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
Erin Ward’s Post
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After digesting everything I learned at the 2024 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education, I’m feeling inspired and ready to apply new ideas to my work at State University of New York at Oswego. The conference and pre-conference workshops were packed with valuable insights that are shaping the future of higher education marketing. Here are some key takeaways that stood out to me: 1️⃣ AI is Transforming Higher Ed Marketing - From streamlining content creation to enhancing personalization, AI tools are becoming indispensable for driving efficiency and improving audience engagement. - The session on ethical AI use reminded me of the importance of maintaining transparency and trust with our audiences. 2️⃣ Strategic Alignment is Key - Effective marketing strategies must align with institutional priorities. One session highlighted how to integrate cross-departmental goals into campaigns for better outcomes. - Regularly revisiting and refining strategy ensures relevance in a fast-changing landscape. 3️⃣ Branding is About Consistency and Authenticity - Building a strong brand starts with staying true to institutional values and showcasing what makes your campus unique. - I loved the case studies demonstrating how authentic storytelling can foster deeper connections with prospective students and alumni. 4️⃣ Social Media is More Strategic Than Ever - Tailoring platform-specific content and using data to refine strategies are essential for driving engagement and building community. - Authenticity matters; students and alumni connect most with real stories and relatable content. 5️⃣ The Power of Networking and Collaboration - Connecting with peers in higher ed marketing was a highlight of the conference. Sharing ideas, challenges and solutions reinforced how much we can learn from one another. - These conversations sparked fresh perspectives and reminded me that collaboration across institutions helps us all elevate our work. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend this conference and continue my professional development. Conferences like these remind me how exciting it is to work in higher education marketing, surrounded by innovation and collaboration. What’s a key takeaway you’ve gained from a professional development experience this year? Let’s keep the conversation going! #AMA #HigherEdMarketing #ProfessionalDevelopment #AI #Branding #Strategy #SocialMedia
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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
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