As one of the largest MBA markets globally, China offers immense potential for overseas business schools looking to diversify their student profiles. However, the competition for high-caliber Chinese applicants with 700+ GMAT scores remains intense. Strategic digital marketing is key for global MBA programs hoping to recruit more Chinese top-tier candidates.
Optimize SEO to Attract Top MBA Talents
With Baidu as the dominant search engine, target relevant phrases like ‘海外MBA’ (overseas MBA) or ‘GMAT 700+’ in Chinese page titles, meta descriptions, headers, and content.
Ensure your website offers a Chinese language version. Then build citations on Chinese directories like Baidu Baike and Zhihu to improve authority for regional ranking signals.
This expands discoverability when Chinese prospects search for offshore MBA options online. Driving traffic from organic searches supplements paid efforts in connecting with suitable candidates.
Create China-Specific Content to Engage MBA Prospects
Sharing locally resonating content improves engagement and nurturing. Develop Chinese blogs, success stories, and forums focused on prospects’ needs and interests.
For instance, address concerns around visas, scholarships, or career outcomes specific to Chinese applicants. Or highlight experiences of alumni from China who advanced their careers globally post-MBA.
Distribute through Chinese social media channels, collaborations with student recruiters, WeChat groups, and partnerships with influencers. This content reaches and engages the Chinese candidates you seek to attract.
Promote Through China’s Major Social Platforms
An effective social strategy leverages popular Chinese platforms like WeChat and Weibo. Setting up official accounts on these networks expands awareness.
Share MBA program highlights, student testimonials, application tips, and China-focused content to establish your brand. Engage followers through polls, livestreams, on-site events, and interactive mini-programs. For example, a WeChat quiz contest or live interview with an alumni could attract potential applicants.
Cross-promote through your website, ads, and influencer content to drive followers. Then inspire high-quality leads through personalized social engagement.
Leverage Paid Ads on Baidu and Social Channels
Paid search and social remain potent for targeting nationwide. Bid on Baidu SEM keywords related to offshore MBAs to get in front of interested searches. Tailor ads by gender, age, income, interests and other attributes that match high-potential prospects.
Similarly, run paid promotions on WeChat and Weibo using their extensive targeting capabilities. Spotlight MBA programs via ads on popular student forums as well. Maintain cost discipline while investing enough budget to consistently engage priority segments.
Build Partnerships with Influencers and Recruitment Firms
Partnering with domestic influencers and study abroad platforms expands reach into the Chinese MBA market. Work with respected industry KOLs to promote programs to their followers.
Also collaborate with overseas education consultants preferred by Chinese applicants. Provide content and access for their platforms in exchange for student referrals.
Such partnerships enable messaging targeted MBA candidates where they look for guidance. Driving advocates can make an overseas program stand out from the competition.
As one of the most competitive global markets for MBA talent, China demands strategic marketing investments. By optimizing SEO, social presence, influencer partnerships and localized content, international business schools can capture greater mindshare among 700+ GMAT high-fliers in China seeking global careers. Reach out to Deep Digital China to secure top Chinese applicants provides mutual value for students and programs.