About the Episode
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About the Episode:
In this episode of The Hidden Gem, host Maya Demishkevich welcomes Raven Haller, a social media specialist and former social media ambassador for Carroll Community College. Raven shares her journey from being a student ambassador to joining the college’s marketing team, offering a unique perspective on the impact of student-driven content in community college marketing. Together, they discuss the challenges and opportunities of using social media to engage students, break stigmas, and highlight the value of community colleges.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn how integrating students into content creation can dramatically boost engagement and help colleges connect with their audience on a deeper level.
- Hear Raven’s perspective on breaking the stigma around community colleges and how authentic, student-led content can shift perceptions.
- Discover why balancing entertainment and information is key to effective social media strategy, especially when targeting younger generations like Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
- Find out how colleges can avoid common social media mistakes, like overly long videos or text-heavy posts, and focus on value-driven content.
- Understand the importance of engaging with audiences beyond posting content, including responding to comments and creating community connections.
This episode offers valuable insights for college marketers, leaders, and anyone looking to improve their institution’s social media presence and engagement.
Raven Haller’s Unique Perspective on Community College Marketing
Raven’s journey at Carroll Community College illustrates the value of elevating student voices in marketing. As a social media ambassador, she not only gained experience but also helped increase the college’s social media reach by over 300% in just a few months. Her work demonstrates the impact of student-led content on breaking misconceptions and fostering community engagement.
Breaking Stigmas Around Community Colleges
One of the key challenges Raven highlighted is the stigma surrounding community colleges. Many students overlook these institutions, associating them with limited opportunities. Raven herself admitted she hadn’t considered community college social media accounts until financial realities redirected her to Carroll Community College. To combat these misconceptions, colleges need to share stories that showcase success, affordability, and inclusivity.
The Importance of Student-Led Content
Raven emphasized the power of student-driven content, noting that students have insights into conversations and trends among their peers. Content created by students not only feels authentic but also resonates with audiences. For example, her brother, a Gen Alpha ambassador, creates fast-paced, visually engaging videos that captivate younger audiences.
Balancing Entertainment and Education
Finding the right balance between entertaining and informative content is crucial. Raven reflected on her early days as an ambassador, where her content skewed heavily toward entertainment. Over time, she learned to incorporate educational elements seamlessly, offering prospective and current students both value and engagement.
What Colleges Should Stop Doing on Social Media
Raven identified long, text-heavy videos and static posts as ineffective. She encouraged colleges to move away from posting traditional flyers on social media and to instead focus on visually engaging and concise content. “Nobody wants to zoom in to read a flyer on their feed,” she remarked.
Navigating Challenges in Social Media Management
Managing social media also comes with its challenges. Raven discussed the emotional toll of dealing with negative comments and the importance of maintaining professionalism. She shared that although such comments are rare, they can be disheartening, especially for student ambassadors. Training and support from supervisors are critical in helping students navigate these situations.
Measuring Success and Future Trends
Raven highlighted the growing importance of social media in recruitment and brand perception. She pointed out that over 40% of people now use social media to research brands, a number she predicts will increase. Engagement metrics—likes, comments, and shares—serve as indicators of successful content, particularly when showcasing student life and experiences.
Connect With Our Host:
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Hidden Gem: Marketing Community Colleges is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Visionary Voices: The College President’s Playbook and Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO.
Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
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