November 2012: Our "On Topic" link blog has been retired. Below is an archive of published On Topic posts. To keep up on news, resources, and ideas about content in higher ed, check us out on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
On Topic
A Simple Test for On-Brand Content
People typically associate branding with visual identity. But what about content? How often do you consider whether content is effectively on-brand? Do you consider your brand when writing articles, blog posts and tweets? What about when taking photos or creating videos, podcasts and presentations? On Fast Company, Martin Lindstrom challenges people to test their brand by … [Read more...] about A Simple Test for On-Brand Content
The Recipe for Engagement
The ongoing challenge we face in creating content -- whether it's yet another alumni profile or a description of student life on campus -- is to be compelling and engaging. But what does that really mean, and how can we meet this expectation? Copyblogger's Brian Clark breaks the formula down to two components: meaning and fascination. The most effective content, he argues, has … [Read more...] about The Recipe for Engagement
Web Professionals as Change Management Specialists
In an interview with Randall Snare from the CS Forum in London, content strategist Karen McGrane compares her work on the web to change management—a concept that hits home for academia. Generally, colleges are slow to adopt web strategy. As higher ed web professionals, we're not just content, design, development and marketing experts—we're also change management … [Read more...] about Web Professionals as Change Management Specialists
Who is the Hero of Your Press Release?
The press release is one of the most ubiquitous elements of higher ed communications, but it is also one of the most static. Lately, there has been a lot of discussion about how to bring the press release into the 21st century. But how about looking for inspiration from centuries past? In this blog post for PR Newswire, VP of user experience design and workflow Rod Nicolson … [Read more...] about Who is the Hero of Your Press Release?
Content Strategy… Mmm Mmm Good
If there’s one thing we can all identify with, it’s not having enough time to do everything that needs to get done -- even the most important things. But, if you’re willing to eat lunch at your desk for a week (which you very well might do anyway), C.C. Chapman (co-author of "Content Rules") offers a starting point for getting a hold on your website’s content strategy. How do … [Read more...] about Content Strategy… Mmm Mmm Good