About the Blog
Influencer marketing is transforming higher education marketing, allowing institutions to connect authentically with their audiences. By empowering students, faculty, and staff as influencers, colleges and universities can boost their brand visibility and credibility. Our recent webinar brought together experts to dive deep into creating an effective influencer marketing strategy. Dayana Kibilds, Jenny Li Fowler, and Maya Demishkevich shared actionable insights and real-world examples to help your institution shine.
Main Takeaways
1. The Power of Authentic Student Influencers
Jenny Li Fowler highlighted the crucial role of authenticity in influencer marketing. Genuine student voices resonate more deeply with prospective students. At MIT, they engage students who are active on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, partnering with those who naturally excel in content creation.
Actionable Insights:
- Identify Active Students: Use social listening tools to find students already creating quality content about your institution.
- Direct Outreach: Personally reach out to these students via social media, expressing admiration for their work and inviting collaboration.
- Support and Training: Offer resources and training to help them create content that aligns with your brand values while maintaining their authentic voice.
2. Faculty and Staff as Influencers
Dayana Kibilds discussed the untapped potential of involving faculty and staff in influencer marketing. Faculty members, as experts in their fields, can be powerful advocates for their institutions. Kibilds shared examples of featuring faculty in podcasts and videos to enhance the institution's reputation and attract a broader audience.
Actionable Insights:
- Feature Faculty in Content: Create content highlighting faculty research and achievements.
- Promote Personal Brands: Encourage faculty and staff to build their personal brands on platforms like LinkedIn, providing training and support.
- Collaborative Campaigns: Develop campaigns that integrate faculty expertise with institutional goals, showcasing their contributions to the academic community.
3. Structured Ambassador Programs
Maya Demishkevich introduced structured ambassador programs, particularly for smaller institutions. At Carroll Community College, they hire student ambassadors each semester to create content and engage with prospective students. This structured approach not only boosts social media presence but also provides valuable feedback from current students.
Actionable Insights:
- Hire Student Ambassadors: Establish an ambassador program, recruiting students each semester to represent your institution.
- Set Clear Expectations: Provide detailed guidelines and training to ensure ambassadors understand your brand voice and objectives.
- Measure Impact: Track engagement metrics and gather feedback from ambassadors to continuously improve the program.
Don't Miss Out!
Missed the live webinar? No worries! You can still catch all the insights and actionable tips shared by our expert panelists. Sign up to access the full recording of "Empowering Campus Voices: Influencer Marketing in Higher Ed" and learn how to leverage the power of authentic campus voices to boost your institution's brand.
Register for Enrollify's Webinar on August 14!
As we continue to explore innovative strategies in higher education marketing, we invite you to join us for our next webinar on August 14th, "Enrollment Strategies for the Modern Campus." This webinar, featuring Dr. Allison Turcio, Dr. Ray Lutzky, and Dr. Bryan Gross, will dive into cutting-edge techniques to attract and retain students in today’s competitive landscape. Register now to gain valuable insights and stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of higher education marketing.