10 Top Educational Marketing Services & Agencies to Boost Enrollment (2025 Review)

By Gia Pearson Last updated: 17 minute read By Industry or SectorMarketing Agencies

Gone are the days when a catchy slogan and a glossy brochure were enough to attract the brightest minds to your school, university or learning program.

In our hyper-connected world, educational marketing services have evolved into a sophisticated mix of data, creativity, and technological innovation.

In this review we present the top educational marketing services and agencies setting new standards for marketing higher and continued education institutions.

Whether you’re a small private school looking to expand your reach or a large university aiming to refine your brand identity, these are firms that offer innovative marketing strategies to propel your institution forward.

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    10 Top-Tier Education Marketing Service Agencies

    Here is our curated list of some of the best agencies specializing in marketing for the educational sector:

    1.ED

    ed-marketing-logo

    ED

    Winnipeg, Canada 51-200

    Our Score

    4.6

     

    AGENCY SNAPSHOT

    Founded: 2020

    Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

    Number of Employees: 51-200

    KEY SERVICES

    • Recruitment Campaign Development
    • Creative Services
    • Content Marketing
    • Community Engagement
    • Digital Strategy
    • Branding Workshops
    • Reputation Management

    NOTEWORTHY CLIENTS

    • Robson Hall Faculty of Law
    • University of Manitoba
    • Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
    • Lethbridge College
    • National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
    • Red River College Polytechnic
    • Queen’s University

    WHY CHOOSE THEM?

    ED Marketing Agency, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, specializes in providing marketing services specifically tailored for education institutions.

    This agency focuses on creating focused and compelling brands for learning institutions to drive recruitment, improve pride, and increase fundraising.

    They have a notable portfolio that includes impactful visual identities and strategic online platforms.

    ED Marketing Agency is a prominent player in the education marketing sector, providing digital strategies and creative solutions to enhance the visibility and impact of higher education institutions.

    Screenshot of the ED Marketing Agency Homepage

    2.Single Grain

    single_grain_llc_logo

    Single Grain

    Los Angeles, CA, USA 51-200

    Our Score

    4.5

     

    AGENCY SNAPSHOT

    Founded: 2009

    Location: Los Angeles, California, USA

    Number of Employees: 51-200

    KEY SERVICES

    • Paid Media
    • SEO & CRO Content Marketing
    • PPC (pay per click)
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Public Relations
    • Google Ads
    • Influencer Marketing
    • Paid Search

    NOTEWORTHY CLIENTS

    • Khan Academy
    • Frontend Masters
    • The Mom Project
    • Learning A-Z

    WHY CHOOSE THEM?

    Single Grain as a premier digital agency for the education sector, offering specialized expertise and a commitment to driving persistent growth and engagement for its clients in the education sector.

    It crafts bespoke digital campaigns that elevate education institutions and foster meaningful engagement with current and prospective students.

    Single Grain has a proven track record of working with notable education clients and is known for its ability to enhance online presence and drive acquisition for educational institutions.

    Screenshot of the Single Grain Agency Homepage

    3.Vital Design

    vital_design_logo

    Vital Design

    Boston, MA, USA 51-200

    Our Score

    4.7

     

    AGENCY SNAPSHOT

    Founded: 2009

    Location: Boston, MA; Charlotte, NC; Portsmouth, NH; and San Francisco, CA, USA

    Number of Employees: 51-200

    KEY SERVICES

    • Web Development​
    • App Development ​
    • SEO Strategy ​
    • Email Marketing ​
    • Marketing Automation​
    • Conversion Rate Optimization​
    • Brand Strategy​
    • E-commerce​
    • Content Strategy​
    • Social Media Strategy​
    • PPC Advertising​
    • Sales Optimization​
    • Photography​
    • Videography

    NOTEWORTHY CLIENTS

    • University of San Diego
    • UCONN Foundation
    • Orlando State University
    • University of New Hampshire
    • University of Massachusetts

    WHY CHOOSE THEM?

    Vital Design is a digital agency with extensive experience working with colleges and universities to attract prospective students through targeted digital campaigns.

    Vital Design has worked with clients like the University of San Diego Online to help grow their online degree programs through digital marketing.

    They understand the competitive online education marketplace and use targeted technology-powered strategies and solutions.

    The agency has an award-winning culture and team of over 100 digital experts across web design, branding, SEO, PPC, content creation, and more.

