Marketing and Education

Hello, World!Most education brands know email should be their strongest channel and yet it rarely delivers on its potential. Between inconsistent sends, generic copy, and the pressure to sound “professional,” messages that could build real connection often end up sounding like noise.Email strategist Liz Wilcox joins Elana to share how education organizations can shift from transactional messaging to meaningful communication. She breaks down why simplicity outperforms polish, how to build trust through steady, human touchpoints, and what the best senders are doing differently.She outlines her “follower, friend, customer” framework, a 20-minute approach to writing newsletters that actually get read, and the mindset shift from selling to serving. Liz also explains how a strong onboarding sequence sets the tone for every future interaction—and why owning your mistakes in email can make people trust you more, not less.If you’ve ever hesitated to hit send or wondered what to say next, this episode will reset how you think about email.What You’ll LearnWhy email should be the backbone of your marketing strategy—not an afterthoughtHow to turn your list into a community through consistency and simplicityThe “follower, friend, customer” model for long-term trust and engagementThe 20-minute newsletter framework that makes authentic communication sustainableHow to balance professionalism with personality (and why both matter)Why transparency, even in mistakes, builds loyalty faster than polishQuick Wins from the Lightning RoundShort, conversational subject lines outperform everything elseThe best send time is whenever you’ll actually send—consistency matters mostAlways use a P.S., it’s prime real estateKeep stories short and usefulStop overcomplicating; simple emails build trust fasterWhy It MattersThe difference between noise and connection isn’t design or frequency; it’s trust. Liz reminds us that effective email marketing comes from showing up consistently, sounding like a real person, and making every message worth opening. When we stop chasing perfection and start focusing on relationships, email becomes less of a tactic and more of a long-term advantage.

There’s a noticeable shift happening in how technology is being talked about in education.What used to be a more measured conversation about tradeoffs and use is starting to move in a broader direction. In some cases, the conversation is moving faster than the reality inside classrooms, where educators are still figuring out how to use tools in thoughtful, practical ways.That gap is becoming more visible.At the same time, marketers are navigating a different kind of shift. AI is changing how content is surfaced and cited, and social media is starting to influence how professionals are discovered and evaluated in new ways.In this field notes episode, Elana Leoni shares what she is seeing across both of these dynamics. She brings in perspectives from educators, connects them to what marketers should be paying attention to, and offers practical guidance on how to navigate this moment with more clarity and intention.The episode show notes: http://leoniconsultinggroup.com/podcast

Education marketing often feels like two different worlds moving at once. The technology ecosystem shifts quickly, with AI tools introducing new ways for expertise to be discovered and trusted. At the same time, schools move on an entirely different rhythm shaped by academic calendars, testing seasons, and budget cycles.For marketers in this space, success rarely comes from chasing every new tactic. It comes from understanding the signals that actually shape decisions inside schools.In this “Field Notes” episode of All Things Marketing and Education, Elana Leoni reflects on several signals that have surfaced recently across AI, email marketing, and the education buying cycle. The discussion explores what LinkedIn’s role in AI responses may mean for professional authority, why unsubscribes are healthier for email programs than many teams assume, and how the spring portion of the school year affects marketing priorities.Review the show notes: www.leoniconsultinggroup.com/podcasts/rai-signals-email-myths-and-spring-edtech

Education marketing is getting squeezed from both sides. Buyers are moving slower and asking for more proof, while the marketing landscape is moving faster than most teams can realistically track. AI is changing how people search and evaluate credibility. Conferences are still a major growth channel, but they are expensive and hard to measure. And social platforms keep rewriting the rules midstream.In this solo “Field Notes” episode, Elana Leoni surfaces practical signals from the last few weeks across AI, conferences, K–12 funding, and social media. The throughline is focus. What matters now is less about chasing every update, and more about building a marketing system that can hold up in a noisy, high-scrutiny, high-stakes category.Link to the episode show notes.

Education marketing is entering another year of tight budgets, longer decision cycles, and higher expectations from districts. The uncertainty is familiar now, but the pressure to make smart, focused choices has not eased. As teams plan for the next school year, the real challenge is not doing more. It is doing fewer things with greater intention.In this episode, Elana Leoni reflects on recent conversations across the education ecosystem to surface what matters most right now. From how districts are thinking about efficacy and technology use, to where marketers should actually invest limited resources, the episode focuses on signals that can guide smarter decisions in 2026. The goal is not optimism for optimism’s sake, but clarity about where attention, time, and budget are best spent.See resources and more in the episode show notes: leoniconsultinggroup.com/podcast Mentioned in this episode:EdTech Planner 2026Planning a full year of education marketing takes time, and you need a clear path that helps you stay relevant, consistent, and aligned with the moments that matter. Ready to make 2026 your most intentional (and effective!) year yet in education marketing? What The EdTech Marketer’s 2026 Planner helps you do: Focus on what matters most to your brand and audience Plan campaigns around key education events Use proven strategies tailored to K–12 and higher ed Build a system that fuels visibility, engagement, and leads For six years, thousands of education and EdTech marketers have used this planner to guide their yearly campaigns and stay aligned with the school calendar. Download here: https://www.leoniconsultinggroup.com/edtech-marketers-planner

