Education Marketing Leader with Chris Rapozo

Chris Rapozo

5.0 (3)
MARKETING
UPDATED WEEKLY

Education Marketing Leader with Chris Rapozo

Welcome to Education Marketing Leader with Chris Rapozo, a podcast created to spotlight education marketing leaders, tell their stories and share their knowledge with those interested in things related to marketing.

1 DAY AGO

Transform Your Enrollment Strategy with Story-Driven Video - A Conversation with Ryan Koral

This week on The Education Marketing Leader, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ryan Koral, founder of Tell Studios and Enroll Films. Ryan is a video storyteller with a mission to reshape how higher education communicates. If you care about authentic storytelling, student engagement, and video strategies that actually work, this episode is for you. Here are 3 powerful takeaways: 📽 Embed Native Videos on University Sites ❌ Don’t funnel visitors to YouTube. ✅ Keep them on your homepage to control the experience and drive meaningful action. Ryan explains that YouTube's "vortex" often sends visitors down unrelated rabbit holes—away from your enrollment funnel. 🫶 Story-Driven Video > Promo Video ❌ Forget flashy promos. ✅ The best video content captures transformation stories—like the one Ryan shared about his alma mater’s basketball coach, Garth. These emotional narratives resonate with prospects, parents, and donors alike. 💸 Not Every Video Needs High Production Value 📹 Ryan believes there's a time for polished videos (like donor galas) and a time for authentic, raw content. 🤳 Sometimes, a well-timed, smartphone-recorded clip can engage Gen Z students better than a cinematic masterpiece. Know your audience and plan accordingly. Ryan also shared practical strategies for institutions with tight budgets: ♦ Use affordable tools like softbox lights, tripods, and mics. ♦ Build a dedicated content space on campus, ready to shoot at any time. ♦ Leverage tools like Descript for fast, efficient video editing without the steep learning curve. Get Ryan’s Gear Guide & Strategy Checklist at enrollfilms.com/gear. 🤝 Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn here and learn more about how video storytelling can transform your institution. 🤔 What’s your current approach to video content? Are you embedding videos on your site or still relying on YouTube? Let’s talk about how higher ed can step up its video game. Drop a comment below 👇 Until next time. ✌ #HigherEdMarketing #VideoStorytelling #EnrollmentMarketing

37 min
OCT 17

Unlocking Budget-Friendly UX Strategies for Higher Ed - A Conversation with Melanie Lindahl

Higher Ed budgets are tight, but delivering a seamless user experience (UX) shouldn't be out of reach. In this week's episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Melanie Lindahl, Senior UX and Web Designer/Developer at The University of Texas School of Law and newly minted 2024 HighEdWeb Red Stapler Award winner. 🏆 Melanie shared key takeaways from her award-winning presentation, highlighting the power of low-budget UX strategies for universities and colleges of any size. Below are the 3 most actionable insights from our conversation: 1️⃣ Start Small: You Don't Need a Big Budget "Even with limited resources, UX work is still incredibly important," says Melanie. You don't need expensive tools to conduct user research—surveys and quick tests can be invaluable and require minimal budget. 👉 Pro Tip: Use a simple survey to identify user pain points at the beginning of a project—it'll save time and money down the line. 2️⃣ Test, Don't Assume Melanie emphasized the importance of testing early. "If you're unsure about a design decision, don't just rely on assumptions. Do quick tests with real users—even if it's over donuts!" 🍩 💡 Takeaway: Don't be afraid to ask students for feedback, no matter how small the test may seem. 3️⃣ Demonstrate the ROI of UX to Leadership One of the biggest challenges Melanie highlighted is justifying UX investments to leadership. Her advice? Show how UX improves both user experience and business goals. The ROI is clear—better UX means less post-launch troubleshooting, saving both time and budget. What's one small step you can take today to improve your university's UX? For more on budget-friendly UX strategies that deliver real results, catch the full episode with Melanie Lindahl! If you're in higher education marketing, this episode is packed with actionable tips you can apply right now. Listen to the episodes now. Until next time. ✌