    Screenshot of the Vital Educational Marketing Services Homepage

    4.Eleven

    eleven_marketing__communications_logo

    Eleven

    Nantwich, UK 51-200

    Our Score

    4.6

     

    AGENCY SNAPSHOT

    Founded: 2009

    Location: Nantwich, UK

    Number of Employees: 11-50

    KEY SERVICES

    • Creative
    • Strategic Planning
    • Branding
    • Campaigns
    • Design
    • Content Marketing

    NOTEWORTHY CLIENTS

    • University of Huddersfield
    • Lancaster University
    • Newcastle University
    • Imperial College of London
    • Warwick University
    • University of Central Lancashire
    • Leeds University
    • Oak National Academy

    WHY CHOOSE THEM?

    Eleven is an award-winning creative agency that specializes in providing tailored strategies and impactful creative solutions for colleges, universities, and other education institutions in the UK.

    This agency develops innovative campaign strategies and creative solutions to help clients increase brand awareness, drive student admissions and recruitment, and establish a strong brand identity that sets them apart.

    Eleven has deep expertise in the higher and further education sectors, having worked with a “huge number of colleges and universities across the country.”

    They understand the unique challenges these institutions face, such as increased competition for students and the need to demonstrate the value proposition of a degree.

    Screenshot of the Eleven Agency Homepage

    5.OHO Interactive.

    oho_interactive_logo

    OHO

    Boston, MA, USA 51-200

    Our Score

    4.7

     

    AGENCY SNAPSHOT

    Founded: 1998

    Location: Boston, MA, USA

    Number of Employees: 51-200

    KEY SERVICES

    • Digital Marketing
    • Consulting
    • Website Development & Design
    • Mobile Web Design
    • Higher Education Marketing
    • Social Media Advertising
    • Digital Strategy
    • Content Strategy
    • SEM
    • Enrollment Marketing
    • SEO, Google Analytics
    • CRM

    NOTEWORTHY CLIENTS

    • Oberlin
    • Widener University
    • Dartmouth College
    • Stony Brook University
    • Cornell University
    • Dartmouth College
    • Harvard University
    • Harvard Medical School
    • Columbia Law School
    • University of Pennsylvania
    • Yale University

    WHY CHOOSE THEM?

    With more than 25 years of experience, OHO Interactive has worked with over 160 higher education clients.

    They deeply understand the unique challenges and goals of marketing to prospective students in the American education space.

    This highly regarded higher education agency specializes in digital strategy, research, website design, content strategy, and digital strategies for prestigious universities such as Harvard and Yale.

    OHO Interactive stands out as a premier higher education agency with deep industry expertise, a digital-first mindset, a track record of results, and a collaborative partnership approach that helps colleges and universities achieve their enrollment and business goals.

    Screenshot of the OHO Educational Marketing Agency Homepage

    6.Think Orion

    thinkorion_logo

    Think Orion

    Dubai, UAE 51-200

    Our Score

    4.5 

     

    AGENCY SNAPSHOT

    Founded: 2018

    Location: Dubai, UAE; Singapore; and Toronto, Canada

    Number of Employees: 11-50

    KEY SERVICES

    • Facebook Marketing
    • Google Adwords
    • CRO
    • Performance Marketing
    • LinkedIn Marketing
    • Display Advertising
    • Email Marketing
    • Lead Generation
    • Digital Marketing
    • Pinterest Marketing
    • SEO Services

    NOTEWORTHY CLIENTS

    • Udacity
    • Avado
    • Evenant
    • Codeanywhere
    • Study for Fe

    WHY CHOOSE THEM?

    Think Orion is an education-focused agency that helps online education providers drive revenue and student enrollment.

    This digital advertising firm has worked with a variety of education clients, from online course providers to conferences, helping them accelerate student enrollments, ticket sales, and partnership signups through their strategies.

    Think Orion’s specialized education expertise, compelling creatives, effective targeting, and proven results make their ad campaigns highly effective in driving enrollment for education programs.

    Screenshot of the Think Orion Education Growth Agency Homepage

    7.Waterfall

    waterfall_agency_logo

    Waterfall

    Manchester, UK 51-200

    Our Score

    4.6

     

    AGENCY SNAPSHOT

    Founded: 2018

    Location: Manchester, UK

    Number of Employees: 1-10

    KEY SERVICES

    • Advertising,
    • Education Marketing
    • Digital Marketing
    • Branding
    • Design
    • Audio
    • Social Media

    NOTEWORTHY CLIENTS

    • Universities UK International
    • University of Manchester
    • Nottingham Trent University
    • London Higher
    • University of East Anglia
    • Manchester Metropolitan University
    • Anglia Ruskin University

    WHY CHOOSE THEM?

    Waterfall is an award-winning agency from Manchester focusing on immersive creative solutions for colleges and universities.

    They use their insight and expertise to deliver diverse brand experiences and campaigns. This agency’s work spans student recruitment, course marketing, research, and academic storytelling.

    The agency has over 20 years of advertising and marketing experience, with a hands-on professional and creative strategist leading the team.

