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Do you need a great marketing agency for your college or university? Tertiary education holds a unique position in digital marketing.
Marketing for tertiary education institutions presents some specific nuances and demands that a specialized higher education marketing agency can masterfully navigate to bolster enrollment numbers and build excellent brand reputations.
So, why is marketing for tertiary education different from other sectors? What do college education advertising agencies bring to the table? And which are the best agencies to work with?
This in-depth review of the best marketing agencies specializing in tertiary education also delves into some of the nuances of tertiary education marketing, examining its significance, the unique strategies employed by top agencies, and the transformative effect it has on educational institutions worldwide.
AGENCY SNAPSHOT
Founded: 2001
Locations: Boston, Massachusetts; San Francisco, California; and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA
Number of Employees: 51-200
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Vital is a well-established digital agency renowned for its metrics-driven approach and innovative strategies in the realm of tertiary education marketing.
With roots dating back to 2001, the agency brings with it two decades of experience, particularly standing out with its deep understanding of online degree programs and how to market them effectively.
Vital’s distinct blend of comprehensive digital expertise and a keen understanding of the tertiary education sector positions them as a formidable ally for institutions.
Their aptitude for converting website traffic into tangible results makes them a standout choice in college education marketing.
AGENCY SNAPSHOT
Founded: 2010
Locations: Westlake (Headquarters), Cleveland, and Columbus, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Indianapolis, Indiana; Nashville, Tennessee; and Chicago, Illinois, USA
Number of Employees: 11-50
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Since its inception in 2010, Sixth City Marketing has firmly established itself as a dedicated digital marketing agency emphasizing higher education.
Situated in Cleveland’s heartland and with a footprint across the Midwest, this agency understands the unique marketing challenges educational institutions face.
Sixth City Marketing is distinguished by its commitment to creating unique, result-oriented strategies without taking shortcuts.
By offering bespoke services such as SEO, PPC, and website design, they’ve helped boost the online presence of many colleges, universities, trade schools, and junior colleges.
Notably, their tailored approach to Kent State’s Executive MBA program yielded a substantial 135% increase in leads, exemplifying their commitment to tangible results.
AGENCY SNAPSHOT
Founded: 1998
Locations: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Number of Employees: 11-50
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OHO Interactive has been at the forefront of tertiary education marketing for over two decades, having collaborated with over 100 institutions.
Hailing from Boston, MA, they have a rich history of understanding prospective student journeys, ensuring universities secure leads and achieve actual enrollments.
OHO Interactive stands apart with its unique approach to understanding student journeys and ensuring genuine enrollments, not just leads.
OHO Interactive’s prowess goes beyond the ordinary; they are an award-winning digital agency known for their expertise in digital strategy, research, website design, content strategy, and digital marketing.
Their impressive portfolio boasts collaborations with prestigious institutions such as Dartmouth and Holy Cross.
AGENCY SNAPSHOT
Founded: 1985
Locations: Chicago, Illinois; and Westford, Massachusetts, USA
Number of Employees: 201-500
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Previously known as mStoner and rebranded as Carnegie, this college education marketing powerhouse has been a trailblazer in the domain since its inception.
The Chicago-based agency that Michael Stoner founded has worked with over 300 colleges, universities, and educational institutions across the US since its founding in 2001.
Carnegie is renowned for creating genuine connections in the world of tertiary education marketing. By harnessing the principles of human psychology and blending them with innovative marketing and enrollment strategies, they craft unique narratives that resonate deeply with students.
Recognized for its commitment to delivering full-scale website redesigns, authentic storytelling, content creation, and strategic digital communications, Carnegie’s portfolio speaks volumes about its expertise.
AGENCY SNAPSHOT
Founded: 1993
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Number of Employees: 1-10
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The Kor Group is more than just an agency; it is a creative powerhouse that understands tertiary education institutions’ unique nuances and needs.
Their women-led team brings a fresh perspective, merging creativity with strategy to deliver results that matter.
Based in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, the Kor Group has cemented its reputation as a pioneering force in the realm of tertiary education marketing.
The creative team of brand strategists, designers, and developers at this women-owned agency stands out for having a single goal: to create effective integrated admissions and advancement communication programs specifically for colleges, universities, and independent schools.
Over the years, their dedication has resulted in transformative results, with a prime example being their seven-year collaboration with Emerson College.
This partnership witnessed substantial growth in admissions, amplifying Emerson’s stature as a formidable liberal arts institution.