31 min
OCT 10

Why Parent Engagement is Key to Student Success – A Conversation with Melissa Greiner

In today’s episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I spoke with Melissa Greiner, VP of Marketing at CampusESP, about the crucial role parents play in the entire student journey – from the college selection process to graduation. 🎓👩‍🎓 Here's what we uncovered: 👉 Parent Engagement is Evolving Colleges are recognizing that families are central to decision-making. Today's students WANT their parents involved, so institutions must adapt to meet this need. 👪 👉 Finding the Right Communication Mix Email remains the go-to for parents – it's where they spend the most time. But when urgency is needed, SMS texting breaks through the clutter and drives action. 📩📱 👉 Overcoming Challenges in Communication Limited time, money, and people? We hear you! 📉 Institutions need tools that not only streamline communication but also offer content support, making it easier to connect with parents effectively without adding extra strain on resources. 👉 Tailored Content is King Blanket communications just don't cut it anymore. ❌ Personalization is key. By leveraging CRM integrations, schools can ensure that newsletters and portals provide parents with only the most relevant information. 👉 Boosting Student Retention Through Parent Engagement Parents often act as the first line of support when students face challenges, whether it’s academic struggles or navigating the complexities of campus life. 🧑‍💻📚 Data shows that students with engaged parents have up to an 8% higher retention rate. "Today's students turn to their families as advisors. If schools aren't communicating effectively with parents, they're missing a key part of the decision-making process." – Melissa Greiner 🎯 Engaging parents is about more than just sending information; it's about delivering meaningful, relevant content that supports students from admission to graduation. 🎧 If you want to dive deeper into these insights, catch the full episode on the [Education Marketing Leader podcast]. 🎙️ 👉 Follow Melissa Greiner for more on parent engagement strategies and subscribe to the show for the latest trends in higher ed marketing! Until next time. ✌️ #HigherEdMarketing #ParentEngagement #StudentSuccess #EducationMarketingLeader

33 min
OCT 3

How to market law school non-JD programs - a conversation with Tara Ebrahimi

Marketing Non-JD Law Programs: Lessons from Wake Forest University School of Law In the latest podcast episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I spoke with Tara Ebrahimi, Executive Director of Marketing & Communications at Wake Forest University School of Law. We covered how to market niche, non-JD programs effectively. Here are the key takeaways for higher-ed law school marketers: 1️⃣ Quick and Clear Messaging is Essential Tara emphasized that explaining the program's benefits in a few seconds is crucial for grabbing attention. 2️⃣ Different Programs, Different Strategies MSL: Wake Forest uses a multi-pronged approach—digital marketing, B2B outreach, regional ads, and social media campaigns. The focus is on highlighting why someone needs this degree and why Wake Forest is the best choice. LLM: For international students, her team relies heavily on partnerships with alumni networks. This builds credibility in markets where Wake Forest isn't as well-known. 3️⃣ Leverage Alumni Networks Alumni success stories are a key component of marketing both programs. Wake Forest recently launched a LinkedIn group for LLM alumni, turning them into ambassadors and tapping into organic word-of-mouth marketing. 4️⃣ Prioritize the Right Metrics Conversion rates (both RFIs and applications) are the main success metric. Tara also uses engagement data, like click-through rates, to assess what's working and where to make adjustments. Connect Tara on LinkedIn to continue the conversation. For more on Wake Forest's law programs, visit its website. This episode is packed with actionable insights for marketing niche academic programs. Don't miss it. Until next time. ✌ #HigherEdMarketing #LawSchoolMarketing