December in K-12 is two weeks of chaos wrapped in out-of-office replies. Teachers are hanging on until winter break, district leaders are buried in celebrations and strategy, and your carefully crafted sales push is not getting the response your dashboard hoped for. If you are still banking on December to hit revenue targets, this episode is a reality check and a reset.In this episode, Elana breaks down what December really looks like for teachers and decision makers, how to show up with human first marketing, and why your smartest plays now are relationship building, evergreen content, and getting January ready before you log off. She also shares fresh LinkedIn and Instagram trends, plus an insight from Education Week that might change how you think about pillar content.Episode show notes.Mentioned in this episode:EdTech Planner 2026Planning a full year of education marketing takes time, and you need a clear path that helps you stay relevant, consistent, and aligned with the moments that matter. Ready to make 2026 your most intentional (and effective!) year yet in education marketing? What The EdTech Marketer’s 2026 Planner helps you do: Focus on what matters most to your brand and audience Plan campaigns around key education events Use proven strategies tailored to K–12 and higher ed Build a system that fuels visibility, engagement, and leads For six years, thousands of education and EdTech marketers have used this planner to guide their yearly campaigns and stay aligned with the school calendar. Download here: https://www.leoniconsultinggroup.com/edtech-marketers-planner

What happens when attention dips before the holiday break, buying cycles heat up for 2025–26 budgets, and your channels keep changing the rules at the same time? You get November, a short, high-leverage month that rewards focus and relationship building.In this episode, Elana gets tactical. She maps the November mindset for educators, lays out timely moments you can use without feeling gimmicky, and gives specific, platform-by-platform plays you can run this week. She closes with two sharp prompts from LinkedIn that will force you to rethink how you invest in your network and your schedule.What You’ll LearnHow to show up with real gratitude that uplifts educators, customers, advocates, and your teamWhy November demands high-utility content and PD that lightens the classroom loadTimely November moments to use well, World Kindness Day, NaNoWriMo, Thanksgiving, and post-holiday retail windowsExactly what to prioritize on Instagram, heavy Reels, created and scheduled in appWhat is actually working on LinkedIn, carousel storytelling, micro frameworks, short visual lessons, plus a reach boost tied to new commentersA simple Facebook format that still drives group and page engagementHow to keep your brand visible while leaders research vendors and set budgets for 2025–26Two mindset checks to strengthen your network and your calendar disciplineAccess the full episode show notes.

What happens when districts set budgets, educators finally breathe after back-to-school, and conferences flood the calendar—all at once? You get October, the single most important month in the education marketing cycle.In this special solo episode, Elana shares why October is such a pivotal moment for vendors, partners, and school leaders. She breaks down how to support current users, align with budget planning, build your list, and show up at conferences with real value—not just swag. Along the way, she reflects on lessons learned from colleagues like Allison Modlin (on why success is a square, not a line) and Matt Stinson (on why most vendors should stop chasing cold RFPs).Whether you’re leading sales, marketing, or customer success, this episode will help you focus on what actually matters before the year slips away.What You’ll LearnWhy October is the only “full” month left in the calendar year and how to make the most of itHow to double down on customer success and PD to boost adoption and renewalsWhy aligning sales, marketing, product, and customer success as a “square” matters more than everHow budget-setting cycles give you a chance to position your product for 2026 (and beyond)Smart ways to use conferences for list-building and relationship-buildingThe right (and wrong) way to jump on seasonal or cultural trendsWhy it’s time to prioritize ethical list-building through lead magnets, webinars, and emailWhy It MattersIn education, timing is everything. October is when educators are ready to deepen usage, district leaders are finalizing budgets, and conferences create endless opportunities for connection. If you miss this window, you risk falling behind on renewals, losing visibility in the budget cycle, and scrambling to catch up in the new year.Mentioned in this episode:LCG newsletter adSign up for the LCG newsletter on https://www.leoniconsultinggroup.com/newsletter-signup

In this episode of All Things Marketing and Education, Elana chats with Kelly Cline, a former educator turned EdTech copywriter and email marketing strategist. With over a decade of experience in the classroom, Kelly brings a rare, grounded perspective to email strategy rooted in both deep empathy for educators and real-world ROI.Whether you're building your first email list or trying to breathe life into your 10th nurture sequence, this conversation will help you sharpen your messaging, find your voice, and cut through the inbox noise.What You’ll Learn:Why email is still the highest-ROI channel—and how EdTech brands can use it effectivelyCommon messaging mistakes in EdTech (and how to fix them)How to build a brand voice that’s strategic, human, and distinctly youLow-lift ways to grow your list (even without a big team or budget)What metrics actually matter—and what to watch for beyond open ratesCopy tips that boost engagement, including subject line tweaks, button CTAs, and storytelling flowWhy It Matters Too many EdTech brands rely on email tactics built for other industries. Kelly offers a refreshingly nuanced take that centers educators, honors the buying cycle, and turns email into a true relationship-builder—not just a megaphone.Spoiler: When she’s not writing high-converting emails, Kelly’s taking cold plunges in Copenhagen—yep, winter bathing is part of her creative process.Visit our website for the rest of the show notes.

