In this episode, we sit down with Maya Demishkovich, a seasoned higher education marketing strategist, to explore the rapidly changing world of digital marketing and student engagement. Maya shares her expertise on how students search for information today and why it’s critical for colleges and universities to optimize their websites for search engines to stay competitive.

From the power of social media in recruitment and retention to the unique challenges faced by community colleges, Maya offers actionable strategies for institutions looking to enhance their digital presence. She also delves into the essential skills future marketers will need to thrive in the higher education space, providing a roadmap for staying ahead in an ever-evolving landscape.

Whether you’re a marketing professional in higher ed or simply curious about the intersection of technology and student engagement, this episode is packed with practical advice and forward-thinking insights. Tune in to learn how to effectively connect with today’s students and future-proof your institution’s marketing strategies.

Insights & Takeaways

• Maya's journey into Higher Ed marketing was shaped by her personal experiences as an international student.
• Students prefer to search for information directly on Google rather than browsing college websites.
• Optimizing websites for search engines is crucial for both prospective and current students.
• Social media serves as a discovery tool, while search engines are used for retrieving specific information.
• Community colleges face challenges due to limited resources and a lack of understanding of marketing's strategic role.
• Maya's College Crusader aims to support community colleges with digital strategy and social media.
• Using data analytics is essential for understanding student behavior and improving marketing efforts.
• AI tools are becoming increasingly important in how students find information online.
• Experimentation and curiosity are vital skills for future Higher Ed marketers.
• Colleges should prioritize optimizing their websites and using social media effectively for engagement

Conversation Rundown

(00:00) Introduction to Higher Ed Marketing

(03:44) Understanding Student Search Behavior

(08:23) Optimizing Websites for Student Needs

(16:58) The Role of Social Media in Higher Ed

(23:11) Challenges for Community Colleges

(26:26) Skills for Future Higher Ed Marketers

Dig Deeper

Elevate Your Social Media Game

https://mycollegecrusader.com/

Social Media Calculator

http://mycollegecrusader.com/social-media-calculator

Hidden Gems Podcast

https://mycollegecrusader.com/hiddent-gem-podcast-community-colleges/

Find Maya Demishkovich here:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayademishkevich/ 

Carroll Community College

https://www.carrollcc.edu/ 

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