CUBO College and University Business Officers’ Post

🎓 #MarketingMonday: Crafting a Campus Experience that Sticks 🎓 In higher ed marketing, it’s not just about filling seats—it’s about creating a journey. 📚 Each student interaction should feel like the next chapter in their story. This is how you gain loyal alumni and advocates for your institute. 🌟 3 Things to Think About: Storytelling, Not Selling: The best marketing invites students into a narrative they can see themselves in. It’s not about the program you offer—it’s about the future they’re building. Engagement that Matters: Instead of overloading students with info, focus on what truly matters to them. Create content that sparks conversation, whether it’s about life on campus, real-world skills, or the moments that matter most in their journey. Authenticity = Connection: Forget polished, corporate-sounding messaging. Highlight the real people behind your institution—students, professors, and alumni—and their raw, unfiltered experiences. What’s one way you or your institution helps students feel like they belong from day one? Let’s talk about it below! ⬇️ #HigherEdMarketing #StudentSuccess #EnrollmentJourney #HigherEducation #HigherEdTrends #CampusCulture #MarketingMonday

In today's digital landscape, videos have become a central strategy for colleges in Ottawa to showcase their programs and campus life. These dynamic tools go beyond traditional marketing by providing prospective students with an immersive view into the educational experience they can expect. Why Videos Are Effective : Videos allow universities to tell compelling stories about their vibrant communities, diverse opportunities, and unique offerings. For example, Carleton University often shares student testimonials and virtual campus tours, helping prospective students visualize themselves at the university. These videos are accessible on platforms like YouTube, broadening their reach both locally and internationally. The Power of Authentic Engagement : Videos also serve as a platform for highlighting diversity and inclusion, with students from various backgrounds sharing their experiences. This authentic engagement helps prospective students see the inclusive nature of the campus community. Measuring the Impact : The success of video content is measurable through engagement metrics such as views and shares, providing insights into the content’s effectiveness at engaging prospective students. For an example of how local institutions utilize video, you can check out the University of Ottawa’s YouTube channel, which features a range of promotional videos that highlight different aspects of student life and academic programs. By strategically using video content, colleges in Ottawa are able to enhance their visibility and appeal, making them attractive options for prospective students from around the globe.

What does a typical student decision journey look like? 🤔 👨🎓 Student decision journey isn't linear and there are many factors Higher Education Institutions need to keep in mind when working with digital marketing companies to build market demand! Here are key stages to consider: 🌍 Awareness: This is where it all begins. Students learn about institutions through social media, search engines, and word of mouth. Engaging content and targeted digital campaigns are crucial at this stage. 🔎 Consideration: Once students have identified potential options, they dive deeper. They look for detailed information on programs, campus life, and student success stories. Personalised communication can make a significant impact here. 👩🎓 Decision: This is the critical moment! Students review their choices based on factors like financial aid, location, and program reputation. Providing clear information and support during this stage can help institutions stand out. Here at Hybrid we have found that the journey from the student thinking about their next steps in higher education to actually applying to their shortlisted universities takes on average 14 months, with roughly 8-10 touch points throughout. Understanding this journey allows us to tailor our digital marketing strategies effectively. By aligning our efforts with each stage, we can help higher education institutions connect more meaningfully with prospective students. What insights have you gained about the student decision journey in your work? #HigherEducation #DigitalMarketing #StudentJourney #MarketingStrategy

Student Reviews Will Help You Reach ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Visibility️ In a world where prospective students have countless options, authenticity is everything. Verified student reviews provide universities with a unique advantage—they share real student stories that resonate personally with future students. Unlike traditional marketing, reviews create trust and transparency, giving your institution an edge in a highly competitive landscape. How can your institution better leverage authentic student voices to build trust and stand out? #studentreviews #studyabroad

