3 Tips to Utilize Infographics in Higher Education Marketing
Bold, colorful visuals possess an almost magnetic force with the power to yank even the most predictable web addict from their normal routine. In fact, studies show 90% of information transmitted to the brain is visual. So it’s no secret why online marketers and internet perusers alike love infographics. Their visual appeal meshed with easily digestible facts make them a perfect medium for broadcasting your information.
One industry that could benefit considerably from generating their own original infographics is higher education. Infographics are a powerful and effective medium for higher education marketing and offer an increased ability to drive traffic to your website, resulting in a boost in student enrollment. Plus, infographics provides a simple way to reach college students, since they are ALWAYS online (Facebook and Reddit are proof of this phenomenon). For those furiously working to draw attention to their college, we’re giving you three tips for successfully creating visually stimulating and informative infographics to support your school’s inbound marketing campaign.
1. Present the Benefits of Your School
College-bound students are only seeking the crème de la crème when it comes to their education. To entice students within such a broad online market, you must set yourself apart from other colleges. Turn infographics into your own personal online billboard by advertising your school’s achievements and student benefits. Infographic topics could include your school’s notable alumni, facilities located on or near campus, and the success of your schools sports/academic teams.
Take note that the above infographics may only be discovered with a specified search of your school. To further expand upon your inbound marketing campaign, try creating general college-related infographics. Relevant topics include degrees in high demand or a look at the most popular majors of the past year. Remember, humorous infographics (or any content for that matter) get attention. Creating a ‘Gourmet Ramen Recipes’ infographic is sure to gain some recognition!
You’re not done yet! Branding is essential to any infographic you create. Be sure to include your school’s logo and web address in the bottom corner of your infographics to drive traffic to your site.
2. Create a Visually Stimulating “How-To” Guide
Entering a new phase of life is stressful. Students making the transition from four semi-predictable years of high school to this new, alien landscape called college may not know what they’re in for. To counter student’s uncertainties and show how much your school cares, try producing “how-to” based infographics. Use the following topics to get going:
- It never hurts to start from the beginning. Offer infographics containing tips for what to look for in a good college and outlining the application submission process.
- Next, move on to more conventional college topics. How to stick with a study plan or tips for managing a well-thought out budget are fantastic starting points.
- We previously mentioned how humorous content generates more attention. Pick a lighter topic like ‘When Styles Clash: Decorating Your Dorm Room with a Boring Roommate’.
3. Know Where You Should Use Infographics
Now that you’ve created these dynamic infographics, where do you situate them to gain the most exposure? Luckily, infographics are an extremely versatile medium and could easily be used in a multitude of online locations. Does your higher education marketing campaign include a consistent newsletter or email blast? Send an email out with your infographic as the main focal point. Upload your infographic into a blog post and update your school’s various social media sites with the link. Another method is to upload the infographic directly to your school’s Facebook and Pinterest accounts.
Although the tips listed above will help you create fresh infographic content, use the list below as a “starter’s guide”:
If You Build It… Well, You Know the Rest
Even if you’re not proficient with Photoshop, sites like visual.ly and easel.ly offer you a FREE method of creating professional, original infographics.
Research is key to building effective infographics. For statistics on your chosen topic, try Google Public Data. Remember to cite the information sources at the bottom of the infographic.
Branding is Your BFF
As previously mentioned, it’s crucial you brand your infographics with your school logo and a link to your site in the bottom corner. This ensures that if one of your school’s infographics gain widespread attention or go viral (fingers crossed), your school’s information goes with it.
Maintain Simplicity
Complicated graphics or too many clashing colors can make infographics appear more complex than they really are. Try to keep them simple yet visually appealing to catch the attention of online users.
As previously mentioned, infographics are a powerful and effective medium you could use within higher education marketing for driving traffic to your college’s website and boosting your enrollment rate. Use the numerous benefits of infographics to educate/provide value to potential students and entice them to take a closer look at what your school has to offer.
Don’t have the time to build infographics or generate compelling blog posts for your school? Allow us to lend you a hand!
