In today's constantly evolving digital landscape, higher education professionals need to be in the know more than ever. While maintaining a strong organic social media presence is essential, one platform that stands out for its unique structure and engaging communities is Reddit. Here are five important reasons why higher education faculty and staff should be using Reddit as a main social platform.
1: REAL-TIME RESEARCH
Reddit is an excellent resource for faculty and staff to connect with students in real-time, and learn what students are most concerned about during the college application process.
The real-time nature of Reddit’s discussion threads allows for faculty to address issues head-on. When students post their queries or concerns, professionals can not only step in to provide answers, but take note of the topics discussed so they can better prepare for future questions.
Having insight into what students deem important can allow faculty to better connect with potential applicants, taking the mystery out of guessing what topics they care most about.
2: BUILDING BRAND AWARENESS
With a high search engine ranking, Reddit content often appears at the top of Google searches. By contributing to relevant subreddits, higher education professionals can increase their institution's organic visibility. Engaging in discussions, sharing valuable information, and providing expertise not only showcases your knowledge but also elevates your institution's profile among potential students.
Answering relevant questions and engaging with posts regularly also helps promote good SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Good SEO indicates trustworthiness on your institution’s behalf and allows for a larger audience to discover your content. Creating strong brand awareness before starting targeting advertising creates a sense of familiarity between your institution and audience, increasing the likelihood of engagement with ads.
3: THE POWER OF THE AMA
A standout feature of Reddit is the AMA—Ask Me Anything.
Unlike traditional FAQs that may leave questions unanswered, Reddit allows for immediate interaction between members. These scheduled events allow faculty and staff to interact with prospective students in a unique and relevant way.
Faculty and staff can host AMAs tailored to specific topics, creating larger discussions that students are more likely to participate in versus hoping they read all of the crucial information being sent their way by email or physical mail.
By addressing topics such as financial aid, academic programs, student life, and more, professionals can create a comfortable space for students to ask questions they might hesitate to bring up in person.
AMAs are planned and announced in advance, giving members time to formulate thoughtful questions to ask. This personal touch can help further demystify the admissions process and build trust between institutions and prospective students.
4: INSIGHT INTO STUDENT PERSPECTIVES
Reddit is a treasure trove of firsthand accounts from students discussing their experiences with the college search and admissions process.
By monitoring these threads, higher education professionals can gain valuable insight into what factors influence a student’s decision-making process. This knowledge can inform recruitment strategies and help institutions tailor their messaging to better resonate with their target audience.
A direct line of communication fosters a sense of community and helps students feel supported during their college search journey. Being able to relate to students on this level can be challenging, but the more you dive into discussions happening on Reddit, the easier it will become.
5: AUTHENTIC ENGAGEMENT AND TREND MARKETING
Unlike many social media platforms, Reddit is primarily a discussion forum. The lack of character limits encourages in-depth conversations, making it an ideal environment for nuanced discussions.
By posting as individuals rather than your institution as a whole, higher education professionals can foster authentic connections. Redditors appreciate genuine interactions, which can lead to increased engagement and a more robust online community supporting your institution.
The real-time nature of discussion posts allows for faculty to easily monitor and participate in trends, making connecting with potential students easier than ever. The trend cycle on social platforms moves quickly, and being able to watch them develop in real time rather than having to wait on report results can give your institution the edge it needs to stand out.
Reddit is more than just a social platform; it’s a vibrant community where knowledge is shared and important connections are made. For higher education professionals, being active on Reddit can enhance brand visibility, foster meaningful interactions with prospective students, and provide valuable insight into the student experience. By diving into discussions and hosting AMAs regularly, faculty and staff can make a significant impact on the future of higher education recruitment. So, why wait? Your future students are already there and looking to connect with real faculty and staff!
About the Author
Jessie Arnold, with a BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, transitioned her artistic roots into a dynamic career encompassing design, social media, and marketing. Her creative prowess has become the cornerstone of crafting seamless campaigns that captivate diverse audiences. With expertise spanning content creation, social media advertising, and web design, she wields a wealth of strategies to elevate both client-partner and audience satisfaction. You can reach Jessie anytime at Jessie.Arnold@enrollmentFUEL.com.