In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader, I had the pleasure of talking with Jaime Hunt, an award-winning CMO and host of the Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO podcast. Jaime recently announced that she has a thrilling new venture, launching her own consulting firm:Solve Higher Ed๐ Key Insights from my conversation with Jaime:Transition from CMO to Consultant: After a distinguished career, Jaime felt the pull to start her own firm to amplify her impact across multiple institutions, tackling pressing challenges like the enrollment cliff and the need for improved student retention strategies.AI in Higher Education: Jaime shares practical tips for integrating AI tools into higher-ed marketing strategies, pushing beyond the hype to enhance operational effectiveness.Student Retention Focus: One of Jaime's primary missions is enhancing student retention through strategic communications and robust journey mapping, areas often overlooked in traditional recruitment-focused marketing efforts.Jaime's shift from a CMO to a consultant is both a career change and a strategic move to foster broader improvements in the higher education sector. Her agency aims to deliver high-value, cost-effective solutions, especially for institutions that might not have the budget for larger agencies but still need to innovate and improve.Jaime's journey offers insights into navigating career transitions with strategic foresight and unwavering passion. Whether you're a marketer in the trenches or a leader looking to reshape your institution's future, there's plenty to learn from her bold moves and visionary approaches.๐ Listen to the full episode by following the link in the comments below.Connect with Jaime for collaboration or consultation.๐ If you enjoyed the episode, please hit like, subscribe, and leave a review. ๐Until next time. โ#HigherEdMarketing #EducationMarketing #CareerTransition #Marketing #StudentRetention #MarketingLeadership
This week's Education Marketing Leader podcast episode concludes our community college series hosted in honor of Community College Month.I'm excited to share my conversation with Jeff Ebbing, Director of Marketing and Communications at Southeastern Community College and former National Council for Marketing & Public Relations president.I first met Jeff at NCMPR's National Conference in Orlando last year and got to know him better during a fun run through the streets of Seattle at this year's conference. Our conversation centered around practical strategies for higher-ed marketers. We explored how to craft messages that reach, resonate, and inspire action among audiences, providing tangible steps for implementation.Episode Highlights:Strategic Messaging: Jeff shared how simplifying complex messages like their "Get Paid to Go to Nursing School" campaign dramatically increased engagement and conversions. This practical approach cuts through the noise, reaching students where they're most attentive.Audience Engagement: We discussed the importance of directly engaging with students to gather feedback, utilizing programs like the Blackhawk Ambassadors. This real-time input shapes more relevant and impactful campaigns.Innovative Media Use: From traditional billboards to digital platforms, Jeff emphasized the need to constantly adapt and experiment with media channels to keep messages fresh and effective.Adapting to Change: Highlighting the evolution from traditional to digital tactics, Jeff provided insights on staying ahead in the rapidly changing landscape of digital marketing in education.This episode is a must-listen for all higher-ed marketers looking to sharpen their strategies and push the envelope on their campaigns.๐ If you enjoyed the episode, please hit like, subscribe, and leave a review. ๐Until next time. โP.S. Be sure to connect with Jeff and follow Southeastern Community College social to see the strategies in practice. Resources mentioned during the episode: SCC Ad: Erin Wagner: "I know you can do this"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCReC9t6u1c
In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Maya Demishkevich, the Chief Marketing Officer at Carroll Community College. Maya shared groundbreaking strategies on how her team uses social media to help Carroll Community College retain its students.One of the insights shared were the five key pillars affecting student retention:๐ฒ Financial Burden: Engaging content that informs students about scholarships, financial aid, and budget management tips.๐ Academic Challenges: Promotions for tutoring services and study groups to bridge knowledge gaps.๐ถ ๐ ๏ธ Balancing Commitments: Support resources for adult learners and working students, showcasing flexible learning options.๐งโโ๏ธ Mental Health: Awareness campaigns focusing on wellness resources and support systems available on campus.๐ค Student Assistance Resources: Highlighting campus services like career counseling and health services, ensuring students know how to access these resources.๐ก Why It's Crucial: These pillars represent students' core challenges, and addressing them through social media can significantly enhance their college experience and likelihood of success.Strategic Takeaways for Marketers:1๏ธโฃ Targeted Campaigns: Each piece of content is tailored to address specific student needs, making social media a critical touchpoint for support.2๏ธโฃ Faculty Involvement: Empowering faculty to participate in social media efforts amplifies reach and authenticity.3๏ธโฃ Student Ambassadors: Leveraging student voices to relate and resonate, making the message more impactful.Tune in to the full conversation on the Education Marketing Leader podcast today. ๐ If you enjoyed the episode, please hit like, subscribe, and leave a review. ๐Until next time. โP.S. Be sure to connect with Maya and follow Carroll Community College on social to see how they put the advice Maya shared into practice.#HigherEducation #Marketing #StudentRetention #SocialMediaStrategy #Podcast
