Digital Marketing for Christian Universities 101
Digital marketing for Christian universities is an important area of focus as they seek to reach prospective students and differentiate themselves from other colleges and universities. In today’s digital age, branding, social media, and video content are critical components of any successful marketing strategy.
Digital Marketing for Christian Universities Tactic 1: Branding
Branding is an essential aspect of marketing for Christian universities. A strong brand identity helps these institutions stand out from other colleges and universities and establishes trust with prospective students and their families. A well-crafted brand can communicate the university’s mission, values, and unique offerings, helping to attract students who share these same beliefs and interests.
One way that Christian universities can establish a strong brand identity is by developing a clear and compelling mission statement. This statement should communicate the university’s core values and purpose, and should be communicated consistently across all marketing channels. For example, if the university’s mission is to prepare students for lives of service and leadership, this should be reflected in all messaging, from website copy to social media posts.
Digital Marketing for Christian Universities Tactic 2: Visual Identity
Another important aspect of branding for Christian universities is the visual identity of the institution. This includes elements such as the logo, color scheme, and typography used in marketing materials. A visually appealing and consistent brand can help to establish credibility and trust with prospective students, and can make the university more memorable and recognizable.
Digital Marketing for Christian Universities Tactic 3: Social Media Strategy
Social media is another critical component of digital marketing for Christian universities. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be used to reach prospective students where they are spending their time online. Social media can also be used to engage with current students and alumni, helping to build a sense of community and foster loyalty to the institution.
When developing a social media strategy, Christian universities should consider their target audience and the platforms that are most likely to reach them. For example, if the university is targeting high school students, platforms such as TikTok and Instagram may be more effective than Facebook or LinkedIn. It is also important to create content that is engaging and relevant to the target audience. This could include sharing student stories, highlighting faculty research, or showcasing campus events and traditions.
Digital Marketing for Christian Universities Tactic 4: Social Media Advertising
In addition to creating organic social media content, Christian universities may also consider investing in social media advertising. Platforms such as Facebook and Instagram offer a range of targeting options, allowing universities to reach specific groups of prospective students based on factors such as location, age, and interests. Social media advertising can be an effective way to increase brand awareness and generate leads for the university.
Digital Marketing for Christian Universities Tactic 5: Video Content Strategy
Video content is another important aspect of digital marketing for Christian universities. Video can be used to showcase the campus, highlight faculty and student accomplishments, and provide an inside look at life at the university. Video content can be shared on social media, the university website, and other marketing channels, helping to increase engagement and generate interest in the institution.
When creating video content, Christian universities should consider the target audience and the message they want to communicate. For example, if the university is targeting prospective students, videos showcasing the campus and student life may be most effective. If the goal is to engage current students and alumni, videos highlighting faculty research and academic achievements may be more relevant.
Christian universities should also consider the format and length of their video content. Short, engaging videos are more likely to be watched and shared on social media than longer, more in-depth pieces. Videos that include captions or subtitles can also be more accessible to a wider audience, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Digital Marketing for Christian Universities Tactic 6: Content Partners
In addition to creating their own video content, Christian universities may also consider partnering with influencers or content creators to help spread the word about the institution. Influencers and content creators can help to reach new audiences and increase engagement with the university’s message.
And to take this tactic to the next level, many Christian universities partner with an outside creative agency, entrusting them with their messaging needs, with wholly or in-part. This strategy paid of for Phoenix’s Grand Canyon University. The Christian school worked with an outside agency to maximize a collection of 22,000. Through a combination of traditional and digital marketing tactics, the effort resulted in an impressive 13% conversion rate.
Smart digital marketing for Christian universities is absolutely essential for attracting and retaining students, shaping and reshaping public perception, and driving donor dollars.
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