, personalized content and clear pathways to action.  

    Search engine algorithms are now more sophisticated and volatile, requiring deeper alignment with how students search and engage. Website optimization now requires more than traditional SEO tactics. It demands an integrated approach that combines content marketing, user journey optimization and brand amplification. A seamless student experience is essential, but so is a strategy that ensures your content reaches prospective students across multiple platforms.  

    The role of an institution’s website as the front door of your brand remains as vital as ever. However, the digital space has evolved beyond simply driving traffic through SEO. Today, success hinges on ensuring your content is discoverable across a wide range of digital channels, and understanding how that content is delivered to students within the search engine results pages (SERPs).   

    AI has become a pivotal force in content discovery and visibility within SERPS. Visual shifts in the SERPs now prioritize rich media and first-person expertise, meaning your content must not only reflect relevance but also showcase real-world experiences to stay competitive. First-person expertise, such as student stories, faculty insights and user-generated content, is increasingly favored by search engines, underscoring the growing demand for authenticity. Rich media—images, videos and interactive elements—boost engagement and click-through rates. As visual content continues to dominate SERPs, your strategy must adapt to harness these trends effectively. 

    Looking to 2025 and beyond, SEO will demand a comprehensive, integrated approach that encompasses both on-site and off-site elements. Institutions that focus exclusively on on-page SEO or create content in isolation risk falling short of maximizing their potential. The most successful strategies will seamlessly connect content across multiple digital channels, driving not just visibility but also meaningful engagement. 

    Modern website optimization will be multi-faceted and multi-channel, anchored by four key components: 

    1. SEO: Search Engine Optimization will remain foundational, still being a critical part of driving organic traffic to your website but now must be paired with user-focused content creation. A strategic blend of blog posts, video content, graphics and articles will ensure that your website remains relevant and discoverable in a competitive search environment.  
    2. User Journey Optimization: Understanding the student journey is essential for converting traffic into applications. A data-driven approach that identifies usability roadblocks and tests the optimal path to conversion is key. A/B testing and ongoing adjustments will ensure that every touchpoint on your website drives students to take meaningful actions.  
    3. Brand Amplification: Strong content deserves to be seen. To achieve this, institutions must invest in amplifying their brand through content promotion, social media engagement, local profile optimization and PR. Engaging in user-driven discussions on forums and social media platforms will strengthen your brand’s visibility and credibility, allowing your message to reach broader audiences. 
    4. Content Marketing: The creation of high-quality content is a cornerstone of digital marketing. By producing content that directly speaks to student needs, you reinforce your institution’s position as a trusted authority. Strategic content creation is not just about filling your website but aligning content with student expectations and ongoing digital trends. 

    With these changes, institutions must take the driver’s seat in shaping their digital presence and optimizing web strategies. Meeting the moment requires a proactive approach to evolving digital trends, ensuring that your institution remains competitive, relevant and positioned for long-term success in an increasingly dynamic online environment. 

    The Transformation of Paid Media 

    The transformation of paid media has been just as significant as the evolution in organic search. With AI now playing a central role in optimization, marketers have had to rethink not only where they invest but how they manage campaigns. Gone are the days of manual bids and rigid keyword targeting. In what was once a highly controlled environment, advertisers would apply uniform bids across all matching search queries, rely on static text ads, and build campaigns around exact or phrase match keywords. These strategies offered precision but lacked adaptability and scalability.  

    Today, optimization is driven by automation, data and real-time decision-making. Smart bidding adjusts bids dynamically based on user behavior, intent and context. Responsive search ads tailor messaging to the user’s query, while improved broad match capabilities allow for more relevant and flexible reach. This shift demands a new approach, one away from managing structure and more on shaping signals for AI-based optimization. 

    Performance Max (PMax) campaigns exemplify this change. By consolidating efforts into a single campaign that spans Google’s full inventory, advertisers can let AI optimize toward specific outcomes. Institutions are increasingly shifting towards investments in branded PMax campaigns, using them to drive awareness and conversions across the funnel. Unlocking their full potential, however, requires consideration on inputs such as audience insights, quality creative and defined performance goals.  

    In this environment, marketers must shift their focus. Rather than managing granular campaign structures or keyword-level bids, success depends on a streamlined structure. Over-segmentation is now the enemy of AI—limiting data flow and stalling machine learning algorithms. Instead, consolidation, automation and audience-centric strategies are key to maximizing performance and achieving scale. The more robust your audience signals and creative assets, the more effectively AI can optimize for effective campaigns.  

    The Central Role of Brand in Modern Higher Education Marketing

    Brand as a Differentiator 

    In a competitive and crowded marketplace, brand is your most powerful differentiator. As enrollment pressures intensify and prospective students become more discerning, a clear and compelling brand narrative is not an accessory to success; it is essential for it. Yet many institutions struggle with perceived value leaving prospective students unsure of what truly sets them apart.  

    According to Hanover Research’s 2024 Trends in Higher Education report, 66% of Americans believe colleges are “stuck in the past” and no longer meet the needs of today’s students. This perception gap presents a unique opportunity for institutions to not just rebrand but redefine the role and relevance for higher education in the modern world. 

    Brand marketing plays a transformative role in addressing these challenges. Brand is not merely visual identity or taglines, it is about storytelling that resonates across platforms and inspires connection. With students engaging across an increasingly fragmented digital landscape, institutions must show up consistently across every touchpoint.  

    The emotional connection is especially important today, as higher education faces intense scrutiny from multiple forces. Amid ongoing conversations about cost, access and accountability, there is a pressing need for institutions to reshape the narrative. By investing in brand marketing, institutions can demonstrate their alignment with the needs of Modern Learners, reinforce their commitment to student outcomes and build trust in a time categorized by uncertainty.  