You asked, we listened, and now it's here! 🎉 We’re thrilled to unveil the brand-new Student Marketing Calendar for 2024/2025! Packed with exciting new events and enriched with exclusive first-party insights from our latest student surveys, this calendar is your ultimate guide to engaging with the campus community in the upcoming academic year. Connect with students at exactly the right time. The big question is: Which moments will YOU choose to bring your brand to life on campus in 2024/25? 🌟📅 Link to access in the comments below 👇🏾 #StudentMarketingCalendar #AToGenZ #ButFirstFreshers

In today’s digital era, universities face the critical task of integrating innovation with tradition in their marketing strategies. Our latest blog post, ‘Navigating Innovation in University Marketing,’ explores how to balance modern communication methods with a university's storied past. Discover key strategies for maintaining brand integrity while embracing digital trends. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eydA6epj #UniversityMarketing #DigitalTransformation #HigherEducation #BrandIntegrity #InnovativeStrategies

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗰𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗢𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘! 👇👇👇 How I helped 3 campuses of my university increase applications by 𝟱𝟬% 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻. Too often, universities with strong reputations and healthy budgets don’t advertise, assuming students will naturally come their way. But here's the hard truth: even the best universities miss out on enrollments when they stay silent. Without ads, you’re leaving your enrollment numbers up to chance. Today’s students have more choices than ever, and if you’re not actively reaching them, your competitors are. With a 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹-𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆, you can: • Connect with students genuinely interested in your programs • Share what makes your campus and culture stand out • Achieve real, measurable enrollment growth Our strategic ads approach led to a 50% jump in applications—proof that even the most established universities benefit from visibility. This isn’t just about budget or legacy; it’s about connecting with students where they are. 𝗣𝗦: Let’s talk about how to pair your reputation with targeted advertising, so you’re no longer leaving enrollments on the table.

Younger generations, especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha, have grown up in a digital world and are fluent in recognizing traditional marketing tactics. They don’t want to feel marketed to—they want real experiences that resonate and bring them value. So what does this mean for brands, especially higher education institutions? It means we need to shift our focus from selling to experiencing. Today’s prospective students are looking for brands that understand them, empathize with their journeys, and provide a sense of belonging. When we design our messaging and outreach, we should be asking ourselves: 💬What experiences do we want students to have when they engage with our brand? 💬What emotions do we want to evoke? Curiosity? Trust? Excitement for their futures? 💬How can we authentically communicate our institution’s values and support for their unique paths? In this landscape, creating genuine connections, fostering emotional engagement, and presenting a story that students see themselves in is everything. Higher ed marketing is no longer just about the programs we offer—it’s about the experiences we create and the emotions we inspire. Are we prepared to meet the expectations of these next-gen learners? #HigherEdMarketing #GenZ #GenAlpha #StudentExperience #BrandAuthenticity

In an era where keeping up with new digital trends is paramount, the challenge of marrying innovation with tradition in 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 becomes ever more critical. Today's blog post, ‘𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴,’ explores this complex journey, highlighting the pressures and opportunities that come with embracing new communication methods while honouring a university's storied past. This balancing act involves engaging diverse audiences, maintaining academic integrity, and ensuring that innovations enhance rather than dilute the essence of the university's brand. Join us as we delve into the strategies that can lead to a successful integration of modernity and tradition, ensuring that universities not only keep pace with digital evolution but also stay true to their heritage. Read part one of the blog post, here - https://lnkd.in/eNHX7QvK #UniversityMarketing #DigitalTransformation #HigherEducation #BrandIntegrity #InnovativeStrategies

Student ambassador programs are emerging as a powerful tool for authentic engagement. According to a recent NACAC report, peer influence drives 37% of college decision-making, highlighting the value of relatable student voices. By equipping ambassadors with #digitalstorytelling skills and leveraging platforms like Instagram and TikTok, universities can amplify their reach while fostering trust among prospective students. Emerging trends suggest integrating data analytics to track engagement metrics and refine strategies in real-time, ensuring campaigns resonate. Successful programs don’t just tell a story—they create experiences that connect emotionally with their audience, driving both enrollment and loyalty. How are you using student ambassadors to elevate your institution’s voice and connect with future students? Share your strategies or challenges! #EducationMarketing #HigherEducationMarketing #Education #HigherEducation