Season 6 - Episode 198
Why does no one read your university emails? Ashley Budd and Dayana Kibilds, co-authors of Mailed It!, join us to break down the biggest mistakes higher ed marketers make—and how to fix them.
In this episode, we get tactical about what actually works in email marketing for enrollment, advancement, and alumni engagement. From crafting subject lines that get clicks to making emails feel more personal (without being creepy), Ashley and Dayana share practical, real-world strategies to improve open rates, engagement, and conversions.
We also explore the evolving role of AI in email marketing, how to balance transactional emails with meaningful content, and what the future of email looks like for universities.
📩 If you're sending emails in higher ed, you don’t want to miss this one!
🎧 Listen to Learn:
✅ The biggest mistake: universities sending overly transactional emails.
✅ How email marketing is shifting back to relationship building.
✅ How to make email personalization feel like a one-on-one conversation.
✅ Why AI should support—not replace—human touch in email marketing.
✅ Why segmentation is essential for higher ed email success.
Join us as we discuss:
02:33 - Personalization Matters
06:01 - Email Segmentation Strategies
09:57 - Leveraging AI for Email Personalization
14:57 - Revamping Email so They Get Read
20:45 - Mastering Subject Lines (2 Second Rule)
26:09 - The Importance of Conciseness in Email Communication
37:33 - Practical Tips for Immediate Email Marketing Improvement
---
To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for The Higher Ed Marketer in your favorite podcast player.
The Higher Ed Marketer Podcast is powered by Caylor Solutions—your go-to partner for higher ed mission-fit marketing strategies, enrollment, and branding needs—and sponsored by Ring Digital, your ad targeting people.
Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Popular Podcasts
United States of Kennedy
United States of Kennedy is a podcast about our cultural fascination with the Kennedy dynasty. Every week, hosts Lyra Smith and George Civeris go into one aspect of the Kennedy story.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club
Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.