    Brand and reputation go hand in hand. One reflects your promise. The other reflects your proof. When balanced well, they shape a perception that drives enrollment, builds revenue and sustains long term success. 

    Today’s higher education marketers must engage students before they start their search. This requires delivering authentic content across channels that builds trust and awareness over time. The Modern Learner’s journey begins with emotion, not just information. Your brand must be visible, relatable, and memorable. 

    In an era marked by uncertainty and choice overload, institutions must lead with empathy, clarity, and purpose. Showcase a brand that resonates, builds confidence and drives action. 

    Balancing Brand and Performance Marketing 

    In higher education marketing, finding the right balance between brand and performance marketing channels is crucial for long-term success. Historically, higher education institutions have leaned heavily into performance marketing, driven by the immediate need for results like inquiries and applications. However, this strategy is becoming less sustainable in today’s dynamic and competitive landscape. While performance marketing continues to be essential for driving immediate conversions, it cannot be the sole focus. 

    Brand marketing plays an increasingly important role, especially in the upper funnel, where students are still in the process of exploring and considering their options. This phase of the student journey is more about building awareness, shaping perceptions and creating emotional connections, rather than expecting immediate results. Students are making life-changing decisions that require time, research and deep consideration, so brand-building efforts often take longer to produce tangible outcomes. 

    To navigate this, higher education marketers must strategically allocate resources across both brand and performance media. A suggested allocation might be 20-35% for brand marketing, including channels like Connected TV (CTV), OTT streaming video and audio, out-of-home (OOH) ads, display ads, and paid social. The remaining 65-80% can be allocated to performance marketing, focusing on paid search, paid social and website marketing. This balance allows for consistent brand presence while still driving immediate performance goals. 

    However, finding the right mix will depend on your institution’s unique needs and goals. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. It’s important to embrace a testing mentality when allocating your budget, understanding that this is a multi-year investment. Brand marketing’s impact often requires indirect measurement and time to mature, with a holistic cost per enrollment being a long-term goal. 

    By adopting a balanced approach and a willingness to test and iterate, institutions can achieve the right blend of short-term performance and long-term brand growth. 

    Adapting to Thrive in the New Era

    The higher ed landscape is evolving and so are your students. Marketing strategies that once worked are no longer enough. To succeed, leaders must challenge the status quo, evolve their higher education marketing strategies, and fully embrace the behaviors, tools and technologies that are shaping this new era. 

    Now is the time to invest in transformation. Whether that means rethinking your website, shifting your media mix or consolidating campaigns to improve performance, the path forward begins with taking action. 

    The transformation does not have to be navigated alone. A higher education marketing agency can be a vital partner in this evolution. At EducationDynamics, we bring together proprietary research, full-funnel strategy and decades of expertise to help institutions like yours grow with confidence.  

    Let’s shape the future together. Connect with an EDDY expert to assess your current strategies and identify new opportunities for growth.  

    The institutions that succeed will be the ones that are bold enough to evolve—strategically, creatively and with purpose. Now is your opportunity to lead that change.  

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  • Unlocking Generative Engine Optimization (GEO): What Marketers Must Do to Stay Ahead

    Unlocking Generative Engine Optimization (GEO): What Marketers Must Do to Stay Ahead

    Remember when SEO was all about keywords and metatags, fueling now-defunct search engines like Yahoo, AltaVista and early Google? Those were the days of “keyword stuffing,” where quantity trumped quality and relevance, delivering poor search results and frustrating users. Google’s PageRank algorithm changed everything by prioritizing content quality, giving birth to the “Content is King” mantra and improving the user experience.

    Fast forward to the Era of the Modern Learner, where digitally astute users demand fast and accurate information at their fingertips. To keep up with their heightened expectations, search engine algorithms have evolved to become more sophisticated, focusing on the intent behind each search query rather than simple keyword matching. This shift has led to the emergence of AI-powered search engines features like Google’s AI Overviews to provide an AI-powered summary which now command prime real estate on the search engine results page.

    In response, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is emerging. AI-powered search engines are moving beyond simply ranking websites. They are synthesizing information to provide direct answers. In this fast-paced environment, delivering the right information at the right time is critical now more than ever. All marketers, regardless of industry, must adapt their strategies beyond traditional SEO.

    What is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)?

    Artificial intelligence is rapidly infiltrating tools across every industry, fundamentally reshaping the digital landscape. Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is emerging as a new approach to digital marketing, leveraging AI-powered tools to generate and optimize content for search engines. GEO is a catalyst, driving a fundamental shift in how search engines present information and how users consume it

    GEO leverages machine learning algorithms to analyze user search intent, create personalized content, and optimize websites for improved search engine rankings. This advanced algorithmic approach delivers contextually rich information from credible sources, directly answering user searches and proactively addressing related inquiries. A proactive strategy that goes beyond traditional SEO ensures that a school’s information is readily discoverable, easily digestible and favorably presented by AI-powered search engines such as Google’s AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Perplexity and Gemini.

    How GEO Works

    At its core, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) uses artificial intelligence to bridge the gap between user needs and search engine performance. GEO tools go beyond traditional SEO by harnessing AI to deeply understand user behavior and generate content that’s not only relevant but also personalized and performance driven. Here is how it works across four core functions: 

    • Analyzing User Intent: GEO starts by analyzing user intent. AI models examine search queries, website behavior and browsing patterns to uncover what users are specifically searching for. This helps marketers develop content strategies that directly align with user expectations and needs. 
    • Generating Content: Using these insights, GEO tools generate original content tailored to meet the precise needs of the target audience. The result is content that answers user questions and aligns with how modern search engines evaluate relevance and quality.  
    • Optimizing Content: GEO then optimizes the generated content for performance. AI refines readability, integrates keywords and enhances structural elements for improved visibility in search results, which ensures that content performs well in both traditional and AI-powered search environments.  
    • Personalizing Content: Where GEO truly shines is in content personalization. By leveraging data like demographics, preferences and past interactions, GEO delivers tailored experiences that feel more relevant and engaging to individual users.  

