This episode is designed for higher education marketers navigating the evolving communication landscape. We dig into how to better connect with students, drive enrollment, and improve retention—no matter your team size or resources.

We kick things off with text messaging: what makes it effective, common missteps to avoid, and how to use automation and metrics without losing the human touch. You’ll get clear do’s and don’ts to help you get results without sounding robotic.

Next, we explore the latest trends in content marketing and how to make meaningful progress, even if you’re working within tight institutional constraints. There’s also practical advice for small and large teams alike, including ways to overcome resistance and get buy-in from leadership.

Choosing the right Content Management System (CMS) can make or break your marketing efforts. We break down how to pick a platform that supports your goals without overcomplicating your workflow.

Email marketing still plays a crucial role in keeping students engaged after they apply or enroll. We talk about what’s working now and how to use email to support long-term retention.

You’ll also hear how AI is influencing personalized student experiences—not replacing humans, but enhancing what your team can deliver. Plus, we cover the importance of thoughtful design and brand research in shaping your overall strategy.

Episode Breakdown

• 00:00 Introduction to Higher Education Marketing
• 00:49 The Power of Text Messaging
• 01:28 Text Messaging Best Practices
• 03:58 Text Messaging Pitfalls to Avoid
• 06:10 Automation and Metrics in Text Messaging
• 06:59 Shifting to Content Marketing
• 07:54 Effective Content Marketing Trends
• 11:05 Practical Advice for Marketing Teams
• 12:21 Overcoming Institutional Resistance
• 13:15 Emerging Trends in Content
• 14:47 Choosing the Right CMS
• 19:42 Email Marketing for Student Retention
• 22:53 The Role of AI in Higher Education
• 24:55 Conversion-Driven Design
• 25:48 The Importance of Brand Research
• 27:04 Key Takeaways for Higher Education Marketers

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Learn more about the Higher Education Marketing Institute:

• Website: https://highereducationmarketinginstitute.com/
• X: https://x.com/HEMInstitute
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/higher-education-marketing-institute/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HigherEducationMarketing