Branding, Design, and Marketing For Education

Elevating schools in the minds of students, faculty and beyond.
Kathy Kamatani

Branding for Higher Education

Where higher education meets higher concept.

There’s no denying that institutions of higher learning have nearly indistinguishable offerings. So how can a university or college differentiate itself in the marketplace? Like most parity products, it’s not as much what you say as it is how you say it.

Creative language, considered design and consistency across all facets of communication will help separate your institution in order for it to rise above the sea of sameness.

BRAND MESSAGING AND POSITIONING

When you stand for something,
you stand apart.

Like any brand, a higher education institution has to stand for something. Our expert team of writers, designers and storytellers are skilled at uncovering each university’s unique story and telling that story in creative, engaging ways across traditional, digital and social channels.

New Jersey City University

A transformational agent of change.

More than an institution of higher learning, NJCU is an institution dedicated to a higher purpose. Students are thriving as scholars and graduating as high-achieving professionals. The city itself is undergoing a transformation too with a state-of-the-art business school on the Hudson Waterfront and a completely reimagined West Side which will include housing, retail, and green public spaces. A new academic and performance space will bring a wide variety of music, dance and theatre to the residents of North Jersey.

NJCU, isn’t just educating minds, they’re nourishing souls and lifting communities. They’re changing the game.

New Jersey City University Billboard Design by Splendor.

WEB DESIGN FOR COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Our higher-ed websites are built to increase engagement — and enrollment.

More often than not, websites for higher-education institutions are dense and complex. Like any piece of communication, we subscribe to the theory that less is often more. It’s always a delicate balance, but a website must engage, inform and be user friendly without being overwhelming and verbose. Our writers and designers are experts at navigating this important balancing act.

Brookdale Community College

Brookdale. Here will get you there.

“There” is a destination. That destination isn’t the same for everyone. For some it’s in an office high above the city streets. For other’s it’s working in the medical field. For others it’s behind the lens of a movie camera.

With powerful imagery and engaging copy, this campaign showcases several of the exciting career offerings that can be pursued at Brookdale.

The photography style, the newly crafted brand voice and tagline is being used across a multitude of platforms, both internally and externally. The work debuted in 2019 and has already helped defined Brookdale and separate the college from its competitors.

BRAND STANDARDS ARE THE GOLD STANDARD

These rules were not meant
to be broken.

Fonts, logo usage rules, color palettes, tone, voice, design elements and photography style, all play a critical part in making a brand, a brand. If no strict standards exist, things tend to get messy quickly. That lack of uniformity will have a negative impact on your brand – and ultimately on your business.

brookdale style guide

ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS

Make it interesting.
Make it informative.
Make it worthwhile to read.
brookdale community college marketing
NJCU-bus-shelter

Video & Photography for Higher Education

Photography and video will support the brand.

With over 25 years of script-writing and production chops, Splendor’s team of writers and directors will craft compelling content – all within the parameters of big brand idea.

Higher Ed video production holds immense potential in revolutionizing the communication and outreach efforts of colleges and universities. By leveraging high-quality video content, educational institutions can effectively showcase their academic programs, campus life, and research initiatives in a visually compelling and engaging manner. Well-crafted videos that highlight faculty expertise, student achievements, and innovative learning environments not only resonate with prospective students and faculty members but also contribute to building a strong brand identity and fostering a sense of community. Through strategic Higher Ed video production, institutions can convey their unique value proposition, inspire a sense of belonging, and create a lasting impact that resonates with their target audience, ultimately positioning themselves as pioneers in the realm of academic excellence and innovation.

Integrated marketing solutions for your school.
  • Branding, Identity & Logo Design
  • Brochures
  • Project Videos
  • Print Ads
  • Customer Case Studies
  • Printed Project Portfolios
  • Website Design & Hosting
  • Search Engine Optimization
  • Media Relations and PR
  • Photo and Video
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Blog Posts
  • Press Releases
  • Name Exploration
  • Identity Development
  • Tagline Formulation
michael kaufman

High-Level Branding in Higher Education

Attracting Students and Faculty through Effective College Branding Strategies

In today’s competitive landscape of higher education, where colleges and universities are vying for top talent and students are carefully selecting their academic institutions, the significance of robust branding has become more critical than ever. The process of building a strong brand identity for colleges and universities, commonly referred to as “college branding,” plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions and influencing decisions of both prospective students and faculty members. From effective marketing strategies for higher education to engaging university web design, high-level branding is a driving force that can determine an institution’s success. Let’s delve into the importance of high-level branding in the realm of higher education and the substantial impact it has on attracting students and faculty.