    Comparing SEO and GEO

    While SEO and GEO may seem like competing strategies, they actually complement one another. Both aim to improve visibility in search results and drive meaningful engagement but do so through different methods. Understanding how they align and where they diverge is key to developing a modern, well-rounded digital strategy. 

    Ways GEO is Similar to SEO

    Despite their difference in execution, SEO and GEO share a common goal: delivering valuable content to users and meeting their search intent. Both SEO and GEO strategies contribute to: 

    • Improving website visibility and search rankings in the search engine results pages (SERPs). 
    • Driving organic traffic by making it easier for users to discover relevant information. 
    • Boosting user engagement and conversion rates through informative, well-tailored content.  

    Ways GEO is Different from SEO

    Where SEO and GEO begin to diverge is in their focus, tools, and content strategy:

    • Focus: Traditional SEO emphasizes keyword optimization, meta tags and technical structure. GEO, on the other hand, focuses on understanding user intent and creating dynamic, personalized content that adapts to evolving needs. 
    • Tools: SEO relies on tools like keyword research platforms, backlink analysis, and manual content audits. GEO uses AI-powered platforms to analyze data, generate content, and automate optimization based on real-time user behavior.  
    • Content: SEO often produces static, evergreen content that ranks over time. GEO enables the creation of responsive, personalized content that can shift based on user preferences, past interactions, and demographics. 

    While SEO has historically focused on driving clicks to websites and increasing rankings, GEO recognizes the increasing prominence of zero-click searches—where users find answers directly within AI-powered search overviews. In this new reality, GEO ensures your content remains visible and valuable even when the traditional click doesn’t occur. It does this by optimizing for how AI synthesizes and presents information in search results.

    Is GEO Replacing SEO?

    The rise of GEO has sparked an important question for marketers: Is SEO dead? The short answer is no. Rather than replacing SEO, GEO enhances it.

    GEO builds a foundation of traditional SEO by leveraging artificial intelligence to automate time-consuming tasks, deepen audience insights, and elevate content quality. A strong SEO strategy remains essential, and when paired with GEO, it becomes even more powerful.

    To support marketers in building that foundation, tools like EducationDynamics’ SEO Playbook offer actionable strategies for mastering SEO fundamentals while staying adaptable to innovations like GEO. As the higher education marketing landscape evolves, institutions are reaching a critical inflection point: the status quo no longer meets the expectations of the Modern Learner, and a more dynamic, data-driven approach is essential to stay competitive.

    Here’s how GEO supports and strengthens traditional SEO efforts:

    • Smarter Keyword Research and Optimization: GEO tools analyze search intent more precisely, allowing marketers to choose keywords that better reflect how real users search, creating content that directly answers those queries.  
    • More Personalized Content Experiences: By generating dynamic content based on user behavior, preferences, and demographics, GEO helps ensure the right message reaches the right audience at the right time.  
    • Streamlined Workflows: GEO automates content generation and optimization processes, making it easier to keep web pages fresh, relevant, and aligned with evolving search behaviors—all while saving time and resources.  

    SEO is far from obsolete; however, relying solely on traditional SEO tactics is outdated which is no longer sufficient in today’s evolving higher education landscape. To truly transform their marketing approach, institutions must embrace innovative solutions. 

     As generative AI becomes increasingly embedded in how people search, marketers must adapt. While traditional SEO tactics like on-page optimization, site structure, and link-building still have a role to play, GEO provides the bold innovation needed to drive impactful outcomes. By pairing SEO strategies with GEO’s AI-driven insights and automation, institutions can achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in their marketing efforts.  

    Together, SEO and GEO provide a holistic, future-ready framework to engage the Modern Learner, enhance digital marketing efforts, and drive both reputation and revenue growth, which are essential for long-term success.

    Integrating GEO and SEO in Your Marketing Strategy for Higher Education Marketers

    As the digital landscape evolves, one thing remains clear: SEO is still essential for institutions looking to connect with today’s students. With the rapid adoption of AI in everyday search habits though, SEO alone is no longer enough.

    According to EducationDynamics 2025 Engaging the Modern Learner Report, generative AI is already transforming how prospective students evaluate their options. Nearly 70% of Modern Learners use AI tools for generative chatbot platforms like ChatGPT, while 37% use these tools specifically to gather information about colleges and universities in their consideration set.

    This shift signals a clear need for higher ed marketers to adapt their digital strategies. GEO provides a pathway to do that while better serving today’s students. By combining the proven fundamentals of SEO with GEO’s advanced AI capabilities, institutions can engage the Modern Learner more effectively at every stage of their decision-making journey.

    Reaching Modern Learners: Integrating GEO and SEO Strategies

    • Speak to What Modern Learners Search For: Modern Learners expect content that speaks directly to their needs and interests. Use GEO tools to identify the actual search terms prospective students use, such as “flexible online MBA,” or “how much does an online degree cost.” Then, develop SEO-optimized pages, blog posts, and FAQs that address these specific questions. Incorporate schema markup, structured headings, and internal links to boost visibility while keeping content informative and student focused.  
    • Personalize the Journey for Every Modern Learner: GEO enables marketers to go beyond generic messaging. Use behavioral data, such as which pages students visit, how long they stay or what programs they explore, to personalize touchpoints across channels. Personalization builds trust and shows Modern Learners you understand what matters to them.  
    • Deliver the Seamless Digital Experiences Modern Learners Expect: Today’s students want fast, seamless experiences. Use GEO insights to identify where users drop off, then optimize navigation and page speed accordingly. Implement clear, scannable layouts with prominent CTAs to enhance your website’s structure and user-friendliness. Consider adding AI-powered chatbots to provide real-time support for everything from application steps to financial aid inquiries.   
    • Use Data to Stay Ahead of the Modern Learner’s Needs: GEO tools give you visibility into what students search for, which content they engage with, and where they lose interest. Regularly review search patterns, click paths, and drop-off points to identify gaps in your content or barriers in the enrollment funnel. Use these insights to refine headlines, adjust keyword targeting, or introduce new resources that better align with what students care about. 