In this episode of All Things Marketing and Education, Elana Leoni sits down with Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN (Consortium for School Networking), to unpack the biggest takeaways from CoSN’s 2025 State of EdTech District Leadership report.With over three decades of experience leading conversations around technology in education, Keith offers a grounded, systems-level view of where K–12 technology leadership is headed. From the rise of AI to the persistent gaps in cybersecurity readiness, Keith shares what’s keeping CTOs up at night—and where they see real opportunity for change.Together, Elana and Keith explore:Why 91% of EdTech leaders now sit at the decision-making table and what that means for vendorsThe dramatic rise of generative AI as the #1 tech priority, even as 27% of districts still lack a defined approachWhy most districts are underestimating major cybersecurity threats, despite being the #1 target for ransomwareHow workforce shifts are changing the makeup of EdTech leadership (and how still to communicate with buyers)What it really looks like to be a trusted thought partner, not just a vendor on the exhibit floorThis episode offers essential context for anyone working to align technology solutions with the real-world needs of school and district leaders. Keith shares not only what the data says, but how it feels on the ground, with honest insights about policy, pressure, and the practical realities of K–12 tech leadership in 2025.🎧 Plus: Keith shares his favorite way to reset after a long day (spoiler: it involves an e-bike and a good podcast).Mentioned in this episode:Level Up Your Education Brand on LinkedIn— in Less Than 5 Hours a WeekA self-paced course built for busy education leaders, marketers, and EdTech entrepreneurs who want real results for their LinkedIn Company Page, without overwhelm.

In this episode of All Things Marketing and Education, Elana sits down with Jeremy Dulle, Founder and President of Spring Rock Partners. With over 25 years of experience as a growth strategist, go-to-market advisor, and business developer, Jeremy brings a rare blend of EdTech expertise and Fortune 500 perspective to the table.As funding tightens and districts face mounting pressure to streamline their tech stacks, EdTech companies must prove their value—fast. Jeremy shares practical, hard-earned insights on what sustainable growth looks like in today’s education landscape.Together, Elana and Jeremy explore:The unique complexities of selling to school districts—and how to navigate themWhy implementation is just as important as product innovationCommon missteps EdTech companies make (especially when entering the space)What educators really care about—and how to earn their trustHow to align business goals with district outcomes, not just flashy featuresThis conversation is a must-listen for EdTech leaders who want to build not just a product—but a true partnership with schools.“If you're not tracking usage and providing impact, you're making it easy for districts to cut you.” – Jeremy DulleHere’s the full episode Show notes.

Q2 is here—and it’s a whirlwind. In this timely episode, Elana Leoni, CEO of Leoni Consulting Group, and Senior Social Media Manager Hillary Trussell break down everything education marketers need to know right now: from federal budget cuts and district layoffs to the impact of AI, shifting conversations in education’s key phrases, and tightening sales cycles. They also dig into key Q2 events like ASU+GSV, NSBA, and ISTE, plus can’t-miss opportunities like Teacher Appreciation Month and graduation season. Whether you're planning campaigns or prepping your booth, this is your go-to guide for staying relevant, building trust, and getting results.Read the rest of the show notes here.

In this episode of All Things Marketing and Education, host Elana Leoni sits down with Dan O’Reilly, founder of FuelK12, who brings over 35 years of sales experience—half of that in EdTech. Having led both sales and marketing teams, Dan offers a unique perspective on why these two functions often struggle to work together—and what it takes to truly align them.Dan unpacks the biggest barriers between sales and marketing, from siloed goals to misaligned expectations. He shares why shared goals (not just aligned goals) are the key to breaking down silos and fostering real collaboration. The conversation covers tactical steps to build a culture of alignment, including regular communication, journey mapping exercises, and using data to eliminate the blame game.This discussion is especially relevant as EdTech companies navigate long sales cycles, shifting budgets, and increasing pressure to drive measurable results. Dan offers practical advice on how marketing and sales teams can move beyond tension and toward a shared revenue mindset. Whether you're a CMO, head of sales, or EdTech leader looking to improve cross-team collaboration, this episode provides actionable insights to strengthen your go-to-market strategy.View the episode's show notes.