February 4, 2025

Driving High-Quality Leads for GCU’s Graduate Apprenticeship Programme

Client Overview

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) offers Graduate Apprenticeships designed to bridge the gap between education and employment, helping businesses upskill their workforce.

Objective

GCU needed a highly efficient lead generation strategy that would engage decision-makers while minimising acquisition costs. With LinkedIn phasing out key ad formats (Conversation Ads and InMail), they required a new approach to maintain lead quality and cost efficiency.

Strategy

Curated Digital implemented a targeted LinkedIn paid media strategy, optimised audience segmentation, and developed high-performing ad creatives to maximise lead generation at a lower cost.

Execution

  • Discovery & Audience Insights: Identified key decision-makers across HR, L&D, and senior leadership roles using LinkedIn insights and search intent analysis.
  • Creative & Media Planning: Shifted from Conversation Ads to high-impact image ads and in-platform LinkedIn lead forms, improving lead capture and engagement.
  • Paid Media Optimisation: A/B tested creatives, refined job-role targeting, and dynamically adjusted bids to prioritise high-value prospects.
  • SEO & Content Strategy: Optimised landing pages and organic content to align with ad messaging and improve conversion rates.

Results

2.5% increase in LinkedIn leads
70% reduction in cost-per-lead
35% of leads in C-suite roles

GCU successfully adapted to LinkedIn’s evolving ad landscape while improving lead quality and efficiency.