Diverse

Diverse: Issues in Higher Education

Client: Diverse: Issues in Higher Education
Industry: Higher Education and Publishing Industries

Challenge:

Diverse: Issues in Higher Education sought to understand the market forces affecting the higher education and publishing industries to develop a business strategy that would increase their competitive advantage in an ever-changing print and digital publishing industry.

Solution:

As a leader in market research, HCP Associates was engaged by Diverse to execute an assessment of Diverse’s position and craft strategies transitioning into the future.

Based in Fairfax, VA, Diverse is a publication that seeks to build educational, cultural, social, and economic structures that will allow all individuals to achieve their full potential and contribute to the greater good of the community. The publication serves the higher education industry, from two-year colleges to graduate and postsecondary education. Formerly known as Black Issues in Higher Education, Diverse engaged with HCP Associates to strategically rebrand and include other underrepresented groups in the publications’ editorial focus. Generational management shifts in this family-owned business coinciding with the celebration of their 35th Anniversary inspired Diverse to utilize HCP Associates’ skilled team and resources to assess how their business can thrive in the future.

 

Through detailed analysis, qualitative research, and a series of surveys and interviews, HCP Associates revealed various industry trends. HCP Associates team of experts assessed print and digital content and how they have been changing over time. In addition, HCP Associates identified additional trade shows and conferences as opportunities for the publication to expand their audience. Industry research also approached the changing role of diversity within universities and the increase in Chief Diversity Officer positions.

 

After looking into the industry as a whole, HCP Associates then evaluated the customers and prospects associated with the publication. Using primary data, HCP Associates analyzed readers’ demographics to build a profile of those who engage with the publication. Further, HCP Associates provided key insights regarding the purchase and decision-making process for advertisers and job recruiters that work with Diverse. Finally, a thorough competitive analysis covering all of Diverse’s many product offerings was produced.

 

The findings from HCP Associates research led to a series of recommendations to enhance the publication’s growth and success. HCP Associates insights provided ways for Diverse to focus on themes such as: expanding their audience; customer conversion and reactivation; and the restructuring of the company’s media kit, website, job board, and print magazine. This multiple phase redevelopment plan was structured into an 18 to 24-month project for Diverse to revitalize.

 

Since the initial snapshot report was delivered in 2019, HCP has continued its partnership with Diverse, providing ongoing consulting services in support of the publication. These services include website analytics, content analysis, digital advertising, strategic consulting, design support, and much more.

 

In that time, despite a global pandemic and other exogenous challenges, Diverse has launched new versions of both its flagship websites, expanded its content offerings, and oriented its business towards a successful future.