Helping an Island University make a branding splash

BRANDING CAMPAIGN

Using our Strategic Insight model to drive enrollments

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, located in the heart of the Texas Gulf Coast, had often been viewed as a “party school on the beach.” The truth of the University’s academic quality and unique learning opportunities was a success story that was long overdue in telling. When the University chose Steel to create a new campaign, we not only helped them make a splash, but reeled in some big growth numbers while we were at it.    

Our Assignment

TAMU-CC needed an outside agency to bridge internal groups and develop a campaign that would elevate the brand. Steel developed cohesive messaging, a comprehensive campaign, and a media acquisition strategy. 

CLIENT:
RESULTS:

8.7

%
Freshman growth YOY

19.5

%
Graduate growth YOY

Here’s how we did it

Using our Strategic Insight process, we dove deep into discovery through a review of target and industry research, stakeholder interviews, and an audit of the brand. Using our model, we found a brand strength that was unmet in the category. With these key insights in mind, we developed a creative platform that presented TAMU-CC as a purpose-driven university. 

Our concepts tied the positive impact of the economic and conservation issues in the Gulf to Gen Z’s desire to be part of something bigger and make a difference. We developed multiple creative platforms, tested them with our target audience, and built the chosen direction into the full campaign you see today! 

Tactics

  • Stakeholder interviews
  • Situation analysis
  • Primary research
  • Brand planning
  • Campaign concept development
  • Message map development
  • Creative testing
  • Brand guide
  • Collateral development
  • Communications plan development
  • Spanish translations 
  • Creative campaign development
  • Digital ads
  • Social media ads
  • Search engine ads
  • Print ads
  • Outdoor, Radio, TV
  • Recruitment video

Results

The campaign made a splash in enrollments with an 8.7% freshman growth  and a 19.5% graduate growth YOY and got the attention of the Education AdAward judges! 

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi - university branding