Creating content for your higher institution may have been fun at first. Discussing the plans for the new coffee shop on campus. Highlighting key staff members for their work overseas. Delivering the play-by-play of the championship basketball game.
Over time, it gets more difficult to create content that is fresh, exciting and engaging. When you reach this point, you may be in need of some serious help. In the form of inspiration, of course. Luckily, we have five great resources you can turn to when you’re looking to spice up content for your higher institution marketing strategy.
1. Current Students on Campus
Your current students are an excellent resource when creating content that is relevant, useful and interesting. For one, current students can relate to the types of issues that prospective students are facing. If you tap into these pain points and address them in newly published content, it will earn you attention and give you the one-up over your competition.
Another angle that you should keep in mind is that your current students know how to speak to your contacts. They’re familiar with the most popular social media channels, the lingo that is used on campus, etc. If you can write in a tone that truly speaks to young readers, you’ll once again get more qualified traffic and set yourself apart from other schools.
2. Residential Life Staff
Another group of students to reach out to is ResLife. They are young. They are current. They can also offer a unique perspective that other students on campus don’t have.
ResLife staff gives you an inside peek as to what it’s like to live in the different dorms on campus, what types of features students like and dislike and the perks to living away from home. To flesh out your content and make it most helpful for readers, include photos, videos and even virtual reality so that prospective students can get a firsthand look.
3. Campus Career Department
Surely, incoming students and their parents want a great education during their four years at your institution. It’s also important that students are prepared for the real world, whether it be graduate school, work or a specialized school in law.
Your campus career department can give you insight as to the types of concerns they receive from students and parents. You can then address these fears by creating a thoughtful content strategy. You may want to include a blog that gives tips for developing a winning resume, or a podcast that explains internship opportunities while still in school.
4. Alumni/Past Graduates
Alumni share the same thing as current students: they once stood in the shoes of prospective students today. They can relate to some of the emotions, fears and hopes that incoming students are feeling while also adding relevant, older wisdom.
For instance, your alumni can share what it’s like to be newly graduated and hunting for a job. Or, they can offer practical advice such as how to survive finals week without stressing. With their “been there done that” attitude, you can create content that speaks to students but is also realistic.
5. Admissions Department
A final team of people to speak with for inspiration is your admissions department. This department sees just about everything that comes through your school. They answer questions all day long, so tap into this behind-the-scenes look at your school.
Remember, not everyone has gone through a college application process before. Creating even the most basic informational posts can be extremely helpful for some. You might even be able to touch on some of the stranger – albeit relevant – questions out there.
You never have to look far when it comes to creating new content for your higher institution. Whether it’s current students, specific groups of students or staff on campus, you always have people to gain insight and inspiration from.