    As prospective students increasingly turn to AI tools to explore their options, higher education marketers must evolve their strategies to keep pace with changing search behaviors. While Search Engine Optimization remains essential for visibility and reach, it no longer fully reflects how today’s students search and engage online. GEO bridges that gap by adapting to real-time behaviors and preferences. To effectively connect with Modern Learners and stay competitive, institutions must evolve their digital strategies to include GEO. 

    The Future of SEO and GEO in Higher Education

    The future of enrollment will be shaped by how well institutions adapt to evolving digital behaviors. GEO is one of the many new components at the forefront of this shift. As AI continues to reshape how students interact with institutions and search for information, GEO will become an instrumental tool for delivering personalized, real-time information to meet their expectations.

    Traditional SEO will still play a vital role in ensuring your institution is discoverable, but GEO takes things further by extracting and tailoring relevant content to meet the specific needs of each user, creating dynamic, intent-driven engagement. With more students using generative AI tools to guide their enrollment journey, institutions must embrace strategies that reflect this new reality.

    Looking ahead, AI-powered SEO strategies will empower higher education marketers to create adaptive content that speaks directly to individual student goals and behaviors. These tools will also make it possible to deliver faster, more relevant information across platforms, often surfacing answers before a student ever clicks a link. With deeper access to behavioral data and user intent, marketers can refine messaging in real time, ensuring they’re reaching the right students with the right information at the right moment in their decision-making journey.

    Unlocking the Power of GEO with EducationDynamics

    As the digital landscape continues to shift, it can be challenging for institutions to keep pace with rapid change—especially when it comes to reaching the demands of today’s students. GEO empowers institutions to transform their digital engagement strategies, moving beyond outdated tactics to cultivate meaningful connections with the Modern Learner. 

    As a leading provider of higher education marketing solutions, EducationDynamics specializes in helping colleges and universities stay ahead. Our team brings deep expertise in foundational SEO and is actively embracing the next wave of digital strategy through Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). We understand what it takes to create meaningful engagement in a competitive enrollment environment and we’re here to help you do just that. 

    Connect with us to discover how we can support your team in building personalized digital strategies—whether it’s laying the groundwork with SEO or embracing innovative approaches like GEO. We’re here to help your institution succeed in today’s ever-changing digital world. 

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  • Introducing the InsightsEDU Echo Webinar Series

    Introducing the InsightsEDU Echo Webinar Series

    EducationDynamics is excited to announce our new webinar series — the InsightsEDU Echo Webinar Series. This series is designed to expand access to the impactful sessions delivered at InsightsEDU 2025. Whether you attended the conference or are looking to gain valuable insights into higher education marketing, recruitment, and enrollment strategies, this webinar series brings expert-led presentations directly to you.

    Join us throughout March and April for these exclusive webinars:

    March 13: Engaging the Modern Learner | 1 PM ET

    This webinar presents insights and discoveries from our most recent report, “Engaging the Modern Learner: 2025 Report on the Preferences & Behaviors Shaping Higher Ed.” These findings lay out the framework for a strategic approach built upon strengthened institutional reputation and engagement strategies that deliver the right message, at the right time to all students and institutional stakeholders.

    Speakers: Greg Clayton, President of Enrollment Management Services, and Katie Tomlinson, Sr. Director of Analytics and Business Intelligence.
    Register Here

    March 20: A Roadmap to Marketing Transformation | 2 PM ET

    Discover proven strategies for navigating marketing transformation in higher education. This session will explore how institutions can modernize their marketing tactics to better align with today’s digital-first landscape.

    Speakers: Jamie Ceman, Senior Executive Vice President, RW Jones Agency.
    Register Here

    March 27: From Silos to Synergy: Transforming Enrollment Through Collaboration | 2 PM ET

    Learn how cross-departmental collaboration can unlock new strategies for enrollment growth. This webinar will provide actionable steps for aligning marketing, admissions, and academic teams.

    Speakers: Dr. Jodi Blinco, Vice President for Enrollment Management Consulting.
    Register Here

    April 3: Navigating the Enrollment Shift | 2 PM ET

    Join EducationDynamics and the experts from EY Parthenon for a solutions-focused conversation about the impact and implications of the Enrollment Cliff. Participants will leave with a better understanding of the full impact of the changes facing higher education and the opportunities available for thriving in the evolving educational landscape.

    Speakers: Tracy Kreikemeier, Chief Relationship Officer at EducationDynamics, Kate Kruger, Partner/Principal at EY-Parthenon, and Elizabeth Palmer, Senior Director at EY-Parthenon.
    Register Here

    April 10: Evolving Your Marketing Approach in the New Era | 2 PM ET

    Explore how AI is transforming search algorithms, user behavior, and website optimization. This session, led by Sarah Russell, VP of Marketing at EducationDynamics, will deliver practical techniques to future-proof your SEO efforts and create a full-funnel marketing strategy that moves students from awareness to enrollment.

    Speakers: Sarah Russell, Vice President of Marketing, EducationDynamics.
    Register Here

    April 17: The Art and Science of Why People Care | 2 PM ET

    Uncover the psychological and strategic factors that influence student decision-making and engagement. Learn how to craft messaging and brands that resonate, inspire, and build lasting relationships.

