Insight-led campaigns that deliver measurable impact
What are our education media services, and why do they matter?
Our education media services are about supporting Higher Education institutions to attract and engage their key audiences. Whether it’s prospective students, current and future employees, B2B audiences or alumni, we build awareness, reputation and drive applications through targeted, data-led campaigns.
As the UK’s largest buyer of education media, SMRS has delivered campaigns for more than 60 Higher Education Providers across the UK and internationally.
Using insight, data, AI and machine learning, we create award-winning campaigns grounded in evidence and aligned to your goals, whether that’s boosting applications, improving conversion or strengthening brand awareness.
What are our education media services, and why do they matter?
Our education media services are about supporting Higher Education institutions to attract and engage their key audiences. Whether it’s prospective students, current and future employees, B2B audiences or alumni, we build awareness, reputation and drive applications through targeted, data-led campaigns.
As the UK’s largest buyer of education media, SMRS has delivered campaigns for more than 60 Higher Education Providers across the UK and internationally.
Using insight, data, AI and machine learning, we create award-winning campaigns grounded in evidence and aligned to your goals, whether that’s boosting applications, improving conversion or strengthening brand awareness.
The benefits of choosing SMRS for your education media
Data-driven decisions. Every campaign is shaped by insight, performance data and predictive modelling to maximise results.
Sector expertise. Our consultants, media specialists and digital experts have supported universities and colleges around the world.
Smarter optimisation. We use AI and advanced technology to improve targeting, forecasting and campaign performance.
Stronger storytelling. Insight-led messaging helps communicate what makes your institution unique and relevant to students, alumni, future employees and B2B audiences.
Real-time reporting. Our bespoke dashboards give you clear, live performance data whenever you need it.
Our approach:
We follow a proven six-step approach to deliver effective marketing campaigns at scale.
Step one
Briefing and forecasting
We define campaign KPIs, review historical performance, understand your audiences and benchmark against the market. Our data science team then uses predictive modelling to forecast outcomes and shape realistic targets.
Step two
Research and insight
We analyse audience behaviours, market conditions and external trends that could influence campaign success. We combine proprietary tools, industry data and sector expertise to uncover opportunities.
Step three
Planning and strategy
We build a channel strategy that balances immediate recruitment goals with long-term brand growth. That means reaching the right audiences, at the right time, in the right places, with the right message.
Step four
Creative and messaging
Media works best when paired with strong creative. Our Brand and Content specialists develop campaign concepts, messaging and assets that resonate with prospective students and other key audiences while aligning with your brand guidelines.
Step five
Campaign activation
We launch campaigns efficiently across agreed channels, securing competitive media rates and ensuring all tracking is in place from day one. This gives full visibility and enables early optimisation.
Step six
Performance and optimisation
Using Collata®, our in-house reporting platform, you get 24/7 access to live dashboards tailored to your campaign. We continuously optimise budgets, channels, geographies and creative to improve performance throughout the campaign lifecycle.
With over 17 years experience and as Lead Client Partner, Jon develops strategic approaches to campaign delivery for our Higher Education clients, achieving growth for multiple universities by using translating research and insights into award-winning data strategies.
Ed Layt
Leading a team of 15 consultants and strategists, Ed has a deep understanding of both the challenges of the education marketplace as well as the realities of working within an institution. With over 18 years of education experience, he’s delivering marketing consultancy projects with more than 100 further and higher education institutions.
Vicky Conroy
As Consultancy and Insight Lead, Vicky leads our team of 15 consultants and strategists with expertise in areas including marketing, brand, creative, market research and data science. As a Higher Education specialist, Vicky delivers and implements effective and innovative strategic solutions to overcome marketing and recruitment challenges for our university clients.
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