5 online schools using Twitter effectively
Social media is now an essential tool for educational institutions to connect with their students, alumni, and the broader communities. For online schools in particular, platforms like Twitter (or X) often serve as the primary connection point, making their presence and strategy on this platform worthy of consideration.
Twitter provides universities with a versatile platform to share news, engage with their audience, and build a strong brand identity. While many institutions are active on Twitter, some stand out for their consistent and effective usage. Let's examine 6 online schools that have successfully leveraged Twitter to support their strategic goals:
1) SNHU—Spotlighting faculty and staff
By showcasing the individuals behind the institution, SNHU creates a sense of community and authenticity. The university further enhances engagement by sharing student testimonials, motivational content, and academic updates, positioning itself as a champion of personalized learning. It’s pretty meta, but if you consider how personal-feeling the brand is, you may also anticipate a personalized learning experience in terms of SNHU’s pedagogy and student support, and that’s exactly what SNHU wants. This post, introducing the 6th university president, Lisa Marsh, is one of the SNHU’s top-performing posts over the last month.
2) WGU—Building anticipation for events
Who doesn’t love a countdown? WGU demonstrates a strategic use of Twitter by generating excitement for key events, such as its commencement ceremonies. The graphic is simple, to the point, and very shareable.
3) Purdue Global—Celebrating student success
Purdue Global excels in highlighting student accomplishments across all their marketing efforts, and Twitter is no exception. By amplifying the student experience with photos and a quote, Purdue Global provides prospective students with strong representations of the student experience. By centering its Twitter strategy on individual success stories, the university creates an emotionally resonant narrative that strengthens its brand identity.
4) Maryland Global—Addressing pain points
Q: Do you need help in class?
A: We’ve got you.
The University of Maryland Global Campus differentiates itself through its strategic use of Twitter to address common student pain points and articulate the value proposition of its programs. By demonstrating a deep understanding of its target audience, the university effectively positions itself as a problem-solver and trusted partner.
5) University of Phoenix—Building community
By interacting with students in real-time, the University of Phoenix demonstrates a genuine commitment to their students’ journeys, reinforcing a supportive and responsive brand image. This approach enhances the university’s reputation as an institution that values and celebrates its students.
These universities exemplify how effective use of Twitter can enhance an institution's visibility, engagement, and overall brand narrative. By tailoring their strategies to meet the needs of their audiences, these schools not only strengthen their online presence but also shape their stories in compelling and meaningful ways.