    Speakers: Kelly Ratliff, Director of Client Success and Solutions, RW Jones Agency, and Renee Daly, VP of Brand Strategy, RW Jones Agency.
    Register Here

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  • What’s New at InsightsEDU 2025? Key Updates You Won’t Want to Miss

    What’s New at InsightsEDU 2025? Key Updates You Won’t Want to Miss

    With InsightsEDU 2025 just around the corner, we’re excited to share some of the key updates and new features coming to this year’s conference, happening February 12-14, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. As the premier conference for higher education marketing and enrollment management, this year’s event promises to be our most engaging yet. Attendees can expect immersive experiences, innovative sessions, and exceptional speakers, all aimed at equipping higher education leaders with the skills and strategies needed to serve today’s Modern Learners. From the welcome reception to our new customized workshop experience, InsightsEDU 2025 is full of exciting opportunities. Read on to see what’s in store!

    This year, we’re embracing the vibrant culture of New Orleans with the Bourbon Street Bash, a celebration that will give attendees the perfect opportunity to unwind, network, and experience NOLA in style. The evening will kick off with a second-line parade, leading attendees through the historic streets of New Orleans to the iconic Bourbon Vieux venue. With a live jazz performance, this event promises to be a memorable way to start an exciting conference experience with the higher ed community.

    For the first time, InsightsEDU is offering a hands-on, interactive workshop led by Dr. Jodi Blinco, Vice President of Enrollment Management Consulting at EducationDynamics.

    The workshop, “Unlocking Enrollment Success: A Customized Consulting Workshop Experience,” is designed specifically for higher education leaders who want to explore the complexities of enrollment models. The workshop provides an opportunity to enhance strategies for attracting, enrolling, and retaining students.

    This session will foster focused discussions, tailored insights, and actionable takeaways, allowing attendees to apply the knowledge gained from the conference directly to their own enrollment strategies.

    This year, we are excited to welcome Po-Shen Loh, an acclaimed entrepreneur, mathematician, and Carnegie Mellon University professor, to the InsightsEDU stage.

    His keynote session, “The Power of Reinvention: Unlocking Innovation to Inspire Action,” will challenge attendees to rethink problem-solving, leadership, and innovation in the ever-evolving higher education landscape. Drawing from his diverse experiences in academia and social entrepreneurship, Po-Shen Loh will explore how institutions can apply startup strategies to innovate and create programs that resonate with students’ needs. His unique experiences throughout higher ed and entrepreneurship make him uniquely qualified to address the conference’s innovative goals and inspire strategies for institutions looking to drive meaningful change.

    Expect to hear from top industry leaders at InsightsEDU, with companies such as EY Parthenon, Slate, Google, Meta, and Reddit, joining to share their expertise in digital engagement, advertising, and marketing strategies. These sessions will help institutions stay ahead of emerging trends, enhance their online presence, and develop strategies to connect with students in innovative ways. Attendees will gain exclusive insights into how leading platforms are shaping the future of student engagement and higher education marketing.

    With RW Jones Agency recently becoming a part of the EducationDynamics team, InsightsEDU 2025 will feature even more expert-led sessions and strategic insights. RW Jones Agency’s expertise in public relations, crisis communications, and higher education marketing is sure to provide valuable perspectives for attendees.

    Here are some of the key sessions featuring RW Jones Agency’s team:

    • A Roadmap to Marketing Transformation: Learn how to implement a marketing maturity model to enhance strategy, optimize resources, and gain real results for your MarCom division. This session will provide insights from experienced professionals who have successfully implemented maturity models to drive impactful results at institutions.
    • A Behavior-Informed Approach to Prospective Student Engagement: Discover how student personas can transform outreach efforts. Building on insights from a recent nationally representative survey of high schoolers, this session explores students’ primary motivations and factors surrounding decision making, offering key insights for higher ed marketers, communicators, and enrollment leaders.
    • Lights, Camera, Connections: How to Produce Compelling Videos That Connect: Join Karolyn Pearson, a former network news producer, and Morgan Aguilar, a former TV reporter, for an exciting session on crafting engaging and authentic visual storytelling to captivate student audiences and enhance your institution’s brand.
    • The Art and Science of Why People Care: Learn how to create audience-centered messaging that aligns with students’ values, increases engagement, and builds lasting relationships while authentically marketing your brand.
    • From Interest to Enrollment: Building Real Student Connections on Social Media: Explore the latest tactics and insights to address an evolving social media landscape and cater to Gen Z and Millennial audiences. This session will explore the latest trends, engagement strategies, and creative tools to foster meaningful interactions on social media that lead to enrollment.

    With an impeccable lineup of sessions, RW Jones Agency’s expertise will provide valuable new perspectives at InsightsEDU 2025, ensuring that attendees leave with actionable strategies to better connect and serve Modern Learners.

    With immersive experiences, groundbreaking discussions, and an incredible lineup of speakers and sessions, this year’s conference is shaping up to be the best one yet. Whether you’re looking to refine your enrollment strategy, explore new marketing tactics, or simply connect with industry leaders, InsightsEDU 2025 is the place to be for higher education professionals.

    We look forward to seeing you at InsightsEDU 2025!

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  • How Admissions and Marketing Teams Can Collaborate

    How Admissions and Marketing Teams Can Collaborate

    Fostering Interdepartmental Collaboration to Drive a More Effective and Engaging Student Journey

    Achieving success in your higher education marketing strategy requires seamless collaboration between your admissions and marketing teams to create a connected, consistent student journey experience. When these teams align, they move beyond their isolated efforts and build a unified strategy that not only captures students’ attention but also drives meaningful engagement and enrollments.

