Boston University College of Communication

Rebuilding Domestic Enrollment Momentum

How we helped Boston University College of Communication

Boston University’s College of Communication had strong programs and a clear growth goal: increase domestic applications and deposits, especially among working professionals. But its campaigns had lost momentum under a generic big-box agency model that was not giving the college the attention or differentiation it needed. Viv reset campaigns around real student experiences and outcomes. We analyzed CRM and enrollment data, refined audience segments and program strategy, and examined the brand and competitive landscape to find a sharper position. Then we translated those insights into psychographic messaging, refreshed campaign creative, SEO-first website and landing page content, nurture communications, and lead generation pieces. Transparent reporting and close day-to-day collaboration kept BU COM and Viv working as one team.

40%
year-over-year increase in domestic deposits
32%
increase in domestic applications
30
days in, steady growth in quality leads began
Quality leads began growing in the first month, even as national enrollment trends declined.

CRM, Enrollment Data & Dashboard

Analyzed CRM and enrollment data to identify performance gaps, audience opportunities, and the signals most closely tied to lead quality and downstream enrollment. Built clear reporting to keep decisions grounded in shared evidence.

Audience Segmentation & Program Strategy

Focused the strategy on high-potential domestic audiences, including working professionals, and aligned program messages and channel roles to the motivations most likely to move them forward.

Brand & Competitor Audit

Evaluated BU COM’s market position and competitive landscape to uncover clearer opportunities for differentiation across its graduate portfolio.

Psychographic Messaging & Campaign Creative

Developed new campaign concepts, ad creative, and social content around prospect motivations rather than generic program claims so that the work could connect on a more human level.

SEO-First Website & Landing Pages

Refreshed website and landing page content to strengthen search visibility, improve engagement, and create a more connected path from campaign click to inquiry.

Lead Nurture & Content Strategy

Created nurture and broadcast emails, long-form lead generation content, and an ongoing optimization rhythm designed to keep prospects engaged and the strategy responsive.

Viv has become an extension of our team at BU College of Communication. They’ve taken the time to understand our unique needs and challenges, and through a transparent and collaborative approach, achieved a significant increase in domestic applications and domestic deposits, even as national enrollments decline. Beyond these results, their strategic insights and personalized approach have helped us differentiate our programs with psychographic messaging to engage prospects and tell our story. They’re truly a collaborative partner who has exceeded our expectations!”

Laurie Nichols
Assistant Dean for Graduate Affairs, Boston University College of Communication

READY TO REBUILD ENROLLMENT MOMENTUM?

Let’s build a smarter strategy around your data, your audiences, and the story only your programs can tell.