35 min
SEP 26

How to Optimize Higher Ed Websites with Search - A Conversation with Sara Kelzer

Higher education websites are complex. Outdated content mixed with new information makes it hard for visitors to find what they need. In this episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, Sara Kelzer of Cludo shares how optimized site search can simplify this and help universities improve user experience. Here are the highlights: 🚩 Challenges in Higher Ed Websites Universities face hurdles like decentralized content management and complex structures. Sara explains how this creates friction for visitors trying to find key information, especially students seeking details on tuition, programs, and more. 💡 Why Optimized Site Search Matters Cludo's search tools help reduce friction, making it easier for users to find relevant content. By prioritizing data-driven decisions, institutions can manage their site more effectively, reducing internal politics about what content should rank higher. 🔍 Leveraging Search Analytics Key metrics like ineffective searches and zero-result searches help universities spot gaps in their content. Sara shared how one institution used this data to redirect users to another college for a discontinued program, showing the power of smart search. 📱 Mobile Search Optimization With 20-40% of searches happening on mobile, Sara emphasizes keeping filters simple and ensuring relevant content appears quickly on mobile devices. 🎓 Engaging Alumni Site search isn't just for students—it can also boost alumni engagement. Cludo allows cross-campus searches, helping alumni find relevant events or news that strengthen affinity with the institution. 💡 Key Takeaways: Use search analytics to identify and fix content gaps.Optimize mobile search for a seamless experience.Leverage site search to engage both prospective students and alumni. 🔥 Actionable Tip: Check your site search analytics today. Are visitors finding what they need? Connect with Sara on LinkedIn to learn how Cludo can improve your site search. Don't forget to follow the Education Marketing Leader podcast, share the episode, or leave a review of the show. Until next time. ✌️

32 min
SEP 19

Driving Enrollment with Personalized Digital Ads: A Conversation with Sherika Attipoe

In this episode of Education Marketing Leader podcast, I interviewed Sherika Attipoe, Assistant Director of Public Relations and Digital Media at Calhoun Community College. Sherika shared insightful strategies on how the college has successfully used personalized digital advertising to boost enrollment. Calhoun is a leading community college in Alabama. Sherika explains how the institution's focus on personalization and targeted campaigns helps it stand out in a competitive higher education market. She dove deep into the tactics and tools that work best for Calhoun's diverse audiences. She highlighted how the college's partnerships, accelerated programs, and workforce development initiatives have become key selling points for prospective students. Whether you're a marketing professional in higher education or simply interested in the power of digital ads in attracting your audience, this episode is packed with actionable insights and proven strategies that you can apply to your own campaigns. Key Topics Covered: [5:15] The unique partnership with Athens State University and how it enhances the student experience. [10:20] How personalized digital ads and accelerated programs drive enrollment. [18:00] Platforms that work best for Calhoun's digital ads: Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch. [22:35] The power of personalization in marketing and how Calhoun uses student success stories in their ads. [38:00] Advice for small marketing teams on enhancing their digital strategies. "It's not just about advertising a program; it's about showing potential students that they belong here, that they can see themselves succeeding at Calhoun." – Sherika Attipoe Connect with Sherika: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherikaattipoe/ Resources Mentioned: Calhoun Community College: https://calhoun.edu/ Athens State University Partnership: https://calhoun.edu/calhoun-and-athens-state-sign-new-learning-assessment-mou-to-enhance-educational-pathways/ Subscribe and Follow. Stay updated with the latest episodes of Education Marketing Leader by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform. If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review and share it with your network! How do you use digital ads in your marketing strategy? Share your thoughts with Sherika and me on LinkedIn!