In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jason Houlihan, MBA, the Executive Director of Marketing and Events at Del Mar College. ๐I heard Jason speak at the 2024 NCMPR National Conference in Seattle last month and was so inspired by his talk that I invited him on the show. ๐We focused the episode on how to craft memorable marketing messages in higher education.Here are the key takeaways:๐๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ฅ ๐
๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญJason emphasizes the power of digital marketing, especially in engaging today's tech-savvy students. From memes that resonate with local culture to the strategic use of YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels, it's about meeting students where they are.๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ๐ญ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฒJason shared how Del Mar College uses storytelling to connect with students, making them the heroes of their educational journey. This approach not only enhances relatability but also boosts engagement and enrollment.๐๐ฎ๐๐ ๐๐ญ-๐๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ง๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌBudget constraints are always a concern, so Jason highlighted the importance of cost-effective marketing strategies. Leveraging AI and CRM tools can automate and streamline processes, allowing marketers to focus on creativity and human interaction.๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ฎ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ฉ๐ญ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐งThe landscape of digital marketing is ever-changing. Jason's approach involves constant learning and adapting to new platforms while ensuring brand consistency and engagement across all channels.๐ Want to hear more about how Jason is transforming the marketing landscape in Corpus Christi, Texas? Tune in to the full conversation on the Education Marketing Leader podcast.๐ If you enjoyed the episode, please hit like, subscribe, and leave a review. ๐Until next time. โP.S. Be sure to connect with Jason and follow Del Mar College on social to see how they put the advice Jason shared into practice. #HigherEducation #Marketing #DigitalMarketing #Storytelling #Podcast
In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, Abby Humbel, Digital Marketing Manager at Hagerstown Community College, shared practical insights on implementing student influencer marketing. ๐กHere's a breakdown of the episode:๐ Strategy IntroductionAbby explained the shift towards using student influencers to create authentic, relatable content that reflects real student experiences, aiming to connect with prospective students on a genuine level. ๐ค ๐ค๐ AdvantagesThe authenticity and relatability of student-created content stand out.Successful campaigns include study tips and "day in the life" videos, resonating well due to their genuine insight into student life. ๐๐ ImplementationAbby outlined the process of working with student influencers who operate as contractors, producing content independently while adhering to set guidelines to ensure brand alignment and authenticity. ๐๐ Metrics and DiversityImportance is placed on engagement metrics and the diversity of influencer groups to ensure broad relatability.This approach helps refine the strategy and ensure that the content appeals to a wide audience. ๐๐ Key TakeawaysAbby emphasized the need for clear program guidelines, the value of diversity among influencers, and the importance of balancing informative and entertaining content. ๐คFor more detailed insights, Abby's full discussion offers a roadmap for starting or enhancing a student influencer marketing program at your college or university. Connect with her on LinkedIn for more on digital marketing in education.๐ If you enjoyed the episode, please hit like, subscribe, and leave a review of the Education Marketing Leader. ๐Until next time. โ