    Admissions teams gain critical, real-time insights from their conversations with prospective students, and marketing teams transform those insights into strategies and assets that resonate with the right audiences. By sharing their insights, both teams can better inform campaigns, conversations, and touchpoints, ensuring every interaction feels intentional, relevant, and student-centered.

    However, this alignment doesn’t happen by chance. It requires deliberate collaboration, thoughtful planning, and the strategic use of data at every stage. From discovery interviews and customer relationship management (CRM) data analysis to shared campaign development, each step in the process plays a vital role in delivering a cohesive, engaging experience that guides prospective students from curiosity to commitment.

    The Importance and Benefits of Collaboration Between Admissions and Marketing Teams 

    In an increasingly competitive higher ed landscape, having admissions and marketing teams that collaborate and communicate with each other regularly can make a meaningful difference in the experience that an institution delivers to prospective students, while optimizing its marketing efforts for maximum impact.  

    When admissions and marketing operate in silos, the cohesion breaks down. Collaboration prevents these gaps, ensuring every message, from the first ad to the final admissions call, feels aligned and purposeful.

    Creating a Unified Message

    Students don’t distinguish between “admissions” and “marketing” — they only see the institution. That’s why a unified message is so crucial to every higher education marketing strategy. A consistent and unified message — whether it’s delivered through ads, emails, website visits, or conversations with admissions personnel — builds trust, strengthens the brand, and guides prospective students smoothly through their decision-making journey.

    Building a Powerful Feedback Loop  

    When admissions and marketing teams stay in consistent communication, they create a powerful feedback loop that strengthens the institution’s messaging and better serves its prospective students.

    Admissions teams are on the front lines, having daily conversations with students and hearing their motivations, hesitations, and questions firsthand. These interactions provide invaluable qualitative insights that can flow back into marketing assets and strategies. 

    For example, if students frequently ask about program outcomes — such as what they can do with a certain degree — marketing can develop targeted blog content, alumni video spotlights, or landing page updates showcasing career opportunities, industry connections, and success stories related to the degree. Additionally, if there are common points of confusion that come up in students’ conversations with admissions staff, marketing materials can be created that clearly and directly address these issues. 

    By tapping into this feedback loop, both teams can make meaningful, real-time adjustments that align the institution’s messaging with students’ priorities, enhance engagement, and drive better outcomes.

    Empowering Teams With Critical Insights and Knowledge

    Both admissions and marketing teams bring something unique and valuable to the table when it comes to understanding the institution’s brand, its offerings, and its students. While there are areas of overlap, each team also has its own distinct focal points that allow it to provide useful details the other team can benefit from, creating a richer and more comprehensive appreciation of how each team can best serve the institution’s students.

    Practical Ways to Collaborate 

    Now that we’ve established the importance of collaboration, let’s take a look at some practical ways to bring this strategy to life. 

    Coordinate and Share Learnings During a Discovery Process

    The first step is discovery, the phase where both admissions and marketing teams collaborate to analyze and uncover insights that will make their work more accurate, impactful, and aligned. The discovery process includes in-depth conversations with key university stakeholders; audits of existing school resources, marketing collateral, and program materials; and market research and competitive analysis to understand the institution’s positioning and audience needs.

    Each team adds unique value to the process. Admissions teams gather information about program-specific details, students’ motivations, and nuances that resonate during enrollment conversations, while marketing teams analyze the institution’s competitive positioning, audience behaviors, and key differentiators. By sharing and coordinating these efforts upfront, teams can reduce redundancies, ensure alignment, and create a more cohesive strategy that delivers consistent, tailored messaging. 

    Here are some tactics that can help in coordinating and consolidating discovery efforts:

    Schedule Ongoing Check-Ins With Teams

    Consistent communication is critical for collaboration. Regular monthly or quarterly meetings that include both admissions and marketing staff create space for sharing insights, identifying trends, and closing messaging gaps. 

    Admissions teams can spotlight common motivations, pain points, and areas of confusion among students, so marketing teams can update campaigns to address these themes in real time. These sessions ensure all higher education marketing strategies stay aligned and adaptive, making the student experience feel more cohesive.

    Leverage CRM Data

    Every interaction with a student leaves a breadcrumb trail of data. By tapping into call notes and CRM system data, admissions and marketing teams can track students’ questions, motivations, and hesitations. 

    Analyzing this data can reveal trends that marketing can address through website updates, FAQs, and ad campaigns. Sharing actionable summaries allows admissions teams to prepare for upcoming conversations and marketing teams to preemptively answer students’ concerns, creating a more seamless experience for prospects.

    Share and Understand Key Resources

    Developing key marketing resources, such as a Strategic Marketing Guide (SMG), and sharing them across teams can help keep admissions and marketing teams’ collaboration efforts on track. 

    An SMG isn’t just a document — it’s the framework that ensures every team is aligned in understanding the key components of the institution’s brand, story, and students. Personas, unique value propositions (UVPs), brand stories and positioning, and messaging frameworks outlined in an SMG help admissions and marketing teams speak the same language and tell a shared story.  

    Connect Your Admissions and Marketing Teams Through Collaboration With Archer

    At Archer Education, we don’t just build marketing strategies — we build lasting capabilities. Our approach goes beyond campaign launches and lead generation to focus on sustainable online infrastructure that empowers universities to thrive long after our work is done. From aligning admissions and marketing teams to developing data-driven messaging frameworks, we act as a true partner in developing custom higher education marketing strategies that work. 

    Our collaboration is designed to transfer knowledge, not just deliver results. We equip your teams with the tools, training, and insights they need to operate with confidence, ensuring your institution isn’t reliant on outside support to maintain momentum. The result is a marketing engine that runs smoothly long after Archer’s involvement has ended, empowering your teams to lead with agility in an ever-changing higher education landscape. 