One of the primary benefits of implementing a comprehensive branding strategy in higher education is the ability to stand out in a saturated market. With numerous institutions offering similar programs, majors, and courses, creating a unique brand identity becomes a key differentiator. A well-crafted brand image that communicates the core values, mission, and distinct offerings of an educational institution not only attracts students but also resonates with the faculty members who align with the institution’s vision. A strong brand narrative that showcases a college or university’s strengths, accomplishments, and its impact on the community can significantly elevate its position and credibility in the eyes of potential stakeholders.

Effective marketing for higher education goes hand in hand with establishing a compelling brand presence. Utilizing various marketing channels, such as digital and traditional media, social media platforms, and targeted advertising campaigns, helps in amplifying the reach and visibility of an institution’s brand. By strategically leveraging these marketing tactics, colleges and universities can effectively communicate their unique selling propositions, academic excellence, and the vibrant campus life, thereby attracting the attention of prospective students and faculty members who resonate with the institution’s ethos and culture. A cohesive marketing approach that integrates the institution’s brand messaging across various platforms can create a lasting impression and foster meaningful connections with the target audience.

In addition to attracting students and faculty, high-level branding can significantly impact an institution’s fundraising efforts and alumni engagement. A compelling brand narrative that highlights the institution’s contributions to society, research advancements, and the success stories of its alumni fosters a sense of community and encourages alumni to actively participate in philanthropic initiatives and support the institution’s endeavors. By effectively communicating the impact of donations on the institution’s growth and development, a strong brand identity can inspire a sense of philanthropy and encourage alumni and donors to contribute to the institution’s long-term success and sustainability.

The importance of high-level branding in colleges, universities, and higher education institutions cannot be overstated. From effective college branding and strategic marketing for higher education to captivating university web design, a well-crafted brand identity serves as a powerful catalyst for attracting prospective students, faculty members, and stakeholders. By effectively communicating the institution’s unique value proposition, fostering a sense of community and pride, and creating a compelling brand narrative, colleges and universities can carve a distinct niche in the competitive landscape of higher education, ultimately driving their success and sustainability in the long run.

Higher Education Website Design

Website development for colleges and universities

College and university website design and development play a pivotal role in shaping the digital presence and brand identity of higher education institutions. In an era where the online experience often serves as the first point of contact for prospective students and faculty, the significance of intuitive and visually appealing website design cannot be overstated. A well-designed website serves as a virtual campus, providing visitors with a glimpse into the institution’s academic offerings, campus culture, and research initiatives. Incorporating elements of effective higher ed web design, such as user-friendly interfaces, responsive layouts, and engaging multimedia content, enhances the overall user experience and fosters a strong connection with the institution.

The development of a user-centric website that caters to the diverse needs and preferences of both prospective and current students as well as faculty members is paramount. Implementing intuitive navigation and streamlined information architecture allows users to effortlessly explore various academic programs, admission requirements, campus events, and student resources, thereby facilitating informed decision-making. By integrating interactive features such as virtual campus tours, live chat support, and multimedia-rich content, colleges and universities can create an immersive and engaging digital experience that reflects the vibrancy and essence of their campus life, ultimately fostering a deeper connection and resonance with the website visitors.

Furthermore, a mobile-responsive website design is imperative in today’s digital landscape, considering the increasing reliance on mobile devices for accessing information. Developing a website that seamlessly adapts to various screen sizes and devices ensures an optimal browsing experience for users, allowing them to access critical information on the go. A mobile-friendly design not only enhances accessibility but also demonstrates the institution’s commitment to embracing technological advancements and catering to the evolving needs of a digitally savvy audience.

Incorporating visually captivating elements, such as high-quality images, videos, and immersive multimedia content, can significantly enhance the appeal and engagement of a college or university website. Compelling visuals that showcase the campus infrastructure, state-of-the-art facilities, and student life activities serve as powerful storytelling tools, offering a glimpse into the unique experiences and opportunities that the institution has to offer. By curating visually appealing and authentic content, colleges and universities can effectively convey their brand narrative and create a lasting impression on website visitors, fostering a sense of connection and affinity with the institution’s values and ethos.

Moreover, integrating robust security features and ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations are essential aspects of website development for higher education institutions. Safeguarding sensitive information, maintaining data integrity, and protecting user privacy instill a sense of trust and credibility among website visitors, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to prioritizing the security and confidentiality of user data. By implementing stringent security measures and adhering to industry best practices, colleges and universities can provide a secure and reliable online environment that fosters trust and confidence among prospective students, faculty members, and other stakeholders.

In essence, the design and development of a college or university website serve as a digital gateway that not only facilitates seamless access to information but also reflects the institution’s brand identity, values, and academic excellence. By prioritizing user-centric design, mobile responsiveness, captivating visuals, and robust security measures, higher education institutions can create a compelling online platform that resonates with their target audience, fosters engagement and connection, and ultimately reinforces their position as leading institutions of academic excellence and innovation.