In the latest Education Marketing Leader podcast episode, I sat down with Maria Kuntz, Communications Director at the University of Colorado Boulder.Maria shared her unexpected journey into higher education marketing and her commitment to inclusivity in communication. ๐กKey insights for higher education marketing professionals:โฆ Inclusivity Starts with Acknowledgment:Recognizing you donโt have all the answers is the first step toward fostering an inclusive environment.โฆ Training is Crucial:Educating your team on bias and identity reduces fear around discussions of difference, enhancing inclusivity in your campaigns.โฆ Safety to Learn:A psychologically safe team space encourages learning from mistakes, which is vital for developing inclusive storytelling.โฆ Be Intentional with Storytelling:Itโs about lifting diverse voices and ensuring content resonates authentically with a wide audience, respecting cultural nuances.โฆ Retention Focus: Beyond attracting underrepresented students, focus on creating supportive environments to improve retention.โฆ Mindful Questioning:Avoid unnecessary identity-based questions in interviews unless they serve a clear purpose in the context.โฆ Navigating DEI Initiatives:With shifting policies, itโs essential to adapt and maintain a commitment to diverse and inclusive narratives.โฆ Start Small and Be Curious:Implementing an inclusive mindset in marketing strategies begins with one project. Approach it with curiosity and be open to feedback.Mariaโs advice emphasizes the importance of slowing down to ensure the inclusivity of both the process and the narrative. For those looking to explore inclusive marketing practices in higher education more deeply, connecting with Maria on LinkedIn could offer further insights.Listen to the full episode for a comprehensive understanding of integrating these principles into your marketing strategies.#HigherEdMarketing #InclusiveMarketing #EducationMarketingLeader
In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Elliot Lollis, a Senior Brand Strategist at Up&Up. We discussed how colleges and universities can elevate their institution's brand amid the stiffening competition.Below are some takeaways from the show: ๐ Listen Before You LeapThe cornerstone of Elliot's strategy revolves around deep listeningโunderstanding the unique DNA of an institution before crafting a brand story that resonates with both internal stakeholders and prospective students.๐ Authenticity is KeyElliot emphasizes the importance of genuine storytelling. It's about capturing the essence of an institution's values, culture, and vision.๐ค Collaboration Across DepartmentsElliot discussed the silos within institutions that can impede a cohesive brand strategy. Her solution? Foster cross-departmental collaborations as a way to unify the brand voice and experience.๐ต Avoiding the PitfallsElliot was candid about the missteps to dodge in higher education marketingโfrom the perils of inconsistency to underestimating the power of student voices in storytelling.๐ Tools and TrendsAlways ahead of the curve, Elliot shared insights into the latest trends and tools that are reshaping how we approach brand strategy in higher education, underscoring the importance of staying adaptable and learner-centric.๐ง Why This MattersAs higher education marketing professionals, understanding the interplay between brand strategy, storytelling, and audience engagement is critical. Elliot's insights illuminate the path to stronger brand alignment and encourage us to think outside the traditional marketing playbook.For those eager to dive deeper into the world of brand strategy and storytelling, connect with Elliot on LinkedIn. Take advantage of the latest conversation with actionable strategies, personal anecdotes, and a roadmap to branding success.Until next time.โ๏ธ#highereducation #marketing #branding #pocdast
In the latest Education Marketing Leader podcast episode, I was thrilled to welcome Julie Johnson Novara, the visionary behind Julie Johnson Writing Services. ๐With a rich background in international studies, education, and a deep-seated love for storytelling, Julie brings a fresh perspective to crafting compelling content strategies for higher education institutions. ๐กHere are some key insights from the episode: ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐ข๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒBegin by clearly understanding your content goals, knowing your audience intimately, and choosing the right channels to engage them.๐๐ฎ๐๐ข๐๐ง๐๐ ๐
๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญEmphasize thorough research to grasp the nuances of your student body's needs and aspirations, ensuring your message hits home.๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐Achieve the right mix of informative and promotional content, tailoring your approach to inform, engage, and inspire your audience without overwhelming them.๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ ๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ๐ญ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ Leverage your institution's unique stories to foster a genuine connection with prospective students and showcase real impact and value.๐๐ง๐ง๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐๐Stay abreast of evolving trends like AI and virtual reality, but anchor your content in the authenticity only human-created narratives can provide.๐๐๐ญ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ซFocus on KPIs that truly reflect engagement and conversion, adjusting your strategy to optimize performance and ROI.๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒEncourage a synergistic environment where marketers, content creators, and academics collaborate to produce content that resonates and attracts.