Digital marketing for universities is now a must. It is a necessity to attract Gen Z students.
This generation of students uses the web for learning. So you need to step up your digital marketing to be their top choice.
Quick Fact: Higher education market profit will grow 19.4% from 2023 to 2029.
We will cover all the digital marketing tips to attract students.
But first, let’s see what is digital marketing for universities and why it’s important!
Digital Marketing Strategy for University
A digital marketing strategy for University helps it reach potential students online. It includes
- Setting goals
- Choosing the right platforms, and
- Creating engaging content
In short, digital marketing for universities uses the best digital resources to connect with students.
Basic Digital Marketing for Education
The old-school digital marketing for education includes
- Creating a simple, user-friendly website. It should display info on courses and admissions.
- Sending emails to students with updates on programs, deadlines, and events.
- Making sure your website comes up in the SERP. So students can find you when they search for education or related topics.
- Writing articles on campus life, events, study tips, and programs.
- Using paid ads to show your university at the top of search results.
These strategies of digital marketing for universities increase student enrollment.
Some Newer Marketing Strategy to Attract Students
To attract students, universities should focus on what makes them unique.
For example, newer marketing strategy to attract students are
- Use TikTok and Instagram Reels to share fun campus moments and student stories.
- Provide virtual campus tours to engage students from anywhere.
- Make short, engaging videos. They should show academics and campus life.
- Use targeted ads on social media to reach specific students.
- Work with influencers or student ambassadors to promote the university.
- Sending emails that are based on students’ interests and application status.
Did you know that 40% of Gen Z students use TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to search for universities?
Benefits of Student Target Marketing Strategies for Universities
Student target marketing strategies for universities help in several ways:
1. By targeting specific groups, universities can attract their ideal students. These students will be most interested in offered programs.
2. Customized messages create a strong, relevant brand. It appeals to the target audience.
3. Personalized messages grow student’s engagement with the university.
4. Focused efforts result in higher conversion rates. This means the students who show interest most likely apply.
This is the reason why student target marketing is a top strategy in digital marketing for universities. As it attracts students who are a good fit for your programs.
Digital Marketing for Universities: 14 Tips & Strategies
1. Make a Clear Marketing Strategy
The first task in digital marketing for universities is to look for your ideal student. Then,
- Understand their goals and challenges
- Send messages that cater to their needs and interests.
A focused strategy will help you attract students who are a good fit for your programs.
2. Create a website
Your website should have easy navigation and a nice design. Add details about your courses, faculty, and campus culture.
Make it mobile-friendly. Most students browse the net on their phones.
3. Utilize Social Media for Universities
Use social media to build a community with students. It is platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn where you can share posts about
- Campus events
- Student success stories, and
- Daily life at the university
A good social media strategy for educational institutions must include:
- Use a content calendar to post consistently.
- Use a mix of content, for example.
- images
- videos and
- stories
50% of applicants use more than 5 social media sites for college research.
Click here to see on which social media platforms you’ll find students.
4. Use Paid Advertising
Go for targeted ads on Google and social media platforms. Use population data to target students.
Track your ads’ performance to ensure the best returns.
67% of students use search engines to find universities.
5. Optimize for Search Engines
Add relevant keywords to your website content. It will improve your website’s search engine ranking.
So students can easily find your university when they search for admissions online.
6. Install Higher Education Strategies
Higher education strategies should offer unique and accredited programs, facilities, and opportunities.
Share students’ success stories. And how your university helped students achieve their milestones. Also, explain what makes your institution special.
7. Engage with Prospective Students Through Email
Digital marketing for universities includes email campaigns. They share valuable information about:
- Admissions process
- Upcoming events, and
- Scholarship opportunities.
Segment your email lists. This will let you send personalized messages.
8. Use Video Content for Greater Impact
Make videos of campus life, student interviews, and tours. Videos share more info quickly. They’re often more engaging than text.
9. Offer 1-on-1 Conversations
Hold live Q&A sessions to answer student questions directly. 1-on-1 talks with student advisors can help students make the best choice.
