Social networking: a legitimate marketing tool?

Here’s something I was working on before the CASE conference. I’ll get back to CASE stuff starting with the next post. – AC

Bob Sevier of the higher ed marketing firm Stamats wants to know how universities are using social networking as a marketing platform. In the latest issue of Stamats QuickTakes newsletter, he explains that he’s working on a column about social networking for University Business, but he’s “having trouble separating the marketing wheat from the marketing chaff. If you are interested in joining the discussion (and perhaps being quoted in an upcoming column), please take a look at the following questions and e-mail me your responses.”

The questions:

  • How is your institution using social networking to build relationships with either prospective or current students?
  • Has social networking proven to be a helpful tool for you?
  • What site(s) are you using?
  • If you feel social networking has been helpful, what data do you have to support that conclusion?
  • What problems/surprises have you run into as part of your use of social networking?
  • Do you envision social networking becoming a long-term component of your recruiting/marketing plan?

Bob’s email: bob DOT sevier AT stamats DOT com.

Blogging from CASE District VI: post-conference wrapup (coming soon)

I’ve got a lot of notes to process about the rest of the CASE District VI Conference, which ended last night with a lovely banquet and awards presentation. (Congratulations to the UMR Communications Department for winning a total of seven awards, including the coveted “Sweepstakes” award for institutions of our size [5,000-7,500 students]. You guys are a great team!) But it’ll be a few days before I get around to processing. In the meantime, check out Tony’s Kansas City‘s take on his speaking gig at the conference. I was worried TKC would go easy on us, since we’re wonky higher ed newbies, but my fears have been allayed.