    Contact us today to learn more. 

    Subscribe to the Higher Ed Marketing Journal:

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  • Four Benefits of Attending InsightsEDU

    Four Benefits of Attending InsightsEDU

    Every year, EducationDynamics welcomes marketing, enrollment, admissions, and higher education leaders from across the nation for InsightsEDU—a higher education conference dedicated to uncovering emerging trends and innovative solutions that help colleges and universities enhance reputation and grow revenue. In 2025, InsightsEDU will be hosted in New Orleans, Louisiana at the Ritz Carlton from February 12-14, 2025.

    With 40+ subject matter experts, and 38+ sessions, InsightsEDU is designed to equip attendees with the knowledge, tools, and strategies necessary to successfully engage the Modern Learner. Discover key benefits you will experience by attending InsightsEDU 2025.

    Benefits of Attending a Higher Education Conference like InsightsEDU

    1. Gain Timely Insights into the Modern Learner

    There is no doubt that higher education is undergoing a shift. The Modern Learner, who increasingly values flexibility, personalization, and cost-effectiveness, is driving much of this transformation.  This year’s conference theme, “The Era of the Modern Learner,” reflects this pivotal moment in education.  

    InsightsEDU will help higher education marketers adapt strategies to meet the needs of these students, by equipping them with practical insights on how Modern Learners interact with enrollment teams, make decisions, and engage with content. Understanding these dynamics will allow higher ed professionals to tailor marketing and enrollment strategies to better address the demands of today’s students, while demonstrating value and personalization.

    2. Network with Fellow Institutional Leaders, Experts, and Professionals Nationwide

    InsightsEDU is more than a learning opportunity; it is also an unparalleled networking opportunity for the higher education community. With over 100 colleges and universities represented, InsightsEDU brings together a diverse group of higher education professionals, including institutional leaders, marketers, admissions professionals, and experts from across the nation and even abroad.

    Throughout the conference, attendees will experience everything from informative sessions and panels to networking events infused with New Orleans’ flair. These interactions will provide attendees with opportunities to build lasting connections with fellow professionals who share a commitment to advancing higher education initiatives. Additionally, attendees will be able to participate in discussion forums and stay connected to professional connections through the conference app, allowing attendees to stay engaged even after the conference ends.

    3. Access Tailored Strategies for All Student Demographics

    InsightsEDU is dedicated to helping professionals connect with today’s diverse student populations through targeted, practical strategies. For traditional students, attendees will explore ways to create personalized outreach and recruitment campaigns that highlight flexibility and value. Sessions focused on online students will uncover data-driven marketing methods and innovative enrollment strategies that address their desire for convenience and personalization. For graduate students, attendees will explore strategies that leverage career-focused messaging and a clear return on investment for advanced degrees.

    Attendees will leave InsightsEDU equipped with powerful, actionable strategies tailored to the unique needs of various student demographics—empowering them to drive success and lead in a changing higher education landscape.

    4. Experience Expert-Led Sessions Focused on Real-World Solutions

    At InsightsEDU, attendees will engage with a stellar line-up of speakers covering the latest trends and challenges in higher education. Our conference agenda features 38+ sessions from industry experts, each with unique and data-backed perspectives on topics such as personalized digital marketing, enrollment management, and student success. With expert perspectives from organizations like Google, Meta, Reddit, EY Parthenon and more, attendees will learn how to apply the latest trends and technologies to enhance their approach. Additionally, attendees will gain exclusive insights to groundbreaking tools and data, including the latest Online College Students Report, giving them a first look at critical insights into today’s students.

    Unlock the Future of Higher Education at InsightsEDU 2025

    InsightsEDU 2025 is the must-attend conference for higher education professionals who are committed to staying ahead of the curve and driving impact within education. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this innovative event, designed to provide you with strategies and insights for success in higher education.   

    We look forward to seeing you at InsightsEDU from February 12-14! Register today and secure your spot.

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  • Building a Better Transfer Experience for Modern Learners 

    Building a Better Transfer Experience for Modern Learners 

    In 2022, 36.8 million students under the age of 65 fell into the category of Some College, No Credential (SCNC)–a population that grew by nearly 3% year-over-year by 2024. These learners, who started but did not complete a credential, represent a growing population with significant potential for re-enrollment. Understanding their needs is essential to support their return to higher education.  

    For SCNC students, one key factor can significantly influence their decision to re-enroll—transfer credit policies. The Education Reengagement Report, conducted in collaboration with DegreeSight, provides a comprehensive overview of this subset of modern learners, uncovering key strategies to re-engage these students by addressing their unique needs, particularly surrounding maximization of previously earned credits and awareness of credit transfer policies. Explore the report’s findings to gain deeper insights into how institutions can effectively engage and support SCNC students on their path to completion.  

    Who are Some College, No Credential (SCNC) Modern Learners? 

     SCNC students represent a noteworthy portion of the Modern Learner population, and their unique profile merits deep consideration when developing approaches to re-engagement. For more insights into the challenges faced by stopped-out students and strategies to support their return, read our previous article on addressing their barriers. In the context of the Education Reengagment Report, SCNC students are defined as those seeking reenrollment or who have already reenrolled elsewhere.  Their experiences and motivations reflect diverse life experiences, making them a unique yet significant audience for higher education institutions.  

    SCNC students comprise of diverse demographic and professional profiles. Most are aged between 25-29 (66%), and a significant portion (33%) identify as first-generation college students. Their employment status also varies, with 59% working full-time, 20% employed part-time, and 16% not currently employed. Many SCNC students were previously enrolled in associate degree programs (43%), while others sought bachelor’s degrees (57%), reflecting a broad range of academic aspirations.  