10. Collect and Display Testimonials
Real people’s positive feedback can build credibility. It can influence potential students’ decisions.
Post student and alumni testimonials on your site and social media.
Positive reviews and testimonials are important in digital marketing for universities.
11. Give Virtual Tours
Prospective students can take a virtual tour of your campus. Focus on campus attractions like
- Labs
- Libraries
- Research facility
- Gardens
- Cafeterias
- Sports grounds
12. Check Your Digital Marketing Efforts
Tools like Google Analytics and social media insights can come in handy.
Analyze metrics such as
- Website traffic
- Engagement rates, and
- Conversion rates
These help to track the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns.
Click here to see what SEO tools you need to optimize your website for the web.
13. Create Engaging Blog Content.
Publish blog posts on relevant topics, for example.
- Study tips
- Student experiences
- Program highlights
Routine updates can improve your site’s SEO and engagement.
14. Collaborate with Influencers
Partner with students, alumni, or industry influencers who have a strong online presence.
These tips on digital marketing for universities can help engage students. They can also boost the university’s online presence.
How to Do Digital Marketing for Students? The Right Way
Unethical marketing to attract students does no good. It can hurt your reputation and credibility in the long run. Here’s how to do digital marketing for students the right way.
1. Be Honest and Transparent
Clearly state what your university offers. Avoid misleading information or exaggerations.
2. Respect Privacy
Protect students’ personal data. Don’t share or sell their info without permission.
3. Avoid Manipulative Tactics
Don’t use high-pressure sales techniques or create false urgency. Be clear and honest about deadlines and requirements.
4. Focus on Accurate Representation
Show realistic images and stories of campus life. Make sure your marketing matches the real experience at your university.
5. Get Consent for Communications
Get permission before sending emails or messages. Allow students to easily opt out if they no longer want updates.
6. Provide Value
Offer useful information and resources. Help students make informed decisions. Don’t push for applications.
7. Be Inclusive
Show a diverse range of students in your marketing. Be inclusive in your messages. Respect all backgrounds.
Also, promote hybrid options for local students. And online courses for global students.
23.9% of students take fully online courses, and 30.5% take hybrid courses.
8. Use Ethical Influencer Partnerships
Work with influencers who share your values. Make sure their endorsements are genuine and not exaggerated.
9. Disclose Sponsored Content
If you’re paying for ads or sponsored posts, make it clear. Transparency builds trust with prospective students.
10. Follow Regulations and Guidelines
Universities must follow rules in digital marketing. All actions must follow ad and data protection laws.
5 Best Marketing Strategies for Educational Institutions—Non-Digital
The on-ground best marketing strategies for educational institutions are:
1. Educational Fairs and Events
Take part in education fairs for direct interaction with students and parents. It helps build connections and trust. Answer questions and present your programs in person.
2. Collaborations with Schools
Partner with schools to offer workshops or career sessions. This gives students a feel of your teaching style. It builds relationships with school counselors for referrals.
3. Printed Brochures and Flyers
Distribute brochures highlighting your programs at local events. Physical materials leave a lasting impression. Use them in community centers, libraries, and schools.
4. Alumni Referral Programs
Encourage alumni to refer students by offering incentives. Alumni are trusted ambassadors. Word of mouth can be powerful for attracting new students.
5. Community Engagement and Sponsorships
Sponsor local events or programs to increase visibility. It shows commitment to the community. Builds trust and goodwill with potential students and families.
See How iBoostin Can Boost Your University’s Digital Marketing
iBoostin can enhance your university’s digital marketing with:
1. Custom Strategies
We create custom digital marketing strategies tailored to your university’s needs.
2. Engaging Content
Our engaging content will capture your audience’s attention and keep them interested.
3. Social Media Management
We manage your social media platforms to increase reach and engagement.
4. SEO and Website Boost
Boost your website’s visibility with our expert SEO and optimization techniques.
5. Data Insights
Get valuable data insights to make informed marketing decisions.
Ready to boost your digital marketing? Contact iBoostin. Let’s discuss how we can help you excel in digital marketing for universities.