With expertise spanning from brand strategy to environmental graphics, Kor has an impressive track record of helping institutions find their voice and resonate with their audience.
AGENCY SNAPSHOT
Founded: 1986
Location: Glenside, Pennsylvania, USA
Number of Employees: 51-200
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Paskill Stapleton & Lord (PS&L), based in Glenside, Pennsylvania, has specialized in “Enrollment Marketing for Higher Education” since 1986. Over the years, they have fostered relationships with a multitude of colleges and universities, offering services tailored to the specific needs of the college education sector.
PS&L’s legacy, spanning over thirty years, is built on the cornerstone of innovative enrollment success. Their team, comprising seasoned professionals, is committed to understanding each institution’s unique challenges and aspirations.
Notably, PS&L was instrumental in guiding Neumann University’s transition from a college to a university, which positively impacted enrollment rates.
Their approach integrates strategy and creativity, ensuring clients receive comprehensive solutions to their marketing needs.
AGENCY SNAPSHOT
Founded: 2002
Location: Greenville, South Carolina, USA
Number of Employees: 11-50
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Up&Up takes pride in being a part of Greenville, Carolina’s thriving West End community. Their focused approach to helping institutions attract and retain the right-fit students and their specialized marketing services make them a notable contender in the tertiary education marketing sphere.
The Up&Up team’s motivation comes from the conviction that “education is the surest path to meaningful change” and that their marketing initiatives can direct potential students to their ideal institution.
Over the years, they have worked with numerous tertiary education establishments, offering tailored marketing services and leveraging brand platforms, digital experiences, and creative communication strategies to achieve their clients’ goals.
AGENCY SNAPSHOT
Founded: 1999
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Number of Employees: 11-50
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Electric Kite, headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is renowned for its immersive approach to brand engagement.
Electric Kite Interactive stands out for its commitment to design thinking and a client-centric approach. They believe in building strong, enduring relationships between clients and their audiences, laying the foundation for sustained digital success.
With a foundation laid in 1999, Electric Kite’s specialty lies in website design, user research, and storytelling, crafting digital narratives that resonate deeply with target audiences. Their exceptional focus on inbound marketing and content sets them apart in the tertiary education sector.
Institutions looking to bolster recruitment or philanthropic initiatives can benefit from their unique expertise and innovative strategies.
Over the years, prestigious institutions such as George Washington University, UPenn, Rutgers, and more have partnered with Electric Kite to develop standout digital campaigns.
AGENCY SNAPSHOT
Founded: 1983
Location: Troy, New York, USA
Number of Employees: 11-50
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Creative Communication Associates (CCA), established in 1983 and based in Troy, NY, is a distinguished marketing agency singularly focused on higher education.
Their broad exposure, ranging from Ivy League schools to specialized institutions, has armed them with a unique vantage point, making them a sought-after partner in higher ed marketing.
An integral part of Noodle, CCA boasts an illustrious history of collaborating with diverse academic institutions, from private colleges to grand public universities, HBCUs, Ivy League establishments, and specialized schools.
A dedicated core team of seasoned strategists and a network of highly strategic and creative associates nationwide support their national reputation for customized creative and marketing solutions.
At CCA, the emphasis on a bespoke, consultative approach ensures that each solution is tailored and uniquely reflects the institution’s brand.
AGENCY SNAPSHOT
Founded: 2008
Location: Paramus, New Jersey; and Rochester, New York, USA
Number of Employees: 11-50
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Founded in 2008 by David Flack and Tom Ferarra, Edufficient is a performance-driven marketing agency that specializes in higher education.
With its headquarters in Paramus, New Jersey, the agency has consistently been at the forefront of evolving advanced higher education marketing strategies.
Edufficient’s unique selling proposition lies in their innovative mix of data-driven strategies, creativity, and in-depth experience in higher education.
Their commitment to yielding tangible results is further highlighted by their acquisition by PX in 2022, which is known for bringing together the creme de la creme of lead buyers and sellers in a unified marketplace.
Their modus operandi revolves around fostering partnerships with educational institutions and inquiry providers to push the boundaries of what marketing can achieve in the education sector.
The vast expanse of the educational system, with its myriad of institutions, programs, and student demographics, is a tapestry of challenges and opportunities.
Unlike K–12 schools, which primarily focus on a more localized, regional audience, find a marketing agency specializing in college education often stretches its reach nationwide and, in many cases, globally.
Online learning, from full degrees to short courses on specific skills, has increased dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic, which shifted the world more online than ever before.
