Employer engagement is often discussed as a strategic priority within further education.

It is recognised as important, but it is not always communicated with the same clarity or consistency as student recruitment. As a result, the value of partnership can be understood internally, but less visible externally.

From an employer’s perspective, the decision to partner with a college is practical.

It is shaped by whether the relationship will solve a real problem. This might involve access to skilled talent, support with training and development, or alignment with future workforce needs. The decision is not driven by brand perception alone. It is influenced by evidence that the college can deliver in a way that is relevant to their business. read more

Adult learners approach education differently from school leavers.

Their decision is rarely driven by exploration alone. It is often shaped by a specific need. A change in career, a desire for progression, redundancy, or a shift in personal circumstances. The decision carries more risk, and as a result, it is considered more carefully.

This changes what they look for in content.

Clarity becomes more important than inspiration. Adult learners want to understand how a course fits into their life. This includes practical considerations such as flexibility, scheduling, and mode of delivery. If this information is difficult to find or feels ambiguous, it creates friction early in the process. read more

Most university and college marketing teams are already operating at capacity.

There is no shortage of ideas, requests, or expectations. Recruitment campaigns need to be delivered. Internal stakeholders require support. New priorities continue to emerge, often without anything being removed. The pressure is not just to produce content, but to produce more of it, across more channels, for more audiences.

In this context, the idea of scaling content can feel unrealistic.

It is often interpreted as doing more work, more often, with the same resources. That is not sustainable, and most teams recognise that quickly. As a result, scaling is either avoided or approached in short bursts that are difficult to maintain. read more

Student recruitment campaigns are often well planned and well executed.

They are built around key dates, supported by strong creative, and aligned across teams. At launch, they create visibility and a sense of momentum. For a period of time, everything feels joined up.

Then the impact fades.

This is usually explained in familiar ways. The market is more competitive. Attention is harder to capture. Students are harder to reach. While all of this is true, it does not fully explain the pattern that most teams experience. read more

Higher Education Marketing: How to Create Emotional Connections with Student Marketing Videos

In today’s competitive higher education landscape, creating emotional connections is essential for engaging potential students. Student marketing videos are a powerful tool to build these connections, making your institution stand out. Here’s how you can use videos to evoke emotions and drive engagement.

1. Highlight Personal Student Stories

Featuring personal stories of current students is one of the most effective ways to connect emotionally. Showcase their unique journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, and their successes. These authentic narratives are relatable and can stir powerful emotions, making your content memorable. read more

Engaging alumni is crucial for higher education institutions to build a strong community and encourage contributions. Video content is a powerful tool to reconnect with alumni and keep them involved. Here’s how to effectively use video to boost alumni engagement.

Showcase Alumni Success Stories

Highlighting the achievements of your alumni is a great way to foster pride and connection. Create videos that feature alumni sharing their career journeys, accomplishments, and how their education contributed to their success. These stories can inspire other alumni and current students. read more

Attracting prospective students is a critical goal for higher education institutions. Engaging students using video content can be a powerful tool to attract and inform potential applicants, current students and allumni. Here’s how to effectively use video content in your higher education marketing strategy.

Showcase Campus Life

Prospective students are eager to get a feel for campus life. Create videos that highlight various aspects of student life, including dorm tours, dining options, and extracurricular activities. This gives potential students a virtual experience of what to expect. read more