Best strategies for a successful college marketing?

Howdy, I'm working on a project about college marketing. In your opinion, what are the most successful strategies that colleges implement in their marketing?

While I don't work directly within college marketing, there are some key strategies that colleges tend to utilize to promote their institutions effectively:

1. Student Testimonials and Success Stories: One of the most authentic ways colleges market themselves is by showcasing the experiences and successes of their students. Real-life stories of internships, research experiences, study abroad trips, or successful career placements often resonate with prospective students and their families.

2. Digital Marketing and Social Media: Colleges recognize that majority of their target audience (high school students) are very active online. Schools utilize platforms like Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat to communicate their brand message and share campus events, behind-the-scenes looks, admissions info, and more. Some colleges even use targeted ads on these platforms for students who have shown interest in their institution by visiting their website or attending informational sessions.

3. College Rankings: Good rankings in reputed publications such as US News and World Report and The Princeton Review often draw attention from students and parents. Many colleges incorporate their rankings into their marketing materials as this gives an idea of the academic reputation and quality of the institution.

4. Virtual Tours and Open Houses: Even before the current pandemic, virtual tours were becoming increasingly popular as a way to showcase campus facilities, student life, academic programs, and more. The format allows prospective students to "visit" and explore the campus from anywhere in the world.

5. Alumni Engagement: Alumni networks are quite effective in college marketing. Hearing from alumni about their post-college successes, as well as how their alma mater prepared them for their careers, can serve as compelling testimonies to prospective students.

6. Emphasizing Unique Aspects: Whether it's a distinguished faculty, strong commitment to community service, successful sports teams, notable academic programs, or exceptional campus facilities, colleges often highlight what sets them apart from other institutions.

Remember, the goal of these strategies is not just to increase applications, but to attract students who are a good fit for the institution and are likely to thrive there.