Online learning continues to grow despite challenges in the online program management (OPM) and EdTech industry for higher education.
In fact, a recent study by Bay View Analytics found that 36% of adults in the United States have taken at least one online course, and that number is expected to grow to 56% by 2025. This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including the increasing availability of high-quality online courses, the flexibility and convenience of online learning, and the affordability of online programs.
As the demand for online learning continues to grow, so too is the number of universities offering online degree programs. In fact, a recent study by the Online Learning Consortium found that the number of online degree programs offered by U.S. universities has increased by 500% since 2002.
This growth in online degree programs presents a number of challenges for universities. One of the biggest challenges is how to effectively market these programs to potential students. In the past, universities have relied on traditional marketing methods, such as print and television advertising, to reach potential students. However, these methods are becoming increasingly ineffective in reaching the target audience for online degree programs.
This is where product marketing comes in. Product marketing is a discipline that focuses on developing and executing marketing strategies for products and services. Product marketers use a variety of tools and techniques to create awareness, generate interest, and drive demand for products and services.
Product marketing can be a valuable asset for universities that are looking to launch new online degree programs. Product marketers can help universities to:
Understand their target audience
Develop a clear value proposition
Create effective marketing campaigns
Track and measure results
By hiring a product marketing consultant, universities can increase their chances of success in launching new online degree programs.
Should you hire a product marketing consultant to market your higher education degree program?
If you are considering hiring a product marketing consultant to help you launch a new online degree program, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
Do your research. There are many qualified product marketing consultants out there. Take some time to research different consultants and find one who has the experience and expertise you need.
Get referrals. Ask your colleagues, friends, and other professionals for recommendations. They may know of a consultant who has worked with universities in the past.
Interview potential consultants. Once you have a few candidates in mind, schedule interviews with them. This will give you a chance to learn more about their experience, qualifications, and approach to marketing.
Ask for references. After your interviews, ask each consultant for references. This will give you a chance to speak with people who have worked with the consultant in the past.
Get everything in writing. Once you have made a decision, be sure to get everything in writing. This includes the consultant's fees, scope of work, and timeline.
How do you hire to get the most value from product marketing for online degree programs?
By following these tips, you can be sure to hire a product marketing consultant who can help you launch your new online degree program successfully.
Here are some additional tips for hiring a product marketing consultant for higher education degree program marketing:
Make sure the consultant has experience working with universities. This is important because universities have unique marketing challenges and needs.
Look for a consultant who has a deep understanding of the higher education landscape. This will help them develop a marketing plan that is tailored to your specific needs.
Be sure to get references from previous clients. This will give you a good sense of the consultant's work ethic and results.
Set clear expectations from the beginning. This will help ensure that you are both on the same page and that the consultant is able to deliver what you are looking for.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding a product marketing consultant who can help you launch your new online degree program successfully.
Online learning is on the rise, and universities that are looking to launch new online degree programs need to have a strong product marketing strategy in place. By hiring a product marketing consultant, universities can increase their chances of success in launching new online degree programs.