    Waterfall often collaborates with the students to bring their stories to life with UGC and build their client’s brand credibility at the same time.

    Waterfall Educational Marketing Agency Homepage

    8.Simpson Scarborough

    simpsonscarborough_logo

    Simpson Scarborough

    Fully Remote 51-200

    Our Score

    4.7

     

    AGENCY SNAPSHOT

    Founded: 2006

    Location: Fully Remote

    Number of Employees: 11-50

    KEY SERVICES

    • Higher Education Marketing,
    • Market Research,
    • Branding
    • Creative Strategy,
    • Marketing Strategy
    • Creative
    • Design

    NOTEWORTHY CLIENTS

    • UC Irvine
    • Kenyon College
    • Ohio State
    • Villanova University
    • Pratt University
    • Syracuse University
    • Northwestern University

    WHY CHOOSE THEM?

    Simpson Scarborough is a prominent agency that specializes in serving the higher education sector. Founded in 2006 and based in Alexandria, Virginia, the agency is research-driven, placing data and insights at the core of its strategies.

    As a full-service agency, Simpson Scarborough offers a wide range of integrated services for higher education branding and marketing.

    This agency believes that higher education has the power to change the world and aims to further the higher education ecosystem through its work.

    Simpson Scarborough has partnered with over 300 higher education institutions and has a well-established reputation for success.

    Simpson Scarborough Homepage

    9.Sextant

    sextant_marketing_logo

    Sextant Marketing

    Tampa, FL, USA 51-200

    Our Score

    4.8

     

    AGENCY SNAPSHOT

    Founded: 2015

    Location: Tampa, Florida, USA

    Number of Employees: 11-50

    KEY SERVICES

    • Marketing
    • Brand Building
    • Lead Generation
    • Student Engagement
    • Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
    • Paid Search
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Higher Education Marketing

    NOTEWORTHY CLIENTS

    • Carrol University
    • Houston Baptist University
    • New England College
    • Marian University
    • University of Wisconsin
    • University of Virginia
    • Boston College
    • Kentucky State University

    WHY CHOOSE THEM?

    Sextant provides customized, full-funnel strategies to help colleges and universities attract and retain students.

    Sextant approach is ROI-focused, results-driven, and tech-enabled. They utilize future-focused, tech-forward strategies powered by a team of seasoned experts who work exclusively in higher education.

    The agency utilizes innovative strategies to stay ahead of the curve in higher education advertising. This includes using advanced digital technologies to improve engagement and enrollment.

    sextant-marketing-homepage-screenshot

    10.SearchMax

    searchmax_logo

    SearchMax

    Melbourne, Australia

    Our Score

    4.6

     

    AGENCY SNAPSHOT

    Founded: 2012

    Location: Melbourne, Australia

    Number of Employees: 11-50

    KEY SERVICES

    • SEM Campaign Setup & Management
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Google AdWords
    • PPC Optimization
    • PPC Audits

    NOTEWORTHY CLIENTS

    • Melbourne City Institute of Education
    • Christ Church Grammar School
    • Schooling Online
    • Earn&Learn
    • The College for Adult Learning

    WHY CHOOSE THEM?

    SearchMax is a leading digital agency in Melbourne, Australia, that specializes in providing comprehensive marketing services for education providers.

    SearchMax takes a data-driven approach, tracking these metrics in real-time during campaigns and optimizing performance.

    They provide detailed reporting to clients on the key results achieved and the return on their marketing investment.

    As a Google Premier Partner and Facebook Marketing Partner, SearchMax leverages the latest digital tools and best practices to deliver measurable results.

    searchmax-homepage-screenshot

    Effective Marketing Strategies to Boost Enrollment and Lead Generation

    In an increasingly competitive market, higher education and online education institutions must employ targeted strategies to boost enrollment and generate quality leads.

    Here are some key approaches to drive results:

    Content Marketing

    Develop valuable, informative content that addresses prospective students’ needs and questions. This can include blog posts, e-books, webinars, and video content covering topics like career outcomes, program specifics, and student life.

    Paid Search and Social Media Advertising

    Utilize platforms like Google Ads, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to reach potential students with targeted messaging. Leverage audience segmentation to tailor ads based on demographics, interests, and behaviors.

    Virtual Events and Campus Tours

    Host online information sessions, Q&A panels with faculty and current students, and virtual campus tours. These events provide an immersive experience for prospects who can’t visit in person and can be a powerful tool for lead generation.

    Check out this video from Herbet Gerzer on emerging trends in education marketing to learn more about the trends in social media, paid advertising and interactive virtual events:

    Email Marketing and Personalized Automation

    Implement nurture campaigns that provide relevant information to prospects based on their interests and stage in the decision-making process. Personalized email sequences can guide potential students from initial inquiry to application submission.

