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UPCEA Guest Blog: Paula French on AI Search Trends in Higher Education
When prospective students begin researching programs, their first stop may no longer be your website…. or even Google. Many now use generative AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity to ask questions, compare options, and find fast answers. These tools influence what students see, what they trust, and which institutions …
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All of Your Higher Education Marketing Questions Answered
Key Insights Half of all prospective students now use AI tools weekly, making AI-optimized content and entity SEO essential for institutional visibility. Fewer than 50% of higher ed marketers track cost per inquiry (CPI), even though those who do report stronger ROI and campaign satisfaction. 82% of prospective students are …
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[Search Influence x UPCEA] Unpacking New Research on AI Search in Higher Education
This blog post was updated by Ren Horst on November 4, 2025 following the webinar event. 50% of prospective students use AI tools at least weekly to research information online. 79% read Google’s AI Overviews, and more than half say they’re more likely to trust the institutions AI cites. These …
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Search Influence to Present on AI Search in Higher Education at AMA Symposium 2025
AI-driven discovery is rewriting the rules of visibility for universities. As prospective students increasingly rely on tools like Google’s AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Perplexity, the traditional SEO playbook is no longer enough. The next era of visibility requires a strategy built for recognition and trust within AI ecosystems, not just …
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The October Influencer: AI Search Insights – SEO Fundamentals and Our Brand-New Research Study
Stay ahead in digital marketing with The Influencer, Search Influence’s monthly newsletter covering SEO, digital advertising, and content strategy. Search Influence and UPCEA Launch Research Study AI Search in Higher Education: How Prospects Search in 2025 Our brand new research study with UPCEA reveals how AI, search engines, and university …
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15 Questions Every University Should Ask Their PPC Agency About Their Campaigns
Key Insights Many universities rely on a PPC agency, but most campaigns aren’t built to connect ad spend directly to student enrollment outcomes. A strong Google Ads agency should track meaningful conversions, such as inquiries, applications, and campus visits — not just clicks. Ongoing PPC management, post-launch optimizations, and negative …
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AI SEO Expert Will Scott Shares Insights at Leading European Conferences
Search Influence continues to advance the conversation around AI SEO on a global scale. This fall, CEO and Co-Founder Will Scott represented the agency at two of Europe’s most respected industry events, SEOktoberfest G50 Summit in Austria and SMX Advanced Europe in Berlin, sharing insights on how artificial intelligence is …
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Higher Education SEO Checklist for Nontraditional Programs
Key Insights Nontraditional programs are driving enrollment growth. These offerings now provide working adults and lifelong learners with accessible routes to advance their skills and careers. Your real competition isn’t just other universities. Private bootcamps, online platforms, and credentialing providers are dominating search results and targeting the same students you …
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Boost Paid Search Results With Demand Gen + Performance Max – October Client Insider
Unlock the Power of Demand Gen + Performance Max The Upgrade Your Paid Search Strategy Needs Paid Search captures intent. When someone types in a query, your ads put your business front and center. But what about reaching people before they search? Google’s Demand Gen and Performance Max campaigns are …
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New From Search Influence – AI Search in Higher Education: How Prospects Search in 2025
Artificial intelligence isn’t on the horizon for higher ed — it’s here. Half of prospective students already use AI tools weekly to search for information in the same way they use Google. To help institutions adapt, the Online and Professional Education Association (UPCEA), in partnership with Search Influence, has released …
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