Based on the user profile of most Instagram users, Instagram marketing is simply a must for education marketers. Let’s look at 15 examples of Instagram posts and why they work.
Chances are that your school already has an Instagram account.
This is a great visual platform that you can use to show off the aesthetic beauty of your campus’ architecture or landscape as well as the vibrant colors of campus life.
And if you just look at the numbers, being on Instagram is a no-brainer.
- Instagram sees over one billion active monthly users and 500 million daily Instagram Stories.
- 60% of adults online use Instagram, including 35% of adults in the U.S.
- There are 25 million business profiles on Instagram.
- 80% of Instagram users follow at least one business, and 72% of users say they’ve purchased a product they’ve seen on the platform.
Instagram marketing also provides some creative ways for students to get involved with promoting your educational institution.
It even has robust ways to leverage video content via Instagram Reels and IGTV.
One of the best ways to improve your Instagram marketing skills is to look around at how other private colleges or universities are making it work for them.
Here are 15 great Instagram posts (in no particular order) and why I think they work.
15. Bethany Global University
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After talking with Dan Sanchez about his exciting success story of tripling the admissions rate at Bethany Global University, I’ve been watching what they’re doing to raise brand awareness through their Instagram account.
In this Instagram post, BGU is giving prospective students some great information on their academic programs while visually placing that info within the exotic scene in the background.
This image says, “You’ll go somewhere with this degree.”
14. Northern Michigan University
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Why would you consider going to a university in the remote regions of Upper Peninsula, Michigan?
No need for a thousand-word argument. This Instagram post says it all.
For more on what Northern Michigan University is doing to move the needle forward on their enrollment marketing, check out my conversation with Dan Freeborn.
13. Ohio Christian University
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The COVID-19 pandemic has been brutal on students looking to enter higher education.
Right now, there’s so much uncertainty for the future and for the student’s present safety.
But this Instagram marketing post makes one thing more certain at Ohio Christian University: If you didn’t take your ACT or SAT exam due to COVID restrictions, you won’t be penalized for it.
12. Houston Baptist University
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One big advantage of Instagram marketing is how you can capture these amazing human achievements in sports.
This post from Houston Baptist University is one of many that shows prospective students that their time at HBU won’t always be spent behind a desk.
11. Sterling College Vermont
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Where else would you go to get educational experiences like this one?
Sterling College’s Instagram marketing approach makes sure their unique selling proposition is front and center.
10. Ivy Tech Community College
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I really like this Instagram post because it links Ivy Tech’s education with the student’s future in a visual way.
For more on Ivy Tech’s marketing strategies, check out my conversation with Jeffrey Fanter.
9. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
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Can the words “Institute” and “Technology” be connected to something really, really cool?
Absolutely.
In this Instagram post, Rose-Hulman not only grabs your attention, you can also see the affection of the alumni community towards this unique private institution.
8. Portsmouth Abbey School
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Portsmouth Abbey is a Catholic private school that leverages Instagram marketing to show prospective students that life at a boarding school doesn’t have to be boring.
Because they’re on the east coast, sailing is a part of the sporting culture, and I like how this post captures those experiences.
7. Anderson University
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I love the creativity Anderson University showed in modifying the TikTok milkcrate challenge by branding it with Anderson’s “A.”
I, too, hope that Rodney the mascot didn’t fall!
6. Houghton College
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Instagram is where you want to go to set yourself apart visually.
Houghton College hits it on the head with this picture from their equestrian students’ program.
5. Carson-Newman University
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Instagram posts don’t have to be still photos!
This time-lapse Instagram post promotes Carson-Newman’s capital campaign as they build the new Drama and Ted Russell Center.
I like how this time-lapse video shows the progress happening as they move forward in their campaign.
4. Huntington University
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Huntington University’s Instagram marketing is the “bee’s knees.”
Here we can see the hands-on approach of their horticultural department.
3. Purdue University
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Purdue University enjoys a rather large alumni constituency.
But even with fewer alumni, education marketers can use Instagram to tell the success stories of their graduates.
2. University of Notre Dame
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In this beautiful photo, Notre Dame shows that being a prestigious institution with a long history doesn’t mean you can’t relax and enjoy your time here.
Great Instagram photography can show both the physical beauty as well as the culture of your school.
For more insights into Notre Dame’s storytelling techniques, listen to my conversation with Jim Small.
1. Charleston Southern University
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There is something really special in this photo as we see how the success of this Charleston Southern alum reflects on the mission and ethos of this school.
This is another example of how these universities are using Instagram to tell their brand’s story through the lens of their students and alumni.
Instagram marketing is foundational to higher ed social media strategy.
No education marketer should be without a well-planned Instagram marketing strategy.
There are so many ways you can use Instagram to boost your brand’s awareness and get your students, faculty, and alumni involved in the process.
For more information on using Instagram and other platforms to increase your education marketing results, feel free to reach out to us today!
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Featured image by Jacob Lund via Adobe Stock
