Higher Ed Communication Trends Email, AI, and Texts - Higher Ed Marketing Blogs May 15, 20225

This episode is designed for higher education marketers navigating the evolving communication landscape. We dig into how to better connect with students, drive enrollment, and improve retention—no matter your team size or resources. We kick things off with text messaging: what makes it effective, common missteps to avoid, and how to use automation and metrics without losing the human touch. You’ll get clear do’s and don’ts to help you get results without sounding robotic. Next, we explore the latest trends in content marketing and how to make meaningful progress, even if you’re working within tight institutional constraints. There’s also practical advice for small and large teams alike, including ways to overcome resistance and get buy-in from leadership. Choosing the right Content Management System (CMS) can make or break your marketing efforts. We break down how to pick a platform that supports your goals without overcomplicating your workflow. Email marketing still plays a crucial role in keeping students engaged after they apply or enroll. We talk about what’s working now and how to use email to support long-term retention. You’ll also hear how AI is influencing personalized student experiences—not replacing humans, but enhancing what your team can deliver. Plus, we cover the importance of thoughtful design and brand research in shaping your overall strategy. Episode Breakdown 00:00 Introduction to Higher Education Marketing 00:49 The Power of Text Messaging 01:28 Text Messaging Best Practices 03:58 Text Messaging Pitfalls to Avoid 06:10 Automation and Metrics in Text Messaging 06:59 Shifting to Content Marketing 07:54 Effective Content Marketing Trends 11:05 Practical Advice for Marketing Teams 12:21 Overcoming Institutional Resistance 13:15 Emerging Trends in Content 14:47 Choosing the Right CMS 19:42 Email Marketing for Student Retention 22:53 The Role of AI in Higher Education 24:55 Conversion-Driven Design 25:48 The Importance of Brand Research 27:04 Key Takeaways for Higher Education Marketers Let me know if you’d like a social blurb, email teaser, or pull quote from this episode! Learn more about the Higher Education Marketing Institute: Website: https://highereducationmarketinginstitute.com/ X: https://x.com/HEMInstitute LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/higher-education-marketing-institute/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HigherEducationMarketing