The competition is fierce, and tertiary education digital marketing services institutions face more challenges and complexities than ever before, both online and on campus.
Let’s take a look at some of the main challenges and how a good marketing agency can help you overcome them:
Recognizing these unique hurdles, higher education marketing agencies equip themselves to offer nuanced expertise and sector-specific strategies.
Here’s a deeper dive into their transformative role:
To see what Cornell University has to say about marketing a tertiary education institution, check out this video by Mongoose.
Navigating the complexities of tertiary education marketing is no small feat. This becomes increasingly evident when institutions in the USA, with their distinct ethos and aspirations, seek to partner with a marketing agency effectively.
Whether you’re an Ivy League university, a community college, or a niche institution, aligning with the right agency can significantly elevate your branding and outreach. But how does one establish and nurture this partnership?
Here’s a roadmap for institutions looking to collaborate with an agency in the USA:
Before diving into the vast ocean of agencies, reflect on your institution’s needs. Are you looking to boost domestic enrollments, tap into international markets, or revamp your digital presence? The more precise your objectives are, the better you can align with the marketing company best suited to your requirements.
Once you’ve pinpointed your needs, embark on research. Look for agencies with a proven track record in the education sector. Check their portfolios, case studies, and client testimonials. Your goal is to find an agency that understands the nuances of academic marketing.
Given our digital age, ensure your chosen agency has a robust online marketing strategy. A tertiary education digital marketing agency should be well-versed in leveraging SEO, PPC campaigns, social media, and even emerging platforms like virtual campus tours or AI-driven chatbots.
Marketing is an ongoing process, not a one-off project. Choose an agency with whom you can establish clear communication channels. Regular check-ins, transparent feedback loops, and a willingness to adapt are essential for long-term success.
Every institution has budgetary constraints. The enrollment marketing agency you partner with should be transparent about costs and potential additional expenses and provide a precise forecast of the return on investment. Ensure that every dollar spent translates into tangible results, be it increased enrollments, better brand visibility, or improved student engagement.
A fruitful partnership thrives on collaboration. Your institution brings domain expertise and a unique ethos, while the agency has marketing prowess. Foster an environment where both parties actively collaborate, share insights, and work cohesively towards common objectives.
The world of marketing is ever-evolving. What worked last semester might be less effective now. Regularly review campaign performance with your agency, seeking data-driven insights and being open to strategy shifts when required.
In the multifaceted world of higher education, the right marketing approach isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential.
With unique challenges at every turn, institutions greatly benefit from the specialized touch of tertiary education marketing firms. Combined with an institution’s vision, their expertise can craft campaigns that truly resonate.
If you want to elevate your institution’s outreach and enrollment, there’s no better time than now.
Dive into the realm of specialized marketing, collaborate with agencies adept at navigating this sector, and watch as your institution’s narrative reaches new heights. The pathway to your institution’s next big achievement starts with that crucial connection. Why wait?
Online marketing is crucial for an effective student enrollment strategy in today's digital age. The internet has become the primary source for prospective students to research and evaluate different educational institutions. A strong online presence through websites, social media, digital advertising, and other online channels allows colleges and universities to reach a wider audience of potential applicants. Online marketing enables institutions to showcase their academic programs, campus life, and unique offerings in an engaging and interactive way. By implementing a comprehensive digital marketing strategy, institutions can effectively increase their online visibility and stand out in a competitive tertiary education landscape. To get more attention online, educational institutions should focus on optimizing their website for search engines, maintaining an active social media presence across popular platforms, and investing in targeted digital advertising campaigns. Creating high-quality, informative content such as blog posts, videos, and downloadable resources can help attract prospective students and improve website visibility. The assistance of specialized marketing agency can assist with managing all the strategic areas necessary to reach your target audience. Engaging with current students and alumni on social media, responding promptly to inquiries, and leveraging influencer marketing can also increase online exposure. Additionally, universities and colleges should ensure their online listings and profiles on relevant directories and review sites are accurate and up-to-date. These agencies differ from general marketing agencies in their specialized understanding of the unique challenges and nuances involved in promoting colleges, universities, and academic programs. They have in-depth knowledge of the tertiary education landscape, admission cycles, and prospective students' and parents' decision-making processes, as well as the specific marketing channels and tactics that resonate most effectively with this audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is online marketing important for your student enrolment strategy?
Do you need to market a college?
What makes tertiary education marketing firms different from general marketing agencies?
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