    Influencer Partnerships

    Collaborate with alumni, current students, or industry professionals to share authentic experiences and insights about your institution. This can be particularly effective on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, where younger audiences are highly engaged.

    Mobile-First Approach

    Ensure all digital touchpoints, including your website and application process, are optimized for mobile devices. A seamless mobile experience is crucial, as many prospective students rely primarily on smartphones for research and communication.

    Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

    Optimize your website and content for relevant keywords to improve visibility in search results. Focus on long-tail keywords that prospective students are likely to use when researching educational options. Ensure your site structure, metadata, and content are aligned with SEO best practices. For on-campus institutions, local or location-based SEO is essential.

    Data-Driven Decision Making

    Utilize analytics tools to track your marketing efforts’ performance and identify areas for improvement. Continuously refine your strategies based on data insights to maximize ROI and enrollment outcomes.

    By implementing these strategies, higher education and online education institutions can enhance visibility, engage prospective students more effectively, and ultimately drive enrollment growth.

    Summary: Effective Marketing Strategies for Educational Institutions

    Education marketing agencies employ strategies like content marketing, paid advertising, virtual events, email marketing automation, influencer partnerships, SEO, and mobile optimization to boost enrollment and generate quality leads for higher education and online education institutions in a competitive market.

    What Services Do Education Marketing Agencies Provide?

    Specialist agencies provide a range of services to help educational institutions and organizations effectively reach and engage with potential students to drive new enrollment and retain existing students.

    The services offered by educational marketing agencies include:

    • Brand Identity and Positioning: Developing a unique and compelling brand identity that reflects the institution’s vision, mission, values, and culture.
    • Content Creation and Distribution: Producing high-quality, relevant, and engaging content (e.g. website, blogs, social media, videos, webinars) for the right channels to reach prospective students.
    • Lead Generation and Conversion Optimization: Attracting and nurturing potential students, donors, partners, and other stakeholders.
    • Customer Retention and Loyalty: Maintaining and enhancing the satisfaction of current students, families and other stakeholders, including investors and donors.
    • Market Research and Analysis: Conducting in-depth research to understand the needs, preferences, and behaviors of the target audience to inform the best ways to reach them and the most impactful messaging to use.
    • Strategy Development and Planning: Crafting a comprehensive marketing strategy, aligned with the institution’s business goals and incorporating the best marketing mix to drive meaningful progress towards them.
    • Measurement and Optimization: Tracking and analyzing the performance of various marketing initiatives.

    By leveraging their expertise and experience, specialist agencies can help institutions effectively reach, engage, and convert their target audiences, ultimately driving growth and success.

    Conclusion

    By looking at these top-class agencies and their work, one thing becomes crystal clear: the future of education is intrinsically linked with innovative strategies.

    We hope that by breaking down each service’s strengths, specializations, and success stories, we have helped you find your ideal partner for continued success.

    Remember, the right choice isn’t about following trends but about aligning with your specific goals, whether you’re a small private school looking to boost local enrollment or a large university aiming to enhance its global reputation.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What emerging trends and market disruptors are changing the way education is marketed?

    Personalized digital marketing leveraging AI and big data is allowing educational institutions to target prospective students with tailored messaging and offerings.

    The rise of micro-credentials and alternative education paths are disrupting traditional degree programs, forcing schools to market shorter, more flexible learning options.

    Social media influencers and user-generated content are becoming increasingly important in shaping perceptions and decisions around education choices.

    Virtual and augmented reality technologies are enabling immersive campus tours and program previews, revolutionizing how schools showcase their offerings to potential students.

    How do you market education services with video content?

    Create engaging videos that showcase campus life, highlight unique programs, and feature student testimonials to give prospective students an authentic glimpse into the educational experience.

    Distribute these videos across multiple platforms including social media, your website, and email campaigns to maximize reach and impact.

    How are consumer preferences and behaviours evolving with regard to education marketing?

    Consumers are increasingly seeking personalized, flexible learning experiences that cater to their individual needs and schedules.

    There's a growing preference for bite-sized, on-demand content and curriculums that offer immediate, applicable skills.

    Social proof, such as reviews and testimonials, are becoming more influential in education choices, with prospective students relying heavily on peer experiences.

    Mobile-first content consumption is on the rise, with learners expecting seamless, multi-device access to educational resources and marketing materials.

    References

    Foleon: The Complete Guide to: Higher Education Marketing

    Deloitte: Higher Education Trends

    Volt: 9 Must-Know Higher Education Marketing Trends

    VoyMedia: The Future of Education Marketing: Trends and Predictions

    360 Industry Research: Online Higher Education Market Size and Growth Share: Future Trends and Developments to 2032