In recent years, video marketing and advertising have been an increasingly successful way of connecting with a targeted audience and have been a go-to strategy for many different industries. In 2022, the higher education industry will be no exception.
With so much competition out there, it’s no longer enough just to have an online presence – higher education institutions need to do everything they can to ensure that their organization’s brand and message are marketed effectively.
A recent survey showed that 65% of people are more likely to watch a video about a college or university than read an article. Videos are also more likely to be shared and engaged with on social media than any other type of content.
Video content has the potential to highlight what makes your institute unique, teach students more about the programs they’re interested in attending, and give prospective applicants an inside look at life on campus. Video marketing is cost-effective, so video marketing is definitely the way to go if budget is a concern.
If your digital marketing strategy isn’t already taking advantage of the benefits of video, now is the time to get creative if you want to compete with other schools in your area. This blog post highlights some of the beneficial tactics to consider when applying video marketing and advertising for higher education institutions in 2022!
Create videos that showcase your school and its programs
What differentiates your college or university from others? This is a great place to start when you are working to develop video content. Showcase the unique aspects of your school and its programs. This will help potential students get excited about what your establishment has to offer that others may not.
Produce videos that highlight student experiences
Students are naturally one of the best assets when it comes to marketing a school. A great way to show off what life is like as a student at your institution is to showcase their experiences in videos. Videos help potential students connect with current students and get an idea of what they can realistically expect if they enroll at your school.
Create video content for social media platforms
Most colleges and universities have already discovered the benefits of having a strong social media presence, which is why it is so important to apply video content on these platforms to stand out. Video marketing strategies are a great way to engage prospective students and keep your school fresh in their minds when they are deciding where they want to attend. Higher education institutions need their brand to be where their potential students are spending time online, which means utilizing platforms like YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
Produce video testimonials from current students and alumni
Potential students want to know what it will be like to attend your school, and producing videos featuring current students or alumni testimonials are a great way to give them a peer review. These videos help you connect with potential students who may be on the fence about attending your school by adding a personal touch.
Host webinars or virtual tours
Many students want to know what it’s like to attend a particular school before they commit to enrollment. Hosting a webinar or virtual tour is a great way to give them the information they are seeking. When making a decision as important as where to receive the next level of their education, it can be especially helpful for prospective students that are unable to be physically present on campus to learn more about your school. This can be especially helpful if they have a busy lifestyle, cannot visit during certain times of the year, or just live a great distance away.
Use video content in email marketing campaigns and recruitment tools
Email marketing is still one of the most effective ways to reach potential students. Why not use video content in your email marketing campaigns? It’s a great way to grab their attention and show them what they could expect if they enrolled at your school.
Make use of multi- and cross-channel strategies to share your videos
As we’ve already discussed, social media platforms are a great way to reach potential students where they are on the Internet. Repurposing video content across multiple platforms simply by editing their format or length will save you time and money. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different platforms to see which ones work best for your organization.
Use video content to create brand awareness for your school
Video is a great way to create a strong brand image for your school. You can increase brand awareness of your school by sharing high-quality videos that reflect its values and potentially attract students who did not know about your institution before.
Partner with other higher education institutions or businesses in your area
Collaborating with other schools or businesses in your area can help get your video content in front of more people. It also helps to build relationships with other organizations and people in your industry. This can come in handy when you are looking for partnerships down the road.
Invest in quality video production
If you want to attract the attention of your specific target market, you need to produce high-quality videos. It requires a bit of research on your part, but investing in good quality video production services ensures that your institution’s videos are attractive and portray a message that ultimately encourages more enrollment.
Be consistent with your video content
When it comes to producing video content, consistency is key. As you plan out the video content you want to share over time, it’s important to make sure there is consistency throughout the campaign and across all channels. You can keep things a little more loose with timing if you want to take advantage of timely events, but overall, video content should have a cohesive feel. This helps build trust with potential students as they see an establishment that is confident in who they are and what they have to offer.
Include a strong call to action in your videos to encourage prospective students to visit your website or contact you for more information
You can produce the best video out there, but without a strong call to action, your viewers will never know what you want them to do, and this means no conversions. Make sure to include your call to action in your plans for each piece of video content you release to ensure the end result is an enrolled student.
Make use of analytics tools like YouTube Analytics or Facebook Insights
By making use of analytics tools, such as YouTube Analytics and Facebook Insights, you can get a better idea about which types of videos work best for both attracting new students and retaining current ones. By measuring the success of your video marketing and advertising campaigns, you can see what’s working well and what could use some improvement. This information will help you make better decisions about future campaigns.
Think outside the box and get creative with your video marketing strategies! The possibilities are endless. By using video marketing and advertising for higher education institutions in 2022, you can set yourself apart from the competition and attract more students to your school. Good luck!
About Lisa | Spherical Strategies Content Creator & Copywriter
Lisa works with Spherical Strategies as a content creator and copywriter. She brings a deep understanding of human motivation to her mastery of writing by utilizing her education in market psychology. She has worked over the past several years as a private contractor, providing industry-specific content and editing for companies of all sizes.
Outside of her work as a content creator, Lisa is passionate about caring for her young son and is only slightly obsessed with gardening.