36 min
SEP 12

The Future of OPMs in Higher-Ed - A conversation with Dustin Ramsdell

In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader, I interviewed Dustin Ramsdell, Client Success Manager at Direct Development and host of The Higher Ed Geek Podcast. We dove into the evolving landscape of Online Program Management (OPM) services and what universities need to know as the sector faces growing challenges. 𝓚𝓮𝔂 𝓗𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼: 𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 Universities are shifting away from the traditional OPM model due to rising costs and diminishing returns. The recent bankruptcy filing by 2U, a leading OPM, signals a broader trend where institutions are reconsidering long-term, revenue-sharing contracts. 𝐄𝐧𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐟 & 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 Many institutions are opting to develop and manage their own online programs, avoiding the hefty fees OPMs require. As Dustin points out, while building in-house capabilities is more resource-intensive upfront, it offers institutions full control over their programs and branding. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐞𝐞-𝐟𝐨𝐫-𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 The new model gaining traction? Online Program Enablers (OPEs). Instead of long-term partnerships, universities are moving toward short-term, fee-for-service agreements to meet specific needs, like video production or instructional design, without sacrificing control or profitability. 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐭𝐚'𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞 In a significant policy shift, Minnesota became the first state to ban OPM partnerships with public institutions, setting a precedent that could influence future federal regulations. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭? Dustin believes the future of OPMs lies in a more flexible, service-based approach. Universities can use external partners strategically to scale operations without being tied to costly revenue-sharing contracts. 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 🔹 Cost of acquiring students 🔹 Program scalability 🔹 Quality control in in-house programs 🎙 Tune in for more insights on how higher-ed institutions are navigating the digital shift and what it means for the future of online learning. Connect with Dustin on LinkedIn or check out The Higher Ed Geek Podcast for more discussions on the future of higher education. Until next time. ✌ #HigherEducation #EducationMarketing #OPM #DigitalEducation #EnrollmentStrategies #MarketingInHigherEd

32 min
SEP 5

How to Engage University Presidents in Higher-Ed Marketing - A Conversation with Dr. Tim Collins

In this episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I sat down with Dr. Tim Collins, President of Walsh University, to explore the vital role university presidents play in shaping and executing effective marketing strategies. Dr. Tim Collins is the President of Walsh University, with a distinguished background in the United States Air Force and a career dedicated to education and leadership. His innovative approach to university marketing has made him a prominent figure in higher education, known for his commitment to developing leaders of character. Whether you're a higher-ed marketer or a university leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights on leveraging leadership in marketing. 𝕂𝕖𝕪 𝕋𝕒𝕜𝕖𝕒𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤: 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: Dr. Collins views marketing as a crucial leadership tool, essential for aligning university values with public perception. 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐬 𝐊𝐞𝐲: Authenticity in communication builds trust and credibility. Dr. Collins uses videos and public messages to consistently reinforce Walsh University's values. 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Effective leadership requires time for reflection and strategic preparation. Give leaders time to reflect and craft messages that resonate. 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬: Communicating institutional values in a culturally sensitive environment is one of the biggest challenges in higher education today. 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: Dr. Collins encourages higher-ed marketers to involve their presidents in marketing efforts, starting with small, actionable steps. 𝚁𝚎𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚌𝚎𝚜 𝙼𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚍: 📹 Walsh University YouTube Channel – Watch Dr. Collins' videos to see how he integrates leadership into marketing. 🖥 Walsh University Website – Learn more about the university and its programs. 🤝 Connect with Dr. Collins on LinkedIn – Follow Dr. Collins for more insights on leadership and higher education. Don't miss out on future episodes. Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform. Reach out to Dr. Collins on LinkedIn or visit Walsh University's website to learn more about his work. Enjoying the show? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the podcast. Stay updated on all things higher-ed marketing by following the Education Marketing Leader podcast on LinkedIn and YouTube. Until next time. ✌

40 min

06/25/2023

Welcome to the Marketing Tales Show

Welcome to the Marketing Tales Show with Chris Rapozo, a podcast created to spotlight and highlight marketers, tell their stories, and share their knowledge with those interested in all things marketing.

S1

•

28 sec

5

out of 5

3 Ratings

Welcome to Education Marketing Leader with Chris Rapozo, a podcast created to spotlight education marketing leaders, tell their stories and share their knowledge with those interested in things related to marketing.

Creator

Chris Rapozo
Years Active

2023 - 2024
Episodes

95
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Education Marketing Leader with Chris Rapozo 2024
Show Website

Education Marketing Leader with Chris Rapozo