    SCNC students pursue a wide range of academic interests, with certain fields emerging as particularly popular. The areas of study with the highest levels of enrollment for SCNC students include Business (24%), IT, Computers, and Technology (20%), and Health-related fields (13%). Additionally, learning format preferences reveal a demand for flexibility, with 47% favoring on-campus programs, 29% opting for hybrid options, and 20% preferring fully online programs. These findings emphasize the need for flexible program offerings to meet SCNC students’ varying needs and schedules. 

    Career advancement is a primary motivation for SCNC students when initially enrolling. Sixty percent enrolled in an undergraduate program to improve their earning potential or launch a new career, while 40% sought careers better aligned with their interests. Additionally, 30% pursued a degree as a next step following high school or technical school.  

    However, financial challenges, competing responsibilities, and various program limitations are common reasons for stopping out. Survey results show that the main barrier to continuing education for SCNC students is cost, with 32% citing it as their primary reason for stopping out. Other reasons include Covid-19 related reasoning (20%), lack of flexibility in the program (19%), and inability to use federal financial aid (15%).  Understanding these critical factors is essential for institutions looking to reengage this population. By addressing the root causes of their stop-outs, institutions can better connect with SCNC students and deliver personalized solutions to them. 

    The report surveyed both SCNC and transfer students. While these groups differ in some ways, they share similarities in their focus on career outcomes and expectations for the enrollment process.  

    The key difference to keep in mind include: 

    • Age: SCNC students tend to be older, with a median age of 37 compared to 31 for Transfer students  
    • Motivation: Transfer students top motivation stems from their career aspirations, while SCNC students place greater emphasis on program affordability 
    • Level of study: Transfer students are more likely to pursue bachelor’s degrees, while SCNC students often have a mix of associate and bachelor’s degree goals 

    Despite these differences, both groups share a unifying goal to leverage their existing credits to further their higher education career and achieve their personal and professional goals, making them a significant opportunity for higher education institutions.  

    Why are Transfer Credit Policies So Important for SCNC Modern Learners?

    Many SCNC students have already earned a decent number of college credits, with 32% having completed 16 to 30 credits, indicating that they have completed at least one semester of coursework. This progress underscores the importance of transfer credit policies easing their return to higher education. With the many notable reasons for stopping out, the barrier to re-entry only rises without clear credit transfer or support systems in place. For these students, the financial burden of repeating coursework and the desire for swift completion of their degrees are top priorities.  

    Survey data highlights the overwhelming importance students place on credit transfer policies. Ninety-three percent of SCNC students say that the number of transferrable credits impacts their enrollment decision, with 55% indicating it as a primary factor. Additionally, 36% of students rank credit acceptance as a key consideration in their reenrollment decision, second only to tuition cost (44%) and closely followed by the availability of online programs (35%).  

    Clear and favorable transfer credit policies not only can alleviate the financial pressures of reenrollment but can also expedite the path to graduation. However, navigating these policies is not a simple process for many students. Thirty-five percent of students report that understanding transfer credit policies is the most difficult part of the enrollment process, followed by getting previous credits transferred (34%) and completing financial aid forms (34%). Institutions should view this as a call to action to refine their policies and streamline processes, addressing these critical pain points to better meet student needs and enhance both enrollment and retention outcomes. 

    How Can Institutions Better Support SCNC Modern Learners with Transfer Credits?

    Supporting SCNC students requires institutions to prioritize transparency, personalized support, and flexibility—particularly where transfer credits are concerned.  Many SCNC students face unnecessarily complicated processes during their reenrollment processes, making it imperative for institutions to make their policies accessible.  

    To better meet this demographics’ varied needs, institutions can implement the following strategies to support SCNC students: 

    • Promote Transparent Transfer Policies

    Institutions should make transfer credit policies easy to understand and accessible across websites, marketing materials, and additional platforms. Clearly communicating how previous credits apply to degree requirements empowers students to make informed decisions.  Online tools like credit transfer calculators, chatbots for common inquiries, and infographics can further empower students to understand their credit situation and feel confident making enrollment decisions.  

    • Highlight Cost Savings and Financial Support: 

    To address cost barriers, institutions should clearly communicate how credit transfers reduce tuition expenses and emphasize available financial aid options. Offering flexible payment plans helps students manage their finances more readily, allowing them to focus on their education without financial stress. 

    • Provide Comprehensive Support Services: 

    Having a dedicated credit transfer advisor can make a pivotal difference in the SCNC enrollment experience. These advisors can help guide students in navigating complex processes, equipping them with vital information on financial aid options, available transferrable credits, and program pathways.  Support can be offered through online channels, advising, and assistance with application and registration processes. Partnering with EducationDynamics’ Enrollment Management Team can help institutions scale this support effectively. 

    • Expand Flexible Learning Options: 

    Expanding online and hybrid program offerings is crucial to supporting the growing SCNC population. These flexible formats can better serve SCNC lifestyles, as these students often juggle work and family responsibilities in addition to their course load. Flexible online and hybrid-based programs are imperative to be promoted to this population, as many have changed their learning modality from classroom-based to online or hybrid. By assessing current offerings and identifying areas of expansion, institutions can better support the needs of Modern Learners.  

    Unlock Opportunities for SCNC Student Success

    SCNC students have spoken—there is a clear need for institutions to adapt their policies and support services to meet their unique needs. By prioritizing clear transfer credit policies, personalized support, and flexible learning options, universities can attract this demographic while helping them achieve their academic goals. As institutions continue to navigate evolving enrollment challenges, adapting to the needs of SCNC students will be instrumental in building success and shaping the future of higher education.  

    Ready to reengage SCNC students? Explore how EDDY’s market research services help your institution effectively reach SCNC students and create successful pathways from re-enrollment to graduation.  

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