๐๐ฅ๐๐ฏ๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐ฒJulie advocates starting with well-defined objectives and progressively refining your approach based on audience feedback and evolving trends. Whether it's through impactful stories, innovative formats, or strategic engagement, the goal is to create content that deeply connects with your audience. ๐ค ๐คTune in to glean actionable advice that will:๐ธ Empower you to refine your content strategy๐ธ Engage prospective students more effectively, and๐ธ Amplify your institution's narrative in the competitive landscape of higher education.๐ Connect with Julie on LinkedIn to explore further insights into effective content strategy in higher education, or visit her website at www.johnsonwriter.comUntil next time. โ๏ธ#marketing #highereducation EducationMarketing #HigherEdContent #ContentStrategy #Podcasting
๐๏ธ Exciting Recap from the Latest Episode of the Education Marketing Leader Podcast! ๐In a recent episode, I learned about public scholarship and how to amplify research through podcasting from Robert S. Li ๐๐, co-founder of University FM and Professors.fm. For all you higher education marketing professionals, this episode is a wellspring of innovative strategies and valuable insights!๐ Amplifying Faculty Voices Through Podcasting:Robert shared his journey from the University of Michigan to co-founding University FM, a platform transforming the landscape of higher education communication. We explored the transformative power of podcasts in making scholarly research accessible, engaging, and relevant to the broader public.๐ The Power of Public Scholarship:We dove into how podcasts serve as a bridge, connecting complex academic research with the community, enhancing the institution's impact and reach. Imagine the potential when your faculty's groundbreaking research resonates with a global audience!๐ง Strategic Insights for University Podcasts:Whether you're contemplating a faculty-hosted show or a student-driven podcast, the key lies in aligning with your university's core message. We dissected the podcast production process into strategic phases.๐ Elevating Your University's Brand:Robert highlighted how scholar-hosted podcasts could significantly boost your university's reputation, drawing in prospective students eager to learn from renowned experts firsthand.๐ค Who Should Host? Navigating Choices:The decision between a faculty member or a marketer hosting your podcast can be pivotal. We discussed how this choice affects brand consistency, audience connection, and the overall success of your podcasting endeavor.Don't miss this rich discussion with actionable insights tailored for higher education marketers looking to innovate and elevate their institution's voice in the digital sphere.๐ Connect with us to stay ahead in the dynamic world of education marketing, and tune in for more episodes that empower your strategies and spark transformation.Until next time, keep pushing the boundaries of educational marketing! โ๏ธ#EducationMarketing #HigherEd #Podcasting #PublicScholarship #UniversityFM #InnovationInEducation
As a J-School grad, I'm always excited to speak with a TV reporter gone higher-ed marketer. During the latest Education Marketing Leader podcast episode, I spoke with Siobhan Lopez, the Assistant Director of Media Relations at Southern New Hampshire University. Siobhan's journey is a narrative that's as compelling as it is instructive.Here's the scoop:Siobhan's decade-long stint in broadcast journalism was more than a careerโit was a masterclass in storytelling. Transitioning to higher ed marketing, she's now turning the spotlight on SNHU, proving that every great institution has a story to tell. Journalist's Instinct: Imagine leveraging a reporter's eye in your marketing strategy. That's Siobhan for you!Her advice? Hire those who know a reporter's beat, likes, and dislikes. Their storytelling is as effective as it is transformative. Pitch Perfect: These days, it's no longer just about pumping out press releases. It's about sending the right ones to the right outlets.Siobhan's mantra is clear โ understand your audience, tailor your pitch, and watch your story get picked up.Real Relationships: Forget mass emails. Siobhan's success with media placements is all about those personal connections, knowing what journalists want, and delivering stories that resonate. It's networking gold. ๐คAuthenticity is KeyIn a world buzzing with content, authenticity wins. Siobhan's work exemplifies this: turning SNHU's narratives into compelling, sought-after media stories that inspire and engage. ๐๐ฃSiobhan's Takeaway: Transform your approach, think like a journalist, and tell stories that matter. Siobhan's background is impressive, and her episode is a blueprint for education marketers aiming to make a real impact.Eager to amplify your university's stories with the same finesse? Connect, share, and engage with this episode's golden insights. ๐P.S. A special thank you to Kirk Hazlett, a former Education Marketing Leader podcast guest, and mutual connection, for introducing me to Siobhan.#EducationMarketing #HigherEdInnovation #MediaRelations #Storytelling #MarketingStrategy