How to Create Effective Higher-Ed Content Strategies - An Interview with Danielle Ford

In the latest episode of the Education Marketing Leader podcast, I sat down with Danielle Ford, the Assistant Director for Digital Content Strategy at Kean University. During the chat, we discussed how to align content strategy with shifting institutional priorities. Her advice❓ Create content that's rich, revealing, and rooted in reality. Staying flexible is paramount. 💪 Danielle drives home the point that in the throes of academic marketing, it's all about data-driven innovation. But here's the twist: Keeping the strategy nimble demands an ear to the ground, listening to feedback from students and stakeholders, and sometimes implementing changes on the fly. As a premier educational institution in New Jersey, Kean University is no stranger to the competitive high stakes of higher education. Here is how the university stays relevant: 👇 Focusing on the under-tapped market of non-traditional students, aligning digital content with evolving institutional priorities, and fostering cross-functional collaboration. Their secret sauce? Hold weekly strategy sessions to ensure all departments march to the same beat. 🤜 🤛 With a lean team, Danielle's department has its work cut out. Their tools? Metrics that shed light on user experience, conversions, and counselor interactions. Danielle accentuates that while the digital age buzzes, nothing replaces the tangible campus vibes. It's all about showcasing those authentic student journeys, providing a genuine sneak peek into campus life, and ensuring first-gen students don't just attend but thrive. For Danielle, student support isn't just a buzzword. The translation of their website into Spanish and participation in Spanish-centric college tours? Clear indicators of their commitment to inclusivity. This episode is a must-listen if you're passionate about higher-education content marketing. Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn to learn more about her journey and impactful work. 🌟 If you enjoyed the episode, please hit like, subscribe, and leave a review of the Education Marketing Leader. 🙏 Until next time. ✌